Auspiciously Delicious in Singapore

By Sandra Scott

When we entered the lobby of Singapore’s Conrad Hotel the stress of our long flight disappeared, most likely because a pianist was playing soothing music and the lobby includes the five important energizing elements of feng shui–earth, water, fire, metal and wood. Our mood improved even more when we walked past the Pastry Palette and saw their display of signature cakes. The Chocolate Royal Hazelnut Crunch caused us to stop and salivate.

After getting settled in our room we had just enough time for a quick stop at the Club Lounge for a tea and, yes, some luscious chocolates. The view of Singapore from the 31^st floor was so riveting that it was hard to leave but we needed to explore Singapore. Like the Conrad, Singapore is very tourist friendly and, even though we have been to Singapore several times, there are always new things to do.

Just a short walk from the Conrad is Singapore’s newest attraction, The Flyer, currently the world's largest observation wheel. It is a stunning 541 feet in height and each of the 28 capsules holds 28 people–a very auspicious number. Beneath the flyer is the Kakuit Rainforest Ox-picious Trail – it is the Year of the Ox. We followed the footpath through the Garden of Spring to receive Human Luck by touching the water. At the top of the wheel we made another wish to receive Heaven Luck.

I loved the idea that everything is designed to go along with the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui, a belief that proper positioning can promote good fortune and wellbeing. In keeping with this concept the direction of The Flyer’s rotation was changed. The Flyer is on the perfect site to pick up the good qi (energy) flowing into Singapore, but it was going in the wrong direction. It now rotates toward the financial center, thus collecting fortune.

Returning to the Conrad there was another place to collect good fortune. Between the Conrad Hotel and Suntec City, a massive shopping area, is the Fountain of Wealth built with the concepts of feng shui. To ensure a wealthy future we followed the instructions by walking around the base of the fountain three times with our hand touching the water. Water is known as the symbol of life and wealth in Chinese culture, and the inward motion of the water symbolizes the retention of wealth.

Back at the Conrad, we relaxed with a glass of champagne while nibbling chocolates. Faced with the dilemma, but one of good fortune, we had to decide which chocolates to choose: the Grand Cru Chocolate Gateau, the Milk Truffle, the White Truffle, Honey Crunch, Rose Hip, or the Orange Chocolate Trifle. I reminded John, “Not to worry there will be more chocolates during evening cocktails and after dinner we can have Chocolate Royal Hazelnut Crunch for dessert. Let’s plan our day tomorrow so we will be back at the hotel for afternoon tea and chocolates. Between the chocolate and feng shui I am feeling fortunate, aren’t you?’

For more information check: http://singapore.conradmeetings.com and www.visitsingapore.com.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Creators Syndicate
and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.

Photos by Sandra and J. J. Scott.

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