Singapore. Arrived last night around 11pm, fearing everything will be closed and we will have to spend a night on a bench. Couldn't be more wrong. If you want to wake up in a city that never sleeps, this will be the place. In little India the malls and restaurants were still open and full of people at 1am. And it's only the middle of the week...
The country is an example of clockwork organization. Border crossing reminds an airport, bags and people are scanned to ensure there is no flow of illegal substances like e.g. chewing gums and that absolutely nothing can escape customs. Two Dutch guys we were traveling with watched their cheap, thai cigarettes being destroyed in front of their eyes. Not one smoke was allowed. We were surprisingly allowed with half emptied bottle of wine, the last one for a long time, as we were to realize soon.
Singapore is a dream after months spent in Asia. A dream for eyes and nerves, not for the wallet. With progress prices jump up so one knows one pays the price for this little bit of comfort on the way. Metro goes often and on time, streets are paved and sidewalks are wide, parks are beautifully designed and architecture... That topic would require a separate entry. They've got some nice and interesting buildings!
And oh! Cars stop to let pedestrians go! I missed it so much. And older or disabled citizens can press their ID card to the street lights box for prolonged green when crossing. Little things!
The sight of elegantly dressed people in fancy tops, skirts and dresses made me miss my summer wardrobe and feel like a scavenger ;)
Beautiful campus, equipped with newest technology etc, would be a great place to study.
Yet, apart for all the super sides of Singapore I missed the messy, arty part of culture. It's got big opera titles on the boards but little alternative concerts are hard to find, illegitimate street art - nonexistent. A few street musicians can be luckily spotted around the place. There's nothing cheap in Singapore but great Indian food. Thanks for that!
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