It's been awhile since I've typed in blogger.com on my browser, though every time I leave and come back to the kopsalad, it feels like home where I can pick up where I left off.
Of course a lot has happened and changed since my last post - I mean I've ventured into the business world and opened my own coffee shop! Super excited and proud of this little side hustle but also nervous. Very, very nervous. Business is a whole other ball game and the risks are high! More on the cafe in the next post but here's a little tease - its not in KL, it's located in Singapore.
Yes the motherland, home and birth place of my late mum. Which looking back now seems seredipitous in the bigger scheme of things.
So we launched the cafe over the weekend and aside from the support of my partners, I'm so humbled that the community has embraced us too! We stayed at the Swissotel Merchant Court which is a stone's throw from Clarke Quay, and this is literally the view I woke up to in the morning.
I got such a warm welcome from the Swissotel team and was given a personal tour by Amanda and Jennifer upon my arrival.
If that wasn't enough, when I got into my room I found little NiuNiu, their mascot waiting for me along with some local Nyonya treats. How cute and thoughtful!
Swissotel focuses a ton on their guests well being which they theme as 'Vitality' and you can find these Vitality stations throughout the building like complimentary apples and refreshing water to boost your, well, vitals!
They've also got one of the largest hotel gyms in Singapore that's open 24 hours with an on-site personal trainer at all times. The gym comes fully equipped with an ARKE Core Centric Training Equipment and you can train on the elliptical cross trainers with a view of the Singapore River. Makes the workout more bearable when you have an amazing view to distract you, if you ask me.
Of course what is a hotel without a pool. I fancied a little tan on the day and found myself this cozy little nook to soak up the rays.
And once you've worked up an appetite my favourite spot to grab a bite is at the Ellenborough Market Cafe which serves a mix of Peranakan and Western food. Love how the decor is traditional yet modern all at once!
Now for the most unique part of the hotel though, they've got a self service laundry bar. I've been to a pretty decent amount of hotels in my lifetime and have never come across one within the hotel grounds itself. Clean clothes and underwear are the real unsung heroes in life guys. It's one of those things you take for granted until you run out.
Couldn't ask for a better stay for a perfect short weekend to Singapore and now that I've got my own little coffee shop, I'll always have an excuse to come back!
xo Reem