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footsteps of raffles

This is the souvenir I brought back from Singapore, and no I didn't steal it from the tearooms, I bought it in the giftshop!

We had tea at Raffles. We did not have great expectations of this, as in the past we have been seriously let down by these sorts of hyped up experiences, featured in glossy brochures, to get tourists to spend yet more money! Not ones for pomp and ceremony, we probably wouldn't have done this if it hadn't been as part of a trip, the footsteps of Raffles.

This was what we read in the brochure:

'This tour starts from where it all began, at Raffles landing site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore in 1819, before progressing to an Exhibition that traces the history of the Singapore River.

Next stop is Raffles Hotel, where hives of activities were held for the high-society in the 1800s. Here, enjoy either an afternoon tea buffet, with English/local delicacies, or light refreshments.'

We decided to choose the option for the afternoon tea buffet, just expecting a few dried up cucumber sandwiches, or a small cream cake? Well we were in for a pleasant surprise of a huge, as it had been described, buffet, and there was more than enough for all the visitors who were visiting that afternoon, not only the ones in our tour group.

We were shown to a table by a very well dressed waiter, and we had to share with another couple. I find it hard to start a conversation with someone I don't know, and I always feel quite nervous, but this couple, who came from Southport, were very amiable and easy to get on with. We were poured a cup of tea from an antique silver teapot, and it was really too weak to come out the pot! I didn't say anything as I accept this. I am quite biased, and think there is nowhere in the world who can do a cup of tea, quite like they can in England! Anyway, the husband of the couple, did say something, and the waiter kindly carried away his cup and saucer, to come back with another cup, which looked just as the first one did. After another attempt, and letting the tea stew a little in the pot, the cup which he finally accepted, looked really no darker, but I think he was so thirsty by this time, he decided to surrender!