Exploring Singapore 🇸🇬 - Juliet Amann

Juliet Aman is an avid rambler and world traveler from Springfield, Virginia, USA. She recently moved to Singapore and relishes the adventure of this new chapter in life.  

"What is that?!" I yelled, feeling like I stumbled upon a baby dragon during one of our walks. "Monitor Lizard," said my companion. As my mind processed the encounter, I thought, "Amazing!" and continued on our adventure.

"Don't look the monkeys in the eyes!" Wait, what? A wild boar? Welcome to my first days exploring MacRitchie Reservoir with the American Women's Association (AWA) walking group in Singapore – a fascinating hike filled with wonder, surprises, and a few giggles. I soon realized that without this group of amazing ladies, I'd be missing out on so much.

I moved to Singapore from the east coast of the USA about fourteen months ago. While I was excited about this unique chapter in my life, fitting into a new country was more complex than I expected. Thankfully, Singapore's AWA Walking group swooped in to help me settle.

Through the group, I found like-minded ladies who loved walking, craved new adventures, and wholeheartedly supported each other. What a joy!

Nestled on the equator in Southeast Asia, Singapore is often hailed as a bustling metropolis and financial hub. However, beneath the iconic skyline lies a city brimming with wildlife, green spaces, and a melting pot of cultures. From beautiful riverbanks to cultural enclaves, futuristic landmarks, lush gardens, and bustling hawker centers – each step unveils a different facet of this vibrant city-state.

I live along the Singapore River, where smooth-coated otters often steal the show – the rockstars of the river, as I like to call them. These playful furballs have become the city's celebrities, and observing their antics along the quays is a surefire mood booster. The Bishan otters, with their playful interactions and adorable pups, have amassed a fanbase that rivals any celebrity following.

In my neighborhood, grocery shopping is an adventure, and a trip to Chinatown guarantees a dose of culture and the finest dumplings around. The lively Lunar New Year celebrations flood the streets with small and giant dragons, painting the town in vibrant hues.

As a walker, I stroll by historic temples, such as the Thian Hock Keng Temple  and the Sri Mariamman Temple, representing Singapore's diverse religious and cultural fabric. It's common to find all four of the world's major religions peacefully coexisting and supported.

A waterfront promenade walk is a must, with the jaw-dropping sight of Marina Bay Sands stealing the spotlight. The towering architecture reflected in the bay, the Helix Bridge, and the futuristic ArtScience Museum create a visual spectacle. As I soak in the breathtaking skyline and the serene bay, I find it's the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

Gardens by the Bay is another marvel to explore – 250 acres of horticultural wonder featuring the iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. The lush greenery and towering Supertrees are nothing short of breathtaking.

And let's not forget the culinary delights! Even though we're walking and not eating, a trip to the vibrant hawker centers is a must at the end of the journey. From Maxwell Food Centre to Lau Pa Sat, it's a foodie's paradise. Dive into Hainanese Chicken Rice, slurp some Laksa, and devour Char Kway Teow – your taste buds will be forever grateful for the flavor explosion.

Now, let's talk about the real stars of my walking adventures – the women in the walking group. These incredible ladies make every hike better. Their stories are inspiring, their encouragement is unwavering, and their camaraderie is nothing short of amazing. Whether we're laughing at the antics of the otters or supporting each other through challenging trails, their presence adds an extra layer of joy to every step.

So, there you have it – my little guide to strolling through Singapore's cool spots. I highly recommend you come for a visit! Slip on your comfy shoes and let the Lion City reveal its fantastic self. And if you'd like, come join our group of inspiring women – because, trust me, they make the journey even more unforgettable.

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