Singapore

During my winter vacation I escaped from the cold of Korea to the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia. My taste of the Malay Peninsula began in Singapore where I spent the Christmas holiday with my friend and her welcoming family.

Singapore is a city-state off the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. It is often regarded as one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia and has become a major destination for both visitors and businesses alike. The bustling city is filled with towering skyscrapers, rising modern marvels, and ample green space.

Singapore has enough attractions to keep you busy for days on end. The Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular destinations as well as top ranked on a global scale. The open design with hidden barriers creates a natural and interactive environment for visitors. One can easily spend an entire day wandering through the zoo and enjoying its many exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences such as “Breakfast with Orangutans”. 

The Singapore Zoo.

Modern-day features such as The Marina Bay Sands and Universal Studios, shopping on Orchard Road, and legendary food comprise the city. While Singapore is known for its many contemporary sites, authentic and cultural experiences can still be found. Since the island is populated by mostly Chinese, Malays, and Indians, various temples and traditional communities dot the city. One of which is the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple.

The city skyline at night.

Chinatown

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

The view from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

The Sri Mariamman Temple.

Overall, I really enjoyed Singapore. It’s a beautiful city with plenty to do and at times, the westernized aspects reminded me of the cities back in the states. Nonetheless, there were many cultural treasurers that made it feel unique in its own rite.

New Year's Eve in Seoul

Every New Year’s, thousands of Koreans gather in the streets of Seoul to watch the ringing of Boshingak Bell. Bringing in the New Year in Seoul was an exhilarating experience. At the stroke of midnight, the bell rang and the sky filled with fireworks as everyone roared with pure excitement. The celebration included an endless supply of roman candles, traditional drummers, performances, and drunk Koreans dancing in the streets having a great time. 

 

Celebrating Korean style!

Happy New Year!