Our trip to Singapore was one of wonder and new experiences for us. The only place I’ve ever been to where you can easily visit a Buddhist Temple, Islamic Mosque, Catholic Church, and Hindu Temple all in one afternoons walk. Eat Indian masala and egg parotta for breakfast, then Haianese chicken rice for lunch, and then eat a giant feast, family style of Peranakan food for dinner. It is a land of extremes that is for sure. Extreme heat, and extreme humidity being located on the equator. We spent 10 days in Singapore; wandering the colorful neighborhoods, and ducking in and out of air conditioned shops, and eating gelato just to stay cool. We are fascinated by this tiny city/country. Every corner was a completely different experience from the last.
Walking in one neighborhood where the signs are all in English and then turning a corner to see an elaborately decorated Chinese new year celebration among ancient shophouses. Then turning down another path towards the most modern architecture in the world. We didn’t realize how one dimensional our small town Canadian lives could seem until we visited Singapore. It was so exciting to see how all these religion’s, societies, cultures, varieties of architecture and levels of income all work together. It was so inspiring to experience so much diversity in such a tiny space.
We feel so fortunate to have had so many clients come from Singapore to Canada for photoshoots with us over the years, but we are even more honoured that we now call all 6 of them friends. We measure our travel by how many friends we meet and people we connect with, rather than by how many photos we take. We realize that sometimes photos are all we have to look back on. So even though there are a ton of photos below, they would not have been possible without the guidance and love of our amazing friends. So to Cheryl, Kelly, Wayne, Mui, Andrea & Carl; we hope you enjoy this colorful photo essay through your beautiful country, Singapore.
I wanted an unforgettable experience in Singapore. I wanted to walk away feeling fulfilled, and renewed. I wanted to learn new lessons and new customs, and be reminded of the things that matter most in our lives. Singapore taught me again that everyone is equal across a dinner table, and that is the best place to share experiences. That community makes you feel whole, not less special or unique. That trying new things can open so many doors to friendship and trust. Relinquishing control and allowing people to do things for you, is an act of gratitude and not incompetence.
Singapore in the end made me lighter, more carefree, and mouldable. Asia is still a mystical land, and we have only seen a tiny fraction of it, the veil has not yet been lifted for us, and thats a good thing. I wanted this trip to Asia to change me, I wanted kismet moments, moments of wanderlust, moments to marvel and moments to soak it all in. I was open to everything, I lived in every moment and I just hope it all continues to mean something to us in the memories that we keep long after magic wears off.
We hope you one day you find your self walking through Singapore at night, and allow the child within you to experience all that this wonderful country has to offer.
Cheers
When in Singapore, check out some of our favorite places:
Little India (Tekka) Neighbourhood
Gelatissimo (For a taste of our most favorite gelato in Singapore.)