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In the middle of Chinatown
Day two of the Lopez family adventure took us to Chinatown, which was also an adventure for Joe and I as we hadn't explored the area yet. Although Chinatown is only a few subway stops away from Orchard Road, the area is extremely different. It almost felt as if we had left Singapore.

The Chinatown MRT stop spits you out right in the middle of Chinatown's hustle and bustle. We wandered the narrow streets, browsing through the cheap trinkets and knick knacks in the vendor stalls and admiring beautiful lacquered goods in some of the more high-end stores. 

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Walter entertains the Lopez family
While we were walking around, we were randomly approached by a little, old Singaporean man who ushered us to a little juice store. So, we took a time-out and enjoyed some mango juice and coconut water. I want to say the man's name was Walter (I'm not sure if this is right!), and it turns out that he is a Singaporean tour guide. He happened to be on a break while his tour group had free time in Chinatown, so he sat down and entertained us for a bit. We learned that Chinese settlers lived in Chinatown when Singapore was a British Colony, and that one of the streets in Chinatown was known for death houses where old, sick Chinese people would go to die. Apparently, dying in one's home was bad luck for the rest of the family, so the dying were required to pass elsewhere. Kind of morbid, huh?

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Chinatown MRT station
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Large pagoda
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Dr. Lopez and a Chinese medical hall
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Bibimbap
After our meeting with Walter, we checked out a few famous landmarks in Chinatown, including a Buddhist Pagoda, a Hindu Temple, and an Arab Mosque. Then, the Lopez culinary adventure continued with a stop at Togi, a popular Korean restaurant in Chinatown. We had been told to check out the Korean food in Chinatown as it is some of the best in Singapore (allegedly). DRR (remember, that's Diane, Raul, and Rick) got to try bibimbap for the very first time (it's one of Joe's and my favorite dishes). Bibimbap is basically rice, vegetables, egg, and beef in a hot stone pot. The pot continually cooks the food in the bowl, keeping it deliciously warm. It was a hit with the Lopez family.

After lunch, we headed back to 8 on Claymore for a dip in the pool as well as some rest and relaxation. Then, we added another chapter to the Lopez culinary adventure. Joe and I took DRR to the 313 Somerset Mall Food Republic food court to try one of our favorite foods, murtabak.

In Singapore, murtabak is considered an Indian dish. However, I've read that it's actually more of a middle eastern food. In any case, it is delicious! Murtabak consists of thin prata bread that is filled your choice of filling (we always get shredded chicken). It is fried into a flatbread and is served with a spicy curry dipping sauce (I know I've explained this before, but I thought the reminder would be helpful!). 

Day two ended with dreams of Phuket, Thailand... which was the next stop in our adventure. The scenery there was stunning! Stay tuned... our story continues soon!

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In front of the Chinatown Heritage Center
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Murtabak rocks!
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Raul, what are you looking at??



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