Not like Kolkata. Not like Dubai.
Got to Singapore in wee hours -and waited at the airport for sunrise so I could see the city in the light on the half hour trip into the city.
It's quite beautiful at sunrise ...for a city.
Modern architecture. Creative design.
Interesting skyline texture...WOW.
Big biz money is as good as oil money.
In the darkness as we approached the runway we flew over the bay - I could see hundreds of cargo ships - some loaded some empty - all waiting for dispatch.
That says it about here - and city gets its rewards from enterprise....Too bad the workers don't get a bigger cut.
Stories of success and prosperity are not as much fun to cover...just fun to feel.
I feel so much better here. In 2 days roaming the streets I did not hear a single horn beep. Not a single homeless person, stray dog or turd on the street to step around
It smells good ....except when I get the back wind on the back seat of the top less hop on hop off tour bus.
Singapore was delightfully lacking in pain and vibrant in color and newness. Very relaxing. My hotel - Holiday Inn Express was a smart move... nice room, great free breakfast buffet, beautiful rooftop pool.
They let me check in at 7am and checkout 4 pm the next day.
I have to say...I like being a platinum member in the IHG program. They treat me well
I visited Dubai for 41 hours. Kolkata for 4 days. Singapore for 36 hours and now Hong Kong for 27 hours ...
Not much time to get to know any Singaporians but here the people on the streets seem to be less approachable rarely making eye contact. Everyone working is friendly in the hotel and stores...maybe because they aren't hustling and few are truly needy. Maybe that chases some engagement opportunities away...
The Airport was huge, airy and delightful. Passport and customs a breeze.
Food was fantastic in the meals I had provided a better string of dancing taste buds than I ever had in any 5 tries of dining out in USA... Campy tourist spot dining is as expensive as New York. Side street dining is way less.
Toured the city - 3 laps around town saw it all and chilled in the roof top jacuzzi and pool....until a wicked storm chased me under cover
Got the LA times crossword done in the jacuzzi overlooking the lower rooftops of Singapore, and the stories of big ones before the storm broke...one of my fav moments....
The city is a vibrant meld of history and diversity and rich in culture mixed in with new and sexy.
Workers aren't paid well but they are provided for. Most of the housing is public - 85% actually. Govt subsidized but allowing private ownership.
Traffic is very light for a city of 5.5 million. Cars are discouraged by cost. Very high import tax making purchase expensive. You need a permit to own one that could cost $6000 a year. Another $6000 a year for city driving tolls....
But ... mass transit is spectacular. A huge metro system, bus lines with many stops and frequent runs. It is a very easy city to get around .
It was a delight to visit - so glad I did
Well leave this vapor trail with some pictures.....off to Hong Kong..
More to come - check back later
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