SINGAPORE -- WHAT A SENDOFF

Our last night in Singapore we were given a big party in the area just completed in last year or so. It was in one of the two covered dome that enclose big terrariums. The one we were in was for temperat

e climate plants and had a winding path that led throughout the place in a downward spiral. At the bottom there was an exhibition hall that held our party.

What a place. The ceiling was draped with lights that changed colors to the music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The show took us through the history of Singapore in song and dance. With wine and food too.

Here are a couple of shots with Clyde clowning around with the dragon. And mandatory pics with Clyde receiving a orchid and hugging a princess.

CLYDE IN SINGAPORE -- THE FUENG SHUI TOUR

Clyde was interested in the mysteries of the orient so he signed up for a visit with a Fueng Shui master to see what could be learned about ying and yang (male and female characteristics), the five elements of life (fire, wood , metal, earth, and water), personal energy, etc. First of all we learned that in Chinese zodiac I am a goat and Mary is a dog. Given that, our personal signs indicate that this will be a great month (march) for me (goats) and for Mary (dog) with a heavy wood sign . I have discovered that, for instance, today 17 March would be an “auspicious” day for getting married, moving
into a house, starting a new business, or entering into a new contract. Fueng Shui is also beneficial
in determining the orientation of your house and various features in the house. For instance our address 35 adds up to 8 --- a very auspicious number that indicates prosperity. AND the northwest direction is the most auspicious direction for the front door to be facing (lucky us). It is also useful to add up the digits in you telephone number and your license plate number (haven’t done this yet).




We then went on a tour of the financial district of Singapore where we appreciated the features of the buildings. No sharp corners facing other buildings. Always a water feature (not stagnant) in front of the front door. Some building have series of 13 floors broken by some feature (13 is a luck number.)

 

 

We went into a shopping mall that has a wall of mirrors facing in. (LOOK OUTSIDE)

The bronzes positioned around on of the bank buildings have significance, of course. The heavy looking bird if you look closely is shaped like an upturned palm and is located in such a way as to favor this bank vs a neighbor bank. The Dali stature is of Isaac Newton, but also shows an open heart.

Clyde did his best to digest this and reach a harmonious arrangement with his associate bears.

Clyde later went to the FedEx place as this was an auspicious day to ship things and rubbed up to a bronze fixture for good luck.

SINGAPORE -- CLYDE GOES TO RAFFLES

On the way to Raffles, Clyde stopped off in Chinatown, to work a small scale miracle. The little guy was whining and him Mom could not comfort him. Clyde intervened and a very grateful Mom thank him.

Had a drink in the world-famous Long Bar, but passed on the Singapore Sling. Charming, famous old place, where we had lunch in the garden.

ANKOR WAT --WORLD HERITIGE SITE AND CAMBODIA'S LARGEST TEMPLE

This was actually the last temple of the day – and we were dragging a bit (104 F). The long walk to the front gate was tough.

 

The entrance we used included the only Hindu portion of the temple. It is now mostly Buddhist like lost of Cambodia – although it has vacillated between Hindu and Buddhist over the centuries.

 

But then we found that it was just the front gate and the temple itself was another half mile or so beyond

We got into the temple finally and it didn't look to exciting until the passage way opened up.  The we found an inner courtyard that contained 5 large pools (empty) that are filled rainwater in the wet season and used for religious purposes.

Then an inner courtyard opened up to show 5 large pagodas. See Clyde to see the size – that's him hidden in the base.

Then there were other large features and many carvings in long galleries.

On the way back we encountered a couple of friendly monks, but they weren't too crazy about Clyde.

 

There was also a pony with attendant ready to give pony rides ..  Note the ten-gallon hat.

This little fellow was begging but he got a little ambassador bear. He wanted money but was pleased to get something for himself that he didn't have to turn over to his parents.

BANTEAY SREY TEMPLE -- THE LADY TEMPLE

Called the Lady Temple because it contains the most intricate and delicate carvings around.

 

 

He are a couple of boys having fun in the heat. We almost jumped in too but Clyde restrained us.

And here is a rare sight in this part of Cambodia – a rice paddy in the dry season. Because they have a water source here,