BREAKFAST WITH THE ORANG-UTANS

On our second day in Singapore we were taken to the Zoo where we had breakfast with the orang-utans It was so much fun being so close to these beautiful creatures. They came with their babies and the keepers gave them breakfast while we had our photos taken. We had our breakfast at the adjoining cafe.

 I loved the way they cared for their babies just like we do.

 Our village CEO and manager who looked after us on this week long tour of Singapore and Malacca. 

 After breakfast they swung off into the jungle of the zoo and we did a walking tour.

 White Rhino

 The zebras wouldn't pose for me so I took their patterns instead

 We all took turns at calling the Meer cats Allen or Steve (from the funny BBC you tube skit)

 Loved its headdress

 There was an elephant show. (not sure about the ethics of this)

The rare white tiger wasn't interested in getting its photo taken.

GARDENS BY THE BAY AND THE SUPERTREE GROVE

I was excited when I saw "Gardens by the Bay" and the "Supertree light show" on our itinerary for the village Singapore trip because it had been on my bucket list. In the afternoon of the first day we found ourselves there. We stayed for dinner and the light show. It was gob smacking beautiful.

The Gardens by the Bay are housed in two huge glass domes surrounded by parkland, which also incorporates the Supertree Grove. Huge steel structures similar to trees are adorned with hanging gardens and millions of lights.

 The villagers (and some family members) were split into two groups. Our leader, Chiou See is front row left. Can you find me and Bill?

 First we walked under the supertrees, they were huge.

At the base of the trees were beautiful gardens which also creep up the tree structures. (at left)

 We went into the 'Flower Dome" first. It is huge inside and is divided into gardens from different countries. This is overlooking the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden.

European garden

Desert lands

Then we walked to the "Cloud Forest Dome". The temperature in these domes is quite cool compared to the heat outside. The Cloud Forest Dome houses the tallest man made waterfall in the world.

This was an amazing structure. You go up six floors in a lift and the walk down a spiral walkway which goes inside and outside the structure which is clothed in the most beautiful gardens, and sculptures.

people coming down the walkway.

Inside was made to look like caves.

Then it was dinner in one of the many restaurants. After that we watched a 15 minute light show to music.

You can take a lift up yo a walkway which goes from tree to tree. You can see it in the background above the wheel. here is a short video of part of the show.

QUEENS BATON RELAY

I interrupt our Singapore trip to record an event that happened close to home. Those of you who live in the Commonwealth of Nations will know that the Commonwealth Games start next week on the Gold Coast, Qld, Australia. People in other countries may have heard of the games but probably not. The Commonwealth Games are held every 4 years but in between the Olympic Games. There are 71 teams. This year the Gold Coast City are very proud to be hosting the Commonwealth Games. Building and infra structure has been going on for the last 4 years. The athletes have arrived and the Queens Baton is almost there.
The Queen's Baton Relay, is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games.The Queen's Baton Relay is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay.

We were lucky that yesterday's section of the relay was starting at the Koala Centre in Daisy Hill Forest a 15 min walk from our village, so I grabbed my camera and off I went.

There are thousands of local legends who will share the dream and carry the Queen’s Baton with pride. Nominated by their peers for achievements and contributions to their community, these batonbearers represent the spirit of the Commonwealth and inspire others to be great.

I knew three of our local baton bearers. Jim Dennis, a member of the pioneering family in this area. Glen Styles, a resident of our village, who has donated years of his life to Meals on Wheels and teaching nursing home residents how to weave. Dami Im is a Korean-born Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist performing artist, who lives in Daisy Hill. Im is known for achieving the best ever Eurovision result for Australia. She came second.

 I arrived at the Koala Centre early, there was already plenty of police and organisers there.

 There were also Police runners who flank the baton bearers as they run or walk if they are elderly.

 Except for the first runner, Jim Dennis, the baton bearers and were taken by bus to their stations. The famous Australian musician and singer, Dami Im is number 017.

 My friend from our village , Glen (with the cap) a long time volunteer.

Off goes the bus.

Photo from GC Commonwealth Games site
 https://www.gc2018.com/gallery/qbr-visits-daisy-hill

Meanwhile, Jim Dennis, says good bye to a koala before setting off on the first run. Our street is named after his family.

 Last instructions from the accompanying police.

He's off!! The Queens Baton is on its way to the Gold Coast where it will arrive at the opening ceremony on 4 April after leaving London 388 days ago and spanned 71 countries and more than 200,000 miles before reaching the Gold Coast.

TEMPLES AND TOWERS

 I'm still on day one of our Singapore trip. We packed so much into the day. We visited the Thian Hock Keng Temple and then had lunch in Chinatown.

 The doors were decorated beautifully.

 By now we were hot, tired and hungry. We had free time to find somewhere for lunch. Together with a few friends we went into the first restaurant that was air-conditioned .

The lunch was delicious

Then the coach took us to the Marina Sands Hotel where we caught the lift to the Skypark. The building is 200 metres high but the lift only took a few seconds to get to the Skypark on the 57th floor.

 Our group waiting for the lift.

 There were 360° views from the top but I liked this one best overlooking the "Gardens by the Bay" and the "Supertree Grove". The gardens are housed in the two largest glass domes in the world. This would be our next stop. The harbour is one of the busiest in the world.

 Overlooking some of the towers which are prevalent in Singapore.

Standing on the observation deck of the Marina Sands Hotel. I'm happy to cross this one off my bucket list. It costs over $500 a night to stay here. We didn't.

We were back down on the bottom floor in this amazing building. Off to the Gardens by the Bay and the Super tree light show.