Traveling in Singapore always reveals much more than the last time, and with each visit, it seems as though there are obvious things that were somehow overlooked.  It is a place of many layers, and they continue to reveal themselves in new and exciting ways the more you travel here.  Somehow, when you are in Singapore, it seems like each time, there is something new, and somehow it wasn’t seen the last time, and it’s amazing to see things like this.  It’s not only because the new revelations are so unusual, but also because they were spelled out so clearly, and the clues were always there.  However, it is not uncommon for even the locals to overlook many things, because there is so much to see, and it’s impossible to see it all.

That’s something that’s certainly the result of the multiple cultures that exist here.  Each one has its own signs, traditions, and hidden languages, and when you’re in a place that’s as fantastically baroque as this, it’s impossible for the eye to take in everything, even on a third or fourth look.  So it is that most visitors enjoy the vegetarian restaurants without considering them very much beyond the absolutely delicious food.  Singapore certainly is a lovely place to be hungry, if you can afford the meals, and there are so many places to choose from.  Of course, underneath the scrumptious tastes there are often very sacred beliefs that prohibit the consumption of meat, and this occurs in many of the cultures that are here.

If you can find your way here in October, for the nine days of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, you’ll want to remember that in this Taoist celebration, it’s necessary to be vegetarian to see certain things.  Being vegetarian doesn’t guarantee entrance, however, and like any religious ceremony, it’s more important to show reverence than to get any kind of special access.  It is nonetheless extremely exciting to be part of it, even as a distant witness, because there is something wonderful happening when the Nine Chairs start to move, possessed by the spirit of the gods who come to earth once a year, and can grant favors for the devout.  Try to get some incense smoke in your hands, and be gentle in all things.

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Kelly and Wayne and been going through a difficult time in their marriage. The had been married for four years and had decided two years ago to sell their little house and buy a bit larger one in which they could begin their family. These were exciting plans for them and they were both responsible and committed to each other. They both had a great outlook and feeling about the future. However, as it is with life, events and circumstances can sometimes plow head first into individual intentions and plans. And so it was with Kelly and Wayne.

Almost immediately after they put their house on the market and began looking at other homes, the realist market took a strong down turn and while they did find some nice homes that would work for them, they simply could not get any offers on their house. In addition they found out that they would have a very difficult time having a child together and the tensions between the two of them began to mount. It didn’t help that Wayne was laid off from work during this time period and had difficulty gaining new employment.

However, these two were never ones to quit and they truly loved each other. Just about the point that things were looking like a possible break up they both decided to fight for what they had. Kelly suggested that they take a break from all their stress and go to Madrid, which is where they spent their honeymoon. They decided they would stay in one of the Madrid best hotels and try and recapture some of the feelings and intentions they had lost. They strolled past the Teatro Real and remembered the Mozart opera they had seen there before. They decided to get tickets to Verdi’s Aida and something happened as they sat there listening to the powerful Triumphal March and tears filled both their eyes as they knew they would get through their difficulties together.

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Our visit to Washington DC was amazing. I had no idea the Smithsonian was so many museums and that there were so many other museums in the downtown DC area and nearly all of them are free. I couldn’t believe they were free!

We stayed in a luxury hotels DC near the National Mall. Making it easy to walk to all the museums and monuments. All we did the entire time we were there was visit the museums and monuments and there was still toms of more stuff to see so we will have to go back again.

One of my favorite museums was the Sackler Collection. The museum houses Asian art when we were there we saw a showing of Korean ceramics from the 15th century. The pieces were amazingly modern in their look and feel. Each piece was made with crisp clean lines and just the subtlest of ornamentation if any at all. All the pieces were a pale celadon green and each one looked soft and translucent. Also in the Sackler were lots of Buddha carvings. Wood and stone wall panels as well as free standing statues. In the back corner of the museum is the infamous Whistler Peacock Room. A beautiful room of dark wood with panels painted to look like peacock tail feathers. From the Sackler we visited the museum of African Art where we saw African art and textiles from all over the continent of Africa and spanning many centuries of age.

The museum experience in DC are as varied as this country itself. There is not enough time in a lifetime to see it all. Our visit also included the National Gallery which houses an enormous collection of art that begins with classical antiquities to modern minimalism and virtually every style, size and flavor of art in between. We will definitely be back to visit more of the art museums and monuments because there is so much more to be seen!

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