Singapore the second time around seemed to be a different city--still just as diverse and colorful as before but more serious and noteworthy. This time, every rumor that I had been hearing about Singapore being a clean, friendly, beautiful city sprang to life before my eyes. Even during our first encounter with the city the order and cleanliness were apparent, and people were so friendly they would stop to ask us if we needed directions before we had the chance to look up from our tourist map to ask someone of our own volition. However, this time around the kitschy quaintness was gone, replaced by a regal elegance that we discovered first in the curves and colors of the orchids in the botanic gardens and then in the powerful might of the lights lining the marina bay.
The botanic gardens, which are free and open until midnight, are vast and fresh and worthy of a visit on their own.
However, within the botanic gardens there is a separate orchid garden (for just 1 Singapore dollar with student ID card) that simply cannot be missed.
Though our quota of beauty had been more than filled by our leisurely stroll among the blossoms, birds, and butterflies, when we reached the marina just as the sky was pink and the lights flickered on in all of the bay skyscrapers, Chiara and I each let out that little cry that escapes you just as you try your first bite of something delicious.
We walked over the winding pedestrian bridge, lit with glowing bulbs, towards a posh mall that awaited us. Having grabbed some sandwiches, we settled in on the wooden dock to watch a light and water show over the bay, finally realizing all the potential of the city.
The first time around, I liked Singapore quite a lot. The second time around I loved it.