My first impression of Singapore: It's a clean city!
Singaporeans are proud of their country, and so they should be. It is amazing to see how they care for their environment. In public areas you will not see people litter, ashtrays and garbage cans are available along the sidewalks and they are actually used! The streets and walkways are all very clean.
Singapore is about 50km East to West and 30km North-South. It's a really small country with about 5 million inhabitants, 1 million of them are expatriates that came to Singapore often times to advance their career because the opportunities are here. The unemployment rate is quite impressive, it stands at around 5% only. Though the inflation has raised the price of gas, housing and food, the economy is still doing quite well in comparison to other countries. The president made a public speech just last week about the importance of continuing to work hard and not settle for the successes that this country is experiencing. Singaporeans have worked hard to build this economy, the high rises are proof of the success but the young professionals must keep up the efforts.
It's interesting, the concerns are similar to those we are facing in North America. They need to keep kids in school, continuing education for the workers to raise income and increase productivity, and help low-income families with various programs. It's the same ALL around!
Singapore has great historical treasures contrasted by modernism. Between high rises you can discover old architecture like temples dating from previous centuries, old shops along the Singapore river, colonial and art deco architecture. It's nice to see the contrast of old and new. It is reflected in their mentally, keeping the heritage and adapting to new generations. It's all over their publicity boards.
They are quite vigilant about public security. It's not uncommon to see publicity in public places about prevention against terrorism and crime. They sensitize the population regarding their responsibility in making sure Singapore remains safe for them and for everyone around. This is a lesson to be learned for the Western civilisation. It is indeed a safe place to be walking around, as a woman I feel secure roaming the streets of this wonderful city.
People here are polite, charming and welcoming. They have a great sense of humour! My colleague at the CAE office told me that Singapore is a fine country, they will fine you! I thought this was hilarious. Often i was surprised by people greeting me on the street, asking about my place of residence and wondering if i was enjoying my experience in Singapore. I am!
Chinese New Year is approaching, offices, buildings and the entire city is decorated with Chinese ornaments. Bunnies have invaded the city to welcome the Lunar year. There are shows offered for free in the streets, especially in Chinatown. Check it out on my flickr page.
Tiong Bahru is amongst the places i visited. It is a part of town where young professionals and families come to live and establish small businesses. It's a nice area outside the tourist belt and worth while seeing. The architecture is different, very art deco. This is where i attended the yoga classes on Saturday and Sunday morning. The shala is owned by Celeste, a wonderful yoga teacher.
I also visited little India to get a taste of it before experiencing the real thing in India. My best Indian meal ever was at the restaurant called Lagnaa. I was greeted by two really nice and welcoming ladies. The place was simple with minimum decoration but yet charming with their arrangement of low tables and cushions to eat sitting on the floor. I tasted amazing dishes. As an appetizer i had a rolled poppadom stuffed with potatoes, onions, nuts and a mix of spices. Simply delicious! The main course comprised of Mutton Masala, just the right blend of tomatoes, cardamon and other spices. This was accompanied by Okras; cooked to perfection, not mushy like most people prepare them. The sweetness of onions and tomatoes blended exquisitely with the Okras. Everything was just perfect from the ambiance, music playing melodies of sitar and drums reminding me of Cafe Del Mar or Beaches CDs, and of course the warm and friendly service.
I spent a day in Chinatown walking through the street markets, visiting the temples, having a cocktail on a rooftop bar and enjoying a succulent Korean meal - calamari, cooked spinach salad with nuts and sticky rice. Very tasty!
On my last night, my colleague as offered to treat me to a typical Singaporean meal. We will be having seafood. Can't wait!
I definitely recommend Singapore, there are many things to see and do and I have not had enough time to do it all and believe me I TRIED!
Almost forgot...managed to enjoy a day at the spa with a massage. Life is beautiful!
