Something I’ve always loved about travel is that it gives us permission to be fully alive, fully present in our senses and our surroundings, noticing the beauty of life trickling by.
During my recent fly-me-to-you in Hong Kong and tour in Singapore, I discovered something exciting – that when somebody is eagerly anticipating me, waiting for my arrival and the moment we finally get to meet, that the travel joy is doubled, quadrupled even!
The reason for this is that not only was I exploring somewhere new, but I was also exploring you, discovering the beauty of a new place through your eyes, joining your world momentarily.
I wasn’t merely a spectator, I was a part of the life of the city.
~
Singapore was full of quiet, peaceful moments to myself, interspersed with my dates. I met some really special, exciting people who I could have easily spent days with.
In my explorations, I looked at gloriously intricate furniture and pottery at the museum, walked around the rooftop garden of the Buddhist temple, full of orchids and trails of incense smoke and lazed by the hotel pool. I was gifted a spa day in the most amazing location, in the middle of the botanical gardens, with the rain pitter-pattering on the canopy and the birds singing all around as I was being massaged and pampered. (Thank you, A!)
J wrote me the most perfect culinary guide to Singapore (I loved the satay and hawker markets and this durian chiffon cake). He then took me to dinner as a cherry on top, an exemplar of good hosting!
Hong Kong was a weekend long pleasure bubble. We embraced the simple pleasure of each other’s company. Sleepy morning cuddles, coffee in bed, wandering the streets, watching the city lights twinkle, and the full princess treatment (including a great deal of shopping!).
I stayed on for a few days of serious troublemaking with darling, sexy Isabella Dior and a certain secret somebody. No comment on that, as I’m not one to kiss and tell…
I’m already planning my return to the Lion city and my next adventure. I’d love to visit Tokyo or the Mediterranean next, or go somewhere totally new for a FMTY.
Where should I go next?
Love,
Nina x
Originally published on Nina’s personal blog, 13/09/25.
