Singapore

Today was our first real day in our new city and Cody's company arranged for us to be given a private tour. This morning we were picked up by Susie and her driver; the car was freezing, but given how hot it is here it was really nice. (This is the "cool" time of year--LORD HELP US!!!)

They took us all over Singapore! Cody spent most of the time making notes on his phone so that we would remember all of what she said (Thankfully). We visited Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street, Hawker Stations, and the coast. Because Singapore is a blend of four major cultures (Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Thai) it felt like we were in several different countries all in a matter of a few hours.

 I can't get over how beautiful everything is. It's a combination of early colonial architecture, jungle vegetation, and new developments. I found that Susie's style of guiding was actually really interesting (I tend to get bored on tours). She took us into two of the major temples, both for the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. Singapore is religiously free, but it seems those two are more prominent. The opulence in both of those temples was incredible - two totally different styles: colors, deities, designs. Pretty soon we'll be finding our own church home! We're praying that God will lead us where we're supposed to be.

I am the year of the Tiger and Cody is the year of the Ox. We share a Buddha protector. Here we're at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.  



Women must cover their legs in the temples so here I am in a sarong.

Taking my shoes off and walking barefoot was a necessary evil in the temples. Hello Purell (Sanitizer). 

Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown

We ate lunch on Arab Street and had spicy Malay food. Coconut Soup with vegetables, Beef Rendang (spicy beef with lemongrass), Begedils (potato cakes), spicy prawns, and chicken with rice.

Post enjoyment of Indian Ginger Tea (Teh Halia -- in Malay) and Curry Puffs on Arab Street

We're already so in love with this place and are beyond thankful for the experience! 

XOXO-Christie & Cody