Singapore

My job occasionally comes with some cool perks, and this was definitely a big one. I was able to travel to Singapore in May to do some photoshoots. It was amazing! I still can't believe people wanted to have me come all that distance (a 14-hour flight!) to take their photographs. Though it isn't the first time I have traveled for photography work, it's certainly the most exotic and exciting. In between work commitments I was able to get out and see a bit of this amazing city state and much of what it has to offer. Apart from many trips to the middle east, which is also part of Asia, this was my very first Asian foray. It really just felt like dipping my toe into a vast ocean, but I'd say it was a pretty perfect introduction to Asia. Singapore is a very unique place. If you can get past the oppressively hot and humid climate, it might be the perfect place to live. Low crime, unmatched standard of cleanliness, a wonderful blend of international and Asian cultures, amazing culinary scene at all levels, top schools, world class art and culture and of course within easy striking distance to the rest of Asia. Given the chance I would move here in a heartbeat.

Working here was also amazing.  Though I'll say it did not come without some challenges.  I have never shot in this kind of climate before and it is a whole different game.  The heat and humidity cannot be overstated.  So hot, so humid and that does not make for great shooting conditions all around.  I was a virtual hot, soggy mess within a few minutes of each shoot, and this is nothing to say for my clients!  Brings to meaning to the phrase "hot mess."  Finding some air con respite every few minutes was essential.  And water!  My equipment struggled transitioning from the cold air conditioned vehicles and buildings to the sweltering, humid heat.  I am pretty sure I would have to invest in a dry box (or a dry room!) if I lived here to protect my equipment.  Nevertheless, the opportunity to shoot in such a vastly different place from where I normally shoot, capturing images in this tropical Asian paradise was in fact a dream.

The iconic Singapore Marina Bay

Ion at Orchard, one of many, many malls in Singapore

This trip was all made possible by the generosity and hospitality of dear friends who hosted me there. 

One of many Singapore neighbourhood markets selling just about anything

And this is where Asia touched me, the moment the Asia bug bit!  My friend took me to her favourite place in Singapore, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and within moments of stepping into this place I knew exactly why it was her favourite.  And it would become mine too.  We were lucky enough to stumble in during the monk chants, which were just amazing.  It was so moving to be there listening and watching them.  The hairs on my arms stood erect and I was in another world.  An incredible experience I shall never forget!

And the Tooth Relic Temple is appropriately in Chinatown, which also not surprisingly ended up being my favourite area in Singapore.  I made sure I got to explore this area a second time before I left. Loved all the colours, the markets, the architecture and the Buddhas!   

My friend took me to another favourite spot of hers, the giant green house domes, aka Gardens by the Bay.  I've been to several of these kinds of places (Kew Gardens, Eden Project, etc.), but this outdid the rest and then some.  The scale is breathtaking in and of itself, and the design was really special allowing for so many different experiences within the same place.  The variety of flora there was magnificent.  

After our visit to the Gardens by the Bay we had a delicious dinner at Satay by the Bay, a cool hawker centre with a massive variety of food stalls.  A lot of fun and great food!  

Views off into the bay towards the Singapore Flyer, like the London Eye only bigger!

After dinner we headed over to the giant grove of Super Trees.  This is another wonder of modern Singapore, a cluster of massive steel "trees" with real vegetation growing up and around them.  You can ascend the trees and walk along an elevated platform linking them.  One of the trees even has a restaurant.  Every evening the trees put on a stunning light and music show.  A real highlight to my time in Singapore. 

Just like Chinatown Singapore also has a Little India, which I was excited to see.  I have a secret fascination of all things Indian.   I love the colour, the food, the passion and the traditions.  I also love the music.  My Bollywood playlist is a favourite.  A highlight of my visit to Little India was a visit to this Hindu temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.  So beautiful, and so interesting.  My very first time in a Hindu temple.  We got to witness some rituals therein, which was really special.  

Another gorgeous Chinese temple, Thian Hock Keng.  I was mesmerised by it all, and I wish I understood more of what it all meant.  

I decided to explore another section of town and head over from the marina to the Colonial Quarter, over the Cavenagh Bridge.  

Some of corporate Singapore, and there is a lot in this hugely developed international financial centre.  

Singapore Supreme Court

The famous old landmark Raffles Hotel. 

More Chinatown

I took a spin around the great big Singapore Flyer.  I thought it was worth the trip for the stunning views.  

Don't think it would be right to come to Singapore and not ascend the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel.  The views are spectacular, and fun to get a chance to get inside this iconic hotel.  I sure appreciated the cold granita stand at the top.  It was like an inferno up there! 

And because I hadn't had enough views over Singapore, for one last hurrah I took my host friend to a special lunch up the Equinox.  What a grand way to say farewell!  Such a great time in Singapore.  I can't wait to bring my family back!