In which I have a horrible night in a dorm and explore Little India & Arab Street.
13 March 2011 - 1208 Singapore
A rubbish night. After one night in a hostel dorm, I’ve already decided it’s not for me. The light got left on until 2am because not everyone had got back from nights out. The bloke beside me was a grumpy sod who point blank refused to engage in conversation with me. Three times I’ve walked into the room to find him in various states of undress and looking worried. There was bumps and someone erupting in loud night terrors and, well, that’s enough reasons. I value cleanliness, a good nights sleep and my own personal space much more than wealth. The benefits of a lower cost stay is lost completely. Luckily, the hotel staff here are awesome and have moved some bookings around to accommodate me in my own room for the remaining two nights. They even offered me the Internet rate as opposed to the walk-in rate. Ballseye!
This morning, after a heavy tropical shower which forced me and about 40 of my fellow MRT passengers to cower for cover in the local station lobby, I headed for Little India, Singapore’s mostly Indian area. The guide books were right. The smells from the authentically Indian shops are powerful. I happened upon an amazing Hindu temple with people bustling in and out. So, I removed my shoes and socks and joined them. It was very interesting, though it would have been nice if there was someone there to explain what was happening. That said, an interesting and valued experience.
Right now, I’m in Arab Street, the mostly Arab area of the city, finishing a glass of Teh Tarrik. I’ve wanted to try it for a long time. It’s lovely. Surprisingly sweet and refreshing. I really enjoyed watching the cooling process of pouring the tea from a height from one container to another several times in order to cool it. I’ve seen it on tv before, but to see it for real was great. Looking around, I’m the only Caucasian European looking person in the vicinity. It’s obviously very different for me to be the ethnic minority. I feel comfortable with it. No one bats an eyelid. Well, they wouldn’t. This is Singapore, a place where cultures mix well. There’s no animosity, no rivalry. Everyone just gets along. Why can’t the rest of the world be like this.
Right I’m off. They’ve just started playing the birdie song in the cafe. I wish I was kidding.
In which I watch elephants perform at Singapore Zoo, am slightly disappointed on Sentosa Island and watch Six Nations rugby with Irish cider at a British pub.
12 March 2011 - 1509 Singapore Time
Yesterday was great! Rachel was an awesome host. She showed me around, taught me a lot about Singapore’s culture and society, where best to get something to eat and was generally fantastic company. We ended up spending six hours together. One of the highlights was a visit to Kampong Glam, the mostly muslim area of Singapore, which as far as I was concerned was more like central Cairo. Men sat outside cafes smoking and drinking Teh Tarik in the shadow of grand mosques and sandy run-down buildings. Rachel told me the government intends on spending millions of dollars to improve the area. I hope they don’t get rid of the area’s character in the process.
Rachel and I ended the day on Marina Bay where we watched the nightly ‘Wonder Full’ light, water and laser show. The indecipherable storyline didn’t matter. It was truly spectacular. Finally, we ended up catching some live music, the first day of Singapore’s Mosaic music festival. The big band was best. Such a powerful sound.
Today, I’m at Singapore Zoo. Seconds after stepping through the turnstile, I was already loving it. Tiny monkeys confronted me. There was no fences. They were within touching distance. I could have quite easily popped one into my rucksack. This is the style they prefer at this zoo. Its the style I prefer. No cages, just moats and other clever design features.
Weather today has been sunny, hot and muggy. Whilst I’ve been typing this though, the rain has arrived. This is a common meteorological pattern in this part of the world. Late afternoons often have storms. Here’s hoping.
Currently waiting for the elephant show to start. I just caught the end of the tragically awful ‘Rainforest Fights Back’ show so I’m hoping this one is better.
2107
I tell you what sucks. When you bust a gut, sweating buckets, feet and legs aching to get somewhere for something in particular only for that thing to not be on. That’s whats just happened to me. I’m on Sentosa Island to the south of the main city. This is a whole island dedicated to fun and entertainment. There’s a casino, hotels, rides, Universal Studios etc. I made the trip especially for the Crane dance, a nightly animatronics and lights display. There’s a technical problem though, so it’s not on. Disappointing. Now, if there was something else for me to do on Sentosa, there wouldn’t be a problem. Sadly though, there’s hardly anything else here that isn’t either expensive. Off to Penny Blacks, a British pub to drown my sorrows and watch some Six Nations rugby.
2217
Man, feet are killing me. Made it to Penny Blacks. Empty in here. Bought a Magners. $16. About £8. Tax on alcohol is massive in Singapore. Well, clearly. Really interested in knowing how the blister on my little toe is doing. Yesterday it was massive. Today… Gonna be interesting.
