Saturday, December 27, 2014

Alexandra Canal to UOB Plaza

A delightful walk beginning near Queenstown MRT and ending at the UOB Plaza in the Central Business District. Starts with the Alexandra Canal Linear Park and continues along the Alexandra Park Connector. After crossing Zion Road, we pick up the beginning of the riverfront walkway that lines both banks of the Singapore River as it meanders to Marina Bay.
Why did this message need to be proclaimed so boldly?
Masjid Jamae Queenstown
SkyTerrace@Dawson apartment buildings under renovation
Garden at the head of the Singapore River
Treatment wetlands for rainwater entering Singapore River
Singapore River near Zion Road
Riverside Point along the Singapore River
Protective barrier at water's edge
Christmas decoration at UOB Plaza
Christmas trees are red in Singapore!
One of the old dock areas, now a restaurant and nightclub hub.

Tropical Rain

Friday, December 26, 2014

Christmas at MacRitchie Reservoir

We spent our Christmas day hiking the 12 mile loop around MacRitchie Reservoir with our Singapore friends from Arkansas, Gwenn and Pat.  We were treated to good weather — still very humid, but not too hot and no rain.  The monkeys were out in large numbers, including adorable babies.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Jurong Eco-Garden

Newly opened in June 2014; very few visitors this day.
Great pottery from Dragon Kiln
Note the precise gap size reporting.
Inspiration: Disneyland?
Excessive precision!
Impressive natural scenery.
Great lunch at Malaysia Boleh!, Jurong Point Mall. Shiok!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Marina Barrage

To help develop its freshwater resources, and to manage flooding, Singapore built a barrier between the ocean and the marina. The estuarine water that was once salty or brackish has become fresh over time. It might have been developed as an urban industrial project, off limits to the public. Instead, considerable effort was put into making the Marina Barrage a destination, with a large grassy park on the roof, an accessible walkway across the barrier, and first-rate sculptures. The sky during our visit had great heavy clouds which produced a fantastic visual contrast for the city skyline. Our walk started at the Chinatown MRT, wound through the Central Business District to the Marina, then continued past Gardens by the Bay to the Barrage. After crossing the barrier, we continued through a fantastic new palm garden (Bay East Garden) and eventually made our way to the sports complex where our walk ended.