My Sister's Swimming Nightmare

My sister Kay used to compete in Triathlons. Her first was in Chicago, and I remember her not being especially keen about the swim in Lake Michigan. You see, ever since she was a little girl she didn't like swimming where there were fish in the water. She hated the idea that the fish would swim up to her and nibble on her toes.

Wait until she visits us in Singapore!

Reflexology is a treatment style in which pressure is applied to the feet (and sometimes the hand) with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. As shown to the left, the feet are divided into zones which relate to specific body parts. The premise is that applying the correct form of pressure to the appropriate area of the feet will create a positive physical change to corresponding part of the body. It is widely available here; there are several local chains that specialize in this, e.g. Kenkos.

Although some might consider this to be an unconventional form of treatment, there are in fact sliding scales as to the degree of unconventionality.

Along with our first visitor, Tony Tello, we made the trip to Sentosa on Sunday. Along the way, near the Underwater World aquarium, we found a sign advertising a truly unique form of reflexology. It promised improved results because the first step in the treatment was to remove the dead skin from your feet. (I suppose this is supposed to provide improved access to the appropriate zones on the soles of your feet.)

Raye and Tony both opted to give it a try. As shown below, Tony obviously enjoyed the experience. It turns out that these are special Doctor Fish. After the special cleaning, a regular session of light reflexology is provided (by humans). Raye reported it was a very nice foot massage, which was terrific after walking around Sentosa for most of the day. She'd experienced the Kenko version of the treatment in January and clearly explained that this was the "lite" version. The real deal is far more rigorous!

Now, if I can just get Kay to give it a try -- her own personal Fear Factor. (I'm betting she opts for Spa Botanica.) Click here for more specifics about the program.

Virtual Singapore Tour

If you interested in lots of photos around Singapore, here's a great website: Virtual Singapore Tour. If you click the link "Restaurant With A View" you'll read about where I'm taking Raye to dinner on Saturday night as her "welcome home to Singapore" dinner.

Singapore's Beach

Singapore has a lot to offer. I learn more about what this means every day.

On Saturday, I learned that one of the things it does not have to offer is a scenic beach. Well, that is, unless you're Ayn Rand and/or you happen to like the view of cargo ships and refineries in the background.

The beach I visited is located on Sentosa. It's the island just south of the main island and it's role in the life of Singapore is to be the local resort. It's actually quite pretty with lots of lush vegetation, walking & cycling paths, a couple of golf courses, restaurants and multiple family entertainment venues. One of these is a tropical luge run.

There was also background music in various places. I noticed the distinct sound of steel drums which made me ponder how a Caribbean-based music style had apparently become a universal emblem of beaches.

Assuming you didn't jump ship and swim, there are 3 ways to get to Sentosa. You can drive over the bridge, take a "swiss sky ride" aerial ride, or ride the monorail. I opted for the last one. The S$3 fare includes the option to ride the buses that run around the island.

Signage is in English and as illustrated to the left - Chinese. The pictures convey the advisories. The one at the bottom is hard to see, but that's a picture of a jellyfish. Now there's something that could ruin your whole day.

There were lots of activities going on early Saturday morning. There was a beach volleyball tournament that was in full swing. I also noticed with considerable interest a high trapeze set-up that was not yet open. The sign explained that it was available for children's birthday parties. Yes, there was a net and some spotting harnesses like you see at a place that trains gymnasts. By the way, a companion sign noted that Jules Leotard was the inventor of the trapeze. For real.

There was also a corporate team building activity featuring competitive sand castle building. In the photo at the bottom, you'll also notice the man-made islands that are intended to help improve the scenery for the many non-objectivist visitors.

Did I mention that many of the locals head to Thailand or Malaysia for their beach holidays?