When I travel  the world – I rarely take a direct path.  My recent trip to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea was no exception.  The countries share a common land mass however, their governments do not get along.  To travel  from the capital of Indonesia to the capital of Papua New Guinea I would have to detour nearly 1200 miles and overnight in Singapore. I was convinced the detour was a colossal waste of time.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Have you ever taken the time to get to know your taxi driver? I make a point of it.  No taxi driver starts out as a taxi driver. I find the story of  how someone became a taxi driver always interesting and often inspiring.  The story of my taxi driver in Singapore didn’t disappoint.  His name was Amit and his family relocated from India to Singapore years earlier.  He was once an engineer.  His father passed away a few years ago, and as the eldest son, he suddenly became responsible for his ailing mother.  Being a caretaker required more time than Amit’s engineering career would allow.  Driving a taxi didn’t pay nearly as well but, Amit didn’t mind. Taxi driving allowed him to spend precious time with his mom and the flexibility to drive her to constant doctor appointments. Maybe one day he could return to being an engineer.  How inspiring this man was – giving up every luxury and personal progress to serve and care for his mother. I asked what he would do with 8 hours to relax in Singapore.   Looking at me through the rear view mirror,  “For party times or relaxing times?” he said.  “Relaxing times.” I said.  “I would eat breakfast in little India and visit the Hindu temple there.  Then I would go to Mer-Lion and Sky Park at Marina Bay.  From there I  would walk to the Gardens by the Bay.  If you go – save  your time for the gardens.  You will like it there.”   Amit’s advice was spot on.

The Gardens by the Bay  opened in 2012 on nearly 250 acres of reclaimed land. The government wanted to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”.

My visit started at  Dragonfly and Kingfisher lake. The wooden path around the lakes offered me benches, beautiful flowers and relaxing water features.

Super Tree Grove took my breath away.  The trees are man made and they are HUGE.  I was surprised to learn they  provide renewable energy  for the gardens and light up at night.

Just outside a gift shop I discovered these incredible stone benches. How did the artisan shape them like that? The stones were so smooth you couldn’t help but touch them as you sat and rested. Amit was right – I indeed was glad I had left most of my time for the gardens because it was definitely relaxing my spirit.  

It was time to head for the airport. As I made my way out of the park  a stone path nestled in a secret garden called my name.  My  frustration over detours was about to change.

The circles on the path were enticing. I felt like a kid, stretching my steps to stay on the circles. Before long I was laughing.  Laughing at myself and how annoyed I had been about this detour to Singapore.  Look where that detour led me.  I had been inspired by Amit and ended up in a  place filled with such beauty and serenity, I wanted to bring it home.  Singapore taught me detours matter.  Detours make our life story more interesting. They stretch us.  If our hearts are open to the journey we will emerge smarter, braver and wiser than we ever thought we could be.