Walk from Hortpark to Vivocity

My walking companion asked me if I thought that Singapore had become a much better place in terms of quality of life compared with what it was ten years ago. As I walked along this steel walkway high above ground that zig-zagged its way around beautiful, serene greenery, the first response I gave was a definite affirmative. Spontaneously, the first example I gave was the ability to enjoy nature in this way:

One of the things that was not so favourable was of course the high property prices as I looked longingly at these Telok Blangah flats which would make good retirement apartments with unobstructed view of either the sea or the hills.

It was good to breathe in fresh, unpolluted air and listen to the sounds of various types of birds and to spot a squirrel hanging precariously on a branch high above ground.

A concerted choice to walk uphill rather than downhill was rewarded by this scene.

When we reached the top we realised that we were at the top of Telok Blangah Hill. This garden could have been given a sprucing-up. The old-style balustrades could have been given a coat of paint. As they were, I could not help imagining a huge mansion sitting on a hill top in the fifties where garden parties would be held and attended by the rich arriving in Rolls Royce and Bentleys.

Walking down the steps towards the Henderson Waves. Looking back, things would seem better in the old days when life was simpler and education was more than grades and KPIs for schools, less of a battle to be the best from academic results to co-curricular activities and more of what it means to be a good human being. Back then we were not raised by maids and our parents had more time with us.

They don't make steps like these anymore.
Entering the Henderson Waves. I just love the wood. If I wasn't wearing track shoes, I would have gone barefooted.

SAFRA Club in Telok Blangah - is that a mini golf course up there on the roof?
Looking out at the sea.

Concrete and steel. Bless the trees and the greenery that made this scene beautiful.
The African Tulip tree was a riot of flowers, afraid of extinction, the tree blooms in this hot season.


The city skyline will soon move inwards.
Views from the Jewel Box on Mount Faber. Spot the integrated Resort.

We found the Marang trial that took us to the Harbour Front MRT. It was a short but refreshing walk along the well-shaded trail.

The buds of the fishtail palm - the giant specie.

Approaching Harbour Front MRT.

Vivocity, waking up for business in the late morning.
At the end of a one and a half hour walk, we had our coffee and shared this plate of gado-gado.