Sometime in December last year while Mari was helping me move back into my newly renovated home, she mentioned a trip a Singapore she had told me about a while back. I remember telling her that I’d go with her. Although now it was 3 days before her flight. But I confirmed anyway on the spot. Finally! Our first trip together which we’ve been talking about for months. We thought it would be wonderful to shoot for our blogs internationally and take each other’s pictures.
Though our main agenda was to tour the museum, my inner shutterbug emerged, eager to take better pictures I can turn into great travel blogging content. I am a digital film major, after all. I took photography as a foundation subject in college. I was just a bit rusty because college was umm, a while ago. You can tell by the focus of some of my shots but I am determined to get better!
By then, I was already used to carrying my Panasonic Lumix GX-7 around. I ended up documenting memorable moments of the trip. I used to be one of those abnormal people who soak in the experience without the urge to take photos of everything and the distraction of social media. Now I can’t even eat an important dish when I travel without taking a photo first.
Speaking of content style, I didn’t quite have one yet in my first travel post ever about Bohol. So now I would like to try something my brain stumbled upon during a nap on a boat in Siargao. Trying to be a creative woman of structure, I even dreamt about how to create an outline for my travel blog post. A structure that would highlight what blew my mind during the trip without leaving behind the other things that deserve blog recognition.
With that, I hope you enjoy my very first compilation of travel bests called…
The Best Things…
I did
#1 TANJONG PAGAR
A hip district where the Chinese and Indians in the mid 19th century lived. Now restored and dressed up with cool concepts for restaurants, cafes and other artsy businesses, there are many Instagrammable corners everywhere.
Mari and I spent the most time here taking pictures, having coffee and eating.
(and the runner up)
THE TRICK EYE MUSEUM
Simple and interactive fun. Jump into the painting for some goofy looking pictures.
The Best Things…
I ate
#1 CURE
Quite the fancy dinner. Located in Tanjong Pagar. When I see foie gras on the menu, I need to have it. I skipped the halibut though.
All the seats were occupied! That’s always a good sign.
Pretty paper thin beets and microgreens.
The amuse bouche I do not remember.
Oddly refreshing and savory at the same time. Is that even possible?
It was my first time to eat an endive. Grilling is a great way to cook it, I think. Brought out the stalky/meaty texture of the vegetable.
Amazing! Done so well. But I wish there was more venison and foie gras on the plate.
Talking about politics and religion at the dinner table with Singapore-based Guava Pass founders Rob and Rhyce.
(and the runner up)
ELEMEN
A vegetarian restaurant located in the mall near our hotel. Mari and I walked passed this while looking for a restaurant we found on Yelp. We glanced at the menu and decided to eat here. Everything looked healthy and fresh. Just the type of food we love.
And a place with wishbone chairs are good in my book.
First time to try maca root soup. I’ve only had powdered maca in my smoothies. So I was curious how real maca tastes. I’m not curious anymore.
Mari’s vegetarian sushi roll. We love anything with avocado.
My brown rice with grilled eggplant. I know it looks uneventful but it was actually quite good.
The Best Things…
I drank
#1 ORIOLE
Mari’s coffee discovery. We are always searching for the best cafes – third wave and specialty. And it makes the hunt more exciting if we find a place that serves non-dairy milk.
We ate there but the food wasn’t as important as their coffee.
And they have this! Homemade nut milk from macadamia, almonds and dates. I was in heaven.
(and the runner up)
THE LOKAL
one of the few cafes open past 5pm in Tanjong Pagar.
Accidentally finding gems like this place makes us happy. They made us even happier by not handing us a bill at the end. The owner is Aussie and the manager in Filipina. So kind and hospitable of them!
I wanted to take this stylish ceiling fan home. I have a thing for ceiling fans. I have one in every major area of my house – a total of 5.
We love you if you have gluten free pastries. Mari and I are both intolerant to gluten (but sometimes don’t care and stuff our faces with bread). Still, well-made gluten free pastries are hard to come by.
Comfy corner where we posted away on Instagram.
The Best Things…
I wore
#1
H&M palm print top covering my white shorts. Alexander Wang bag. Annie and Lori sandals.
(and the runner up)
ZARA top and shorts. Jill Sander sandals. Alxeander Wang bag.
The Best Things…
I learned
On this trip, I realized I need to travel more and exert the effort to document the highlights. Traveling is an essential part of my character that I need to share on my blog. I thought maybe I could also do some hosting work in Singapore. I’ve always wanted to be on the Food Network or have a travel show. Now sending that out again into the universe.