Fish Balls

After crashing hard the first night, we woke early to explore Singapore. We grabbed breakfast at a nearby bakery and walked a few hundred yards from the Crowne Plaza Hotel to the public transit system, SMRT. Singapore is a very clean city. Grass is mowed, weeds are pulled, trash is trashed, advertisements on public property are nonexistent, and chewing gum is outlawed. We meandered downtown and discovered a four story mall that contained lunch stands. Our first Thai food trial of the trip included some well seasoned fish sponge balls over rice and pork.

Afterwards, the first mission of the day was to meet Gavin's friend Owen. Gavin and Owen met on a trip to Peru years ago, and Owen currently resides in Hong Kong. Owen is Asian, 6'3" tall, and speaks English with an Australian accent. He is the basis for the Starburst contradiction commercials. The plan was to meet Owen at City Hall. Unfortunately, Singapore has multiple areas labeled "City Hall". Even more unfortunate, the rendezvous City Hall was no longer the city hall. After some confusion, we met Owen and continued towards China Town.

Waiting for Owen at Singapore's City Hall which is currently being reconstructed as a Visual Arts Museum

Aside from the surprisingly little congestion, China Town was exactly as expected. Knockoff vendors, outside eateries, and cheesy Singapore T-shirts (e.g. "I got fined in Singapore", "Fine me on Facebook", ...). Glorious. Our first price negotiation included three pairs of fake Ray-bans. Meandering to India Town, we found a flea market that had the uncertified Guiness Book of World Records pile of used watches. India Town was decorated for a parade with streamers and lights arching over the roadways and sidewalks.

Arriving back at the hotel, we took a dip in the pool and then headed for din din. Jet lag slapped us in the figurative face and we were done.

Stay tuned for the next blog post including amphibious vehicles, casino night, and mermaid lions.

-Adam