RAFFLES and our last day in singapore

I decided that wake up time was 4am. No matter how much I tried it was wide awake and ready to go time. Sadly I was physically exhausted but my mind just didn't get it. The plan was to do a quick foray to the shops to find an extra bag for me to pack all of my shopping and try and persuade the airlines that it was all a big mistake, and that I couldn't possibly have so much luggage.
We decided that the acres of malls might be the place to start and indeed it was. Not only did we find a bag but we found pearls. I hade a double string bracelet made for a ridiculous price because in chinese tradition the first customer of the day is considered very lucky. I explained to the assistant that my friend was the second customer of the day and that made her most auspicious indeed. I chose a string of pearls and they were made into a double string bracelet within the hour. Most pleased.
Then it was time for Raffles and because Tricia was staying there it was royal treatment. The Rolls Royce that collected us was complete with a lovely chauffeur, moist cold hand towels, iced water etc.
Tricia's room was one of the personality suites so we sat where James Michener once sat and because I had the camera we posed in the bed, on the couches, in the bath, in the shower and at the desk. Sad to say the toilet wouldn't be one where he sat as it was too modern.
On the verandah we drank our iced lime drinks, which I must say, are now my bestest refreshing drinks especially with fresh mint.
Then I not very discretely photographed everything I could find to photograph at Raffles. Pretty crass but I just had to take advantage of being the common person what I am and get a memory of being there in every possible way. Tricia butler was just lovely. I just couldn't get up the nerve to ask the divine fellow at the entrance way to pose with me. He was such a flash back to colonial Britain.
The day was very hot as the smoke had begun to clear and the sun was blazing through.
Arab Street was hot but we were on a mission. We retraced our steps and brought something's that we had noted the day before and not paid dollars for. I was in a shopping frenzy because I knew what I wanted. It coincided with Muslim holy day so the big mosque was alive with the calls to prayer and hundreds of people going to worship. Interesting. When the mosque emptied out it was like being in the middle of Cairo.
We stopped at a lovely little cafe where we had eaten the day before and they make the best lime juice. The lady recognised us and was. Why chatty. While we ate tabouli, humus and flat bread we planned for the return to Raffles for Tiffen.
That was such a special experience as we ate our way through the tiered plates and from the buffet and listened to the harpist who was seated next to us. I don't think I could ever be part of that life but it was a very special treat thanks to Tricia.
Tricia and I parted company as she was staying there and I was leaving early the next morning.
Tricia was a lovely interlude after weeks on the road. I am so grateful that she knows how to bargain, find her way in the general direction around Singapore and knows all of the great places to shop and visit. She cannot figure out escalators however and does insist on getting off escalators at the wrong side and taking the scenic tour to the next one. She handles superior shop assistants in designer stores with a staggering sense of aplomb that has them falling over themselves to make the sale. It is a fool who gets ms munro's dander up. We laughed, and laughed and laughed over so many things that we did and saw; unfortunately we often think or say the same thing at the same time.
Back at the hotel Mandarin Orchard I didn't bother with dinner as Raffles Tiffen had done me in. And so to bed, with the intention to arise at 4.45am. I woke at 12, 2.44 and eventually gave to and got up at 3.15.
Singapore is a wonderful place to visit. The people were so friendly and helpful. Taxi drivers told us all about their naughty neighbours who light forest burn offs every year and have no respect for them and they chatted about anything else that they thought we would like to know.
The Muslim section was also very friendly and fun to be in. Not so Mustafa Centre and I'm glad to say I didn't contribute a dollar to their economy. Rude people are everywhere and I think it crosses cultures into just people being uncaring.
Photos will follow when I can solve the problem of overloading the iPad. Farewell. Singapore and thank you Jesus for blessing and keeping me safe and giving me such a fantastic time with amazing people.

Raffles Tiffin Time

view from Tricia's balcony from the James Michener Suite