Revolving Sushi

 Today (Tuesday) Jane had an early class. I went to pick up our laundry, and on the way, walked past Emerald Hill. Emerald Hill is immediately adjacent to Orchard Road but is distinctly different architecturally. Most of the homes were built in the first half of the 20th century by the wealthy Peranakan community. Today the houses have either been restored or are in the process of  renovation; no doubt this is once again a very expensive neighborhood.

After getting the laundry and bringing it back, I took the train to Raffles Place to see the Merlion statue, the mascot of Singapore. It was a busy place, but I got a few good photos.

Jane and I met for lunch at the chia pudding restaurant near class. 

That evening we were meeting her host family for dinner near their home. We traveled to the Beauty World station and to a shopping center nearby with a revolving sushi restaurant, to meet them. Junia, the host mom, was already there and welcomed us to the table. She guided us on which selections to choose from the conveyor belt - some were familiar, some were surprises, but all were really good!

Joseph, the host dad, showed up a bit later with their boys, Aaron and Ryan. They were so much fun! We had a great dinner talking about sushi, Singapore, etc. We got a great picture with them. They very clearly felt a strong connection with Jane from her time staying with them.

A quick follow-up about the park Jane and I walked through a couple of days ago. A moment after taking that photo, Jane noticed something and guided me away from the area as quickly as possible. It turns out that that spot was Speaker’s Corner, the designated free speech spot where Singaporeans can express any viewpoint or hold any demonstration without a permit. Foreigners, however, are strictly forbidden from participating. To stay in the right side, we chose to avoid looking in its direction as much as possible, lest we be construed as participating.

Tomorrow is Wednesday - more to come!