The first thing that hits you outside Changi International, is the tropic heat. Pleasant at first, like a warm blanket, 5 seconds therein, feels like 20 warm blankets that can't be shed, and liquid you didn't know you had, seeps. Being a trim lad, I thought I'd have some immunity to this going in. Not so.
Singapore's answer? A/C, and lots of it. In every house, in every store, in every building, restroom & taxi, cool refrigerated air greets you as if heaven-sent from the Alps. What they need to do is construct massive towers and perhaps a dome too over the city so its not so bad outside. That would be awesome.
Happy Yohei inside a A/C refrigerated mall (Ion)
Had a good time here thanks to my 2 hosts, Hande and Sebastian. Showed me around and did the typical tourist things... Zoo, Santosa Island, Full body massage. All were good. Singapore is really catered towards the Western traveller. English speaking, cheap travelling/dining, and lots and lots of shopping and its nowhere near as scary as Malaysia... which isn't scary in itself, but starkers in contrast to Singapore, especially if you drive across the border at night, you feel a bit like your entering District 9. Was only in Malaysia briefly for a wedding dinner of people I had never met, so my comments here (as with most other instances) are truly throwaway. Restaurant food was nice, and the traditional Thai dance performance by a Malay guy who didn't appear to know the moves was excellent.
My hosts Sebastian (left) and Hande (other left)
Had my palm read outside the famous Raffles Hotel too, by this Indian guru guy. That was quite fun. He had a cool little sleight of hand trick where whilst reading into my future, he would place a bit of paper in my enclosed fist and have its details change inside to reflect what I was saying. Still not sure how he did it but it was very clever. Told me I was going to live till I was 90-95 so gave him a 10er for his troubles.... he wanted a hundred but unfortunately I only sometimes act as stupid as I look. He also couldn't believe I was single and said that love was in my horizon... would prefer it in my lap but I guess if I can see it, I'd be happy with that.
Singaporean Art... I call this 'Japanese Warrior Nude Haka vs The World'
Spent my last evening by the harbour looking out towards Marina Bay Sands, sipping on a $10 half pint of Sapporo (beer is expensive to keep expat numbers down) whilst reflecting on my trip. Have to admit, I don't really know if I saw the real Singapore, or if what I saw is actually the way it is. Theres a diversity there, but it feels segregated in that the Chinese hang out with the Chinese, Indians & Indians, Expats & Expats and the tourists are tourists, so genuine interaction with locals is a bit sparse... My fault for not engaging enough probably, but its kinda hard to know who the locals are as everyone seems to be in passing. Next visit I think I'll make more effort to try.
Singapore at night!
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