Touring Singapore + Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2018

After two months hiatus in the blogging world, I am FINALLY back. Ready to end the year on a high note! Wow, December! I can't even begin to think where the other eleven months went. Anyhoo, I don't want to end this month "entry-less" so here I am ready to share the husband and I's most recent Singapore trip. This travel is really one for the books compared to our previous stay last 2013 because it's our first international travel alone and we joined the prestigious Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2018 - 5KM run.

Lovelier the second time around

During my first visit, I was already in awe. I wan't sure how to comprehend the words "first world country" until I went to experience it firsthand by going around Singapore. Efficient transportation systems, world class airport terminals, high food safety scoring of hawker food chains, unique architectural designs of the buildings, clean environment and a whooooole lot more! And in just a span of five years, the husband can also attest, there were still notable changes and advancements. Singapore just keeps surprising us!

The SCSM 2018 experience

Who would've thought that I will be able to participate in an international running event? NO ONE. But this has got to be my best running experience so far regardless of the short distance! I appreciated how the event was well-organized and wished it was the same here in our country. The portalets have no smell, marshals here and there, available maps for the spectators' viewing area and the racing kit was worth every penny. The only challenge for me was running in a very humid weather in addition to the late gun start of 7:45AM. Overall, it was nothing short of fun.

Tips when roaming around Singapore

1. Buy NETS (similar to beep card) for easy commuting and SINGTEL sim card for mobile data connection. In our case, we only bought one sim card and just use the phone as a hotspot. No worries guys, Singapore has a very fast internet connection. Also, you need to present one passport when purchasing. The sim card we bought at Changi airport and the Nets at the train station.
2. Pack only light and summer clothes. I've tried going there on a June and December and I have never experienced being cold except on the train and bus.
3. Smoking and spitting anywhere is strictly prohibited in their country.
4. Use google maps when navigating from one place to another. It gives you the exact direction including the bus number and train station.
5. Like what I said, they have high food safety standards so it's okay eat on hawkers especially if you have budget constraints. Better if you find hawkers that are within communities; it provides many choices and you may feel more secured.

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Travelling with a spouse vs. a boyfriend

This is not the first time we travelled together but I had in mind 3 things I really appreciated more during this trip with my husband that I did not paid attention before when we were just dating.

• I am forced to learn to adjust to my husband's ways

When we were in a bf-gf relationship, although we try to be honest, we still have a lot of reservations towards each other. We tend to put our best foot forward. We are constantly thinking of ways to "impress" and prove that we deserve one another. Married couples on the other hand are much more comfortable in showing their true selves. It doesn't matter anymore if I fart anytime or if Martin's change of clothes are everywhere in the room. Martin is also more understanding that when I start to get irritated, he already knows I am hungry and so we find a place to eat. More than the task of adjusting, I'd like to think that we are becoming more caring and considerate of each other's needs. Communicating negative feelings and emotions does not mean that my husband will abandon me but rather provide us room for further appreciation and adjustment.

• We don't have to think of anyone else other than the two of us

Traveling with a group of friends can be a fun chaos but Martin and I would both have to agree that we also treasure the quiet and calmness of exploring on our own. We can manipulate our itinerary based on our mood, time of waking up or what we really wanted to do at that moment. I remember in our original schedule, shopping should be done on our last day but we ended up buying all  our pasalubong on the second day. Then when we were supposed to make the most out of our last day, I suddenly felt feverish that we have to go back to the hotel for a couple of hours to rest and go out again after feeling better. We don't have to think of other people - what they want to eat, where they want to go or what they want to do. We are our own guides for the trip.

• You value your "alone" time together

You might say "you see each other from day 'til night, what's more to appreciate?" While it is true, I don't think the time spent travelling equates to the normal day to day routine of married couples. Each travel is unique. It gives you a new outlook on how you will embrace your spouse (bad and good) all the more. It is also an opportunity to practice being more considerate of each other. It's like you come out of the trip with a renewed and energetic heart ready to love your partner more than what you originally can give.

I hope you experience the same on your next trips!

Love and respect,

Misis D 💖