Gardens by the Bay: Cloud Forest

After enjoying the Flower Dome, we had a quick lunch at SHake SHack where we luckily managed to find a table for two despite it being full.

It was time to hop over to the Cloud Forest enclosure. This great biodome houses the world's largest indoor waterfalls within a vibrant rain forest setting in a fully airconditioned enclosure. Different varieties of plants from all over the world adorn this luscious greenhouse. The winding canopy walk is an excellent way to explore this verdant arboretum.

I suggest you check the Gardens by the Bay website for the maintenance schedule of all the attractions. I recommend exploring both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in one single day. It is a much welcome break from the trappings of living in an urban jungle where concrete reigns. Nature is meant to be appreciated in its truest form. =)

Sweet 16

 

Yummy lunch @ Modern Shanghai, Edsa Shangri la Mall

The venue where we got married, 16 years ago.
The Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz at the Edsa Shrine.

Main altar of the Edsa Shrine

May 15, 2024 - Today we celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary.

5844 days is how long we have been together as husband and wife.

As the pictures show, it is just the two of us.

We heard mass at the church where we got married.

Specifically, the chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz at the Edsa Shrine.

As we were taking selfies, Father Anju who said the 12:15 P.M mass passed by
so we asked to be blessed. He uttered a simple prayer and gave us his blessings.

Simple joys.

Ever since my parents died 3 years ago, our celebrations are now "table for two".

We are simple folks. No gift giving. No frills. Nothing fancy.

Just being together is enough.

Since we now live in a rented studio condo unit, we are always in each other's faces.

Not complaining, naman.

I still get my private me time when he is at work.

It is still important for me to be able to be by myself, from time to time.

May the Good Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to protect,
guide and bless our union.

Amen! 

Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome

I recommend visiting both the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest in one day. Ticket prices are 32.00 SGDollars for both attractions.  

Enclosed in an airconditioned environment so you won't sweat from the tropical, humid weather of Singapore. There are different sections featuring flora from several regions like Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Their cacti segment was quite engrossing. 

The Flower Dome is a fascinating, enchanting relaxingly fun experience to commune with nature. I really enjoyed this particular attraction at the Gardens by the Bay.

Another health update

Today, the second day of May, I’m on my 5th (one week course) day of a very potent course of antibiotics.

Swelling has subsided, thank God.

Tentative date for 2 root canals and 2 extractions is May 11, 2024.

But.

Before V day, I need to secure an endocrine and cardio clearance from my doctors.

Both my endocrinologist and cardiologist are on leave so I need to wait a few days more for my clearance.

For those not familiar with my medical history, I was officially diagnosed with Graves disease or a condition also known as hyperthyroidism in April 2021. A month after my mother day died from a rare form of cancer, I finally decided to go for a check up.

This decision came after months perhaps even a couple of years of prodding from hubby, sister dearest and even concerned friends who were alarmed and concerned with my drastic weight loss, my bulging eyes, my heart palpitations, my high anxiety levels and my terrible mood swings.

This condition meant I had to get my blood tested every 4 months to monitor my thyroid levels.

July 2021 was the start of my menopause phase.

So hyperthyroidism + menopause was and still is a terrible combination.

December 2022, I had uterine bleeding and it was discovered I had ovarian cysts, myomas which grew to the size of a grapefruit and a mild case of endometriosis.

I firmly believe my whole uterine mess was the result of my infertility journey. Those years of trying to conceive, with medical intervention. Follicle inducing medicines, almost daily injections for the thickening of uterine lining. I am sure they did more harm than good without any positive results. 

But, at least we tried!

March 2023, my OB GYN removed everything from my ovaries, my cervix, my fallopian tubes to my uterus. Radical total hysterectomy. Nothing left down there LOL

To my surprise, I had a relatively quick and painless recovery from that surgery.

Praise God.

From then on, all my levels fluctuated. My glucose, cholesterol, thyroid levels are all a mess. Dieting and exercise is the main ‘solution’ to gain any semblance of good health.

It is a constant struggle. Everything aches and nothing works properly. Belly fat, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings. I cannot truly say for sure if it is the hyperthyroidism or the menopause which is causing more havoc. They both seem to equally do their harm. Heh!

I had a short vacation break in Singapore from all my health woes last March 2024. It was a much welcome change of scenery after everything I went through for the past 3 almost 4 years.

Yet compared to past out of country trips, I noticed I got tired more easily, was totally dehydrated and there were days I couldn’t even walk a few steps from exhaustion.

Well such is life nowadays. Whenever I feel like giving up or I am too mentally depleted, my mind wanders to happy thoughts of my late, jolly, energetic, adorable mother. 

She, who at 80 years old was still full of stamina and energy and would pasyal for days during our past annual Yuletide trips in Hong Kong. 

How did she do it?  

Here I am at 55 years of age complaining about a thousand joint pains and aches.

How embarrassing!

Health update

Will be on a short or (maybe) a long blogging break.

Tooth ache which started 2 days before my Singapore trip is acting up again.

Swollen gums, tooth abscess and left side of my face is swollen.

Can't eat, swallow.

Miserable.

I was given antiobiotics for the swelling to subside. 

But a root canal,  and a molar and wisdom tooth extraction is imminent.

Lord, have mercy!

OCBC Skyway and Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore is located near the equator so its climate is a combination of tropical weather (aka really scorching hot) with high humidity, and abundant rainfall.

Towards the end of our Botanic Gardens visit, it rained really hard. Since we were pressed for time and wanted to catch the Hop on Hop off bus arrival, sister dearest and I made a mad dash for the exit. Sharing just one tiny umbrella, we made it to the bus stop totally drenched from the rain and the huge amount of sweat from exploring the Botanic Gardens. Good thing, we brought extra clothes to change into at our next destination.

The Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares with several attractions. Make sure to visit the Gardens by the Bay website to check the schedule of the attractions because they are certain days each month when they are closed for maintenance. 

Entrance to the Gardens by the Bay complex is FREE.

Ticket prices: OCBC Skyway 14.00 SGD; Supertree Observatory 14:00 SGD

Our first stop was at the OCBC Skyway, a 128 meters long airway between two Supertrees, suspended 22 meters above ground. I don't have a fear of heights so I was fine. Until the airway would shake, whenever there is a strong wind or when people walk heavily on the canopy walk. So while I enjoyed the lovely view from up there, I wanted to leave after just a few minutes. LOL

Then it was time to go down for the Garden Rhapsody show. A spectacular light and sound 10-15 minutes show, which happens twice nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.

My favorite part is going up the Supertree Grove Observatory and seeing the skyline of Singapore at night. You take an elevator then climb several flights of stairs to get to the top of the observation deck. It was quite windy up there! A great way to end a long day of communing with nature. =)