Vitra Singh's Blog
July 4, 2018
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October 29, 2015
Blooming Autumn in Brooklyn
I escaped the haze of Singapore and was met by GORGEOUS weather in New York. The sun has been shining for the most part; birds are singing; and flowers are blooming.
Here’s a mini sample of our Brooklyn blooms:
August 27, 2015
Ministry of Crab – Colombo
Today, I wanted to share a delicious experience at the Old Dutch Hospital in Colombo – our final dinner at Ministry of Crab. I purposely scheduled this restaurant for our last day – right before heading to the airport. Why?
I read so many amazing reviews online, and the concept seemed so awesome (I’m definitely a “crabby” person).
We were not disappointed – the food was excellent! We ordered a small Sri Lankan crab and a medium butter crab. I loved the gravy in the Sri Lankan crab – perfect with the bread pictured below to soak up all the delicious juices!
The decor is super cute, the ambiance is seriously crab-focused, the few drink options are great, they have a delicious (and renowned) ice tea, and for all that we ate – we paid $130 USD. And I would do it again in a heartbeat!
What meal have you had in your travels that you would want this instant?
August 26, 2015
Udawalawe National Park Safari, Sri Lanka
I just wanted to share of images from our safari at Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. The park is known for elephants, though there are about 4-5 leopards – which we did not get a glimpse at. Here are some of our highlights, but tell me – what would be your dream animal to see on Safari?
August 24, 2015
Idiot Tourists on Safari – Sri Lanka Edition
We did a three hour safari at Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. It is well-known for elephants, water buffalos, various species of birds, and a handful of leopards. I was really hoping to see a leopard, unfortunately it was not in the cards!
This post is specifically about one incident which really annoyed me. We came to a part of the park where 3 elephants were uprooting grass with their feet and then using their trunks to eat – standard elephant protocol. One of the three was a baby elephant and a handful of tourist safari jeeps were stopped pretty close to them but still a respectful distance away. The elephants were obviously okay with it because they kept doing their thing.
Then out of nowhere, one of the jeeps rages loudly around the others, passing super close to the three animals, and making a lot of disturbance in the process. Why the heck would anyone do that? Did they think that try to get a reaction or scare the elephants would make their day? Clearly, no concept of respecting nature for what it is.
My husband happened to be in the midst of doing a video, but I think he got distracted by the jeep and has the phone down and finger in front of the lens for part of it. However, the defense roar the elephant makes is audible in the background:
At the end of the video, you can see the elephants slowly turning around to leave – which any set of parents would do if they thought there was threat to their young one.
We all want to enjoy the beauty and nature of visiting other places, but we also have to remember that these animals are rightfully in their place. They were there before humans started encroaching on their space, and the least we can do is be respectful.
I wish I could have been closer to these irresponsible fools – would have given them a piece of my mind.
When was the last time you just wanted to give fellow travelers a dirty look? – Do tell!
The Golden Caves in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
One of my favorite stops in Sri Lanka was the Golden Caves at Dambulla. This World Heritage Site contains statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life.
The temple is made up of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues – all in various poses, which makes it a curious experience. It makes you want to see them all!
According to our guide, these statues were not commissioned by one person. Rather, they are a collection of depictions from artists who all depicted Buddha based on their own interpretations and experiences.
There are also ceiling murals that cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft) – the largest in Asia (according to our guide.)
Tips for those who are thinking of visiting:
The walk up to the top could be steep at times for the elderly or youngsters. There are handrails along the way for the most part to help with balance. Once you get midway, there’s the option for stairs but we decided to stay on the trail and go slow instead of struggling up steep stairs.
There are monkeys along the way, but they seemed pretty calm compared to other places. Please do not get in their faces to take pictures – be considerate of their space.
The walk up and the top of the caves offer a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the famous Lion’s Rock.
I found the artistic details under Buddha’s feet captivating:
The Golden Caves are a photographer’s paradise. So many different poses, angles, perspectives, and shadows to play with.
Comment below – where are you traveling to next?
August 21, 2015
The Changing Nature of My Travel Preparations
Back in my early 20’s…okay, who am I kidding…correction:
Up uptil a few years ago, I would analyze every item that went into my baggage – both checked and carry-on.
Do I have enough clothing combinations?
Do I have enough bright, fun clothes (looks better in pics, right?)
Sunscreen? Face wipes? A few different shades of lipgloss? Hats – baseball cap for low key, but straw for beach?
And what if it starts to rain – definitely needed to pack that umbrella.
On my last trip to Sri Lanka, I realized how much my travel nature has changed:
Neck pillow? Check!
Mostly blacks and grays so everything matches? Check!
Comfy pants? Check!
One pair of my most comfortable shoes? Check!
Hoodie for the plane? Check!
Don’t get me wrong – I’ll still labor over what to pack and what not to pack, except these days, I’m going for as little (and simple) as possible.
The only items I might “splurge” on are my accessories – which I justify because they don’t take up too much room.
And besides – with all the black and gray in my suitcase, I’ve got to add a bit of pop to my outfit somehow!

Hoodie and big sunglasses – essential “gear” for flying
How have your travel habits changed over the past few years?
August 20, 2015
Fresh fruit in Sri Lanka
One of my favorite things about traveling in Asia is the fresh fruit you can find everywhere.
Sri Lanka was no exception, and so much cheaper than many places:
These rambutans were fleshy, juicy, and sweet – definitely the best rambutans I’ve ever had!
August 19, 2015
A Day at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
After 18 months in Singapore, a visit by my mom prompted a trip to Gardens by The Bay’s Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. I never bothered to pay admission to visit these two climate-controlled domes because how exciting can a bunch of flowers be, right?
What I thought would be a quick 30 minute stop in each dome just to walk through, turned about to be a 3-4 hour excursion – that’s factoring in the 30 minute snack break in between each dome.
The Cloud Forest was particularly cool because as soon as you walk in, there is the mist and moisture from a waterfall:
Admission to the two conservatories is $28 for visitors and $20 for locals/residents. Local children can enter for $12, while children who are visitors must pay $15 (Prices are in SGD.)
I really enjoyed my time here, an in addition to these two features, Gardens by the Bay also comprises of a huge space where admission is note needed. There is also Satay by the Bay for those who are looking to satisfy their stomachs!
I thought this display was very clever. It uses lego to replicate the orchid:
Do you see the magic (scary) dragon?
Also thought this tree was interesting. I believe it’s native to Africa and desert climates, but it stories moisture in the trunk for dry spells, which gives it this really odd-looking (but cool) trunk. (That’s my mom reading more about it.)
Your turn to share: If you could be a flower, what would you be and why?
My answer: I think I would be an orchid because they are symmetrical (balanced); diverse (many sizes and colors); and are fairly low-maintenance (won’t die quickly!!)