Meanderings in Manila: Swingin' in Singapore......

Well, not really but we did have a good time!

Singapore would of been a good introduction to Asia. Someone should of dropped me off there for a good two - three weeks before bringing me to Manila. Singapore is like the Swiss Asia. Seriously, there were blue skies, clean streets, safe parks, beautiful gardens, an amazing zoo. The only difference is that it is HOT and the food is much better in Singapore than in Switzerland.

The really good thing about our trip is that it made us realize how amazing cheap everything is in Manila. That being said, since we have returned I have booked a private tennis lesson, a somewhat private pilates class, a dermatologist appointment and TWO photography workshops! Look out Manila. I am going to do everything that I possibly can while I am here since most things cost around $5. I am also vowing to really utilize the help that I have while still being a good mother of course! ;)

The View from our room

We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental which was near the harbor, which I highly recommend. We had a baby sitter one night and she turned out to be the florist for the hotel as well. She looked at our flower arrangement and said that it looked a bit tired and that she would arrange something special for us. The next day the most gorgeous orchid showed up in our room. I love Asian hospitality/customer service. Nothing in the States or in Europe comes even close.

At first I was worried if the location of the hotel would be central enough but it turned out to be perfect. We were also in walking distance from the new monstrosity (The Marina Bay Sands http://www.marinabaysands.com/ ) that recently opened. It's a must see and it is amazing but I am not sure if I would ever stay there. With 2000 rooms how can they have good service?? We went up to the top which is an absolute must. It's like being at the top of the Eiffel Tower (sort of) and you have the most amazing views of Singapore.

View from the bridge that goes over to the hotel

View of the Flyer

View of the harbor

Infinity pool over looking the city.

Max trying to escape for a swim

We arrived on Friday afternoon and just walked around. We took Max for lunch at a sushi place where he gobbled up edamame and had his first taste of tuna sashimi. He ate the really small pieces of tuna that I cut up for him but when I tried to give him a bigger piece he took it out of his mouth and threw it across the table. Enough said.