Singapore - A Brief Visit

---

Returning from Vietnam, I decided to have a few days in Singapore, where I was able to do a little sightseeing and see my old friends and their children.

It was a real pleasure to catch up on the news, as well as see what's happening in Singapore from a resident's view point.

---

Photos

Clarke Quay
A fantastic mix of modern and traditional!!! Now an entertainment area with restaurants, bars and shops, this was originally Singapore's commercial centre.

The Merlion
Part fish, part lion, the merlion became Singapore's icon in 1964.
The lion's head represents the lion spotted by Prince Sang Nila Utama when he re-discovered Singapura in 11 AD. The fish symbolises the ancient city of Temasek (meaning "sea" in Javanese) by which Singapore was known before the Prince named it "Singapura", i.e., "lion" (singa) "city" (pura) in Sanskrit.It represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.

St. Andrew's Cathedral
This was built from 1856 and replaced an earlier building which was repeatedly hit by lightening.
It's a stunning building, its crisp white stone dramatically offset by the modern storm clouds!

Tang Tower
At the top of Orchard Road, the famous Tang Tower is now more properly known as the Singapore Marriott. The views from the Executive Floor are amazing - as is being able to swim at night on the roof!

Little India
The mix of cultures in Singapore is like no where else on earth. One moment, you're wandering round a Chinese supermarket, the next, milling with the Indian population. Wonderful!

Mangosteens
I love these fruit!!! To get at the juicy, white flesh, simply crush the brittle rind in your palms. It's a great party trick to be able to predict the number of segments in the mangosteen before you open it.

Lunch
Being a sucker for new foods, I was tempted by this unusual Chinese lunch. Trouble is, I can't remember what it is, but I did eat it all.

Raffles Hotel
I've never been able to afford to stay at, possibly, the world's most refined hotel, but I have been lucky enough to have had afternoon tea on several occasions. Try it!

Singapore Sling
Just to prove it, I really have had a genuine Singapore Sling whilst seated in the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.