In the Sling of things

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They say the last wild tiger in Singapore was shot in the lobby of the Raffles Hotel. Not true. You can get a Tiger shot at the bar if you ask politely and are willing to pay. Talking of Raffles and of drinks, dressed in my finest three quarter lengths and striped long sleeved shirt (sleeves rolled up, buttons half undone) I bravely entered the Raffles Hotel foyer trying hard to give off a Colonial vibe that might put other guests at ease. Within 2 steps I was guided out by an Indian porter, advising me that there was a dress code for non guests and would I like to try the bar open to the public.

So off I went in search of the fabled long bar and the drink that made Singapore famous. Turns out they do serve Tiger beer there, and something called a Singapore Sling. It sounded funny so I ordered one. Now this drink costs 27 Dollars 5 Cents, which is steep even by Singapore standards it is made only by the finest bar tenders after years of rigorous training and shaken in a 4 pint milk bottle. Kinda takes the shine and mystique from the whole experience. Still the free peanuts were good and being able to throw the shells on the floor with making a scene an extra bonus. I drink slowly, contemplating the famous names and people that might have sat where I sat. Then contemplating the odd looks I was attracting from the barman, I ate my last peanut, downed the drink, threw 27 Dollars 10 Cents onto the bar, got up saying "Keep the change," and left the Long Bar.

They also say that a trip to Singapore is incomplete without at least one Sling in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel. I can see where they're coming from, but unless you're one of the great writers from the 19th century or a very high rolling businessman, the service is average and the attention to the drink is not what you'd expect for a drink costing nearly 30 dollars. Still, if you have the time, money and don't mind that bar men in Cambridge can make it with more flair then go ahead, knock yourself out, and at the same time why not play a game of billiards and read a book on 'Questions Regarding the Rules of Golf Answered 07 - 08'. (This I found in the Raffles Gift shop with a price tag of nearly 70 Dollars, along with a 25 Dollar key ring and the same kind of overpriced tourist doggerel that can be found at any attraction.)

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Photos

Baffled and Raffled
After a good days hunting a refreshingly pink drink is in order.

The Billiard Room
Complete with a cigar cabinet and the full rules of both Snooker and Billiards, it is the ideal place to relax after a hard days colonialisation of the natives

The Raffles
Opulence and decadence but with no sense.