The waves

Today we took a walk along the Southern Ridges Tree Top Walk. An elevated walk in Singapore that leads you into the trees, you pass local flora and fauna and catch nice views of the water in the distance. Up to the top of the hill, we passed the Alkaff Mansion. What I imagine once was a gorgeous mansion, the grounds of late are in in serious disrepair. Previously a restaurant and venue for special occasions, the mansion's beauty and glory now are left only to the imagination.

An architect's playground, the Henderson Waves section of the walk is a blend of function and whimsy. Thin wooden planks pieced together in a never-ending wave, it's a skateboarder's dream come true. Of course, skateboarding is prohibited...Singapore. The rest stops along the waves mirror the walk, another set of waves themselves. It's cool.

The walk leads to the cable cars over to Sentosa, a hip beach spot for Singapore. In our car, a gentleman asked if he could join us. Not a problem, he turned out to be Percy, Sales and Marketing Director for the whole cable car facility. We chatted, a welcome distraction for my mom who is not keen on heights. Percy shared that a big announcement is to be made Monday about the cable cars. He wouldn't tell us what the big news was...but I guessed it. A new cable car model is going to be added to the ride. I hope they have clear floors so you can see the ocean under your feet!

In the cars, you get a good view of Singapore's shipping and freight docks. Huge containers stacked one upon another upon another, it's big business. And the Singapore Merlion, the main one, peaks out from Sentosa island, keeping watch over the city. Off the cable car, we opted to go up into the head of the Merlion. A short introduction tells the story of the first prince to land in Singapore being greeted by a ferocious lion. The two met eyes, according to the story, and in a moment of understanding agreed to live in peace. And so, the Merlion has become the symbol of Singapore.

Down to Siloso Beach, we grabbed some lunch at Coastie's. Peel-and-eat shrimp and a pitcher of Carlsberg. Now, we're talking! Feet in the sand, drink in hand, we relaxed listening to the waves of the South China Sea hit the shore. With eyes closed, you could be anywhere in the world. But open, the view is unmistakable. Barges, rows of them, line the ocean like a parking lot. Singapore and commerce go together like beach and beer.