Saturday, November 27, 2010

Singapore

The last time we went to Singapore was 5 years ago. After we returned home, I felt like writing to the Singaporean Government and inviting them to come to Australia to run our country. After our visit  yesterday, I still feel the same. It is amazing what has been done with this small island over the last 50 years - and the advances seem to get greater as time goes on. The map we had with us was one that we had gotten from a Tourist Information Office on our last visit - it was almost useless to us on this trip as there had been so many changes in the meantime. This mostly related to the Marina Bay area where an amazing Casino complex has been built - plus the Singapore Barrage. We only really saw these things from a distance so I will have to do some Internet research on them when we get back home.

Our visit was marred a little by some illness and the pervasive heat and humidity. But we managed to do most of the things we wanted to do. It is almost worth going to Singapore simply to ride on their fantastic Underground - and to see the cleanliness of the city. No graffiti anywhere!! I have heard people speak disparagingly about Singapore because, politically, they are a one Party State, quite rigid in their approach to many things and impose a strict regime on their people. For me it seems to work for them, and is benevolent - and I wish we could import some of their methods. I guess it would not work too well in our hedonistic, "it's all about me " society. The main reason we like Singapore is because of the Singaporean National pastime - eating!! Especially the cheap Asian eating available in the Hawker centres. You can have the most enjoyable Asian food (all Nationalities) for $3-6. On this occasion, because of my illness and the heat, the only things we had were an "Ice Ka Chang" each and a Sour Plum Lime drink. Both were delicious and really suited the hot climate. We recommend the LAU PA SAT hawker centre in the city ( but try not to go at lunch time) - but for a more relaxed and civilised (read airconditioned) atmosphere, try the FOOD REPUBLIC at the top of the big TISMA centre in Orchard Road.

You can easily spend a week in Singapore - a day-long cruise visit by cruise ship can't even scratch the surface. I have attached a quick photo (taken from the bus) of a new highrise apartment complex - all the buildings are curved -- AMAZING!!

You can view a Youtube video about our visit to Singapore here

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