Tanjong Beach at Sentosa

Buddies

Chris mimics the bikini model behind him

Yesterday, we had a great morning at Tanjong Beach on Sentosa, an island right off the South coast of Singapore with our good friends, Rob and Louise, and Ralph, and Doogie, a visiting dog in tow.  On Saturday mornings, Tanjong Beach belongs to dogs and their humans, and, indeed from about 9:00am and a few hours after, there were hardly any folks there.  Chris took the video below of primarily Lucy, of course, but Lucy's pals were captured as well, all having a dog fest in the waves.  The weather was gorgeous and the temperature of the water was delightful - I could have stayed in there for hours.  We've quickly gotten the Sentosa run down to a routine:  hanging in the water as long as possible, followed by dog shampoos (yes, there is a dog-washing station) and showers, followed by a cocktail or two at the Tanjong Beach Club.  Great way to spend a Saturday!

Hi again from Flat Lucy!!!  Here I am on top of a building in the Wan Chai district on Hong Kong island!  That's the Hong Kong Peak right up there over my head.  What a nice hike!  Think of an urban version of Spruce Creek or the Barr Trail to the Incline station.  and, it's especially easy on Flat Lucy since I get carried up!!!  on the far right is the "mid levels" district in Hong Kong where all the richer folks live.  I almost ended up in Hong Kong (no quarantine requirements from the USA), but I'm pretty sure I'm happier in Singapore. 



Tiong Bahru Market

Incense

This is another local market, kind of in the middle of town, with a floor of local shops and a Food Centre, or hawker stand.  I'm posting a few pictures of this place, because I was fascinated by a few shops selling a variety of paper products:  paper cell phones, typewriters, housewares, printers, toys, just about anything.  Apparently, the Chinese have a custom where on special occasions, paper items are bought and then burned so that the remains will go to their ancestors.  Many of the items have designer names printed on them, to ensure that their ancestors are being provided the best merchandise.  I think I heard that some of the brand-name companies are suing the manufacturers of these paper products for copyright infringement.....  makes sense, I guess, but silly.  After, wandering around for a bit, my friend, Joanne, and I had another incredible meal at a hawker stand selling Thai food, for $4.00 a piece!

Another visit to Tekka Market

Buckets of spices

Well, we can't seem to stay away from Tekka Market - it is a colorful, interesting wonderfully-local place with wonderful food and great bargains.  This time, I dragged Chris there, along with his camera, and he got some great shots of the place.

Forget about the salmon from Norway -

get some local sea bass, Lady!

 

Catching a nap

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an imposing structure in the middle of Chinatown, Singapore, on a busy corner, surrounded by restaurants and retail stalls.  It seems to be an important part of the community, and often there are events, not only as part of the Buddhist calendar, but also designed to help the poor.  There must be a monastery attached to it, as we have often seen a large group of monks dining at our favorite vegetarian restaurant across the street (must post a blog about that!).  Recently, we had lunch with a colleague of Chris' at this restaurant (second floor of building on the right side of left picture below), and while we were there, about 12 monks filed past us and sat at a large round table in the front.  (I'm sure it was saved for them!)  They ate and left, and by the time our party left the restaurant, a large procession was in progress, led by the chanting monks with horns and gongs, followed by a sizable contingent of lay people in black robes.  We felt very fortunate to have witnessed such a colorful and spiritual event, and of obvious importance to the community.

Spring Has Sprung In Sydney!

 Hey!  Look at me!  Here I am down at the Sydney Opera House.  It's Spring in Australia after a pretty mild winter so everyone is already ready for fun.

Turn around to the left and there's the other part of Sydney harbor with the big Harbour Bridge heading over to North Sydney.  Funny how I have the exact same expression, huh?  Well, Big Dawg is taking Flat Lucy around with him since the canine immigration laws are a lot easier on Flat Lucy then 3D Lucy.

Ramadan Bazaar

During Ramadan, the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar takes over a bunch o' blocks, under a large tent, in the Paya Lebar neighborhood of Singapore.  It is an explosion of color, texture, clothing, crafts and food.  It amazes me how moslem folks can participate in this sumptuous bazaar with all the aromas and visions of wonderful food and not eat until sunset!! Chris and I wandered through last evening and then had a great Chinese meal in an inexpensive nearby restaurant, Happy Kitchen, on Geylang Road.  A feast for the senses!