#Cruise on #MarellaDiscovery #EnchantedFarEast2 #Singapore

An interesting day as we had already stayed in Singapore for several days last year and seen most of the sights. Arriving early to collect our passports, it was interesting to realise that there had been rain on our journey to the port. and the sky was still overcast.

We had already decided to visit the Botanic Gardens, as this was the main place we had missed last time. Buying a day  ticket for the MRT proved more difficult than it should have been, as there was only one booth open and a long queue. Eventually, we set off and were soon at the garden and found, surprisingly, it was free to get in.

Wandering around the grounds was a pleasant, relaxing change from the busy schedule so far. We are always enthralled by the patterns found in nature and after viewing some artwork, inspired by leaves, on display in the café, I decided to collect some and try out some ideas.
My idea was to use the leaves to print on the page and then use some of the shapes of leaves and flowers, I had seen, to draw on top. Using watercolours meant that the prints weren't as I would have liked, but it would be impossible to take all the art materials, you may need, on a cruise. Still its good to just play with ideas now and again.

Next, we went to see if the famous Raffles Hotel and bar were open, as it was being renovated last time we were here. On arriving, the queue lining up to go in was too long, so we settled for a picture outside it.

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After a long walk,  and then a quick  break for some refreshment at the still impressive Circular Quay, we arrived at the Gardens by the Bay, via the Marina Bay Sands Mall. This was a little disappointing, as the sky walk was closed and the buzz of excitement we felt last time was missing. Still, it's a fascinating place to wander around and stunning when lit up at night, which was a shame as the ship left before this happened.
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Deciding to get the MRT back to the ship we made the mistake of thinking it was a circular line, when in fact it only went one way. This then took an hour as it went all the way around the city. Fortunately, we had left plenty of time to get back to the ship. 
The sail away was impressive as the city lit up on one side and Sentosa Island on the other.

Singapore is a stunning city and a complete contrast from many of the other ports of call. A place that definitely warrants a longer stay.

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Some of my Blogs from my previous visit to Singapore giving an idea of all the things to see.

​http://www.philipwestcott.co.uk/blog/first-day-in-singapore

http://www.philipwestcott.co.uk/blog/tourist-attractions-in-singapore

​http://www.philipwestcott.co.uk/blog/more-attractions-in-singaporewww.philipwestcott.co.uk/blog/more-attractions-in-singapore

​http://www.philipwestcott.co.uk/blog/gardensinthebay-singapore