When you're in Singapore, I hope you find time to visit the Jurong Bird Park or go the the Night Safari. I've been to both and both are well worth the trip. As the name implies, you'll see lots of birds at Jurong (hahahaha). But what I liked about the park is that you get to really interact with the birds too. They hold several programs at their amphitheaters and they usually ask the audience to participate. Going around the park, you may chance upon areas where birds are fed. For S$5.00 (or was it S$2.00?) they will give you a small cup of worms. You hold out your hand and the birds will just come swooping down on the cup. (That's my hand in the photo!)

Afterwards you can go on the night safari. They have several animals in captivity and they've divided them according to location (those found in africa, in the rain forests, etc). The tour is only held at night, and to illuminate the area, they've placed lights with wattage so low (and so cool) the whole place looks like it's bathed in moonlight. Unfortunately, I can't add photos cuz flash photography is not allowed.

ALSO, if you will go to Sentosa (go up the Merlion), drop by Siloso beach. It's singapore's man-made beach (if i'm not mistaken) and have your photo taken at the Siloso beach sculpture.

(incidentally, free shuttle service to specific drop off points along orchard, and back to the hotel are avaiilable. just ask the concierge for the pick up schedule). ENJOY!! :)

When you get the opportunity to visit New Zealand, try to visit the town of Matamata, it's about 45 minutes from Hamilton (almost 2 hrs from Aukland). For only NZ$50.00 you will be able to visit the property that was chosen to be the home of the Hobbits. From matamata itself, it's a 10 - 15 minute drive to the perimeter of the property, and from the gate, it's another 10 minutes. When you get to the site itself, you'll really understand why this place was chosen to be the Shire (or Hobbiton). It's just acres and acres of fields and grass and trees ... and hobbit holes. Of the 37 original hobbit holes, only 17 remain. Tour guides will share anecdotes on how the place was selected, how life was during filming, and what transpired after the shoot.

here's what you can see there: