The adventure begins . . . .

Singapore


Here I am in Singapore, which is as steamy and sticky as billed, though at least the rain seems to have stopped for now. Escaping from London was remarkably easy (the first flight both departed and arrived on time - imagine that!), and I was able to make a virtue out of a travel necessity by using my layover in Frankfurt to have dinner with my friends Marlene and Ward (thanks again!).

Not having done much thinking or planning for Singapore ahead of time, I didn't really have expectations to be met (or not). In large part, that was the result of my staying with friends, rather than having to investigate hotels (with the consideration of location and proximity to things to see and do that comes along with that). For the benefit of potential future travellers, I provide the following brief review of the Rigby-Bedford guesthouse: This establishment exceeds all expectations. It is located in a palatial building with very spacious guest quarters (en suite, of course), a convenient location, a swimming pool (very useful given the climate; see above under "steamy and sticky") and exceedingly amiable and welcoming hosts. It also gets a "very highly commended" rating under a metric I have personally devised for ranking places I stay: the fluffy white towel test. (In all seriousness, many thanks to Nic and Stuart for accommodating me.)

As for Singapore itself, I'm finding it rather interesting (and more to my taste than Hong Kong). Not surprisingly, one of the main attractions is the food - I only wish I had time to sample much more of what's on offer. I did take the plunge and had lunch at a hawker center (for those unfamiliar with the concept, it's kind of like a cross between street stalls and a food court). Choosing just one dish was difficult indeed, although fortunately some of what was on offer clearly didn't make the short list - "pig's organs", "chicken claws", etc.). I don't think I can identify all the ingredients in the dish I did have (I recognized noodles, prawn and broth, but not the several other things), but I suspect it's better that way.

I spent part of Saturday in the neighborhood known as Little India. For whatever reason, the area has by and large retained the look and feel it developed in earlier times, with many streets of two-story "shophouses", most of which have colorfully painted trim. The scene provides an interesting contrast to the glass skyscrapers that dominate other areas. It does seem as though notwithstanding the significant efforts to esnure Singapore remains on the cutting edge (cf. the Marina Bay Sands complex now taking shape in the along the waterfront), a conscious effort has been made to retain and restore many of the historic districts.

One thing that has quite surprised me is just how green the place is. I kind of assumed that with all the building and rapid advancement that Singapore is known for, green space would be at a premium. In fact, most streets (including major highways) are lined with trees, and there are large parks dotted all around. I spent some time exploring the botanic gardens, which are a lovely oasis. I particularly enjoyed the National Orchid Garden. As many of you know I have a very brown thumb (the only reason that plants ever survived in my office is because Kirsty took care of them and I don't dare keep anything green at home!), but I quite enjoy the fruits of other people's efforts (and if I can figure out how, I'll share photos of some of the gorgeous flowers!).

Today's first expedition is to the zoo, which I am led to believe is one of the best of its kind anywhere (someone I met yesterday assured me it's significantly better than the San Diego Zoo, which would certainly be saying something). Later, it's off to Raffles for afternoon tea.

That's it for now!

Jennifer

Today's personal note: Happy Birthday Dad!