Singapore (May 4 - 7, 2012)

Went down to Singapore beginning of May for my cousin's wedding.  Together with my sister, we arrived at Singapore about 1040 and it was raining heavily.  After checking out took a cab to uncle's house at Pasir Ris which is quite near Changi Airport.



Clockwise from left: 1) Buddha Tooth Relic Temple; 2) Level 1, Main shrine hall; 3) level 1, behind the main shrine hall; and 4) beautiful clouds, view from inside of plane.

After some refreshments and getting some directions from my uncle and auntie, we took a bus down to Chinatown, sister went for her shopping whereas I went to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple but before that I had my late lunch at NutriHub the Organic Vegetarian Cafe situated at Temple Street (a pity the proprietor told me that she is closing down the f and b business, due to high cost, and will only concentrate on teaching nutritious cooking).  The Temple is 2 streets away and since it was the eve of Vesak, there were chanting going on and devotees making offerings.  The main buddha in the temple is Maitreya Buddha, situated at Level 1.  The relics chamber is situated at Level 4 and some relics is also at Level 3.  Wished had more time to slowly look around the temple.

Accomodation for the whole duration of our stay was at Aloha Loyang Resort, graciously arranged by uncle and auntie.

Clockwise from left - 1)   my late lunch;  2)  and  4) flowers and candles as  offerings;   and  3) bungalow at Aloha Loyang Resort

Next day (Sat.) met up with Kenny and Melinda, off we went to Bugis area for sightseeing and (window)shopping.  I left at about 4pm to meet up with Mr. See and family (a Dao kin from Penang) and had dinner with them at Yummy Green located at Downtown East, Pasir Ris.  After that back to Aloha Loyang Resort for the 'lau thia meh' (wedding eve dinner).

Clockwise from left: Buddha Relics chambers; Bugis Junction (in front of Inter Continental Hotel, the venue of the wedding dinner); roof top garden of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple; and menu - Yummy Garden @ Downtown East.

Sunday, the wedding day, morning all relatives met at uncle's place for the tea ceremony and in the evening all relatives took a chartered bus to the Inter-Continental Hotel for the solemnisation ceremony and wedding dinner.

Clockwise from left- 1. Baked cheese rise @ Yummy Green; 2. Solemnisation ceremony @ Inter Continental Hotel; 3. Candles; and 4. Floral decoration for the cocktail at the hotel.

The solemnisation ceremony conducted by the Justice Of Peace was the best of all ceremony that I have attended so far.

On Monday, visited Universal Studio at Sentosa Island.  The Transformer ride was fantastic.

Clockwise from left - 1. Transformer ride; 2. Lights camera action by Steven Spielberg; 3. Monster Rock show; and 4. Waterworld