Blogs from Singapore, Asia - page 364

Apologies if the nonsense to photo ratio goes to DEFCON III in this article - I just couldn't be bothered lugging my camera around Singapore. Lots of lovely photos of Bali and Lombok coming in the next report, plus the odd briny tale of adventure and derring do. To my recollection, which is not always the best, the only time I have been served a pint of foaming ale by a completely stark naked barman was in the Tumbledown Dick, Farnborough, Hampshire. I had just left college and was sharing a flat with two other young men of (fairly) like mind, in a splendid mansion-like property slap bang in the heart of middle-class, middle-management commuterdom. Our large property was divided into four separate flats, with a grand drive, allocated parking spaces and leafy gardens. Although we ... read more

I was having trouble finding a word to describe Singapore until somebody told me that they found it to be 'sterile'. I like that word. Singapore is also described as a nanny state - it's illegal to chew gum and until recently it was also against the law to dance on tables in clubs (?!?). A plus point to this government hard line is that there is very little litter and the areas that we saw were very well kept. Although Singapore is very multicultural with friendly people, I felt that it lacked a real atmosphere, without being boring. If that makes sense? Our arrival didn't go too smoothly as we hadn't booked ahead. We were surprised that the first few places that we tried were fully booked; our best offer was a night under the ... read more

Lie in, packing (again), lunch at Cafe Siam in Lan Kwai Fong - wonton soup - really nice though don't think it way very authentic - only had a spoon! Bought HP finally (dave hasn't stopped reading it since) and went to pick up luggage, catch the shuttle bus to central, check in at central (v handy), shuttle train to airport and fly United to Singapore! Browed pens to spend our last few dollars and almost missed the plane... i mean, timed it perfectly so we didn't have to queue :o). Arrived in Singapore to be greeted by Pete and Pauline and Pauline's dad's merc (mmm). Hurrah! We managed to meet up! They'd been scuba diving in Malaysia the last few days and pete's back was pure lobster! They took us to the hostel they'd booked ... read more

Our vacation always seems to start with a sigh... "how long is it going to take us?" However, Singapore seemed to be a natural choice ever since Michelle and Darren moved there beginning of the year 2005. July is normally not our month to travel, especially with knowing that it's going to be unbearably hot in Singapore; however, with our school schedule, we knew that if we didn't go now, we wouldn't be able to go anywhere for a while. We went to Singapore via Frankfurt. After first 7 hour flight, we were already beat. However, second flight from Frankfurt to Singapore, 14 hour flight, got us thinking, "this is furthest poing we have ever been to." Also our second flight was full, so we didn't have room to stretch. Cute and accomodating Singapore Airlines' flight ... read more

Mom took me to the airport today and was so touched by her gesture, my last meal with her was a sumptuous dinner at soup restaurant. She was right to say that it would be the best meal I would have in a month. Samui has typical Thai food alright, but nothing beats home food imho. The chicken was exceptionally tender, fish was surprising smooth and sweet and the potato leaf vegetables were nothing but tasty. At the airport she couldn’t but worry for me, which led to buying all sorts of last minute medications. She even suggested buying condoms! Never have I wondered where I’ve inherited my naughtiness from. Although she was merely joking, I was still thoroughly amused. When I left at the gate, I thought I saw her sniffing, but of course she ... read more