Singapore Day 3, A Youthful Day at Universal, Fun All Around

Today was Day 3 in Singapore and my plan was to have some childlike fun. About a week ago, I stumbled on the fact that Singapore had a Universal Studios, and it piqued my interest. When I was a junior in high school, I went to DECA Nationals, hosted in Orlando, and we went to Universal twice while there. I thought it was going to be a very kid attraction, like Disneyworld with the teacups and dumbo ride. So, I had some low expectations thinking there wouldn't be any thriller rides, but that I was completely wrong and thank goodness I was because I had the most fun day ever. I was with a great group of people, there were no lines because we went on a different day than the rest of the DECA goers, and we hopped around the many and incredibly fun rides they had. Plus it was the first time I ever went on a ride that was simulation based, meaning you put on 3D glasses (photo to come) and they make it feel as though you are in the shoes of that character in the movie. For example, it feels as though you are Harry Potter riding your broom around Hogwarts. My favorite ride from Orlando was Transformers, a simulation based one that did the best job at making it feel so real, in the best way, and a great story telling picture. 

With this in mind, I thought it would be silly fun to go to Universal and potentially relive those fun memories and enjoy a day at the amusement park. Something I haven’t done in so long and knowing that this would be the only city I could do it in during my summer trip. I was really happy I ended up going. 

I took the train there, I feel like I’m a pro now, really it was that easy I just had to give it a go. It really reminds me of Madrid, a love for public transport, and the feeling as though you can get yourself anywhere without needing a car. It’s a great feeling and ever so convenient. I got there about an hour after it opened, at 11am. I stopped for coffee, after I put back 4 pb toasts at my hostel because I wanted to really tie myself over in case I struggled to find vegan food in the park. 

When I got there, I was so giddy. A genuine excitement. I have such fond memories of my time in Orlando, and it felt as though I got the opportunity to live it once more. Wouldn’t you want to replay a day in your life that was ever so sweet? That brings back pure joy and happiness as you were surrounded by the coolest people? I got to spend my day in Orlando a few years ago with some of the funniest people I met at LNHS, and with my best friend Tessa and a few others I was really close with in my grade. Although they weren’t here with me today, their presence lived on and I was constantly today reminded of how good I have it, and how lucky I am to have the childhood memories that I do. 

I walked into the park, grinning, and excited to get on a ride. One of the first rides I went on was the most scary in the park. Or shall I say the biggest thrill. I had to leave all my stuff in a locker then go in line, meaning I was raw dogging this waiting with no phone and no one to talk to. I was getting used to the solitude and kinda good at it. I don’t mind sitting in silence, but I did end up chatting with someone that worked at a restaurant at Marina Bay Sands. I told her that I was thinking about eating there for the experience, I mentioned I was vegan and she said she worked at a french restaurant with an incredible view but probably not any vegan food. Plus she said the meals are around $50-$75 and although it had a good view, the thought of unfilling food wasn’t resonating with me. But I mentally took note of the place to check it out later on my phone. She was really sweet to talk to and helped make the 40 minute wait more palatable. This ride was based on Battlestar Galactica, not a show I’ve seen, but space like theme so I got the gist of it. It was a really fun ride, a great start and fun thrill I was hoping my day would be filled with. 

I went to find a ride with a shorter line, when I saw that “the mummy” had a separate line for solo riders, meaning that I got treated as though I had a fast pass, and when they needed to fill an odd spot, I would be just their person. I was able to skip some long lines and do more because of this lovely implementation at the park. They also have “the Mummy” ride in Orlando, I only went on it once there so it was fun to do it again here. 

I went across the path to another ride, this one was more of a kid ride which I didn’t realize until about a 5 minute wait in. My phone was still in the locker where I kept it thinking that was the case for all the rides. When I looked around and everyone had their phones and backpacks on, I was really wishing I had mine, especially my phone that had a book on it to keep me occupied. But I toughed out the first two rides with no phone, certainly I could do this one. I wanted to do every ride in the park, but this was truly for the younger audience and I did not belong on it, so I made note that maybe not every ride, but I should try to experience as much as I could. 

Next to the Mummy Ride, which was in the Ancient Egypt part of the park (I already passed through Hollywood, New York, and Sci Fi), I entered Far Far Away. Finally, a movie I have seen plenty of times and could practically recite- Shrek. It was so fun to see a movie I love come to life in the park. I went to this show that was presented in simulation format with 3D glasses. Right after I found a line-less ride that was a decent rollercoaster, and then "Donkey Night Show" so not a ride but a show with a Donkey animated on the screen and talking to the crowd and little kids that got to participate. At the beginning of the show, they did a roll call where you would cheer if they said your country, the host listed India, China, UK, Australia, Singapore... but not USA. I was clumped in with "rest of the world" and I think that is the first time that has ever happened. America really negligible in this area and I was learning that (I have yet to meet and befriend an American solo traveler, its been about 3 weeks and I have only met Europeans and Asians, the closest I got was two Canadians I met).

I also redeemed my food voucher and got some hash browns. A kind family let me sit with them as all the tables were taken up and the sun was so bright, when I borrowed some of the shade while standing and waiting for my food, they just invited me to sit down with them. We did not have the same first language, but I think they understood my great thanks and I gladly sat and ate my food there. It's funny because I sat right in between them as that was the chair they offered. It was very wholesome and truly shows that there are so many kind people out there. I also wonder if that kindness is extended to me more than others because I am a solo female and as soon as I smile I believe I pass on a sense of trust as though I breathed it right into them. I look harmless and I truly am, so I am glad that it comes across that way and can accept others' generosity when offered. 

I then went back to the sci-fi area to see if the Transformers ride was back up and running. When I first got to the park it was closed temporarily due to technical difficulties, but thankfully they got it back up and running. How lucky was I that my favorite ride in Orlando was also here!! I didn’t take it for granted and ended up riding it 4 times, to the point that I almost had each part of the ride memorized, but also enough to still appreciate it and every time with a smile plastered widely on my face. I rode this one and some of the other more advanced ones, as I had my fair share of kid exposure so far. I needed to use my precious time here getting what I was looking for, a good thrill and a drop in the stomach, of course meaning the most wild of the rides. 

I had saw every park in Universal except for Jurassic World. I saved this for later because they had a water ride I wanted to do, but I didn’t want to be too uncomfortable for too long. I zipped through the line because of the single rider line, and I got the best boat mates ever. I was with a little girl a bit scared of the ride and clutching her dads arm. It reminded me of how my dad would go on every ride with us and ease any fears we had. I also sat by these two girls from China that were so kind to me, and a precious family from India, a mom and her sons, the mom not so secretly praying for zero droplets of water to land on her classy outfit. I also didn’t really want to get that wet, a nice splash and mist would suffice, but come time for the big drop, I was in the worst position. I was facing backwards going down the hill, in which the water from the front rose up and then gravity forced it to fall right in my lap and pool up in my shoes. I didn’t have one dry part of my clothes, my hair went from blonde to brunette, and my shoes squeaked out water. And this being said I didn’t really want to get that wet. So, now I had to stay longer and try to dry off. 

I went on one more ride in the Jurassic Park area, I lined up for the single rider again when I saw this little girl sprinting towards me, so amped to get in line. She stared me down, and when I glanced over at her, mainly because I was startled by her quick approach right to me, she beamed with the biggest smile that I took notice of her. While in line, I could tell she kept looking at me, knowing she had something to get out of her system. Finally, she broke the silence and complimented me, saying I was very pretty. So sweet of her, especially because I was drenched in water from the previous ride, so for her to say that in my current state was some genuine kindness. It was quite obvious that she wanted to practice her English with me, so I kept asking her questions, and she responded with her thought out english. She would pause after each of my questions, collect you answer, and occasionally say a word in Chinese as she raked her brain for its English translation. She was so precious and it made my day to talk to her and to know how much she probably enjoyed that interaction. Because to her I’m this cool American 22 year old with this crazy colored hair (blonde), and facial features unlike anyone around us. I was glad to chat with her, and part of me was also happy she spoke up and kept me company for the moment. We even ended up riding on the same ride because they needed two passengers to fill the ride and her happy skip to join me indicated she was absolutely thrilled to hang with me bit longer. It’s such a compliment to be so highly admired, and to see it so clearly in her eyes. I have rarely experienced that before, it is unlike any other interaction than to know the other person has you placed on this pedestal as though you are a celebrity.

I did a few more of my favorite rides to dry off, until it was finally time I get back to my hostel as it was around 7. On my way out, I saw there was a Trolls show, a movie I had seen, and I thought I might as well get my money out of the day and make the most of my day, I thought why not and I went to the show. It was definitely meant for the kids, but it had a wholesome message by the end (don't be selfish and do kind things for your friends) and some good singing. I was happy to experience it and do one more thing before I left.

Back on the train at 8pm, I spent 9 hours in the park and saw and rode just about everything, I was content too that I had the time to revisit my favorite rides as well. It was a good day, it let me relive my fond memories from Orlando, and also deja vu my family trips growing up when my dad would take my sister and I on all the amusement park rides whenever we traveled somewhere. My mom would watch our bags and patiently wait for us to complete our riding. I really missed having my family here with me, as this was how we traveled when we were younger, always stopping at the biggest amusement parks in whatever city we traveled to, whether that was Six Flags or disney world. I missed their presence, and it felt odd to be there alone and not have them to chat and kill time with as we waited in the dreadfully long lines. It goes to show the impact people have on your life, and how the smallest things can remind you how much you miss them and how grateful you are for them.

Also, during this trip I have gotten better at letting my friends and family know when I love and miss them. Or if there is something they did that I appreciate. Letting someone know about a positive thought that crossed your mind about them I’ve learned only makes their day. Take the time to tell them about it, trust me, it will likely be the highlight of their day, or at the very least a kind compliment that will make them smile. I have learned from this trip that distance doesn’t have to get in the way of maintaining a good friendship, especially if the intention and heart is there. If it is a genuine relationship, it will last a long time if you put in the effort of staying connected. That was my joyful day surrounded by so many people of different cultures, countries, and ages, but all connected through our mutually love and appreciation for the art of film and the thrill of good ride.