This Sunday did not go the way I originally planned, and that was mainly because of the weather. It started raining by mid-morning, and that immediately threw my cycling plans off. I had to stay at home longer than expected, hoping the sky would improve enough for me to still go out on two wheels. Eventually, the weather did get better, but by then it already felt too late for the kind of cycling trip I had imagined. So instead of forcing the day to follow my original plan, I decided to let the day take me somewhere else.
That was how I ended up taking the bus to the east and finding myself in Tampines.
Tampines is actually such a nice place to wander around, especially on days when you just want to walk, look around, and enjoy the city without rushing. What I like about this area is that it has plenty of shopping options, yet it does not always feel overwhelmingly crowded. There are several malls close to one another, so you can easily move from one place to the next and still feel like there is always something new to check out. It is also very convenient because it is only a few train stops away from Expo, which made it a good starting point for this little unplanned adventure.
I spent some time wandering around Tampines first, just soaking in the relaxed city vibe. Sometimes, even without a fixed destination, walking around a familiar but lively area can still feel refreshing. I think that is one of the things I enjoy most about these kinds of days. Even when the weather changes my plans, the city still offers other ways for me to explore and enjoy my free time.
After my walk around Tampines, I decided to continue the day by heading to Expo. I took the Downtown Line and went straight there because I heard that Changi City Point was having sales and discounts. Naturally, that got my attention right away. I always feel excited whenever I hear that outlet stores are having promotions, especially if there is a chance that my favorite brands might have something worth bringing home.
Although I have visited Changi City Point many times before, this Sunday felt noticeably busier than usual. There were more shoppers around, and the mall had a more energetic atmosphere. Still, I could understand why. This place is known for having many factory outlet stores, and that is exactly what makes it appealing. A lot of the items there are priced lower than what you usually find in regular retail stores, so it always feels like there is a possibility of discovering a really good deal.
That sense of possibility is what makes browsing there fun. Even if I do not end up buying much, I still enjoy looking around and checking what each store has to offer. The mall also has a nice layout for walking, so the whole experience feels more like a casual city stroll than a tiring shopping trip.
One thing that stood out to me during this visit was how interesting the surroundings felt as well. From the architecture of the station area to the lively interior of the mall, there was enough visual character to keep me engaged. It may not have been the cycling day I wanted, but it still became a day of wandering, observing, and enjoying a different side of the city.
Overall, it turned out to be a fun Sunday for me. The weather may not have cooperated with my cycling plans, but I am still glad I went out and made something out of the day. Sometimes, travel does not need to be far or dramatic. Sometimes it is simply about adjusting your plans, following your curiosity, and letting the city surprise you in a different way.
