Chris here. What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been!

Melissa and I have become much busier with work—which is going quite well all in all. New responsibilities as a faculty member keep my schedule full with classes and research meetings while Melissa’s job keeps her busy with treating a new patient load. However, we are still doing our best to go out and explore some the different neighborhoods and attractions of Singapore.

 Recently, we went to MacRitchie Reservoir Park for a sizable hike (roughly 6 miles) and to see the star attraction—a 250 yard treetop canopy suspension bridge 75 feet above the forest floor. 

On our walk we were greeted by some curious long-tailed macaques (AKA: monkeys), who really wanted to share my snack. The entire troop came running as soon as they heard the crinkle of the foil wrapper in my pocket. It was reminiscent of cats running toward the sound of an electric can-opener. We laughed and smiled jovially without fully realizing that we were playing into the hands of the macaques that collectively recognized us as easy targets. Our smiles dropped as we realized no longer were the macaques the attraction, but that we had become the main show. The macaques dared closer and closer and Melissa and I sensed that the time was right for us to hustle on before some kind of heist ensued.

 Later, after the heat was off from our macaque-venture, I took a few photos of one of our furry neighbors while he yawned—as his mouth split into a deep yawn his face went from sleepy and cute, to rather terrifying as he bared the canines he quietly harbors. It was a good lesson to remember that at first glance they look cute and cuddly, but to be cognizant that they are WILD and they can be aggressive too! So after a couple of close encounters we decided to move along and continue the trek to the canopy walk.

The canopy walk was really, really cool—although I have to admit, being up that high on a bridge that sways with the breeze was a bit frightening, but I think that I managed OK. Melissa had no problems, although one poor guy behind us wasn’t enjoying his time on the canopy walk. All in all, it made for a great day-trip and we will certainly have to go back to explore some of the other hiking trails around the reservoir.  Enjoy the pics!