a taste of downtown singapore

i spent a lot of time wandering around the city while nate worked. i was surprised at how new and modern everything was...not a scrap of old architecture downtown. the streets are so clean that you could lick the ground and feel okay about yourself. singapore has extremely strict laws about littering, and they even make you smoke in designated smoking areas. can we do this in chicago? i'm really over people blowing smoke in my face.

this is where nate works.
his coworkers are awesome - so generous and kind. i loved meeting the people he is working with.

the new marina bay sands hotel and casino. this little feat cost over five billion to create and it is singapore's crown jewel of the moment. on the top is the sky garden, where all your dreams come true apparently: there is a pool that stretches across the entire deck lengthwise, clubs, garderns, restaurants, and many other wonders. i didn't go up - i just heard the locals talking about it.

i don't know what this is, but i want to see it

top pastimes in singapore:
1. eating
2. shopping
this is one of about 30 "malls" along orchard road. think michigan avenue + champs elysees. i got so overwhelmed at one point being lost in a mall that looked like an office building on the outside, but went six floors underground and seven floors above, that i started tearing up. i know, ridiculous. it was too much, and i usually like shopping.

the double helix bridge across the bay

on the bridge

what singapore is famous for - no littering!

i was pleased to find out that they sell my two favorite foods together. i didn't try it though...the gelato stand next to this was calling my name