Fun times!

Day 2 in Singapore was filled with beach time, pool time, yummy food, an awesome shopping plaza, and a spectacular light show. We had a packed day full of fun times.

We spent the morning at the beach and stayed there for about two hours before heading up to the pool. The beach here at the Shangri La on Sentosa is called Siloso beach. It is a great beach for kids because it is only for resort guests, and most people stay up at the pool. Not sure why because the beach is so clean, and not a single rock for kids to step on in the water. It is almost like a lagoon. There are no waves, so it is very quiet and calm. After leaving the beach, we went up to the pool area where the boys played on the slides and in the water for another couple of hours. They are at such great ages for a vacation like this!!

By about 12:30, we were actually getting hungry so we came in and showered before heading to lunch. We had lunch at the hotel, and during our lunch, once again, the storms rolled in. Our plan was to take the cable car to the Harbourfront area just off the island and then grab some dinner there. We delayed for a short while until the storms passed and ended up taking a free shuttle out to Harbourfront plaza. We decided we would take the cable car back to the island after dinner. Harbourfront is a shopping mecca. But, not only that- the boys loved it. There were so many things for kids to do as well. It is like a giant playground outside of the mall. I will post pics when we return, so you can see just what I am talking about. Anyway, we walked outside one area and saw these riding toys- they were animals that you got on and then had to basically pump with your feet to make them move. The boys both got on horses, and they were riding them all over the place. Believe me, these are not in the states- must be a thing in Asia. But, I could be a rich woman if I brought these over to the USA. I know it is hard to understand, so you'll have to wait for video of this later.

We then walked around this mall- I hardly want to call it a mall, as that sounds so dull and boring. The restaurants were unbelievable ranging from every ethnic cuisine possible. And the shops- I can't begin to list the awesome types of stores that were there. There was even a huge Daiso (hundred yen store for those who have been to Japan). I think it had more stuff in it than I have ever seen in a Daiso in Japan. Unfortunately for the boys, we happened upon an awesome maternity store, and I had to go in, as the sizes and prices were right (in Japan I think their maternity clothes are smaller than my regular clothes) and absolutely adorable things. Wow- to buy something off the rack that I tried on. I haven't been able to do than in more than two years, except when we have gone home to the states to visit. So, I ended up with four new shirts, and some really unhappy kids, but oh well. Matthew managed to spill his bottle of snapple right on the floor of the store- of course, they were nice as can be, but still. My boys hate shopping, but this mom loves it- not a great combo when Daddy isn't around to take them away. We wandered into a bookstore and it was heaven. All of the books, except for a huge Chinese/Japanese section were in English. You don't realize how much you miss a bookstore until you walk into one that actually makes sense to you. :) We spent some time browsing, and then we went up to the roof of the shopping plaza because we were intrigued by the water area. Pools of water to wade around and play in. The views of the city and the island were beautiful from the top. Have I mentioned that everything in this city so far that I have seen is so clean. I know I have said I can live in Australia, but come on- Singapore has it all- safety, beauty, cleanliness, shopping, shopping, shopping- did I mention shoppping yet, and spas. The spas in the mall were so plentiful. Skin care, massages, facials, foot care- the list goes on. This is my place- and if Brian were here, I am afraid that he would be saddled with the boys, and I would be playing. Maybe it is a good thing he didn't come.

We decided to have dinner at Modestos, a wood fired pizza restaurant overlooking the Harbour. The boys ordered a margharita pizza and I had a Greek pizza. Mine had sundried tomatoes, artichokes, onions, and mushrooms on top. I haven't had pizza this good for a long time. Anthonys on base in Japan is the worst excuse for pizza, and Italian Gardens is not much better- that's if they get your order right the first time, which rarely happens. It was the perfect choice for dinner because as good as the buffet at the hotel is, it is pricey and actually getting kind of old.

Our evening was just getting started after dinner when we headed on the cable car to Mt. Faber to overlook the city. From Mt. Faber, we rode all of the way in our car to Sentosa island. On the way we were able to see the gorgeous sunset. Also, about halfway across the 20 minute ride, the cable car stopped. My heart stopped too I think. The boys were totally fine with it, and and were making fun of me for being so scared. Come on- our car had a glass bottom which we paid a tad bit extra for. At that moment, I am thinking, "Why the heck did I ask for a glass bottom car?" I think I have a small fear of heights, but only when I am up in the sky dangling over water and a highway.

Back at Sentosa island, we bought tickets for the Songs of the sea, which was a spectacular water, fire, and light show at the beach. By the time we walked back to our hotel, it was late, and we were obviously ready for bed. The boys were out right away, and I of course wasn't too far behind. I laid in bed and thought about how lucky were are to be having these opportunities, and I also thought how I feel sorry for our 3rd child, who will probably never get to see some of the places we have seen. Hopefully the boys will be able to instill their love of traveling on him/her.

Not sure what today has in store, but I am imagining more sunshine and maybe a trip to Downtown Singapore!