You all have probably seen Glenn on the blog throughout my time here. (He's the one on the right in the picture above). Glenn is a Singaporean who befriended the girl in my program in Singapore last year and has since been passed down to each new set of us coming to Singapore. He is very nice to take on the task of answering our questions about Singapore, showing us around, and making good recommendations on traveling in the area too.
Saturday night he invited Ethan and me to visit where he lives and to explore that area of Singapore. Why haven’t we visited this are of Singapore before? Well it’s an area that really requires having a car to get around (or figuring out the bus schedule which I haven’t done) because the MRT doesn't stop very near.
Glenn picked us up from the MRT and then drove us over to his complex. When I walked in I was blown away by the beautiful décor and the cozy atmosphere! I guess I have just come to assume that all apartments are as bland and white as mine here in Singapore but it was nice to be somewhere that was decorated and just plain felt like a home. We met his parents and two younger sisters who were all so kind and welcoming. Then in traditional Singaporean fashion, his mother insisted we take a seat at the table for snacks and tea.
It was lovely talking with his family, listening to his Dad’s experiences traveling around the world on a ship, their yearly family vacations, and what our experience in Singapore had been like thus far. Of course a big take away is that most everyone at the table agreed that going to Hawaii was on all of our lists of trips to take in the future! Although there were a few different reasons to want to go there being either for relaxation on the beach, going on adventures, or visiting Pearl Harbor which is Glenn’s youngest sisters wish.
View from Punggol Point, across the water is Malaysia
After a few hours of good eats, delicious hot tea, and wonderful conversation, Glenn’s dad took Glenn, Ethan, and me for a drive to Punggol Point. This is a nice local beach where you can see Malaysia right across the way. It felt very similar to East Coast Park minus the crowds of people and was also much more quiet and peaceful. There is also some historical significance with this beach as it was the site of the terrible Sook Ching Massacre during World War II when 400 Chinese civilians were massacred here by the Japanese Military when the Japanese had occupied Singapore.
Singapore on the right, Malaysia on the left (and someone taking a selfie)
Malaysia behind me
Once we had taken in the views and taken some pictures, Glenn’s Dad dropped us off at Serangoon Gardens. This area is filled with different types of restaurants, bars, and shops. We started off at a spot called Plonk and had drinks (dark and stormy for me) and croquettes. Then Glenn took us to his family favorite Chinese restaurant where the three of us had a good feast. Of course I can’t tell you what I ate as that has to be part of food Friday but I’ll just say that it was delicious!
Pow Sing Restaurant
Our evening ended with a stop at a rooftop garden to take in the views.
Thank you so much Glenn’s family for welcoming me into your home and thanks to Glenn for being a great Singapore tour guide and friend!
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