Singapore Sling

I went back to the Gardens of the Bay this morning, and visited the Flower Dome, which had an amazing pumpkin display, I've never seen so many pumpkins! Then I went back to the Super Tree Grove to do the sky walk between the trees which provided great views of the gardens and Marina Bay Sands (see extras). I did originally plan on going back up to the Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands, but decided not to bother, so I've added a couple of shots from the other day for you to have a look at.

Alan said they were finishing work after lunch, so we met back at the hotel, freshened up, and then went to China Town and Clarke Quay.  As it was after 5pm when we got to Clarke Quay, we took advantage of Happy Hour and had a couple of drinks before finding somewhere to eat.

On our way back Alan said he wanted to take me to Raffles for a Singapore Sling.  Unfortunately for us, Raffles is undergoing a huge refurbishment and most of it closed, including the Long Bar which is famous for the Singapore Sling, but they're being served in the Bar & Billiards Room for the time being.

We have fond memories of Raffles, the last time we were here just 6 months after we were married - we had champagne in the Writer's bar, while an old man was playing a grand piano.  There was only the two of us in the bar so we got chatting to him, and he told us he was the retired musical director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and also used to have a radio show.  I asked him if he could play Canon in D by Pachelbel and told him it was our wedding music and he instantly started playing it for us.  We then went to the Indian Buffet there for dinner, and I asked what was spicy - the waiter said to try a bit of everything and when I found what I liked, he would have the chef make it to how I wanted it.  Needless to say, the food was fantastic!

We returned to the Writer's Bar for a night cap, and our friend at the piano started to play Canon in D as we came in - such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do!  We sat at the bar (still the only ones in there) chatting to the bar man, who told us he lived in Malaysia and travelled every day because he couldn't afford to live here.  When we'd finished and were about to leave, he told us to stay and finish the champagne free of charge! Then when we were finally leaving, when the bar was closing, he took us and showed us parts of the hotel, only residents saw.  That evening is one of my fondest memories, so we had to go back.