#21 - Singapore Stories Part 2 - Garv screams, Segways and Dav turns 30

Universal Studios. Authentically Singaporean

I've never particularly liked theme parks. I think it comes from the time I went green on the pirate ship at Drayton Manor after I'd eaten a tub of KP's white chocolate Choco Dips. Or perhaps the time I got travel sick on the school coach on my way to Alton Towers. Or maybe the time I had to sit down after going on the spinning tea cups in Telford. Either way - a fan of needless adrenalin and endless queuing I am not.

Still, on the island of Sentosa stands Universal Studios; the Hollywood-inspired theme park, boasting attractions themed by all the classics; Jurassic Park, The Mummy, Shrek and my personal favourite, Sesame Street.

Childish humour.

After queuing for an hour to go on what was effectively a Sesame Street ride for 5 year olds (yes, that was my idea) we dined in a 1950s-style diner before making our way towards The Mummy's indoor rollercoaster. Dav and Hannah were somewhat excited, I felt obliged as I'd traveled all that way and Garv, well, he turned out to be adept at looking after other people's stuff whilst they went on rides. Dav and Hannah loved every second, I however had my eyes ferociously shut desperately hoping not to see my burger and fries for a second time.

We eventually convinced Garv to join us on the family-friendly rapids water ride. After queuing for more than an hour in stifling humidity, the gentle splash of the choppy water was a welcome relief to us all...that was until an unexpected log-flume drop towards the very end. As the boat unexpectedly rose out of the water, the doors in front of us opened and over we tipped. Poor Garv however was looking straight down from the very top and let out what can only be described as a string of highly pitched expletives going along the lines of "f*****g hell, s**t, noooooo!!" It left Dav, Hannah and I in stitches - as indeed did it the two Japanese six year olds who were also in our boat. Not sure their parents were as impressed.

Marina Bay Sands at night. Wow.

The following day was Easter Sunday. I dragged the gang to the Botanical Gardens. The highlight for me being the wonderful lakes and orchid gardens; the highlight for Dav was being able to get a picture of Garv and his long-suffering wife, Hannah, next to a sign saying 'Ginger Garden'. Childish. Amusing but childish.

Our view from the top of the MBS

That evening we made our way to what has become the most dominant feature of the Singapore skyline; Marina Bay Sands. This goliath structure was funded by Vegas-cash and is a hugely impressive sight. Three skyscraper towers with a boat-like structure resting along its top. Inside is a very plush casino. Having never been in a casino, Dav wanted to sign of his 20s doing something new. So, in we went. We each placed a $10 (£5) bet on the roulette tables. We lost. We soon concluded that gambling was never likely to be our vice. Dav and I instead decided that a white bread addiction was more likely to do for us than a gambling habit.

Feeling wounded by our rush of blood that cost us £20, we made our way to the top of the Marina Bay Sands. The views from the top are simply sensational. The boats in the Singapore Straits and the lights of the city below are breathtaking. It was one of those 'how did I get here moments?'.

The southerly most point of Continental Asia

The next morning was Dav's 30th. Although not until 7am local time. Not to suggest he's a 'Little Englander' but he'd only recognise Greenwich Mean Time and, here's a fact, he never changes his wrist watch from GMT...he says he 'likes to have a bit of Blighty on his wrist'. Well in true British style it rained that day. And then it rained some more...then it drizzled...then it p****d it down. Still, in true Dunkirk-style, our spirit was not to be dampened. We made our way back to the island of Sentosa, or at least we tried to. The first taxi we flagged down claimed to not know where it was. The second taxi driver, when we said where we wanted to go simply said 'no'. Eventually we found a cab to take us the short 20 minute trip - although I soon wished we hadn't. He clearly wasn't the full ticket, driving bare feet and making an odd 'sniffing' sound every minute or so. It was, quite frankly, weird.

We spent the morning in the aquarium before the birthday boy was given free reign on his choice of lunch. So we finished our Big Mac and chips and headed to the beach. The words 'Brit abroad' spring to mind.

An artist's impression of how Dav may have looked

The beaches at Sentosa were beautiful as we stood at the most southerly point of Continental Asia overlooking the ocean. We didn't stay for long though - Dav had reluctantly been railroaded into riding a Segway for his birthday. Quite frankly, wild horses wouldn't have stopped me witnessing this. I love the guy to bits but nimble and agile aren't words I'd ever associate with Dav - although ironically it would be Hannah who almost went head first into a tree.

Later that night, Garv treated us to a meal at the exclusive Level 33 restaurant. It's also doubles up as a micro-brewery so it was ale all round for the birthday boy before we made our way on to the balcony of the restaurant and marveled at another glorious Singaporean evening.

Only one more Singapore-blog to go, I promise.

In the meantime, this is for Garv...