Singapore & Philippines

Well, hello! I’m back on Sydney soil. I’ve been back for 6 weeks now, and I’m happy to be home. 

Two blog posts ago, I mentioned that I would be going on a holiday to Singapore and the Philippines with my parents, and it was truly the break I needed. It was my first time in Singapore and I absolutely loved it. We were only there for 3 days, but managed to fit quite a lot in. 

One thing I love about Singapore, right off the bat, is how clean it is. It is so clean and my goodness that makes me happy. Is that weird to say? Some people may find that a bit strange or the fact that a clean country would bring me happiness, but I’m okay with it. The airport alone is amazing, I mean, I would stay there if I could. If I got an opportunity to work over in Singapore, I would live there for sure.

Singapore was ridiculously hot and I know that’s pretty much the standard over there, but my gosh, it was like that sticky, humid hot and it was gross. But, after a while you get over it, you learn to deal and just enjoy yourself, which was certainly the case for me. 

Gardens by the Bay was a highlight for me. It’s beautiful. Putting the sticky and humid heat aside, to be surrounded by so much nature and greenery was beautiful. It was colourful and had a really exciting atmosphere with all the people there. There was so much to do - we took many tours, went into different flower domes, it was really magic. 

My mum, who loves plants, very much enjoyed herself too. Especially when we went to where the orchids were. It was called “Orchid Haven”, and it definitely lived up to its name. We have so many plants around the house, so I think she was right in her element. 

We walked around Clarke Quay which is kind of like the hub of the city. It’s very lively, there’s music and the atmosphere was awesome. The night went it was halloween, so people were dressed up in costumes, it was really cool. 

Another highlight in Singapore was the river cruise. It was wonderful! I absolutely loved it. We went around Clarke Quay and saw all the natural beauty of Singapore. You really get an insight about the architecture and design, and it’s very interesting. I was able to get quite a few photos, and I saw my parents taking photos and recording the whole experience; it thought was cute. I was excited because they were excited.

But even the simple things, like just getting a taxi in Singapore, I loved it. It’s something I’ve never done before and I got to experience that with my parents. I’m all for the little things and experiences. 

Then we went to Manila. It is always a good time. I have family there and I automatically feel home every time I visit. And I like the fact that everyone is always smiling. It’s a real mood lifter. 

But literally, once we got out of the airport at Manila, we were instantly greeted with Manila traffic and humidity. So many people, cars honking at each other, but that’s how it is and even with all the chaos, it was a lovely welcome back. 

One thing that I loved about this trip, is on nights where we didn’t have any plans and were just kind of doing our own thing, we would have dinner with just the three of us and have conversations about my parents’ upbringing and their childhood. I also got to see my Grandma. We celebrated her 96th birthday - she is such a Queen.

What I am most grateful for is the memories I have with my parents. While I did miss my sisters and nieces and nephews on this family trip, I loved the quality time that I got to spend with my mum and dad. They are memories that will last forever. 

I also know that my parents are getting old, and I can see it. It’s sad, but then you realise that it’s life. You just have to make the most out of every moment, and that’s what I’m doing with every moment I get to spend with my parents. 

Travel is so important, and I’m very grateful that I’m in a position where I can travel. Being able to immerse myself and experience different cultures and things is awesome, and I think people should see how other people live, and to respect it. And I think in some situations, you’re able to see how blessed you really are.

I had an amazing time, and hopefully it isn’t long until I get to go on another holiday.