In Crutches…. On an Island… With Animals

I have written about parks, now let me tell you about my trip to Sentosa Island, Zoo and Night Safari with my fellow Crutches.

It wasn’t even a month yet after I have arrived in Singapore that I fell into a drain. I couldn’t believe my luck. Singapore was supposed to be one of the safest places around and I somehow managed to find an uncovered drain. I was supposed to meet my brother for dinner and I was late. Rushing and looking at my map, I did not see the hole. The next thing I knew was, (in my friend’s words), I disappeared.

My brother and his in-laws took me to a ‘sinseh’ (Chinese doctor) and he (the ‘sinseh’) asked me to go to the Emergency Ward. I panicked but the hospital was quite pleasant looking (Tan Tock Seng). The doctor attending to me was young and not bad in the looks department (my brother doesn’t seem to agree) but being young, he said that it’s probably a strain. Gave me the crutches and asked me to rest for a couple of days.

I immediately took the next bus back to KL with crutches. It was really really tiring and painful with the crutches. That’s when you appreciate everyone around you (more) for their kindness. The bus driver and passengers were very gracious. When I was back, my hubby, my parents, parents-in-law were all so wonderful. Through this I understand why my grandma (at that time) refused to be on the wheel chair but rather walk slowly even though her legs are weak. You start to feel that you are burden. And visiting friends were equally patient with me.

Anyway, when I returned to Singapore, the hospital called because they had discovered a hairline fracture and I had to cast half of my leg. Luckily it was not the ugly old white type.

As I couldn’t sit at home doing nothing, I went back to work with my crutches. The most difficult part of it all was climbing up the pedestrian bridge. Again, you need help with a lot of things but start to feel that you are a burden and try to do everything yourself. Eventually, I took the cab.

It was a tough period but going out helped. Strangers can be so kind. Everywhere I went, people always made space for me. When it was time to remove my cast, my spirits were high even though my leg has not totally healed. (I still have to follow up with physiotherapy sessions). So when my hubby came to visit (He was not in Singapore then), I asked if he would like to visit Sentosa. I haven’t been there for a long time.

When we arrived there, the staffs found me a wheelchair and told me I did not have to queue for the bus. Privilege for the handicapped. That was a good start. We visited a lot of places around Sentosa and I must say my hubby had a good exercise too that day ;P.

That was before they started upgrading Sentosa. We went to the observation tower and the view was good.

I even sat on the Motion Master but the highlight was the Musical Fountain. After so many years, it was still entertaining to watch. When I first watched it, it was just music with water. Then they added the laser and fire. Now they even have a projected clown and mascot performing to a story.

I was glad I went then before they closed down the Musical Fountain. That night, I did not have to queue for the Fountain too and a staff there pushed me straight to the wheelchair area. It was a great spot. In fact, I must say the staffs there provided a 5 star service that day. In fact, I was starting to enjoy sitting in the chair knowing it was temporary. I would never want to go through those 6 months again though it has taught me a lot. I think the handicapped deserves all the attention they need.

On my hubby’s next trip down, we visited the Zoo and Night Safari. By then, I did not need a wheelchair.

The zoo has changed a lot. They now have Giraffes, Polar Bear, Elephants, Camels and many other animals.


The best were the animal shows. They interacted with the audience. I was rather slow on the crutch and did not manage to cover the whole zoo.( I went back again with my parents later on. The second time was just as enjoyable.)
And that night, we headed to the Night Safari. Again, I did not have to queue. Luckily, otherwise I will be aching everywhere. We took the tram ride and I recalled riding it as a kid. This time round, the animals don’t seem as intimidating anymore. I still had fun though. :)
We walked a little bit but I soon began to feel weary. We then watched the night animal show and it was very entertaining. The animals are so intelligent. A bird flew over me to an audience in front of me. What a thrill! The little otters were so cute. And they can act well.

With Crutches or without, it was 2 good days! :) TQ all.