And then this happened...while we were going for a walk on Sentosa.

We almost walked on by - but $5 to get rid of a fear of snakes didn't sound so bad. I just can't negotiate, but I'm learning to at least never to say yes first off with vendors, so when they offered $5 for one picture with all the girls, instead of $5 each I went for it.

Everyone stood back until I pet the snake, but then the seal was broken. The girls marvelled at how they could feel the individual "scales." They were surprised the snake felt so warm to the touch - it was almost hot! They surmised that it must mean the snake was "warm blooded." Everyone enjoyed touching the snake, but only Ms.C was brave enough to hold it. I'd already paid the $5, but I was not going to let anyone put that snake around my neck.

Ms.C said it felt weird moving along her neck and she was worried it was trying to get away when it started to slide through her hand after a while. She held it while her sisters touched the tail. Ms.I keeps telling everyone, "the snake was all over my little table."

Ms.C said warily, "I think it's trying to get away!"

We more than got our money's worth. We probably handled the snake for 10 minutes before some people walked by. Uncle then slipped the snake back in the basket to encourage them to pay for a closer look.