Feet on the ground we left the comfy confines of the hotel and set out to explore the nearby sights. First stop, Marina Bay Sands Resort.

The iconic structure is a must see for any visit to Singapore and just a 10 minute walk from our hotel. For us, it provided an opportunity to check off one of our travel traditions. For years we have visited Frey Willie boutiques on every trip to buy Jen a piece to mark each trip.

After securing this years memento we continued exploring the three lobbies of the resort and expansive shopping before resurfacing on the southern edge of the complex. We realized it was a little past noon and we needed to hustle back to the hotel for afternoon tea! After a quick stroll around the southern and western areas of the bay we got cleaned up and changed clothes before attending on of the Mandarin Oriental’s signature services.

We thoroughly enjoyed the elegant preparation and presentation of teas and accompanying small bites including a beautiful dessert tower to cap off the event. It was the perfect day to cross MO high tea off our bucket list.

Following tea we had one last item to check off our list for our first afternoon on Singapore, the Singapore Sling! The first of what will be many this trip.

By now the travel was catching up to us and we headed back to the room for a much needed nap before dinner.

After resting we decided to hang out in the hotel for the night. We know, “oh what a bore, staying in the hotel!?”, well, you watch too much Anthony Bourdain. Sometimes after 24 hours of flying halfway around the world, an evening in the comfy confines of a hotel bar is quite acceptable. So we parked ourselves at the MO Bar and chatted with some delightful young gentlemen behind the bar. We thoroughly enjoyed the creative cocktails and local small bites.

After an exhausting journey and full first day we retired to our room to prepare for the adventures ahead.