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Singapore

Sunset, Wine & Sky High Views in Singapore

After having sushi and asian food for nearly two weeks, we decided to enjoy a more traditional meal. We made a reservations at LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, at the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

View from the grounds of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Even getting to dinner felt like part of the adventure. We explored and walk through the hotel area until we reached the Elevator for the restaurant.  The ride up in the elevator was an experience in itself as we soared the 57 stories to the restaurant high above the city. As the doors opened, we were met with breathtaking panoramic views, there were trees and plants in among the space. It made it feel like we were on a floating garden path.

Shelley and Ray in the viewing area of the Marina Sands Hotel

There was a viewing area before entering the restaurant that people could enjoy if they did not have a restaurant reservation.  We were fortunate to have someone take our photo for us. It overlooked the bay and we could see all the ships in the bay and the Gardens by the Bay Park.

We were greeted by the maitre d’ and we were brought to our table which was on the outside in a stunning exterior section of the restaurant. The views were spectacular and photos do not do them justice. The city skyline stretched across the bay.

The atmosphere was perfect, it was not too hot and very relaxed with soft music in the background.  We ordered our meal and a bottle of Italian wine and took in the moment. It felt somewhat surreal and incredible.  The meal was delicious with fresh pasta, pesto and Italian flavours. A welcome change from so much sushi during our travels through Japan.

The service staff were very friendly and did not make us feel rushed at all. Instead they encouraged us to stay and watch the sunset and water and light show. So we slowly enjoyed our wine throughout the evening, watching the sky change colours as the sun began to set.

The setting itself was unforgettable and it made the entire night feel magical. 

Glow of the sunset from the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands

Shortly after the sunset, there was a water and light show directly below us in the bay. We watched from the railing as they did an amazing lazer light with music and co-ordinated water fountain  show. It lasted about twenty minutes and was beautiful to watch.

Water and lazer light show

Marina Bay Sands is truly a piece of art. Standing there, surrounded by its incredible architecture and sweeping views,  it was one of those “pinch yourself” moments.  Without question, it was one of the highlights of our travels to Singapore and a memory we will treasure for years to come.

Sometimes travel is about discovering the unfamiliar, and sometimes it is about finding comfort and joy in something timeless and delicious.

”Life is short and the world is wide” – Simon Raven

Singapore

Singapore Temple and Chinatown

We went to Singapore to explore this modern city. We began our adventure by exploring Chinatown.

Every street had something interesting to discover. The colourful buildings gave the area so much character, with bright shutters, lanterns hanging overhead, and murals tucked into alleyways.

We explored the small shops that lined the streets, they were selling everything from souvenirs and silk scarves to herbal medicines. 

There was even some odd looking ducks and chickens for sale. 

The food stalls were interesting and there were all kinds of different foods, dishes and snacks.  

Of course, no visit to Singapore would be complete without trying durian, the famous fruit known for its incredibly strong smell.

People either love it or hate it, and after finally working up the courage to try some, Shelley did not care for it at all and I quickly discovered we were definitely in the “hate it” category.

 

The smell alone was enough to make us hesitate, and the taste did not win us over either. It was an experience and we have no plans to try it again anytime soon. 

While walking through the markets, we came across a large laughing Buddha statue that locals said brings good luck if you rub its belly. Of course, Shelley and I could not resist giving it a try.

While wandering through Chinatown, we came across the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.

The temple immediately caught our attention with its colourful entrance tower covered in detailed statues of Hindu gods and mythical figures.

The details were impressive and quite interesting to see all the different statues within the tower.

Built in 1827, the temple has an important place of worship for Singapore’s Hindu community. 

All along the walls surrounding the temple there were different Hindu gods. We took off our shoes and headed into the temple, inside was ornate and decorated with carvings and other decorations.

The intricate carvings and decorations were beautiful to see up close.


We had a full first day exploring Chinatown and of course the temperature and humidity was quite high. 32 degrees Celsius and humidity was around 85 to 90 percent. 

We stopped along the way to enjoy some refreshments and just to take it all in. We had a great day and it was a great start to our adventures in Singapore. 

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Japan

A Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

When we arrived for the ceremony,  we entered into a beautifully simple tea room where we removed our shoes and sat together on  the floor on the tatami mats.  Our host was a professional Tea Master who had spent many years learning the craft.

As the ceremony began, we learned that the ritual is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, emphasizing mindfulness, harmony, and appreciation for the present moment.

Watching the Tea Master work was interesting. Every movement was deliberate and practiced, with very slow and deliberate focus. 

We listened as the history and culture of tea making in Japan was explained. The Tea Master showed us the different aspects of making the tea.  

Boiling water which is located in the floor was carefully added to the vibrant green tea powder, and then mixed skillfully with a bamboo whisk until a delicate froth formed on top.

We watched as he explained each step of the process. From how to whisk the tea to the etiquette involved in serving and drinking the tea. We learned the proper way to hold the bowl, turn it respectfully before sipping, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the cup itself.

Then he encouraged us to come forward and make the tea. Shelley tried it first and he explained how to scoop the right amount of matcha tea power into the cup. 

He then showed her the amount and how to pour the hot water into the cup and then finally how to whisk the tea. It was quite the process.

Before tasting the matcha tea, we were served traditional Japanese sweets. Their delicate sweetness balanced the bold, earthy flavour of the matcha.

Ray making his Macha tea.
Shelley enjoying the macha tea.

We actually enjoyed the matcha tea more than we expected. It was earthy and yet easy to drink.  It was another unique glimpse into the deep traditions and culture of Japan. We felt completely immersed in Japanese culture.

お風呂は体をリフレッシュさせ、お茶は心をリフレッシュさせる

Japan

Savoring Japan our 11 Days of Culinary Adventure

When Shelley and I set off on our 11-day journey through Japan, we knew the food would be different. Japanese cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, artistry, and seasonality. Each traditional meal  we tried felt like a small cultural experience rather than just something to eat.

From the very beginning, the food was different from what we’re accustomed to back home and we knew this was going to be a food adventure.  One of our first introductions to traditional Japanese cuisine was sushi and of course chop sticks. 

It was tricky at first learning how to use chopsticks but with a bit of practice and patience, it became a fun and rewarding skill.

Ray practicing his chopstick skills.

After managing to get the chopsticks working we tried the sushi. It was a mix of raw fresh fish like Salmon, Tuna and white fish served over rice.

We were hesitant at first, but we had committed to trying everything and experiencing the true foods of Japan.

Ray trying his first bite of raw sushi

Throughout our 11 days we tried many different traditional foods. We enjoyed ramen in a small, bustling shop where the locals sat shoulder to shoulder, slurping noodles in steaming broth. We found a spot along the bench and joined the locals in some ramen. 

We also went to a traditional restaurant which was a great experience.

We sat at a long table with others and the food was laid out in front of each of us.

The meal was full of traditional foods that included  a hot pot, fish, rice, pickled vegetables, noodles and miso soup.  

Of course, not everything was immediately comfortable for us. There were times when we found ourselves staring at a dish, unsure of what exactly what it was. That was all part of the adventure. We made a pact early on that we would try everything at least once. 

Looking back, the food in Japan wasn’t just about nourishment, it was about discovery and culture. We didn’t just visit Japan, we tasted it, one dish at a time.

どうぞ召し上がれ！

Japan

Visiting Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Area

There are certain places in the world that the history feels heavy. The Hiroshima monument area is one of those places. 


When Shelley and I arrived at the Peace Memorial which incorporates a park area and the first thing we noticed was the stillness. Despite being in a modern, vibrant city, the park feels set apart and more like a sacred place.  

We walked slowly along the walkways and came across different plaques and monuments. These were very interesting and somber at the same time.

Pathway along the river in the memorial park

The pathways, greenery, and the gentle flow of the river created a calm and reflective environment. However it was very sobering to come across different monuments. One of the first was the Atomic Bomb Dome which survived the blast and was preserved exactly as it was after the explosion.

Seeing it in person is different than seeing it in any photograph.

The skeletal remains of the building with twisted metal and exposed brick is a stark reminder of the moment of the horrific bombing and the world changed forever.

Ray beside the remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome

Shelley and I stood there for a while without saying much, we just took it all in.  Sometimes there just isn’t words to express the moment.  After a while we made our way to the Hiroshima Peace Flame.

Hiroshima peace flame and monument

The Peace Flame is a symbol of hope and remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. It has been burning continuously since it was lit on August 1, 1964, and will stay lit until the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace. 

different view of the eternal flame monument in Hiroshima.

We entered into the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and it  was not easy, and that is the point. We walked through the events leading up to August 6, 1945, and then into the immediate aftermath.  There were personal belongings, charred clothing, melted glass bottles, photos and other items that touch the heart. 

Image of the “Atom Bomb Dome” aftermath of the Atom bomb explosion

The museum doesn’t only dwell on the bombing but also looks forward. There’s a clear message about peace, nuclear disarmament, and the importance of remembering history so it isn’t repeated. After leaving the museum, we walked back through the park and came to the Children’s Peace Monument.

The Children Peace Monument with thousands of Origami Paper cranes in display cases

It was built to honor the children who lost their lives as a result of the atomic bombing.  At the top of the monument stands a statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to radiation as a toddler and later developed leukemia. While in the hospital, Sadako began folding paper cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. She hoped her wish would be to recover from her illness, but also expressed a deeper desire for peace in the world. Sadly she passed away at age 12 but her story lives on.  

thousands of paper origami cranes at the Children Peace monument

Her story moved people across Japan, and schoolchildren raised funds to build the monument in her memory and in memory of all child victims of the bombing. 

Origami Paper cranes at the Children Peace monument

The paper origami cranes associated with the monument have since become a powerful global symbol of peace. Every year, millions of brightly coloured cranes are sent by people from around the world and displayed around the monument. It was truly a moving experience seeing the origami cranes.  We continued our walk and came to a dome mound on the ground. 

Atomis Bomb memorial mound

There was a plaque beside the mound explaining that under the mound lays the ashes of tens of thousands of victims.

Words just can’t express the sadness and weight of all these memorials. We stayed there awhile and every once and a while we could hear the sound of a bell in the distance. After a few minutes of deep thought we continued our walk and a bit father we came to a large Japanese style Bell.

Ray walking to the Bell of Peace

We stopped at the bell monument which represents the global hope for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The large bronze bell has a world map engraved on its surface with japan at its center. visitors are encouraged to ring the bell as an expression wish for world peace. 

Ray striking the bell wishing for world peace.

After a few minutes we continued our walk and eventually headed outside of the memorial park to a small side street not too far away. In an unassuming small corner of a building was a small statue and plaque called the Hypocenter Monument. 

A small statue located in a corner of a building at the Hypocenter Monument.

The simple stone plaque marks the point on the ground directly beneath where the bomb exploded in the air. The Atomic bomb, detonated about 600 meters above the city on August 6, 1945.

Hypocenter Plaque Ground zero

Visiting Hiroshima was not a typical travel experience. For us, it wasn’t about sightseeing in the usual sense but more of a historical journey.  It’s the kind of place that stays with you, and realigns priorities of life.

“平和は心から始まる”