Landing in Singapore meant a real change of climate! I have reinforced my belief that I don’t like heat and I don’t like high humidity. It is a bit hazy at the moment due to the fires in Indonesia and there are lots of heavy clouds. It rained the first day we arrived but we have had none since. The ominous thunder I can hear may change that.
Our flight was smooth and it was interesting to arrive in a city that we last saw over 20 years ago. Changi Airport which was very modern back in 1989 is undergoing renovations and that is fairly typical of what has happened in this ever changing city. The architecture is amazing!
Arab Street and the mosque are just outside our hotel and it is good to be able to look at the contrast between this older area and the high rise buildings that surround us. Singapore is not a subtle city and colour and lights add to the overall feel of bustle and business.
The Christmas lights are up and they are fabulous – not tasteful but really good! It is good to see references to the real meaning of the season amidst all the tizz and glitz.
It is also interesting to see the number of Muslim women out doing the Christmas shopping! (or perhaps they are just buying presents and clothes).
Food – yummy!!!!!!.....and such an excellent variety. Our dinner last night cost us $15.
20 years ago the role of authority was much more obvious – while I think there is probably more security around I have not seen a soldier, a gun and virtually no police. We haven’t seen a police car, which is a real change from Europe. Everybody seems very calm and harmonious and simply going about their business in a very multicultural society. We have roamed many parts of the city and made good use of the very efficient Metro. We have bought very little – why would you when it is all available in Sydney and everywhere else we have been. That’s not quite true but it is pretty close.
Tonight we are visiting Dee and John Cooley who have now lived in Singapore for 8 years. This will give us the opportunity to visit one of the very high rise condominiums which house a very large proportion of the population. One slight problem – at this stage we don’t have their address and Dee is out shopping for the ingredients for the meal. Hopefully this little issue will be resolved soon.
It seems strange that we just have one more night away and then tomorrow evening we head for Australia. I am looking forward to the pleasures of being home and sharing time with family and friends.
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