Singapore's Garden by the Bay

Have you ever wanted to see what the movie Avatar looks like in real life?  Go to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.  Seriously.  Day and night, especially at night, it's totally like you're in Avatar land.

This is a newly developed area in the city next to Marina Bay Sands.  It has greenery and water mixed in with modern art sculptures.  There are also a couple museums and outdoor education about Singapore's greenery and some of its agricultural history.

It gives you a break from the city, and give you something complete different.  Futuristic nature.  And it's a tourist destination worth checking out.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Gardens

Singapore's Chinatown

Since our hotel was based by Chinatown, we started my first discovery of Singapore there.  The Chinese are a major group in Singapore, so their mark in Chinatown is distinct.

The decor, the architecture, and the culture distinguishes this district from the rest of the city.

It's festive and filled with some great little food stalls and hawker stalls that are worth stopping by when you're in the area.

If you can't see the slideshow here, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Chinatown

My first taste of Singapore

Singapore is one city I've been eagerly waiting to explore.  So when my best friend sends me a message that he's flying there for work with 2 full days in the city, of course I'm going to say "YES!" to his offer to tag along.

This city lives up to it's reputation, it's hype, and all the expectations as a food city.  Singapore itself is pretty isolated in its little bubble.  But, wow, it's a bubble bursting with great food.  And the best part, you barely break the bank when it comes to eating amazing food.  The hawker centers are the place to go for some of your most memorable meals.

There are so many iconic dishes that it's almost impossible to eat it all in one trip.  Yup, that means I'm definitely going back to eat some more!

Here's a sampling of some dishes that filled my weekend trip in Singapore.  Coming up, a look into the various tourist destinations around the city.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Singapore Food

Graham Street Market in Central Hong Kong

Amidst the bustling modern financial buildings in Hong Kong’s Central district lies the historical Graham Street Market, between Queen’s Road and Hollywood Road.  This wet market has been a Hong Kong landmark for 160 years.  It still houses vendors generations old.  Meats, seafood’s, high quality vegetables, dry goods, and all sort of local consumables can be found in this street and its side streets.

Catch this market while you can - the city plans to redevelop the area in the coming years and move the market stalls into indoor markets.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Market HK

Nepali Cuisine in Hong Kong

Another best friend reunion in Hong Kong. And, it’s a birthday celebration. So there’s nothing better than a nostalgic lunch.

A couple years ago, we journeyed around Nepal and came back talking about our memories of momos and Nepali beer. After walking around SoHo in search of a fun place for to eat with a good lunch set deal, we found Nepal Restaurant. Perfect!

The momos brought back fond memories of our trip. The cuisine and Nepali staff make this place a great find if you’re looking for a Himalayan treat.

If you can't see the slide show, check out my Flickr album: Nepal HK