Leaving Singapore while in Singapore

Dave and I have yet to take an adventure outside of Singapore (plans are in the works, simply needed to settle in, first). Not that our free time hasn't been chalkfull of new sights, crazy foods, and sore feet...but I was beginning to wonder if Singapore offered something deeper then sterile streets and huge, brand-name shopping malls. Come to find out, it does. Well sort of.

The MacRitchie Reservoir: located smack-dab in the center of the city, MacRitchie felt like a touch of Greenlake, albeit significantly larger, tropical, and teeming with monkeys. Yes, that's right. Miles and miles of trails to explore amid lush tropical foliage, around a number of large reservoirs. Even kayaking. With loads of monkeys running about. Until Saturday, I believed that I liked them. In fact, as a child I always dreamed of owning a teacup monkey. In reality, I've discovered the scare the heck out of me. It's the same way i feel about birds. Unpredictable, hyper, potential for aggression. Fear of monkeys aside...its quite bizarre to encounter them outside a zoo. And it was great to feel a bit of non-commercialized, northwest home. We'll definitely go back.

Little India: while I have yet to travel to India, I truly believe that Little India in Singapore offers a real snapshot of it. I like it and I do not. It's refreshing to see an authentic, grittier side to the city, where the culture is tangible. And, where you feel a bit out of your element and comfort zone. You're surrounded by Indian foods, spices, and loads of people. And...the gotta see it to believe it - Mustafa 24-hour Shopping Center. Seven stories of anything you could possibly want, at low prices. It is overwhelming to say the least, but definitely a one-stop-shop. Not a place to go on Sundays. Definitely an experience.