Singapore is a hi-tech, super-efficient and ultra-clean bubble at the tip of the Malaysian penisula. Arriving in the city was like stepping forward in time to a place where taxis have interactive TV screens in the back of the cab, zebra crossings count down the seconds remaining and where mobile phones work everywhere even on the extremely reliable underground metro system. What Singaporeans must think of London when they visit God only knows, no doubt they scoff at its dark age technology and transport systems!

Anyway, what a great city (well, provided you have pots of money!). Although on a tight budget, we did manage to see and do plenty, mainly thanks to JP's sister who put us up rent-free for two weeks and subsidised our nights out (Sarah, we owe you bigtime!) We also met up with JP's mum who was visiting Singapore and it was lovely to see some familiar faces after three months away from home.

One of the best free things to do is the Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis of green. It's also free to wander and we did plenty of that, exploring Chinatown, Little India and the Arab Quarter on foot. It's widely accepted that eating and shopping are national pastimes in Singapore, and the standard of food was fantastic - whether it was cheap street food or upmarket restaurants, we were never disappointed. We had tons of seafood - pepper crab, chilli stingray, butter prawns...

Everyone should go to the New Asia bar/club on the 71st floor of Raffles City, we got there at 5pm to make the most of happy hour and drank gorgeous lychee and vanilla martinis while taking in the breathtaking views of the city below.