Singapore

The miracle of Singapore is this: how did a tiny city-state, with no oil or valuable natural resources, with about a 20th of the territory of Los Angeles, transform itself from a poor, corrupt and drug ridden nation to become the most successful economic powerhouse in Asia in 60 years? Effective, pragmatic leadership, investing in the people with education, health care, nurturing meritocracy and eliminating corruption had a lot to do with it. Yes, it’s a nation of strict rules without a lot of the protections for individual rights that we enjoy. But the system works because it provides its citizens with prosperity, stability and security in a part of the world where that is often rare.

We took a boat ride on the Singapore River and saw the landscape change from bustling urban activity to a glittering, colorful nighttime display. Above, the Merdragon of Singapore, once the country’s logo and still a beloved emblem, spouts water in front of a new modern skyscrapers. Below is the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, featured in Crazy Rich Asians, with its three 55-story towers, topped by the boat-like roof terrace.

The honeycombed dome is Singapore’s Performing Arts Center, called the Durian by the locals because of its resemblance to the spiky tropical fruit.
The 200-year old homes and warehouses that originally lined the boat quay have been restored and gentrified. Behind them sprouts the financial district. Note the tree-lined bridges between the modern buildings. In this country where everything is well planned, there are provisions for creating greenery whenever new buildings are approved. Because city land is scarce, you will see sky bridge gardens, roof top gardens and cut-outs in skyscrapers with huge gardens growing several stories tall.
We had a night ride on the Singapore Flyer, the observation wheel above. It’s the second largest in the world and provides a fabulous view of Singapore lit up with its night time finery.
The elegant lotus shaped building on the bay is the ArtScience Museum.
The beautifully lit domed building is the country’s Supreme Court.

Of course we had to have a Singapore Sling at the legendary six-star Raffles Hotel, the place where the drink was invented and which the British used as their private club when they were in control. Today it’s restored to its former glamor and caters to nostalgic tourists looking for a Casablanca style ambiance.

The bust in Raffles Courtyard is Stamford Raffles, known as the founder of modern Singapore, the man who established the country as a British settlement over 200 years ago.

Singapore’s Chinatown was particularly colorful during our visit. It was being decorated for the Chinese New Year, a big event that lasts about 2 weeks. This is a particularly auspicious year, the year of the dragon. It’s especially lucky to have your child born during the dragon year. As well as being a foodie’s dream place, Chinatown is full of boutiques, shops for herbal remedies, souvenirs and about anything you can think of. About 75% of the nation’s residents are of Chinese heritage, so they are a strong majority. The largest other backgrounds are Indian and Malaysian, but no group receives special rights or privileges in Singapore.

This is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, an very important cultural landmark in Chinatown.
Joel is getting friendly with his sign in the Chinese zodiac, the rabbit. The rabbit and the ox, which is Jeanne’s sign, are supposed to make a highly compatible match.

2 thoughts on “Singapore”

  1. I am enjoying your blog and pictures. Some places bring back memories of my travels, other places are going on the ‘bucket’ list. Cathi Begg

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