Singapore 01

Singapore

April 2007

SINGAPORE

So here we are in yet another of the world’s vast continents, this time its South East Asia. As we have fallen behind with our BLOG we plan to keep future entries just like the residents of this region…… short and sweet.

After two flights and a four hour delay in Sydney, where we got a glimpse of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, we arrived in Singapore. Although it was 4am it was still hot and sticky. Only having three days to explore, we were up and out sightseeing after just a few hours sleep.

Singapore is a small Island floating off the Southern tip of Malaysia. It’s mainly consists of a very modern city and about 80% of the population here are Chinese. Even so, all signs, tours, in fact everything here is in English. As Sarah will tell you, the number one thing to do here is shop, with numbers two and three (shopping and more shopping) coming close runners up. Oh yeah if you are tired of shopping then you can EAT.

But seriously there is a lot to see and from our photos, you’ll realise that this city has a lot of varied architecture and many many temples.

We…

* Educated ourselves at the brilliant Asian Civilisations Museum.
* Took a short night cruise up the river to see the mystic Mer-Lion statue. (Half mermaid, half Lion)
* Ate the cheapest yummy curry money can buy in Little India.
* Paid respect to the Buddhas at the numerous temples in Chinatown.
* Watched a cool laser show extravaganza come musical on the beach.
* Rode very fast GO-Karts down a tricky bendy mountain road.
* Bartered viciously in the markets buying a very realistic fake Rolex.

We did also pop in to check out the world famous Raffles hotel, but as we were so very underdressed for such a posh establishment, we quite simply had to pass on staying for a classic Singapore Sling cocktail. It had nothing to do with the $30USD a glass price tag.

In summary, Singapore is a nice, clean and safe city, which is probably due to the strict laws and rules that are in force. Everywhere you go, you will see that familiar sign comprising the red circle with the diagonal line through it. Don’t spit, Don’t smoke, Don’t swear, Don’t litter, Don’t run on escalators, Don’t eat or drink on the trains, Don’t speed…. to name but a few. A strict way to live your life but it seems to work very nicely.

Oh and you’re not allowed to take Durians on the tube or in any hotels. A Durian is a large fruit with a skin that’s big, round and green, covered with nasty spikes. Once opened the fruit smells so strongly that they are banned from many places. We tried one and hated it!

Give me a Granny Smith any day!

- ENDS -

Note: Singapore Part 2 is on its way and just contains all the other photos we couldn't fit in this update. Check them out!