first morning

The next morning, we left the hotel early to look for a typical Singaporean breakfast. We asked the doorman where we could find some kaya toast. He said something which Steph (silent H) and I both did not understand, and then we started walking determinedly in the general direction of what sounded like what he said. In short, we had no idea where we were going.

And against all odds, we found it, WTH! Toast Box in the basement of The Centrepoint on Orchard Road.

A nice and cheery place for breakfast. I liked the color scheme and furniture.

My first taste of kaya toast-- ever.

Verdict: Steph said that authentic kaya toast is usually thinner and crisper, but she likes Toast Box because the thicker sliced bread feels more substantial in the tummy. Now that I've tried both, I agree. Dipping the toast in the perfect cloud-like soft-boiled eggs drizzled with syrupy soy sauce and white pepper brought a goofy smile to my face. This is happy food. And surprise, surprise-- the coffee is very fine. I didn't miss Starbucks at all.

On the way out, I saw this:

No relation to this:

We had some errands to run at Lucky Plaza, so we walked. I know that a lot of people say that Orchard Road is not the "real" Singapore and that there are lots more places to take a walk that's more interesting and full of culture, but I gotta tell you-- Orchard Road is the best street for walking. In any country I've been in.

Urban art is not an oxymoron

The famous trees that Orchard Road is named for.

The Ion Orchard proves that shopping malls can make an effort to be beautiful.

And of course, there's the (window) shopping.

We're not worthy! We're not worthy!

After a nice little stroll, we arrived at our destination. In a sentence, Lucky Plaza is the Philippines in mall form.

If you need it, they got it. If you don't need it but they got it, you will need it eventually.

Have to send a package to the motherland? Say hello to loved ones via webcam? Buy load for your cellphone?

Have a hankering for some sisig or sweet spaghetti? How about lechon?

Crackers, instant noodles or whitening soap and lotion?

Singapore... j'adore.