The start of Week 5! It was the last week with Lauren’s family and the first week with Ariana’s mom and sister, so the week ended up being the trio of Alexa, Maddie, and me for most of it. Alexa has been serving as my weight trainer the past few days, and I finally convinced her to start working out with me in the mornings before work instead of at 7 p.m. After work, all I want to do is rot on the couch, so I’ve been loving the new schedule!
On Tuesday, Lauren and her parents were so sweet and invited us all out for drinks after work! It ended up being the three of them plus Alexa, Maddie, and me. We went to The Witches Brew in Chinatown. The decor was Harry Potter-themed, so it really took us all back because you’re lying if you say you didn’t have a Harry Potter phase. The bar had a few “showy” drinks, and Lauren’s mom’s drink was served in test tubes and a cauldron. Maddie and I got the strongest lychee martinis to ever exist, and I was definitely feeling it on the train ride home. Alexa ordered a vodka soda, but it came with no soda. Honestly, you really get your money’s worth here.
On Thursday, Maddie and I decided to skip the hawker center and the food court above our office. Instead, we went to the Italian restaurant inside Asia Square’s Cube. We split a pizza because our anxiety took over and we backed out of ordering sandwiches. The pizza was amazing, but still not as good as the one we had at Fortuna in Maxwell. Having a long, nice lunch in the middle of the workday made the afternoon fly by, so we’ll definitely be back soon.
Maddie had been begging to go to Korean BBQ for weeks, so I finally made the reservations. We invited Alexa, Dylan, and Colin, and at 8:30, we all headed to the CBD. I think Maxwell has my heart—it might just be my favorite part of Singapore. The streets are so cute, and the food is so good. KBBQ was a blast, and I got to teach everyone how to eat ssam and share some of the cultural traditions that go along with it. Korean culture really emphasizes respect for your elders, so as the youngest, it was only fitting that I cooked and poured drinks for everyone. After dinner, much to Colin’s delight, we went to Apiary for ice cream. As someone who thinks ice cream is wildly overrated, I have to admit, this place is amazing.
After abandoning Alexa and Maddie last week, I was glad to finally join them and explore Singapore. After sleeping in a bit and hitting the gym, we made our way to the Botanical Gardens. Of course, it had to be the hottest day ever, and even just walking leisurely had us drenched in sweat. The gardens were beautiful, and after Maddie graciously paid for our Grab, we headed off to see the beloved Merlion. It was worth the five weeks of anticipation, but the real highlight was getting our nails done afterward. Alexa and I got pedicures, while Maddie treated herself to a mani-pedi. Wonderbeau is amazing, and I’m already planning my next visit. Afterward, we went to Maxwell to eat at Chez Suzette. The restaurant looked great online, but truthfully, we picked it because it was close to Apiary. I had the best Duck Confit ever and finished the meal with matcha and vanilla ice cream. To end the night, we sipped limoncello spritzes while watching the Bridgerton Season 3 finale!
Alexa abandoned me (okay, I knew in advance) to go to Pilates, so I had to work out alone. It was also her dreaded haircut day, but honestly, she looks amazing. Everyone should tell her that her hair looks great because it does. We decided to stop by the grocery store, and Alexa pointed out that it looked like it was about to rain. I didn’t expect it to start pouring immediately after we finished shopping, but of course, it did. My jeans and Rainbows got absolutely soaked, and my hair did not survive. Luckily, Alexa’s did and honestly, that’s what matters. We had originally planned to go to the National Gallery with Colin, but after the rain disaster, we thought we were deserving to stay home and watch Queen Charlotte instead.
Today, Ariana’s mom and sister came over with a cake and just like that, the cake PTSD from a few weeks ago has officially been wiped. We had a great night full of chit-chat and laughs, and I’m already looking forward to another amazing week ahead.