Singapore - a fine country indeed

Over the last few years, Singapore had been popping up into conversations more frequently.  Its location served many times as a layover for those in transit to/from Australia and as a gateway into Asia.

When I left Australia en route to Thailand, I found myself there with less than 24 hours.  Luckily, my time was quickly filled as my Couchsurfing host, Hang Seng, was a local and had some time to show me around.  One of the things I really enjoy about traveling is getting to know the people who live there, especially if they've grown up there.  You learn so much about the country, the culture, and their people.  Here are a few snaps that were captured:

I jump, that's what I do.  That's me jumping in front of the Marina Bay Sands.

Enjoying some street noodles

Mini mangoes!

Sweet tooth cravings: a fruit smoothie prepared by moi and some ice cream

In the last picture, if you're curious as to what flavors I chose, I had to go with the local flavors that I would only find in this area.  The light purple scoop is of pulut hitam, a sweet dessert made of black glutinous rice porridge with coconut milk and palm sugar.  Sitting below that is a scoop of chendol, another sweet dessert consisting of coconut milk, rice flour jelly noodles that are dyed green, and palm sugar.  If it sounds familiar, it's because I had it when I was also in Malaysia, but in its original, non-ice cream form. 

After that, it was back on the road and catching quick glimpses of sites like the 165 meter-high Singapore Flyer before getting to Changi airport and flying out.  To no surprise, it is a very, very clean country worth stopping over for to gawk at the high-rises, enjoy some street food, buy some electronics, and get you to where you need to go.

Moments in Melbourne

A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you out there! I wish everyone well and the best that the year has to offer.

The past few months have zoomed by quickly and served as a much-needed decompression as I settle back into the States.  It's been wonderfully welcoming and as 2013 wrapped up, we found ourselves reflecting on the past year and all that has happened.  There was a lot of traveling going on, which had me skipping along 3 continents with a huge grin on my face and a heart full of gratitude.  A special thank you to those who have been a part of the journey, you guys know who you are!

In the next few posts, I'll share some moments and take you through a visual journey of my trips.  First off is the capital of Victoria, otherwise known as Melbourne, Australia.  With its many alleyways and laneways, Melbourne has cultivated itself to be a city rich of culture, art, and food.  It's incredibly easy to fall in love with this city and that's exactly what I do each time.

Getting my brekkie on - best way to start the day, Manchester Press

Postage stamp souvenirs at a local market

Foodie paradise is checking out the markets to see what's in stock

Walk down the laneways and you'll find surprises like cauldrons of soup

The pop-up Urban Coffee Farm at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 

The place for good, authentic Vietnamese food is in Richmond

Enjoying the outdoors at the People's Market in Collingwood 

Raw carrot cake from the Vegie Bar makes for a happy camper 

Another raw treat (pictured right) is the strawberry basil cake (Vegie Bar)

Grab a seat for your feast - Lentil as Anything (left) and Vegie Bar (right) 

No trip is complete without dinner at Chin Chin 

More goodness from Chin Chin 

Maps and banana street art (because who doesn't)