Singapore: National Museum, high tea and the Singapore sling

The next morning, Carine's mom made me a turkey lettuce wrap for breakfast.  We also had one of the pomegranate my friends in KL got me.  Neither Carine's mom or I had eaten one before (though I've had the juice) and we tried to figure out how to eat it given it is full of seeds.  But I was really amazed at how readily her mom was willing to try something new, without hesitation or skepticism.  It also felt great to share something I had just learned with her.  I know my KL friends would be proud!



I took a bus from Carine's house to the National Museum.  Her mom even gave me her metro ticket so it would be easier for me to used the public transit.  I was lucky to arrive at the museum just when a tour was about to leave.  Our tour guide walked us through the museum which outlined the history of Singapore.  Sir Stamford Raffels, the "Father of Singapore" signed a shady agreement with the new sultan of Johor in Malaysia, giving Britain unrestricted trade rights in Singapore.  Singapore was invaded by Japan and the British surrendered.  The Japanese executed several of the Chinese and burned villages.  When the Americans defeated Japanese, Singapore was reduced to slums.  Then the government established the public housing act, creating affordable nice apartments for the people to live in.

After the museum, I had for lunch, and walked to Little India.  It wasn't very exciting so I left and walked to Chinatown.  I then went to ' Hotel, and really splurged on myself with high tea at the Tiffin Room.  I saw it on Samantha Brown and really wanted to experience it too.  It was a fancy buffet of scones, clotted cream, fruits, sandwiches, and other delicacies.

When I was in Halong Bay, I met a Singaporean family who gave me their number to call when I got to Singapore.  I sent Rose, one of the daughters, a text saying I was in Singapore and if it wasn't too late to join them for dinner, if Carine could accompany me.  They sent me a text back saying to meet them at the Orchard national mall at 7pm.  Unfortunately, Carine was working late that day and couldn't come.  They kindly treated me to dinner at a Chinese restaurant   I finally got to try century egg!  It was very creamy in texture and tastes very eggy.  I'll try just about anything once, but not that many things twice.  I don't know if I'll try century eggs again!

I asked Rose's sister for a bar where I could have a Singapore sling, a cocktail created by a bar tender at the Long Bar in Raffels Hotel.  Since it was so late at this point, nearing 11pm, her family very kindly decided to join me.  I knew they were all tired and that one of the daughters had a flight back to London the next day.

I really liked the drink!  It tasted like a fruit punch, which isn't surprising given its made with fresh pineapple juice, Cherry Hearing (a cherry flavored liquor) and Benedictine (a herbal flavored liquor).  By tradition, you are supposed to eat peanuts and throw away the shells on the floor!  Peanut shells littered the floor!  I fell really bad for the workers who have to clean up at night!

I sent Carine a text telling her I was so sorry it was so late and I wasn't back yet.  I didn't get back to her house until after midnight.  I apologized again when I got there and she said, "What are you sorry for?".