Overnighting in Singapore on our way back from Australia, we knew we had to hit the zoo. Gus was in heaven and so was I – memories of a childhood visit were surprisingly overpowering… 

Another brilliant taxi ride full of hilarious chat – cab drivers own their cars and totally personalise them which I love – and we were deposited in the north of the city, nearer to the airport than our hotel in Chinatown. It’s a brilliant day out, although I have moments worrying whether the animals are kept in big enough enclosures, really, they should be out roaming the wild, but this world, the things we do… anyway, Gus is just at the age when seeing the animals is magical – a trip to London Zoo when he was younger wasn’t quite such a roaring success, but I’m planning a return soon with London Passes.

I should mention that we stayed in a funny little boutique hotel in Chinatown – all decked out in black and white, I think when it first opened it became a bit of a party hotel, so definitely had seen better days. But it was cute, quirky and just what we needed for 24 hours. Plus I had a delicious bowl of Bircher muesli, how did I not about this? Being right in the centre of Chinatown was good for an explore after the zoo, delicious street food noodles (ok, we didn’t brave the various fish head porridges, I confess), lots of little shops full of antiques and homewares and the temple where I made an incense wish… I’ll let you know if it comes true.

There’s so much more to explore in a city like this – can you believe I didn’t get near a mega-mall, arghhh. Next time, I hope. Have you got any cool trips coming up?

ps. All photos taken on my trusty little Stylus 1.