Mike's Post about the Nature Center

Walking High Up

While walking around the resort, I found a Nature Center which was very interesting with plenty of hands on exhibits.  I almost forgot parts of Singapore are still considered part of the Rain Forest eco system.

While walking around, I found something I haven’t seen in almost 35 years – Origami Swans.  Part of me wants to try to relearn how to make these cranes -  now that would be fun.  As for this exhibit – it is a “One Thousand Crane”, which according to Japanese tradition, the person who makes this will be given one wish.  (If I ever made 1,000 cranes, my wish would be for my sons to have great memories of their growing up)

Finally, after learning about the types of trees, leaves, bugs and all, it was time to head out for the rest of the walk.

Check out the sign posted on the bridge.  Walking along the bridge is 25 meters high up and that is roughly 75 feet.   I looked over the side, and didn’t see much – too many leaves between me and the ground.

As I was looking at the trees, I saw one which I had seen before when I lived in Africa.  I don’t know what the Latin name is, or what name is used by the Singaporeans, but we called it the porcupine.  That’s because of the big barbs which grow up and down the trunk.

The sign also says the ancient natives used these barbs for their blowdarts.  I’ve seen these barbs, and they are sharp!  No doubt, those would work with blow guns!

And when I finished walking along the bridge, I thought I saw something walking through the brush.  What did it turn out to be?