Adjusting: Clark Quay, Marina Bay, and Chinatown

I have been in Singapore for about five days now, although it seems like it has been so much longer! It's amazing how much can happen in such little time. I can see why it's good to post blogs more often, because now I have a ton of information to squeeze into a post! These last few days have been spent adjusting to the new weather and time zone, exploring a few things around Singapore, and most importantly relaxing before classes start (today!). 

Pool on campus, I'll be visiting this a lot!

It is about 90 degrees (F) and humid here almost every day, a big switch from the snow I left at home! Although it can be a little too much at times, I am finding ways to deal- like going to the pool every day. Also, I think I am adjusting to the time zone pretty well! I have been lucky enough to get pretty normal sleep for the last few nights. I've been told to stop comparing the time at home to here because it will "just make me more tired." 

Me with the Merlion

A few nights ago we ventured to Clark Quay, a strip of restaurants and bars downtown. Because NTU is pretty far away from the main area of the city, this was my first experience seeing all the lights and buildings. We then walked down by Marina Bay and saw the infamous "merlion" and the Marina Bay Sands resort, home of the infinity pool. The entire area was so beautiful all lit up at night! 

Marina Bay

Ice Kachang

Yesterday we explored Chinatown. The streets were full of little shops selling various trinkets or medicines and there was also a hawker center (local food center). This hawker center had a lot wider variety of Chinese dishes than served on campus. You could order things such as chicken feet or intestines (eww!). However, there were several stands that served different types of fruit juice that were so delicious! Many different options from papaya to honey pineapple to watermelon to kiwi... very refreshing after walking around a lot. We also ordered a dessert called "ice kachang" which was basically shaved ice that you could get with a variety of toppings such as strawberry, mango, jelly bubble things, and even beans. It was very interesting, and not too bad if you stick to the areas of the toppings you like. 

Hindu temple

One of the coolest things about Chinatown were the different temples we could visit. Interestingly, there was both a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple in Chinatown, both were absolutely gorgeous. When entering the Buddhist temple, we needed to make sure our legs and shoulders were covered so they supplied us with shawls and fabric to wrap around ourselves. It was so interesting to see the intricate detail inside of the temples and also to see the difference between the two. 

Buddhist Temple

Covering ourselves so we could go in the temple

 I should also probably say that Singapore in general, but especially NTU's campus, is absolutely gorgeous! One of the most surprising things I found here is how green everything is. Although Singapore is a huge city, it is very clean and full of green trees and plants. I feel like I am living in a jungle! I've even been told you can see monkeys sometimes by some of the halls. 

View from my dorm window

                                                                         

Art and Media Building