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Published: December 15th 2006
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Our first Asian country could be described as a "soft landing" - Singapore gleams with its clean streets (a result of somewhat draconian mesaures e.g. the outlawing of chewing gum), it's giant "get anything you want" malls and it's tall shiny buildings. There's very little crime, people are affluent and being an ex-English colony, it doesn't seem too different to home (in parts).
We landed in at Changi Airport, weary after a long flight but excitedly looking forward to a reunion with Miss Abi Knight who had bravely stepped up to share the next two weeks of travelling with us. Reaching the arrivals lounge, Laura who in recent days had become slightly homesick and longed to see a familiar face (not including my rather too familiar one!) was already invigorated by the prospect of expanding the travelling duo to a travelling trio (it even sounded better). When they spotted each other, it was like witnessing one of those Hollywood moments as the two protagonists bound towards each other in slow motion, arms wide apart ready for the forthcoming embrace. For the record, tears were shed, not mine I hasten to add.
As part of the pre-arrival organisation, we already
had a place booked together in Singapore's "Little India" district - distinctively colourful and curry-fragranced. Our first night was spent in a nearby karaoke bar where we supped copious Tiger beers (the local brew) and regaled each other with our respective tales of home and abroad. We did not take the mike, a "Singstar" styled improvisation would have been a step too far - "Singing in Singy" was not on the menu (sorry, that was weak).
The next day we arose late (the effects of beer lingering) and headed for a breakfast curry! As we tucked into our dhaals and biryanis, the heavens opened outside and rain drops as big as golf balls started to pelt down - apparently we'd arrived during wet season! Not to be put off, we purchased a fetching, plastic mac each and headed into town in a rainbow of colours to explore Singy's temples, shops and the famous Singapore Sling at the equally famous, Raffles Hotel.
The rain halted slightly as night drew in - we took in some stupendous views of the city from the top of the Swissotel before heading into the Suntec Mall to watch the huge Fountain of Wealth
light show and feast on Sushi - not very Singaporian I know but Singapore is truly international and we were embracing that.
Our second day in Singy was centred around Chinatown where Abi desperately wanted to try a reflexology session and Laura was keen to join her. We found a reasonably priced establishment - Lau and Abs laid back in wait for some attention while I was whisked into the massage room for the works. "The Works" as I would discover, was more than I'd bargained for, although since this was my first ever full body massage, I put the close proximity of the masseuse's hands to my groin region down to "business as usual", however, I certainly was somewhat uncomfortable! When the masseuse tapped me and asked me "shoo-shoo?" and made the same internationally recognised symbol that football fans make to the referee when they've ajudged him to have made a disfavourable decision, I knew this was no ordinary massage. I politely declined and so my first truly Asian experience ended. Recalling the story to Laura and Abi received raised eyebrows - apparently I should have "smelt a rat earlier" and my "naiveity was worrying"!
That evening
we embarked on a Credit Suisse union of sorts. My old colleagues from the Singapore office who I'd never physically met, had 8 months previous promised to meet me when I was in town. A table was booked at the famous "Jumbo Seafood" restaurant, near Boat Quay for a big feast. They'd promised us weird Singaporian crepy crawlies from the sea and favourite culinary delights. I was fooled into eating frog's legs, which for the record, do taste exactly like chicken. Laura bravely tried Chilli Crab and prawns for the first time, although for her it was a more harrowing experience. At some point in the evening (after a few wines I think) I recalled my earlier massage experience, which brought great laughter, especially since we'd chosen a notorious prostitue area - that local knowledge could have been useful! We finished off a cracking evening at a posh bar before saying our goodbyes - apologies to all at CS if productivity was poor the next day - my bad!
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Krystle
non-member comment
Belly Rubbing Customs
Ah! S'pore! Belly rubbing brings money!!! Sorry bout the late advice! lol X