Singapore: Why aren’t we like them?

Our holiday at Singapore.

We are three. Rick, Roe and me. We are in Roe’s house (she studies at NUS) at Pasir Pajang. Rick and I have traveled together before. I meet Roe for the first time. I think she is very pretty. Rick and Roe hug and catch up.

What are so many Indians doing up here? On a closer look they are all Tamils. Further closer, most are second generation Tamils, they knew nothing much of India except what they’ve learnt from their parents.

It strikes me immediately as to how organized the city is. How utterly controlled! It had rained the night before and the next day we see not a leaf on the road, not a puddle around. Apparently, not a car can leave the garage if it is scratched. The uniformity is irritating though. Box houses, rows of buildings without any character or individuality.

Raffles Place – Our first stop. And then complaints begin. “Why could Indians not honk? Why not have an Esplanade back home? Why not make a waterfront as clean and lovely?” Lightning has struck the Merlion. So, we missed a photo.

The city is exasperatingly picture perfect. But I didn’t think the women so pretty or well dressed. It reminds of a city in Europe, well kept, manicured and planned. But devoid of the history, character.

Our first day is mostly spent shopping.

Roe had suggested Bugis Street but although I think it is a good place for some cheap stuff, Rick hates it. It starts to rain.

We buy our Sony T700 from Sim Lim square. This is the best place for some cheap electronics. Five floors of just the latest gadgets – an absolute playground for men. Rick flirted loads with Kem, the guy who sweet talked us into buying the phone. “Go around Sim Lim, find cheaper, I buy from you at double price. “ Crappy sales talk. But Rick is so taken in. As for me, I love the phone.

Orchard Road is next. High Street and very packed. Somewhat like an oriental Champs-Élysées. Loving walking through. Nothing much I can afford here.
We buy from Raffles Place market. Lots of unique fabrics and cuts. This is also close to Marina Bay, the business district. (The other good shopping we discover is in Harbour Front MRT - Vivocity)

A late night dinner was to be at Holland Village. But it is one ‘o’ clock at night. Everything is closed except for the baked duck place. We go to Mustafa at Little India. We see the hordes of Indians we have taken this trip to escape. But we are hungry, what to do? We have Chettinad chicken and Biryani. Tastes good, we are famished.

We have 4 action packed days ahead. And an early morning tomorrow.