25.-27.06.16: Singapore!! Of Merlions and skybars

Wow, how to describe the past few days in Singapore in a few words? Amazing, stunning, breathtaking, clean, friendly, welcoming, humid and hot... and many more positive attributes that I lack to know in the English language as a non native speaker.

Besides New York, Paris and Copenhagen, my next favorite capital was found! 

Immigration was extremely well and quickly arranged, we were welcomed by a huge smile and friendly nod. The Airport itself is a beautiful place already. We took the easy-to-take MRT train to Little India where I had booked our first stay. "Vintage Inn" is not only cheap for Singaporian standards but also special in sleeping as it is one of those newly popping up capsule hostels. As we love to try out new stuff, we were curious to see what it's like: Perfect privacy in your spacy cod and easy getting in touch with other travellers when outside describes it best. 

We were lucky enough to already check in early and went asleep straight away. During the afternoon we met a very old friend of mine and his wife who have already been working and living for almost 5 years now in Singapore. This was the best that could happen to us. Not only Kjell was able to talk German but also we got a briilant insight of cool spots and must sees...

Little India was perfect for a first coconut drink, a small snack and off we went for some walking. 

We entered the world of Mustafa's (one crazy huge shopping center) for a cooling break and to get an idea of how limited our Mango choice in Germany is: We counted 15 different types! 

At night we went for a brillant Indian restaurant just around the corner 'Mustard'. 

The final highlight was a walk in the Gardens of the Bay at Marina Bay. The Giant trees, the Flyer, the skyline of the financial district,... Just wow!

The next morning started at noon for us. Still so tired. We went out for a fruity breakfast and met our friends in the afternoon and went for a visit of Chinatown with all its tacky shops, visited some temples to enlighten a family incense stick and were shown around in the Arabic quarter. 

Time flew fast and we had to hurry quickly back to our hostel to freshen up for the Nightsafari at Singapore Zoo. 

I have already seen many Zoos but this Night Safari really was special. If you ever come to Singapore - go for the Zoo!!

We came back with a taxi, just to get our Germany flag painted on the cheek... European Soccer Champions are on and it was the next round to be played for Germany against Slovakia.

The bar we planned to go to was alteady closing as it was midnight, but the taxi driver took us to another place where a huge screen was put up and some people sat outside. We missed Boateng's furst goal but were lucky to see Germany score 3:0! Good stuff!

The next day we just strolled around a couple of hours in the Arabic quarter. I went to get some medecine as the change from AC to hot and humid temperature really challenged me....

The evening we had a major highlight on our list: Our friends wanted to go up the highest Singaporian building with us. We met in front of Björn's work and walked to 'the Altitude'. 62 levels in the escalator and reaching the roof top bar just leaves you speechless! The view is stunning and the atmosphere overwhelming! We had a drink, Kjell took many pictures and we then went down again (popping ears guaranteed) to grab something to eat by the riverside. 

We passed by the famous Merlion and had a great meal before saying Goodbye and Thanks a lot to our friends Björn and Heike for those wonderful days....

Getting home we did final packing and set the alarm to 5 am in the morning....

Singapore? We will be back!

24.06.16: Beijing in one day

After a long 9,5 hrs flight with little sleep plus 6 hrs time difference, we finally arrived at Beijing Airport - the farest East I have ever been on my World map. 

In general, my first impression of a people  is well created and later confirmed by the immigration officers.

In this case, I would think that Chinese people are unfriendly and uncommunicative. No smile, no eye contact, no nice words. Yet, I think it is more related to their culture of keeping feelings hidden but to a Western European Mom travelling with a kid this was odd. 

The picking up at the Airport went smoothly and an hour later our group of an American couple, a girl from UK and an Irish pal was complete. We met Howard, our Chinese tour guide in a hotel and drove to the first stop: The world famous Tian'nam Place. The history of this place, the pictures that we all saw on TV during the latest revolutionary days came into mind. Tons of Chinese tourists were strolling around . 

The sky was incredibly blue (obviously an exception), the heat dry and easy to bear as we listened to the Howard's narrations. 

Next to the place is the entrance to the Forbidden City. Having seen the movie of the last Emperors childhood, I was nevertheless flashed by the size, the structure, the gems of this place. Even though there have been many tourists, one could sense the history. Howard's interesting stories were the perfect addition to the beauty of it. 

We then continued our trip and went on a 1,5 hour trip to Mutianyu to the Great Chinese Wall! What an impressive piece of history. We went up in scary, old and rusty chairlift - definitely not meeting up with German quality standards, hahaha. Up there the view was stunning. We went on a 1 hour walk and imagined having been punished by the Emperor to march on the partially really steep and broken pathways to secure his life and people. 

Getting down was so much fun. We took down a modern toboggan and rushed downhill in endless curves. Just perfect!!! 

The taxi dropped us off directly at the Airport in the evening where we had a few hours left to prepare for Singapore. By this time, we were tired to the bone.

I can highly recommend 'China Highlights' as a tour and even though we were completely exhausted - it was worth every single moment!!

Bejing? Check! 

23.06.16: Off we go... Leaving Germany

Getting up at 4 am in the morning, catching the red-eye train, we arrived around noon at Frankfurt airport via a - typically - delayed train.

I had packed our large backpacks quite thoughtfully with a minimum amount of clothes, shoes and toilet stuff. As I will probably be wearing the same pants and shirts anyway. ;-)

With 8kg and 13kg we are fine to walk short distances. What annoys me more is the handluggage backpack whichs weight is killing me. As after our 9,5 hrs flight we have a 19hrs layover in Beijing I need a few things to freshen up, have my cameras and papers with me. I just hope our bags will be routed directly to Singapore....

... a couple of hours later we are now on the plane, enjoying flight entertainment and taking some rest. So far, everything runs smoothly and I started getting familiar with our 'Beijing in one day'- tour and application for the 72-hrs-tourist visa that we will hopefully get without issues.