miss b loves ..... a stopover in Dubai

En route to Singapore last month we took the opportunity to break the journey both on the way there and back. It's a seven hour flight from Manchester to Dubai and another seven hours on to Singapore.... A couple of long weekends in Dubai was definitely a good idea...an excuse to visit a few favourite spots...

 ..... and a chance to discover new openings in a city which is constantly evolving.

I'd read that London's iconic Fortnum and Mason store had opened a branch in a prime location opposite the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The terrace has a spectacular view of the Dubai Fountain too .....

The ground floor stocks a variety of teas, preserves and other treats...

The sophisticated Tea Salon on the first floor serves their famous afternoon tea and the second floor is a stylish ice cream parlour. As it was late in the evening, we made our way to the top floor for dessert and coffee.... 

miss b loves ..... Singapore, the final day (Part 3)

Our final day in Singapore began with a stroll around Little India. It's one of the most colourful and vibrant districts of the city and the air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices. 

It's a riot of colour too with local ladies wearing traditional saris ........ 

It was fascinating to watch the flower vendors making the traditional garlands from jasmine, marigolds and roses. Garlands are placed on the statues of deities as prayer offerings and they are used at weddings and other special occasions. 

More colour greeted us at one of the oldest surviving Chinese villas in Little India. Built in 1900 for the wife of Tan Teng Niah, a prominent Chinese businessman, who owned a successful confectionery business in the area...

We stopped for a while at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, built in 1881 and dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, wife of Shiva. 

miss b loves .......Singapore, a city of contrasts (Part 2)

What makes Singapore so interesting is the contrast between the old and the new .... the melting pot of cultures. Some might say that Singapore lacks soul and is too sanitised but I would disagree .....A traditional Singapore still flourishes and we headed to Chinatown on Day 2 of our recent visit....

In complete contrast to the mainly low-rise buildings of Chinatown, the three 55 storey towers of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is an integrated resort complex topped by a SkyPark. Designed by Moshe Safdie, it's the world's most expensive building....

It's an eye-catching, iconic design which has transformed the city's skyline.