I’m sitting here in a 5-star hotel suite room in Singapore, thanks to a dear friend whose husband decided at the last minute he has to return home instead of stopping over in this Little Red Dot. So I came in as the last minute companion, not to mention we haven’t caught up with each other for ages. It was very kind of her to invite me along.

What initially was planned as a 24-hour filled with girly goss, rocking up to the 57th floor of Sky Rink Observation deck and sipping cocktails (by now one should know which mega architectural establishment I am staying in. Yes, the Marina Bay Sands) – is pretty much.. well, a pending plan.

We are both somewhat sick. I’m almost done with my cough and cold, while dear friend just got it. At least we can’t blame each of us for catching it from the other.

I needed the break badly as well for one reason and another. Mainly to get away from Jakarta with its chaos in traffic and congestion. Singapore may not be ideal (compared to Bali) but this place still intrigue me. Mostly I’m intrigued to find if there is more soul to this place. It’s just..too perfect.

Before I left, I had listed my must do’s, and it wasn’t an ambitious list. I’m desperate to chill and just relax. I craved for long walks in green lushious open space, parks and the like, as well as visiting the art galleries and museums. And I craved for riding on efficient public transport.

So I walked miles in Gardens by the Bay as well as by the Marina Bay waterfront. Then I got to see the Andy Warhol exhibition (genius artist!). Check. Check. Oh, and ate Hainanese Chicken Rice. Check.

Then I thought of the 57th floor Sky Rink Observation deck in Marina Bay Sands. The last time I was in Singapore, in September last year, I told myself I’ll check it out when I come here next, or when I get to stay at this hotel.

And I am staying there now. And it gives me a complimentary access to the Observation Deck, instead of paying some S$20 to go up there. Surely it’s a must do?

But instead I find myself lounging in the hotel suite. Reading and chilling out with my friend. And thinking, the deck will be there the next time I come here.

When it comes to travelling, every one has a must dos list. Mine seems to be changing as I grow older and travel more. Sure, I still have to go back to Rome to visit the Colosseum, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (for another friend will never let me go of such silliness not visiting them when I was in Rome. I had 48 hours is all I said to her.) But everyone travels for a different reason. The must do’s list is different for everyone.

I have my moments of checking off the tourist spots. I also have my moments of just wanting to take it easy and slow, enjoying the solitude. Like now.

I might still go up to the observation deck later in the day, if I feel like it. But if I don’t, I’m not going to make a big deal of it. It’s still going to be around, and Singapore is an hour or so away from Jakarta.

Plus, it was never on my must do’s list on this trip.

PS: Initially I planned on a digital detox of no tweeting, no blogging and simply no connection to the digital world. I failed miserably the moment I faced a massive crowd of families and kids here causing me headaches. So I tweeted. And now I blogged.