… the smallest country in Southeast Asia, with the highest standard of living. Singapore’s island has grown from 600 square kilometers to 730 square kilometers through land reclaimed from the sea. Reclamation ceased when Indonesia complained that Singapore was getting too close, and Singapore is now growing up rather than out. About 83% of Singaporeans live in public housing – some striking high-rises. Almost 90% of these folks own their own homes. 20% of each paycheck is withheld in special bank accounts, and employers contribute 15% more. One account is for retirement at age 60, the second for medical expenses. The third can be used for mortgage down payments and monthly payments. A diverse city with a Chinese majority, minorities include Indians and Malays. Religions are equally diverse - Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Confucian, etc.
Nearly half the residents use public transportation to control traffic pollution. To buy a car, you first purchase a certificate at an auction which authorizes you to use a vehicle for 10 years. Certificates are rationed, so if there are many applicants, the cost is high, usually $50,000 to $100,000. That’s just for the certificate; the cost of the car may bring the total to $150,000 or more. Singapore is very safe and immaculately clean. Restaurants are open 24 hours a day, and the city prides itself on catering to any kind of cuisine a diner could want. Order is maintained through a strict system of punishment; caning is prescribed for many fairly minor infractions. The caners are taught how to apply the cane and the cane is treated with acid before the caning takes place. As the cane contacts the skin, the caner pulls back on the cane, causing it to remove strips of flesh.
We had two excursions our first day in Singapore. In the morning we visited the Peranakan Cultural Museum, which has exhibits of the Peranakan lifestyle. Most interesting were the jewelry and elaborate beaded articles used. A bus ride took us past the largest fountain in the world, located in the financial district. Water is thought to be a very lucky substance, hence the fountain’s location.
Our next stop was the Singapore Flyer, a ferris wheel similar to, but larger than, the London Eye. The view was spectacular! We returned to the ship, which relocated from one dock to another in the afternoon, for a rest before our next tour.
Our evening trip began with a lovely ride on a riverboat. The city’s skyline is magnificently lit at night. We glided past Chinatown with its bobbing red lanterns, under old bridges, and past skyscrapers with laser lights, including the Sands Bay Casino. We also saw the city’s symbol, the Merlion, half lion, half fish. Below, the Merlion and the Sands Casino, so spectacular at night.
We disembarked and took a walk along the riverfront, past the Art Museum, lovely hotels, restaurants, and bridges, then clambered into a trishaw, a bicycle-propelled sidecar. Our driver, Mr. Boo, was 67 years old and a bit of a character. He was probably hoping for a pair of light-weight tourists … The ride ended at Bugis Market, famous for employing Singapore’s young college grads who can’t find jobs. They have created a new, hip fashion industry, and sell trendy clothes that are eagerly sought. The Market also sells food, souvenirs, clothing, sunglasses, and just about anything else, reminiscent of Q-Mart.
We ventured out the next day with our friends Lee and Troy to find an electronics megastore. It was a long way and turned out to be just another mall – Singapore has an unbelievable number of shopping malls. We went to the 2 year old Sands Casino. Our taxi driver, Stanley (yes, really), recommended lunch at the rooftop restaurant, Ku De Ta; we walked around the observation deck, and took photos of the infinity swimming pool on the roof. Amazing! Back at earth level, we admired the super modern lobby; the casino cost $6 billion two years ago, and the investment has already been recouped. We wanted to try the Singapore Sling at its source, the grand old Raffles Hotel. We sat in the Long Bar, soaking up the ambiance. A very sweet drink, designed in 1915 especially for women, it was great!
Next we rode the cable car across the harbor to Sentosa Island, a large amusement park under construction. The cable car gave us a great view of one of our fellow passengers floating in the mid-ship pool!
We returned on the monorail, which let us off in the middle of the Vivo Shopping Mall adjoining the cruise terminal. Much to our surprise, a local bank was in the middle of a huge ad campaign featuring a new credit card called “Frank.” Of course, this was an open invitation for photos with the original! After more walking and shopping, we stopped for a rejuvenating foot soak and reflexology treatment.
A wonderful two days. leaving us all wanting more!
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