Singapore Trip

Last week, we had a long weekend because of National Day, so I decided to take a trip to Singapore with some friends. In general, I really enjoyed being there...it felt much different than most other places in Asia I've visited. This city of 4.5 million people is much more spread out (ie...not constantly bumping into people like I am here) and the architecture of the buildings was more reminiscent of European design than the typical Asian concrete skyscrapers. Everyone speaks fluent English (as it's the nation's language), and the everywhere is incredibly clean and green. Flowers, bushes, trees, and shrubery lined every street and every nook and cranny. Singapore is known for it's strict rules, such as severe fines for littering and jaywalking and high capital punishment statistics. Whatever your politicals beliefs are on such matters, it did make for a very safe and clean city. Even gum is outlawed.

I went with a relatively large group...there were six of us. Singapore is made up of many ethnic neighborhoods, and my friend Christine and I found a hotel in Little India. We enjoyed many Indian dishes (a favorite in Hong Kong, too) and hawker stand food options. On the first day, we met up with the entire group and took a boat ride along the Singapore River. After, we ate at a Brewery along with many other expats watching a rugby game (a familiar sight in Hong Kong, too). After, we did some shopping (Gap! Borders! Dairy Queen! exciting things, yes) and went to the Arab Quarter, where we found ouselves at the Ramadan Festival (great street food, dancing, people watching). Later, we met up with the big group again for Happy Hour at the Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling was invented. Touristy picture accomplished. In the evening, we had a meal in Little India at the Apolo Banana Leaf. Literally, a banana leaf was used as our plate. Later, we went out on the town and stopped by an outdoor fair showcasing European designers.

On the second day of our trip we headed to Sentosa Island via a cable car, which turned out to be a tourist trap, but at least we got to walk along a beach and eat ice cream. In the late afternoon/evening we relaxed at Chijmes, a convent turned restaurant venue. We ended the day with the Night Safari, which was actually very impressive. My favorite moment was when we were in the caged area, and a flying squirrel zipped over our heads. Yes, there was screaming and squealing.

Many people compare Singapore and Hong Kong, and rightfully so...both are very modern, international cities. We talked with a few people teaching at the Singapore American School (4,000 students total!) and learned a bit more about life there. It would definitely be an easy, comfortable place to live.