Waking up early in Singapore for my morning routine, I found myself reflecting on my city as a tourist. On a recent Sunday, I decided to start my day with a visit to a café that had recently changed hands. Berthold, a place I used to love, is now a French restaurant. After some research, I learned it had merged with another nearby café, Frieda, which is part of the Capitol Kempinski Hotel.

I was disappointed to find my favorite tuna sandwich was no longer available, but I opted for a tuna croissant breakfast set accompanied by coffee. While visually appealing, it didn't quite match the freshness and heartiness of the sandwich that included zucchini. The latte, however, was just as delightful as I remembered, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face among the staff—a polite young man who always made me feel welcome.

As I enjoyed my breakfast, a group of energetic 9-year-old girls nearby reminded me of carefree childhood days, their laughter echoing like little horses. They seemed to be part of a new evangelical church group, which was evident when I later noticed a crowd gathering at the Capitol Theatre for a singing event. This made me somewhat cautious, considering the past controversies involving local religious leaders misusing funds, particularly when wealth is a central theme in their teachings.

Though I was born into the Hindu faith, I embrace the positive messages from various religions and value humanitarianism. However, I struggle when faith appears to intertwine with profit, a situation I've witnessed even within charitable organizations.

Returning to the café, I glanced at the pastries and cakes on display. I fondly remembered the incredible cinnamon roll they used to serve, now seemingly absent from the simplified menu. Prices have also risen significantly, reflecting a broader trend in Singapore.

Earlier that morning, I had woken up at 5:30 AM, showered, and made my way to the Capitol via public transport. To my surprise, the train was packed, despite it being Sunday morning. It seems the high costs associated with car ownership have led more people to rely on buses and trains. Thankfully, the train cleared out at Paya Lebar Station, making my journey more comfortable.

Despite the crowds, I appreciate our public transport system for its cleanliness and efficiency. It's something we can take pride in, and I hope to see continued expansions and improvements. In recent years, the system has faced breakdowns, leading to the replacement of trains, which feels like a necessary step given the current reliance on public transport.

There's been ongoing discussion about why our buses and trains do not operate 24 hours a day, with cost and low demand being cited as reasons. Safety and maintenance work during off-hours are also considerations, but as a non-welfare state, I believe taxes should fund better infrastructure.

As I explored my own city, I couldn't help but reflect on my desire for a change of scenery after over five decades of tropical weather. While I appreciate the beauty of Singapore, I long for the seasons and natural environments found in the northern hemisphere.

Before leaving the café, I reminded myself to settle my bill, as the service model had shifted from counter ordering to table service. After paying, I took a moment to walk around, trying to reach my goal of 5,000 steps—a challenge I hadn't yet achieved.

The underground linkways connecting various malls, including Capitol, Raffles City, Funan, and Adelphi, provided a cool escape from the heat and humidity. For tourists, the City Hall MRT station is conveniently located, making it easy to access attractions like Orchard Road.

I've never been to Dubai, but I imagine our most luxurious malls pale in comparison to those fueled by oil wealth. Personally, I enjoy the spacious Australian malls where seating is plentiful without needing to purchase anything. I've recently enjoyed chatting with friends from Australia, which has made my explorations more enjoyable.

As I wandered, I considered whether a day of indulgence was worth it after waking up so early. I felt embarrassed to admit that I succumbed to fatigue and ordered a yogurt with granola, even though I wasn't hungry. I was hesitant to order tea, as it seemed wasteful when I had tea bags at home, but I appreciated the excellent service and complimentary water.

I'm committed to establishing a healthier routine as I continue my exploration of Singapore. Next on my agenda was Suntec City, where my partner wanted to shop. I hoped to rack up more steps and mitigate my feelings of guilt for indulging earlier.

Passing by a spa, I was tempted by the enticing aroma but knew the costs would be prohibitive. I observed a father playing with his baby, letting go of the pram, which caused a brief moment of panic until he caught up with it, capturing a sweet memory on video.

Following signs to Suntec City, I contemplated whether I should buy a tourist souvenir to commemorate my experience. I spotted a Merlion—a popular symbol of Singapore—and thought of my nieces, who might prefer something more playful.

Upon reaching Suntec City and Convention Centre, I found it buzzing with life. I couldn't help but indulge in a half chicken kebab wrap, shared with my partner, while ignoring the fries. The chicken was perfectly grilled, and I was pleased to see a skilled Turkish chef preparing the food. Enjoying hot water for free was a bonus, and the meal was reasonably priced at S$11 (around US$8.15).

Now back home, I was pleased to discover I had exceeded my step goal for the day. However, I remind myself of the adage that one cannot outrun a poor diet, prompting me to be more cautious about my food choices moving forward. I've discovered that I enjoy fresh vegetables wrapped in less dressing, opting for a healthier approach.

Thank you for following along with my lengthy narrative, filled with personal reflections and photographs. Your support and comments inspire me to keep striving for improvement, especially for those who have battled cancer.