Day 15, 16: Singapore to Sydney and beyond.

The R & R days in Singapore were appreciated after a hectic tour of Vietnam.

For our last day, before an over-night flight to Sydney, our fellow travellers headed in all directions in Singapore - some to Changi and the wonderful experience of an efficient, well-planned MRT and bus network, some to the Gardens and other sights around Singapore, while others shopped or rested and recovered. 

We headed for the 'Arab quarter'.  

The mosque is large.

One has to admire the frescoes (or is it graffiti? - perhaps 'street art) along Haji Lane.

The 'five-foot-walkways' around all the old part of Singapore are very practical. A quick check reveals they came from the 'Jackson Plan', sometimes called the 'Raffles Plan', in the 1820s when Stamford Raffles developed the town and port for the British.  He allocated ethnic groups to areas of the city (hence Chinatown, the Indian quarter, the Arab quarter etc), but also insisted that inhabitants could walk around the city, under cover and protected from the rain. Hence, it was required that there was a five foot wide 'continuous, sheltered, public walkway' in the front of all shop facades. These days, some spaces are cluttered with traders' goods but the concept still holds.

Would they deliver to Australia?

Corrie had a brief moment of nostalgia for the canals of Amsterdam.

... and then it was all over!  A night-flight from Singapore to Sydney, then some bleary-eyed farewells near the luggage carousels, before heading in various directions. Home always looks good - in our case South Solitary Island off the Coffs coast...

... and then Muttonbird Island and the Jetty area of Coffs Harbour before touching down at the airport.

Farewell!  and a huge debt of thanks to Kerry Mowett and Binh for a sensational trip. Also, a big thanks to all the participants for being friendly, warm and inclusive to all fellow travellers, especially those from 'out-of-area'.
Thank you