Singapore, Singapore!

I must admit, I left a piece of my heart in Singapore! Another paradise in which I would love to spend more time. Since that possibility is highly unlikely, I crammed as much as I possibly could into this visit. My first excursion was "Orchids and Tea" comprised of a lengthy and informative stroll through the National Orchid Garden followed by a scenic drive through the city to the Fullerton Bay Hotel for High Tea. Wow! And I was miffed that I had missed my High Tea in Cape Town. Who knew I would have another opportunity here. Since I signed up for the majority of these excursions way back last summer, each port is something of a surprise. Good on me for choosing this one. My second excursion on the first day was "Singapore by Night." Another excellent choice!

Singapore, the country, is the 19th smallest country in the world. Formerly it was the 17th smallest nation but they are really into reclaiming the land from the sea and in that way have grown their land mass considerably. Unfortunately, according to our guide, Iris, they have reached the end of their growth potential as other countries and their boundaries prohibit any more land reclamation. Everything, and I do mean everything, is stunningly beautiful here. According to Dr. Sherry and Iris, the Singapore of today is singularly due to the efforts of their first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who served in that capacity for almost thirty years. Though he is certainly held in high esteem, I noted only one statue of him located on the banks of what once was the Singapore River flowing thru the city to the sea. This waterway became quite literally a cesspool until he decreed that it would be cleaned, then dammed at its convergence into the sea, creating a fresh water reservoir for the city and a recreational haven thus killing two birds with one stone. Apparently Singapore is uncomfortable being so dependent on Malaysia for water, currently acquiring some 70 per cent of their water from Malaysia. Every effort is being made to drastically reduce that dependency by the expiration of their current water contract. They want to be independent. I can identify with that! Iris further explained to us that Singapore is "The City of Fines" so be careful. Chief among the sins that she warned us against were smoking, gum chewing, littering, or possession of more than one cigarette or stick of gum. Hefty fines and or imprisonment could be imposed on the guilty. Additionally, we were advised that neither food nor drink other than the bottled water they dispensed were allowed on the bus. None! Nada! Zip! Good to know. When a guest in someone's home, be respectful!

The highways and byways of Singapore are enviable. Wide, well planned and maintained, and surprisingly sparsely used. Iris had the answer to that quandary, however. If one wishes to own a vehicle, one must first purchase a license to own a specific make and model of vehicle. The more luxurious the vehicle the higher price of the license. Then the ultimate kicker is that the license is only good for ten years. At the end of that time if one wishes to continue to own said vehicle, another license must be purchased in addition to repurchasing the vehicle. Naturally someone asked for a turnkey price. Her response was depending on the vehicle approximately $300,000 US for a typical Toyota up to several million for high end luxury cars. Why? To encourage use of their vast public transportation system. When a few scooters/motorbikes were spotted, she turned up her nose and said, "Oh, those are owned by the Malaysians who come here to work." At least Iris did not seem to be particularly enamored with Malaysia nor its citizens. I loved both!

The National Orchid Garden was nothing short of spectacular. I could easily have stayed there all day soaking up all the hybrids created therein in tribute to various dignitaries around the world. All, except the tribute to Princess Di, were viewed and approved by the honoree prior to exhibition. Quite a feat in and of itself! Reluctantly leaving this paradise within a paradise behind we were transported thru the city to the historic Fullerton Bay Hotel. Originally what is now the lobby of this grand old structure served as the customs house. All of the numerous high archways were then open to the Singapore River and the boats were simply pulled into a dock, inventoried, tariff paid, unloaded and back to sea. Efficient process. Now of course all those archways have been enclosed and converted to high-end boutiques. From this magnificent lobby we were ushered into their Tea Room for High Tea. Deliciously grand experience!

The Customs House turned Fullerton Bay Hotel Lobby.

After Tea we were transported through town, passing the Merlion as well as the "Church" in which Crazy Rich Asians were married, if you saw that movie. Originally built as a Church, it is now chiefly a wedding venue. Fitting. We arrived back at the pier shortly before my second excursion of the day was to leave. Fortunately I had anticipated the possibility of a quick turn around and had brought the ticket for "Singapore by Night" along. This was another excellent choice.

From the cruise center we were bused to Clarke Quay for a scenic cruise around the former Singapore River transformed into Reservoir #17. The water afforded a much better view of the Merlion statue/fountain. As I recall the story, one of the first explorers in this area spotted both a lion and a mermaid in the harbor and declared them to be its guardian angels. We all know mermaids do not exist nor have there ever been lions in this part of the world, but that does not stop the fanciful from enjoying the myth. Nor I for that matter. We can all benefit from flights of fantasy from time to time. We also were treated to a view of former Chinatown shop-houses converted to restaurants, bars, and other night life, the Fullerton Bay Hotel, the newest iconic hotel (name of which escapes me) complete with Olympic sized infinity pool atop, the aforementioned statue of Lee Kuan Yew (his son is now serving as Prime Minister), as well as several beautiful convention centers and or museums.

Museum on banks of Singapore River from the Singapore Flyer.

From Clarke Quay we traveled to the high point of the evening, The Singapore Flyer! Of course I took a ride on one of the world's highest ferris wheels! The line was loooong, but well worth the wait. Totally different perspective of Singapore - still breathtakingly beautiful!! Once we came down from our high, figuratively and physically, our tour took us to Bugis village. Did not catch the significance of this "village" which consisted of blocks of tiny spaces housing every kind of Singapore fast food eatery and every type of cheap trinket one could imagine. Due to the length of the line at the Flyer, most of the shops were closed or closing when we arrived. No great loss. Well forgotten.

Thian Hock Kheng Temple. When this temple was first built a couple of centuries ago the spot where I am standing was actually under water at high tide. Now it is at least half a dozen blocks from the sea. Due to scarcity of building materials, several religions shared this structure with separate alters. Chinese Buddhist being the primary, Hindu and even one for followers of Confucius.

Fairly early the next morning, I'm off for my third and final excursion before leaving, "Singapore's Iconic Tour" including a visit to Thian Hock Temple, a daylight version of last night's cruise, a drive through the colonial district to Arab street to view the Sultan's mosque, and ending at Raffles Hotel to enjoy a Singapore Sling at its birthplace, the Long Bar. Seems back in the day, the ladies of Singapore were not allowed to consume alcohol in public until an enterprising bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon, fashioned a cocktail that looked like fruit juice but was indeed infused with gin and liqueurs. Since 1915 the Singapore Sling has been enjoyed not only at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar, but around the world. Still one hasn't had a Singapore Sling until they have experienced it at its birthplace! A superior way to conclude my visit to Singapore! What a City! What a Country! What a perfect visit!

Arab Street and the Sultans Mosque. A little something for everyone in Singapore.

The only place in country one is encouraged to litter. Just drop the hulls on the floor, madam! So much to see! So much to do!

Today Is Someday! Experience Singapore!