We started by touring the Chinese and Japanese gardens. The Chinese gardens were stunning from every aspect. From statues to bonsai trees to the turtle and tortoise museum, it was a feast for the eyes. The Japanese garden, on the other hand, was a feast for someone who's already eaten.
We toured Chinatown for a while then continued to be hosted by Brad's work associate and his friends/contacts. We enjoyed drinks at an architect's "transit lounge" - a house just intended for social events, then headed off to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Nine business men, one wife, and two girls from Illinois.
Then the night kicked into gear. We went to Fullerton to see the famous merlion, and fate brought us in time to see the Marina Sands laser show across the water. Then, we drove outside of the main drag to a shop on a corner filled with durians.
First, they just smell like a melon that's maybe a few days too ripe. Brad tried it first like a champ with just a little wincing. Then I tried it... It almost matched my first sushi experience where I threw up in my mouth. Thankfully, I just almost threw up in my mouth this time. Lisa fared slightly better than I did, and then neither of us ate anymore. BUT we tried it, so go us :). Then, as our guide Peter drove us to our hotel, he put the durian leftovers in the backseat with Lisa and me.
MY WORD. The stink fruit showed its true colors in that car. Red lights were cursed as no fresh air could come into the windows and clean out the stench. As we drove through the red light district, throwing it out the window seemed like a good idea. But then we'd be breaking the "no littering" law, and our wonderful tour guide Peter would have nothing to bring his mother-in-law.
Lots of pictures to share for another exquisite day!
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