- The country has a wicked level of cultural integration with four distinct ethnic groups – Chinese, Indian, Malay, and “Other”. Citizens must learn the language of their ethnicity, and can opt to learn additional languages if they so choose. What a model! That might serve North America well in areas where cultural overlap breeds conflicts instead of understanding.
- Tipping --- not expected! I love environments where you pay what you pay, even if a bit more pricey than you would otherwise pay. Of course, I generally tip anyway as I am so accustomed to it. I tipped by shuttle driver and watched him switch from being totally grumpy to pleasantly friendly.
- Smartest cab drivers in the world, I swear. Okay, so my sample size was ridiculously small (n=3), but truly, the cabbie were articulate, worldly, and great ambassadors.
- So, if you need to buy clothes, as I did, you better not be too big either in height or weight. I fit snuggly into the biggest shirts I could fit – XXL. In North America, I could throw a party for two, if not three, inside a XXL shirt!
- The layout at Clarke Quay is totally money! Bars and restaurants line the edge of the river and you literally have your choice of any delicacy you want. One storefront removed from the river, there is another maze of restaurants, clubs, and bars. They are arranged not unlike a premium outlet mall you would see in Vegas, Seattle, or Hawaii.
- Things are not cheap in Singapore, not by a long shot. The shirt I mentioned previously – 55 Singapore dollars (dollar is about 90% the value of a Cdn dollar). A pint of beer – 12 dollars. Oddly enough, the drink specials bump up in price as the night goes on – not sure if this is to control drinking?
- Okay, funny topic – hookers! In advance of going to Singapore, I didn’t really think of it as a hooker rich location. One might think of Thailand, Cambodia, etc., as being overrun with hookers, but Singapore – now way? You can’t chew gum in Singapore, so how can prostitution be tolerated? Well, let me clear the record. They do exist, and apparently in large numbers. It seems that Singapore’s centrality to a bunch of neighouring countries of poorer socioeconomic status lend it to an influx of migrant prostitutes. Fortunately, for me, the area I was in was supposedly less prone to hooking, but as a solo white male traveler, I was propositioned regularly while taking in the evening sights. Certainly not the end of the world, but it does get annoying, and makes you suspicious of anyone who strikes up a conversation. On the plus size, there is a handy catch phrase to get you out the situation quickly – just let them know you are a PR, short for permanent resident. While they may still persist, knowing that you are a regular will less their
- Infection control. I have NEVER seen a country so on top of infection control. The country easily outdoes the likes of Indonesia and Vietnam who have been hammered in recent years with flu deaths. Just take a look at this statue on the waterfront at a major tourist location! In talking with some of the locals, the country has to be so vigilant as it is a key transfer point and sees so many people passing through. Also the first place I have ever been temperature screened to get into a bar ---- I didn’t point out that this approach isn’t likely to work – after all, I did want to get in. Lastly, the declaration upon entry asks if you have a runny nose, fever, cough, etc., and suggests serious fines if you lie. Back home I was asked ….. NOTHING!
- The Singapore Flyer is cool! Wanna see the city from a bird’s eye view? Take a trip on the world’s largest ferris wheel observation deck. Totally enclosed, the pods automatically rotate to keep you level while the wheel sweeps through its 360 degree circle. The included audio points out the city highlights, including the photo below of the Conrad building. While most people shy away from the number 13, this individual build a building façade with 13 on it --- look for the numerals on the face of the building.
- New factoid – the SIA in Malaysia was actually due to Singapore being part of Malaysia. At some point in history, Malaysia no longer wanted Singapore to be part of it, and for all intents and purposes, kicked it out. Singapore has blossomed since, and has never looked backed.
- Changgi airport is among of the world’s best in my opinion. All the top high-end stores you could want are there, as is free internet! [Aside – honestly, any airport in the world that doesn’t offer free internet should have themselves checked, as that is just ridiculous].
- On another funny note – Hooters! As I was touring the many restaurants, I stumbled on a Hooters. I honestly could not believe it, and was actually disappointed to find that as one of the few North American influences I could find - well that and Pizza Hut (honestly, how has Pizza Hut cornered the market in Asia?). Anyway, apart from serving Tiger beer, I can’t say there was much difference. The girls are still decked out in the while T-shirts and the Nasty McNasty orange polyester shorts. Brutal!
- Lastly, any talk of Singapore with me inevitably touches on Singapore Airlines – my favourite airline by far! They have the newest aircraft fleet in the world (including the A380 – pictured below), are great with customer service, and have most beautiful flights attendants bar none.
Okay, with that, I will now accept my cut from Singapore Tourism for such a glowing review of the country.
That rather lengthy diatribe is my two cents for today.
VB
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment