Quiet start to the day before heading to the airport for the final few days in Singapore.
The last chance for a team photo in Saigon (HCM City) on the steps of the Sunland Hotel before heading off.
The gathering of luggage, checking bags etc. Then it was farewell to Binh, our tour guide, who did a remarkable job. He headed home to rest, recover and plan for the next trip.
Ho Chi Minh City from the air looks like any other modern megalopolis.
Approaching Singapore a short time later (less than 2 hours)
The view from our accommodation in Singapore (Royal on Queens)
Time for a rest and drink, before heading down to the foreshore for a meal. All travellers headed in different directions, although the distinctive orange cap was spotted occasionally from a distance.
The next day, the tour group members did different things, dependent on interests. For us, the day started with a 'hop-on, hop-off' bus trip to 'Gardens by the Sea', a truly remarkable development in Singapore. Of course, the skyline is dominated by the engineering marvel of the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Hardly a straight line is visible: must have been a builders' nightmare dealing with the curves and corners.
The 'DNA bridge' has to get a mention.
One approach to the Gardens is through the Marina Bay resort. Wikipedia quotes the Gardens as 101 hectares of reclaimed land.
The shapes (conical, mushroom 'things') are spectacular by day, but breathtaking at night when they are lit up, especially during the 'light-show' just after dusk.
Sentinel!
The Gardens have two large conservatories, the 'Flower Dome' and the 'Cloud Dome', both very large, glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled spaces where various plants and trees from around the world are on display.
The tulips in the Flower Dome
The Cloud Dome had rainforest species from around the world...
... but did get chilly enough for Mary to break out the new, super-expensive North Face spray jacket ($5 in Sa Pa)
The scale of the buildings is enormous.
... and I photographed this for some reason.. Can I remember why?
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