Day five of our Singaporean adventure gave us a taste of India and also introduced us to some cuddly cats.
After a slow start to the day (due to the ever-falling rain) Pallavi and I set off on the MRT to Little India, one of the main cultural neighborhoods in Singapore that — as its name suggests — is a main hub for the country's large Indian population. Lined with brightly colored buildings packed with rows upon rows of dazzling formal dresses, walls of electronic gadgets and a stunning variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, Little India is a multi-sensory experience — and, in my case, a photographer's paradise.
After a slow start to the day (due to the ever-falling rain) Pallavi and I set off on the MRT to Little India, one of the main cultural neighborhoods in Singapore that — as its name suggests — is a main hub for the country's large Indian population. Lined with brightly colored buildings packed with rows upon rows of dazzling formal dresses, walls of electronic gadgets and a stunning variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, Little India is a multi-sensory experience — and, in my case, a photographer's paradise.
We carefully picked our way through the covered alleyway to find a place to eat, stopping every so often in order to squeeze past tailors frantically working away on street-side sewing machines or customers staring in awe at the intricate gold jewelry displays that sparkled at the entrance to almost every store we passed.
After weaving around stalls selling everything from fresh flower garlands to $3 mp3 players, we finally made it to Komala Vilas, a restaurant specializing in vegetarian cuisine. Pallavi ordered a plain dosai, while I went for the onion uthappam, which resembled a pancake mixed with onions and other vegetables. We also both added a mango lassi to go with our meal. After finishing this delicious and filling lunch (throughout which I asked Pallavi a ridiculous amount of questions regarding the differences in the food eaten in various parts of India) we decided to wander around the area a bit more to shop and take photos.
After weaving around stalls selling everything from fresh flower garlands to $3 mp3 players, we finally made it to Komala Vilas, a restaurant specializing in vegetarian cuisine. Pallavi ordered a plain dosai, while I went for the onion uthappam, which resembled a pancake mixed with onions and other vegetables. We also both added a mango lassi to go with our meal. After finishing this delicious and filling lunch (throughout which I asked Pallavi a ridiculous amount of questions regarding the differences in the food eaten in various parts of India) we decided to wander around the area a bit more to shop and take photos.
As the sun started to set, we hopped back on the MRT to visit a cafe I learned about while planning out the trip itinerary. Called Neko no Niwa and tucked away in Boat Quay, this cozy establishment offers a variety of drinks and desserts. However, it's the cafe's adorable tenants that initially caught my eye.
Neko no Niwa is home to more than a dozen cats, all of which were adopted by the owners and given a home in the cafe. The cats are free to roam around and really do as they please, and guests are allowed to sit and sip on hot beverages while enjoying the animals' company.
Neko no Niwa is home to more than a dozen cats, all of which were adopted by the owners and given a home in the cafe. The cats are free to roam around and really do as they please, and guests are allowed to sit and sip on hot beverages while enjoying the animals' company.
When we first arrived, most of the cats were sleeping, but they soon began to wake up and gaze at us with curious eyes from underneath tables and chairs. The owners obviously care for the cats' well-being and even went so far as to write little bios explaining each feline's distinct personality, likes and dislikes, as well as a quick rundown of how the cat came to live at Neko no Niwa. Many of the cats were abandoned or strays, found on the streets of Singapore, but they all seem very content with their lives at the cafe. It was nice being able to have some cuddle time with these cute cats, as I was starting to miss my dog, Booda, and enjoyed having a fluffy friend to pet on this side of the world.
We descended the stairs leading from the cat cafe to the lantern-lit main street of Boat Quay. Crammed with dimly lit bars and riverside dining areas, the smell of delectable food wafted through the air as we made our way back to the MRT station.
On the way, we stopped to enjoy a light dinner, as both Pallavi and I were still quite full from our lunch. I had dumpling soup while Pallavi had seafood fried rice.
On the way, we stopped to enjoy a light dinner, as both Pallavi and I were still quite full from our lunch. I had dumpling soup while Pallavi had seafood fried rice.
With tired feet, we trudged down Orchard Road toward our hotel and came upon a large gathering of people. Intrigued, we walked through the metal barricades that blocked off a portion of the main road into a sea of people meandering down the middle of the street. It turns out this is a monthly event called Pedestrian Night, and it gives visitors and Singaporean residents the chance to enjoy the sights of Orchard Road without the hustle and bustle of vehicular traffic. Dance music blared through the speakers and light displays twinkled against the night sky as people gathered around to watch street performances and take photos with friends.
Tomorrow we will set off again to sample another portion of Singaporean culture: Arab Street. Stay tuned for more updates and photos, which can be found here.
-Amanda
-Amanda