SINGAPORE TO THE SEYCHELLES…..

Sherrill’s continuing 140 day voyage around the world.

Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of a perfect city. It is designed with gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces between the “City Garden’s “skyscrapers. The lush green botanic gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed.

For shopping I hit Orchard Road, a long tree-lined one-way street filled with luxury fashion boutiques and the shopping malls are iconic. My favorite hotel is The Raffles which just went through a perfect renovation, maintaining its old world charm. It is the home of the Singapore Sling cocktail. It is not my favorite, but everyone likes to try one once.

When you add in the Singapore cuisine which is a mouthwatering fusion of Indian, Chinese, Indonesian and Malay influences, you have a foodie’s dream.

I was on the city’s impeccably clean subway system, and I asked my guide, “Are the people here happy?”. Two unknown fellow passengers yelled out, “YES!” I believe them.

On to Phuket, Thailand, the largest island and some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Markets were a must visit and the temples. A country rich in sights, scents, and sounds! I made sure I experienced the Thai Performance at Siam Niramet with dinner. My tastebuds were tantalized by a mixture of Thai, Indian and Malay delicacies before a not-to-be-missed evening of music, dance, amazing costumes and unbelievable production values. Truly breathtaking!

Sri Lanka, or Pearl of the Indian Ocean, as many call it, was our next port of call. It is just off the coast of India and not surprisingly, it felt as if I was back in India, as the influence is everywhere.

Particularly in Trincomalee, the gateway to Sri Lanka’s historical treasurers and the finest natural harbor in the world.

The temple of the Thousand Pillars is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex that is well worth a visit.

The only reason to go to Hambnota is as a jumping off to Yala National Park. Leaving the ship at 4:30 am, we arrived at this renowned wildlife sanctuary and national park by 6 am. It is famous for its high density of leopards. My safari jeep was the only one, amongst many, to be at the right place at the right time to spy a leopard running across the road in front of us.

Even better, was watching young male elephants playing on the road in front of us. It is such a gift to see animals in their natural habitat. Game drives truly are one of my happy places.

Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is another tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean.

It is a vibrant cultural mix of impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations and exquisite beaches. The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry and souvenirs at very low prices.

The Seychelles, world renowned for their pristine water and beautiful beaches, was our last stop before heading to South Africa.

But I couldn’t leave until I spent time with their Giant Tortoises.

Now on to the mysterious African Continent.

For more travel inspiration, Debi shares her winter hibernation in Hawaii, check out Debi’s published travel article in the Classic Chicago Magazine in the below link:

https://classicchicagomagazine.com/hibernate-in-hawaii/

And oh by the way, Debi share her delicious Hawaii flavored Divine Biscotti recipe, Yum!!