Twenty-Eight Hours in Singapore

14:21

I awoke in the middle of the warm night with a sudden revelation: I wanted to go visit a friend in Singapore. The clock hit midnight, and I packed everything in a speed of light, brought only small backpack and a big bottle of water. 

I arrived in KL Sentral within an hour, only to find that the KTM counters were closed. I waited for a few hours, I even went to money changer booth to convert MYR to SGD, ate some chicken sandwich and it must be my lucky day because I got the last ticket for the train that bound for Woodlands, Singapore. 

Around eight am, the train arrived in Woodlands. After I went through all necessary customs and immigration procedures, I was finally welcomed with Singapore's cool air and gusts of wind. 

Well, hello Singapore. Long time no see.

The agenda on that morning was obvious : to have a big breakfast and call Ethan. I went for a stop in Little India to find some scrumptious breakfast. I strolled around the area between the old colourful buildings and the little stores along the way. But it was quite early in the morning, some stores wasn't even open yet. But I saw variety of dried goods for sale at some of the opened stores, many of which I didn't get to see in my local grocery in Malaysia.


I waited timidly at the MRT station as I quietly dialled Ethan's cell number repeatedly. As the MRT pulled up to my stop, I finally got a text from E, saying that he had some kind of family emergency. I stared at the text for a good few seconds before boarding the MRT.

From Little India, I headed to the infamous Orchard Road to get some food and get an overview of the city. I saw the MRT was approaching my stop and I looked around, recognizing the area. I got off, wandering while watching Singaporeans make their way up the very busy street. Nearing eleven in the morning and the people endlessly roamed the streets. Some with children in tow, some were tourists just like yours truly, some were running and hurrying to get to places, but many just breezing past. I stayed grounded to my spot. The last time I set foot in Singapore was four years ago: there was quite a development going around this time around.

The air felt different in this part of the city. I darted down the side street, showing up in front of a modern cafe that was packed with people bolting down plates of food. Some were reading the newspaper or books, others were just chatting among themselves. All of them, I noted with pleasure, were drinking large mugs of coffee.

"Finally. I need my dose of coffee."

I opened the cafe door, truly excited when a gust of warm, humid air carried the smell of black coffee, toasted bread and scones. Or maybe some red velvet cake. My mouth started to water. 


As skyscrapers and modern-looking rooftops passed by, I felt a sense of satisfaction spread through me. Even though I didn't get to meet E, it was a good impromptu journey. Who knows that I will be going to Singapore two days after I arrived in Kuala Lumpur? Life is truly an unexpected adventure.

I was feeling excited about the day ahead. 

I wandered around and headed to Gardens by the Bay. I hanged out outside of Marina Bay, overlooking the city that was famous for its unique architecture. I also went to Masjid Sultan that located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road within the Kampong Glam district. I found myself at a busy crossroads with taxis, motorbikes, pedestrians and cyclists surrounding me on all sides when I was on my way to Jurong Bird Park.

I walked up and down the streets and alleyways, through intersections and around corners, more often walking without a single clue. I just go where my feet directed me.


Ultimately, I left Singapore for Kuala Lumpur without even a short meeting with E. But, the feeling of rush of excitement and accomplishment boosted up inside me. 

My twenty-eight hours adventure in the Lion's City was a whirlwind, but it allow me to delve with much deeper sense: getting myself into unknown places, admiring beautiful landscapes, ate many delicious treats. 

I look forward for the return trip in near future.
   






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