Over the last several years Faith and I have jetted off from Adelaide to Singapore for the Formula One GP each September and with the 2019 event taking place this weekend it seemed a legitimate choice for my #whereonwednesday post this week.

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Normally we fly out on the Wednesday prior to the race-weekend which would mean I'd be sitting in a plane right now instead of at my desk. I know...Sad right? *Image above shows part of the Supertree grove and a small portion of the Marina Bay Sands hotel to the right.*

This year we had to forego our Singapore Formula One trip as we are heading to New Zealand in only a few weeks and simply couldn't afford to do both unfortunately.

We love our Formula One trips to Singapore which are now primarily centred around the race and a lot of sitting around the pool relaxing. We always manage to fit in some sight-seeing and exploring though, however, over the years, have probably done pretty-much everything there is to do there.

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*Faith and and I in Singapore, around the pool and out and about. It's hot and humid in Singapore making it somewhat uncomfortable for us - Coming from a dry climate and all. We make it work with plenty of pool time and loads of beverages.*

For those who are not familiar with it, the race is held at night, under lights. The track opens around 1530 and we generally don't leave until around 0030. (3:30pm to 12:30am in case you're confused.) It's great because evenings are cooler and the cars seem more spectacular at night - Red-hot glowing brake-discs and sparks flying as they bottom out on the track. The 1700 (5pm) downpour comes almost like clockwork but doesn't last long and it's very hot there so a little soaking never hurts! It's only rain after all, and there's plenty of shelter to be found.

The Formula One spectacle in Singapore is not just about on-track action and I've always said that a person who didn't like cars would have no shortage of other things to do. The entertainment program is nothing short of spectacular and one could have a thoroughly great time without even seeing a car!

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*The Singapore Flyer which is an essential thing to do. If you have Formula One tickets you are entitled to unlimited rides and the view over the track, city and bay is pretty special, day and night. The Merlion, symbolic creature of Singapore, overlooking the Marina Bay Sands complex across the bay. This is a nice spot to be at night too as Singapore always seems lit up, vibrant and interesting at night!*

There's loads to do in Singapore and the Garden's by the Bay *has* to be on your list of things to do! I can thoroughly recommend staying after dark for the light and music show in the Supertree Grove! Make sure you get there early for the best observation spots though!

My suggestion for these gardens would be to spend a day there as there's loads to do and see, inside and out, including the Supertree Grove Cloud Forest, Sculptures, Floral Fantasy, Serene Garden, Flower dome and much, *much*, more. Maybe head back to the Marina Bay Sands for an early dinner on the top observation deck (amazing views) and then back down to the Supertree Grove for the music and light show. You won't regret it and if you have kids they will love it!

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*Some shots from inside and around the Gardens at the Bay - You really need to spend a while here as it's impossible to see in only an hour or two. The indoor waterfall (Cloud Forest) is amazing but there's loads more to explore.*

**Here's just a few suggestions of things to do in singapore:**

- Sentosa resort island (for families...and big kids too)
- MacRitchie Nature Trail and tree top walk
- Zoo and night safari (Night safari is pretty cool!)
- Universal Studios (not somewhere I've been through lack of interest)
- Singapore Flyer (You must do this in the day and also at night for two great views over the city and bay.
- Orchard Road if shopping is your thing (In fact there's many shopping opportunities if that's your thing - We don't shop when on vacation but a little window shopping is always interesting)
- Clark Quay for night life and food (And meeting people)
- Jurong Bird Park (for families and nature lovers)
- Fort Canning (for war history buffs like me)
- Raffles for high-tea or a famous Singapore Sling (Trust me, this is something you *must* do! We have, a few times. :)
- A river cruise for a different aspect of the city
- China town for its many attractions and tasty food
- Museums, shows and cultural attractions
- Amazing restaurants for food from all over the world (You have to eat at Breworkz for boutique craft beer and great burgers, nachos, hot dogs, schnity's etc.)
- And don't forget to walk around and explore the city and bay area in general
- A visit to the Marina Bay Sands is a shopping dream (if you are that way inclined) and you have to get yourself to the observation deck during the day *and at night* for the spectacular views. You can also take a drive of a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Audi R8 or any number of other exotic cars. Only your finances will inhibit you when you're in this district.

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*I took this whilst in the Singapore Flyer one evening. The tall purple building on the left is the Marina Bay Sands hotel building - You can only see one of the three columns here. The top left image below shows the building from the side profile.*

We have done just about everything in Singapore but still manage to find excitement and enjoyment each time we go back. These days we sit around the pool a great deal, where we catch up on our reading, sip cool beverages and chat - In between splashing around in the pool of course. 

About 1500 (3pm) we head down to the track for an evening of high-octane entertainment on and off-track with fast cars and some of the worlds best entertainers keeping things lively and fun. There are some seriously good *roving performers* which is where we ran into the magician *Dynamo* one year. Amazing - He's a little odd looking though, kind of seems like an alien. Maybe he's from another planet, on a recon mission, like I am? 

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*Some random shots including a river boat, couple of Ferrari's at the track, around the pool, hotel lobby and the line up to get into the track.*

If you ever get the chance to go I'd suggest you fly in on the Wednesday or Thursday, spend Friday to Sunday at the track and around the pool then deploy your Singapore-exploration over the next week after the race. That will give you ample time to explore the city and find those things you're most interested in. Of course, what you like may not be what I like, however I'm confident you'll love this safe, interesting and vibrant city. 

Singapore is not necessarily a cheap destination. At Formula One race weekend, the week or so prior and after, it is even worse. Still, it's the best time to be there in my opinion and we wouldn't go back if it wasn't for the race anyway - Not repeatedly in any case. Many see Singapore only as a layover airport however there's much more to it. It's well-worth several days at least. It's busy at grand Prix time so if the race isn't your thing simply avoid the end of September and do another time - It'll be cheaper too.

I've been a bit depressed lately, I wrote about why in my ***<a href="https://steemit.com/thoughts/@galenkp/anger-and-loss-or-life-and-death">last post</a>*** and so today my thoughts of Singapore have more of a purpose than simply being the target for a post. I really wish to be anywhere other than at my desk today and to be completely honest I'll probably head out somewhere and just chill out, think about god times and forget the recent events leading to my solemn mood.

Anyway, that's where I'd rather be and what I'd rather be doing right now. If you want to join in on #whereonwednesday just tag it in your post, on a Wednesday and away you go. It's not a challenge or anything dumb like that, neither do you *get anything* for it. It's just a chance to post your thoughts and maybe a picture or two.
*** 
**_Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default_**
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