The Tourist at Orchard Road

My 2nd day in Singapore was spent at the Orchard Road. Since my youngest sister had to work that day, we didn't have an itinerary except to watch a movie premiere after her work. I decided I better explore at least a part of the famous road as well as see where she works and eventually meet her officemates. We left the house early to have ample time taking pictures.

I joined my sister at the 5th level of Wheelock Place where she works and helped her prep herself at the washroom (she refused to wear make-up but I eventually convinced her to). After we finished, she already timed-in and I then proceeded downstairs (am excited along the way) to Borders, a bookstore located at the ground floor. My sisters informed me beforehand about it. And upon knowing that I can read books for free, I thought I can stay there practically the whole day! Sorry, but the books are way too expensive for me.

Well, it wasn't so because all the couches provided were taken so I decided to walk along the Orchard Road. As far as my feet can take me though, because I realized, it's way too long for me to explore. Since it's still holiday season, I saw different Christmas trees put up by some malls.



My first stop was Lucky Plaza. I must say that it's a confusing way to get there because I had to walk through the underpass. It's no small feat to concentrate reading the directions for I have proceeded to a wrong way twice. I was kinda hungry by then so I told myself to succeed the third try. Fortunately, I did and found a place to eat which is McDonalds. Honestly, I'm not adventurous in food so I played safe. The only food I tried on the street was the watermelon fruitshake. Boring, eh?! Anyhow, eating lunch at a fastfood chain is nice, I felt at home. At McDonalds Lucky Plaza, Filipino staff are dominant. And hearing them talk in Tagalog was comforting.



I started walking again and went as far as the Orchard Building. At the time I reached the area, my feet started to hurt so I had to find a bench somewhere. At that moment I just observed the people bustling around. I noticed how fashionable the girls are. Some clothes, I admire and thought of wearing that kind too. Several minutes passed and I decided to head back and go inside the malls, to window shop, that is. First, at Paragon, then to Wisma Atria and finally, the ION Orchard. Some of the stores were on sale but for me the prices are still too high for my budget. Besides, shopping was not on my to-do list at Orchard Road. :)

It's already past 6pm when I went back to Borders. I feel so tired by then realizing I spent hours of just walking and stopping and walking. But it subsided a little when at the bookstore I found a seat (a secluded one, in my opinion) to start reading Brida by Paulo Coelho. It felt like I was in a book heaven. The feeling was good. It was about time that I had to go fetch my sister at her workplace when I finished it. I was giddy on my way up and when finally I met her kind and friendly officemates. :)



book heaven :)

 It's nice to see where my sister works and meet her co-workers. Because that way, I'll be able to know personally how she is at work. Since my younger sisters are far from home, it's important that they're happy and safe. I was seated at one of the bean bags (I find them cute!) while waiting for my sister's time out. It was kinda awkward but when her supervisor asked something about my sister, I warmed up. And I realized she's not mataray naman pala contrary to how she looks in photos. :) I then requested my sister to ask her if it's OK to take pictures. She's nice to have said yes. One of the staff even volunteered to take a picture of my sis and me. It's wonderful really. I can't help but utter thanks several times. And mostly so because the supervisor (she's Malaysian, btw) allowed her to leave the office at exactly her time-out.

They were supposed to stay a little longer for some day-end routine checks. We had to go on our way asap because we had to catch the second to the last full show of The Tourist. And the movie theaters we will go to is quite far from Wheelock Place (I forgot the name of the building where the theaters are). So off we run, walk, run, panting (me only) walking passed through a group of people (so many pala during the night, grabe!). When we finally reached the ticket booths, I was perspiring and considering bihira lang ako ganun, and I told my sister I know the movie is great so I believe it's worth all the running!

I bought the tickets, happy to do so since my sister practically spent too much on me already. But the kind person that she is, insisted that she buy us our snacks. I never got the time to argue because we had to head up at the theatre room located at the upper floor. Sad lang because we're not seated beside each other and our seats were near the screen. However, it's not hurtful to the eyes so we enjoyed the movie. It's a feel-good kind, not the types of action-packed (slight lang) ones Depp and Jolie filmed before. When it's finished, we're once again on the run hoping we'll catch naman the train to Jurong East. Luckily, we got to the train station on time but we had to take a cab na on the Jurong East stop for our second ride on the way home.

It's another day in Singapore and I should say, another meaningful date with my youngest sister. Another happy moments to add up to my treasured memories. I'm once again grateful, for the chance, the experience and the firsts. Most importantly, for the bonding my sister and I had. :)