A wish fulfilled!

You know how people make a bucket wish list of all the things they want to do before a certain age or before they die? Well, even though mine is not written down, I sort of have a wish list too.

One of that wish was to visit Singapore again as the last time I was there, I was only 4! This year, i struck that wish of my list! =)

When we were making plans, that wish seemed distant as I just started work and taking leave would be a problem. However, I think with God by my side, I was lucky enough that I managed to take a long break during Deepavali.

So, with the generous help of my Singapore parents, we were off the day after Deepavali. I was super excited because:

1. It's been 18 years since I  visited Singapore
2. I haven't seen my Uncle Stephen, Uncle Maurice and Aunty Lita in years!

We were there for only 4 days and 3 nights but what a lasting impression Singapore made! Having great and loving company was also an added plus! =)

When we arrived, we were met at the airport by Aunty Lita and Aunty Esther (Gwen's mum). After sending Aunty Esther off, we took the train back to Toa Payoh. Uncle Stephen, who had to work, was so excited to meet sis and I that after he finished his shift, he rushed so that he could get on the same train with us!

After reaching home, we spent some time just relaxing and catching up before we headed to Orchard Road to take some pictures and to check out if the Christmas lights were already up. After a couple of hours, we headed home and spent the rest of the evening chit-chatting. Our highlight of day 1: The last few hours of the day where we just sat at home and talked. <3 p="p">

The next day, Uncle Stephen had the morning shift, so we girls had some breakfast at the morning market before we went to visit Grandma Grosse. Only in Singapore did I find out that there are people who enjoy eating duck head. Didn't try it but just the thought of it was enough to make me cringe!

After visiting Grandma Grosse, we went to visit Uncle Maurice. The last time I saw him was when he came down for one of my uncle's wedding and that was like almost 10 years ago. The first thing he said to me when he saw me: "Meding! What are you doing here?" Yes, I think we can already confirm that I am a carbon copy of my mum and there is no doubt whatsoever of me being her child.

From Uncle Maurice's house, I got to sit on my very first double decker bus! And we sat right at the front! That night, we visited China Town, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. It reminded me of Penang's very own Straits Quay. Maybe SQ got the idea from Singapore, who knows?

Highlight of day 2: Can't really choose one because I enjoyed every moment of it! =)

Day 3 was a day that I was definitely looking forward to - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS!!! To ensure that we would not have to wait in a long line to buy tickets and to ensure that we would not be upset, dear Uncle Stephen got up super early so that he could be the first one to buy the tickets. So sweet, huh? <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

Sis and I really had a blast seeing everything and just being awed by all. You could really see the amount of work, time and creativity that was used into making USS into what it is. We started off with the Steven Spielberg Live action sequence. It demonstrated to us what it was like being in the eye of a Level 5 storm. It was fantastic!

The first ride that I went on - The Red (Human) Battlestar Galactica roller coaster! Uncle Stephen was my partner. Sis is afraid of heights and roller coaster, so I was lucky to have Uncle Stephen by my side while Aunty Lita kept my sis company. The verdict? It wasn't so bad. I enjoyed it and we could even talk while it was moving!! The best part of it all, sis managed to get a picture of me and uncle Stephen on the ride!

Sis first ride at USS - The Egyptian Ride! And that was enough to keep her off any other roller coasters after that. Just look at her face after the ride was over!

Overall, I truly had a great time at Universal Studios Singapore. Though we missed some rides because of the long wait, it was definitely worthwhile. We went to the Far Far Away Land, Jurassic Park, Sci-fi City (Transformers), Sesame Street, Waterworld and even met a few Hollywood stars!

We spent almost 7 hours there but it didn't even feel that long because there is just so much to do! After the long and exciting day at USS, the day was still not over yet for us. We then headed over to the newest star of Singapore, MARINA BAY SANDS!

Seriously though, as beautiful as it was, I definitely need a rich guy in order for me to shop at one of the shops at Marina Bay or better still, I have to wait a few more years until I become a millionaire to be able to shop at Marina Bay. =)

Another first for me happened here in Singapore. I went into a casino for the first time and I actually won! =) We also saw an amazing laser light show at Marina Bay. With the fantastic Singapore skyline as the backdrop for the show, I couldn't help but be blown away by the show. It was truly breathtaking and the best thing of all, the show is free for everyone to watch!

After the light show, we made our way to the Gardens by the Bay. We didn't actually go there but we saw it from a distance and that is definitely on my list for the next time I visit Singapore again. We ended the day by heading to Orchard Road again as we found out from Uncle Maurice that all the Christmas lights would be up.

Highlight of day 3: Definitely USS! =)

The last day was spent visiting Grandma Grosse to say goodbye and also Uncle Jeff's mother. As we couldn't attend Uncle Jeff's funeral, we decided to pay his mum a visit and to offer our condolences.

Going to Singapore was something I never thought would happen this year. I always said that when I started working, we would put aside a travel fund and the first place we would visit would be Singapore. Now, that dream has come true and it is all thanks to these wonderful people in my life: Aunty Lita, Uncle Stephen, Mum and Dad.

It truly is a blessing being able to have two sets of parents who love us dearly and unconditionally. I couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday and I look forward to our next holiday together!

Signing off for now,

Pa-alam!