Singapore - 1.3521° N, 103.8198° E - 0835Z07MAR25

 

It was the 25th of January, 2025, and Perth to Singapore was the first leg of my move abroad; I have been to Singapore more times than I can count. Landing at Changi Airport mid afternoon, a short taxi ride, up a lift to the 19th floor, I arrived at my friends place. I was greeted by his groovy other half, as he was still at work.

An hour or so later, or, half an hour after he had arrived home, the lady of the house and I having giggled our way through a South Korean cooking show, we all scrubbed up, and headed out the door for dinner to an upmarket, highly recommended Chinese restaurant.

Or so I'd been lead to believe.

By the lady of the house.

Her cunning knows no bounds.

Bakalaki Greek Taverna, located at 38a Martin Road, Singapore, 239072, proved to be nothing like the Chinese restaurant I was expecting, specifically as it was Greek, and not Chinese.

Ordering wine is something I am never good at, and I ordered the wine. Let's leave it there.

Now, the food at Bakalaki was spectacular. The array of dishes derived from both sea and shore were magnificent. Grilled octopus tentacles were a highlight, the pan fried anchovies were a personal favourite, and the mixed meat platter was to die for. It was abundant, hugely flavoursome, robust, and the finest Greek food I have eaten anywhere, including Greece. However, the true gift of the evening was the delight I had in the company afforded me. There are few people in my life that rate as highly as these two.

Once the ouzo ran out, another cab was summoned, and off we went, rolling through a truly glorious Singaporean night, returning to the magnificent manse on the 19th floor. 

Regardless of what any alarm clock tells you, it is always 'stupid o'clock' when you wake, particularly if it is still dark outside when said clock completes its dastardly duty. 

It was stupid o'clock.

In a bustle of baggage, my amazing friend and I departed for Changi. He to work, and I to Dubai.

N.

PS - The photo above is the view from the magnificent manse, on the 19th floor.