Yesterday felt like one of my most productive Sundays in a long time. Instead of visiting only one place, I somehow found enough energy to experience two completely different sides of my city, the busy city center in the afternoon and the peaceful nature of Springleaf in the evening.
My day started with a trip to Shenton Way because I was craving some exciting hawker food for lunch. Of course, Lau Pa Sat was the perfect choice. There is something special about visiting this historic food center while being surrounded by tall, modern skyscrapers. The old red-roofed building standing among the glass towers makes the place even more interesting.
Lau Pa Sat never disappoints. With so many stalls and food choices, walking around and deciding what to eat is already part of the experience. A satisfying hawker meal was exactly what I needed to make the weekend feel complete. For me, moments like this provide fresh motivation before another long work week begins. Sometimes, a nice meal and a simple walk around the city can already improve my mood.
After lunch, I explored the streets around Shenton Way. I looked up at the skyscrapers and took photos from different angles. Looking upward from between the buildings made them appear even taller and more dramatic. I also enjoyed seeing how modern towers, older buildings, and familiar places like Lau Pa Sat can exist together in one view.
This is one reason why I still enjoy wandering around the city center. There is always another detail to notice and another angle to capture.
After all that walking, I went home and took a much-needed one-hour nap. I thought my adventure was finished, but after waking up and taking a bath, I suddenly felt refreshed again. The weather was still nice, so I brought out my bicycle and went on another adventure.
My original goal was to cycle all the way to Bishan Park. However, plans can change when nature gives you a better reason to stop.
When I reached the Springleaf area, the sky was already turning into beautiful shades of pink, orange, and purple. The calm water reflected the evening colours, while the tall trees formed dark silhouettes around it. The view was so peaceful that I decided not to rush anymore. Bishan Park could wait for another day, lol.
I parked my bicycle near the railing and simply watched the sunset. The pathway lights were beginning to glow, and everything felt far away from the noise of the city. Earlier that day, I was surrounded by concrete, glass, traffic, and skyscrapers. A few hours later, I was beside the water, enjoying trees, fresh air, and a gentle evening sky.
That contrast is something I truly appreciate about my city. It gives me the flexibility to enjoy exciting urban places and peaceful green spaces within the same day.
I have heard that spending time in nature can help us relax and relieve some of the stress in life. I definitely felt calmer while staying at Springleaf. Cycling also made the experience better because I was exercising while exploring at the same time.
