Singapore…Another perspective
By Peter G • Sep 5th, 2007 • Category: Places
Singapore Skyline
A lot has been said about Singapore over the years. While many view it as a “stopover” on their way to Europe there is a whole lot more to this city/state than meets the eye. I have been a regular visitor here on and off for 15 years, namely for work. Initially I hated the place. I found there were too many rules for my rebellious nature. There were fines for everything. Trust me, I was petrified the first time I visited. Especially about the “no chewing gum” law! Anyway, as time passed and I visited again and again, I saw the city and culture from a different perspective. I’m going to offer you my perspective on the place, namely through pictures ( I love my new Nikon DSLR!!!). Of course we will not forget the food!!!! This place definetly has it going on in the food stakes. With a huge Indian, Malaysian and Chinese mix the food is diverse and different. Of course you will find the usual suspects of American fast food chains and coffee houses here. (These places are popping up everywhere).
Singapore runs on efficiency. From the moment you are transported form the award winning Changi airport onto the island, you will notice perfectly manicured gardens and clean, neat parks. Much of this is reclaimed land and there is always some piece of land being reclaimed. The streets are very clean, giving you the impression that they are mopped down and hosed every night!!! Speed limits are adhered to by cautious drivers and shopping centres or “malls” as they are reffered to are everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Even underground. You can’t miss them and Singaporeans love to shop with excessive abandon. Sundays are the busiest days for shopping, so you have been warned.
Singapore boasts an impressive modern CBD with a lot of multinational companies using it as their base in Asia. (Skyscrapers dominate the skyline and it is one impresive skyline!). Hence, there is a huge expatriate community living there from all corners of the globe. It just adds to the diversity. Lets not also forget that Singapore has strong colonial ties from its past and this is evident in a lot of the buildings in the “older” parts of the city. The Raffles hotel is a good example of this but unfortunately the price tag to stay there is not “old”. Here you can immerse yourself in old world charm while sipping Singapore Slings while your wallet receives a good sling! Just a little tip. I often go and have breakfast/brunch at the Raffles hotel at the Ah Teng Bakery. They make the most amazing sandwiches for about $10. Take your sandwich into the Raffles courtyard and enjoy it there, while soaking up the old world charm. But I digress. There is simply just too much to say about Singapore. Here are some photos I snapped while I was there recently.
Impressive night scenes
Towering skyscrapers
Famous Singapore landmark
The Fullerton Hotel
Fullerton Hotel with CBD in background
Looking up on the buildings of the CBD
Hope you liked my quick insight and pics of a place I have nearly labeled as my second home. Tomorrow, lets get back to basics. The food.
Pete
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Peter G is a passionate foodie of Greek descent living in Australia. You'll usually find him cooking up a storm in the kitchen and photographing all his exploits.
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