June 21, 2026

This visit to Singapore we explored more of the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) complex, starting with the Lotus or the ArtScience Museum. MBS developed, owns and operates the Museum, which is unique for a gaming corporation. They developed the whole area around their iconic hotel and casino to control the look and amenities offered, to make this a special destination and major landmark within Singapore.

The Lotus inspired structure, which is actually a 10 section or finger, deconstructed sphere, was designed by Israeli - Canadian- American Architect Moshe Safdie. He also designed the MBS Hotel  (55 stories and 3 towers), topped with the massive Ship Shaped (2.5 acre), Sands Sky Park and the Jewel Changi Airport which is a lush nature themed entertainment and retail complex centered around a Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall. The Lotus also has a center rainwater oculus waterfall, which re- circulates rainwater and uses it for toilet water. The Lotus's design and construction was award the rare LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Plantinum Certification.


The 10 finger design of the Lotus has also given the building the nickname of the handshake or greeting hand of Singapore.

The building features 21 gallery spaces hosting immersive, interactive and world class touring exhibits. We plan to go back in October to see the new installation underway at the Team Lab's gallery.



We took a tour with one of the education staff to get the highlights of the design history and the interactive galleries presently underway.

Singapore - Little India

By Pat Patick • August 11, 2026
Little India is a neighborhood in Singapore that I wanted to explore becase I love Indian food and their Temple's have such unique gods and Architecture, super colorful and detailed. Below is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Singapore's first temple dedicated to Veeramakaliammam or the Kali , a fierce incarnation of Shiva's wife and the "Destroyer of Evil" .

SINGAPORE - Cooking Class

By Pat Patrick • August 10, 2026
Other residents had a great experience at Singapore's Food Playground on prior visits, so we wanted to try it out! Our first day in Port, twelve of us signed up for a fun afternoon, where we got to enjoy our creations as a yummy lunch. Front row (L to R) is Ellie, Rick, their visiting friend, Sue, Christy and Angela. Back Row - Me, Bosco, Delia, John, Terri & Lori.

KOH CHANG, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • July 26, 2026
We just relaxed on the Island of Koh Chang, Thailand. It's one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it has a dense, steep jungle & National Park covering the interior of the Island, which extends off shore, to coral reefs. The coast line is dotted with beaches and villages. This was a tender port, so we decided to stay on the Island for 3 nights, to be able to experience the nightlife. Turns out, it is low season, so nightlife was pretty sleepy. However, we did find a new favorite night time activity! Any Guesses?!?