It was another rainy day here in Singapore, but the afternoon downpours did not deter us from venturing out to see the Chinese Gardens, located in the western portion of the country.
A quiet park spanning 13.5 hectares complete with pagodas, statues, and verdant plant life lining the river's bank, the garden is a tranquil retreat that feels a million miles away from the bright lights and honking horns of the downtown city center.
A quiet park spanning 13.5 hectares complete with pagodas, statues, and verdant plant life lining the river's bank, the garden is a tranquil retreat that feels a million miles away from the bright lights and honking horns of the downtown city center.
We started off our day by returning to Arab Street to sample some of the food served in its streetside cafes and restaurants.
After smelling the mouthwatering aromas from various kebab stands, we decided to try Turkish cuisine and were led to a table off to the side of the busy road. Thankfully, our seats were covered by an awning, for just as we sat down, the sunny, blue sky darkened and rain began to fall.
In no hurry to return to the soaking street, Pallavi and I took our time exploring the menu. I was able to finally order mint tea, which I had been looking forward to since seeing the tall glasses of this aromatic, amber-colored drink sitting on tables during yesterday's visit to the Kampong Glam district.
After smelling the mouthwatering aromas from various kebab stands, we decided to try Turkish cuisine and were led to a table off to the side of the busy road. Thankfully, our seats were covered by an awning, for just as we sat down, the sunny, blue sky darkened and rain began to fall.
In no hurry to return to the soaking street, Pallavi and I took our time exploring the menu. I was able to finally order mint tea, which I had been looking forward to since seeing the tall glasses of this aromatic, amber-colored drink sitting on tables during yesterday's visit to the Kampong Glam district.
For lunch, Pallavi and I both ordered kebabs, but she opted for the chicken while I asked for lamb. As we waited, I sipped on my tea, enjoying the intense flavor infused into the hot water by the fresh mint leaves that twirled around in the glass in an almost mesmerizing dance.
After we finished our lunch, we headed off to the Chinese Gardens. This was our longest trip via the MRT so far, as it took about an hour to arrive in Singapore's Jurong East New Town district (where the park is located).
We could spot the top floors of the park's Seven Story Pagoda from the MRT station, and we used this hard-to-miss landmark as a guide. When we were just about halfway down the tree-lined path leading to the garden's gates, however, we began to feel raindrops and decided to seek shelter. Within minutes, the clouds rolled in and the rain began streaming down from the heavens.
We could spot the top floors of the park's Seven Story Pagoda from the MRT station, and we used this hard-to-miss landmark as a guide. When we were just about halfway down the tree-lined path leading to the garden's gates, however, we began to feel raindrops and decided to seek shelter. Within minutes, the clouds rolled in and the rain began streaming down from the heavens.
To pass the time until the rain stopped, Pallavi and I took some time to sit and relax in the garden's Stone Boat structure, which is a covered viewing platform overlooking a pond filled with fish and turtles. Before leaving the hotel today, in preparation for the long MRT ride to the gardens, I had packed my Kindle in my bag, which came in handy as we waited for the rain to cease.
We sat and listened to the soft, staccato rhythm made by each raindrop as it bounced off of the pond's surface and we relished in the cool mist that blew in with the storm. I rarely have time to just sit and read in such a beautiful location, so I was pleased with the afternoon shower and the temporary suspension of planned activities it caused. I believe moments like these create a perfect vacation.
We sat and listened to the soft, staccato rhythm made by each raindrop as it bounced off of the pond's surface and we relished in the cool mist that blew in with the storm. I rarely have time to just sit and read in such a beautiful location, so I was pleased with the afternoon shower and the temporary suspension of planned activities it caused. I believe moments like these create a perfect vacation.
We spent our time during the rainstorm reading and watching the wildlife around the pond.
Approximately 75 pages later, the rain began to taper off and Pallavi and I decided to once again head out into the gardens. As we took photos next to stone sculptures depicting Chinese heroes and other legendary cultural figures, we were surprised to see large reptiles sauntering around the grounds.
Monitor lizards are apparently very common in Singapore's parks and gardens, and they seemed remarkably unfazed by the visitors walking on the sidewalks and even the groundskeepers doing maintenance work with their loud leaf blowers. I am not a fan of reptiles of any size or shape, so I made it my mission to avoid these huge animals at all costs. We did, however, find a baby monitor lizard in a grassy area near one of the statues, so I took some photos of it... From several feet away, of course. Pallavi was a bit more brave.
Upon the conclusion of our impromptu safari, we made our way back to Orchard Road, braving the crowded MRT trains that were packed with people returning from work, school, and other weekday commitments. In need of a late afternoon dose of caffeine, we went to a cafe that we have passed almost every day since arriving in Singapore.
Called Maccha House, this tea cafe is located on one of the lower levels of an Orchard Road super mall. Apparently one of four locations throughout Asia (the others are in Japan, China and Hong Kong), this restaurant specializes in all things matcha. From matcha lattes and milkshakes to matcha-infused noodles and desserts, Maccha House is devoted to creating new concoctions with the vibrant green tea powder from which it takes its name.
Called Maccha House, this tea cafe is located on one of the lower levels of an Orchard Road super mall. Apparently one of four locations throughout Asia (the others are in Japan, China and Hong Kong), this restaurant specializes in all things matcha. From matcha lattes and milkshakes to matcha-infused noodles and desserts, Maccha House is devoted to creating new concoctions with the vibrant green tea powder from which it takes its name.
The decor was minimalistic and modern, but still quaint and cute. Despite being in the middle of a busy shopping mall, the cafe was a nice escape from the crowds packing the escalators and filling tables in the food court.
For her initial introduction to matcha, Pallavi chose a matcha milkshake. I went with a hot matcha latte and also decided to try the matcha creme brulee, as I had never heard of matcha powder being used in this creamy French dessert.
The drinks and food were as vividly colored as the lime green cushions lining the booths, and everything we ordered tasted as good as it looked. I'm happy to have made it to Maccha House before we leave to return to Ohio, as the frothy latte reminded me of the matcha drinks I order at my favorite tea cafes at home.
For her initial introduction to matcha, Pallavi chose a matcha milkshake. I went with a hot matcha latte and also decided to try the matcha creme brulee, as I had never heard of matcha powder being used in this creamy French dessert.
The drinks and food were as vividly colored as the lime green cushions lining the booths, and everything we ordered tasted as good as it looked. I'm happy to have made it to Maccha House before we leave to return to Ohio, as the frothy latte reminded me of the matcha drinks I order at my favorite tea cafes at home.
Tomorrow looks like another busy day, so we're crossing our fingers that it doesn't rain! It's amazing to think that our time here in Singapore is coming to an end in a few short days, but we hope you'll continue reading, as we still have plenty more experiences to share.
-Amanda
-Amanda