Corey Asleep.

St. John's Island

The smell of haze was very apparent on the day we visited St. John's Island. We had packed bananas and some buns to lunch over at the secluded island that was once an active quarantine centre. It should have been a nice, blue-skied day. Instead it was replaced by thick, warm smoldering air that made me a tad passive about taking this trip with 2 foreigner friends who just arrived because I felt guilty of exposing them to too much toxicity.

At least the ferry is air-conditioned, I thought to myself silently as we sat at the back row of the boat.

Upon arrival, I noticed the air being slightly (just a tiny bit) cleaner than back in the mainland, this was, of course, good news. We were greeted by the island's fluffy welcome cat comically lying on its back and enjoying the shower of attention given by visitors. The island is supposedly known as Singapore's very own cat island, however we only managed to cross paths with maybe less than 20 St. John's cats. I was slightly disappointed, as I thought I would be able to fulfill my dream of having hundreds of these furballs around me as I prance around like a deer. I wondered where the other cats were hiding.

Just a short 10 to 15 minutes walk across a bridge, we reached Lazarus island, which is home to perhaps the most charming little beach in Singapore - Just because of its' somewhat clear waters and white sand, and it was relatively quiet aside from loud dance music that came from the party yacht. Also, if you are observant enough, you can find cute tiny seashells and even a jellyfish! Thank god for Chantal's perfect eyesight. 

Lunch was had in a sheltered corner of the beach. Very casual yet so fulfilling to be exploring a place so close to home that I have never been, with two German friends - one, whom I just met on the same day.

I think that very day sparked a little something in me.