Liitle India, Botanic Gardens and the last day in Singapore

A place does not look quite the same day and nite so a more extensive visit to Little India was on the cards. In spite of being well after 10 it was quiet with a lot of the shops still shut. We wondered in verious streets as they started slowly waking up.

Then we went back to the Tekka Market where fish mongers and butchers were in full swing. A lot of very fresh fish and meat

but nothing out of the ordinary and more sanitised than our usual experience to either Asia or Latin America. One think we noticed was that the very fresh looking mutton was very expensive even for UK standards (up to S40 per kg (around £24). The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple further down the road is the 2nd largest Hindu temple in the city but we did not go in.

Then we payed a visit to the famous dept store Mustafa that sells everything and anything. It was fun and busy although apparently not the bargain shop it used to be. A stop for a good coffee was necessary after that and yes it was good.

The Peranakan shophouses fronts were impressive all around the city but some particularly good examples were residing at the nearby Sam Leong and Petain roads.

And murals at the nearby streets

As the time was running a visit to the Botanic Gardens seemed a good idea more so on a bus to look around. We reached the north gate of these superb gardens, with medicinal plants, tropical forest, lakes with swans and pristine lawns. And an absolutely excellent orchid section.

I thought the signpost for 'ducks crossing' I saw in Buxton few years ago was up there but this one for 'otters crossing' was another level.

The evening called for a curry and a superb Tamil Indian choice, Matchan's kitchen was even better than expected. A moist, fragant mutton biryani, an even better spicy with sweet undertones fish chilli, and a cauliflour masala were real stars.

Polite waiters, simple place, great overall.

Our friend Usman's secret 2nd job place further down did not seem to pose a particular competition.

Tomorrow our bus to Malacca leaves at 8:30 and I ll try to write whilst we are on it. The bus trip Salento to Medellin is difficult to beat but we shall see.