Four Days in Singapore

MUSINGS ON SINGAPORE
A must see, unique, technologically advanced and futuristic city! The leader of this country for fifty years seems to have been a “benevolent dictator” to get so many things done. Of note, it is documented in the biography that Nancy started to read that he donated $12 million of his money to help set up 2nd language schools to help preserve and promote Mandarin (giving some indication as to how much money he built up over time). We’ve been able to see the multiple HBC (low income) houses, no street people, feeling safe, extremely clean environment and witnessed lux public transport and organized green spaces. Amazing to think we saw a Kingfisher Bluebird fly on to one of the high-tech trees at Garden’s By the Bay. We have tuned into the Asian News network and there seems to be a lot of momentum towards solving the plastic problem, green technology and attention to promoting the physical and mental health of people (eg if you reach the desired step count on the government program app, you get paid back in credits to buying healthy food!). We both felt much inspiration and hope to be found in this financially rich country that has optimized its special position as hub in East West shipping. Some would be critical of the over regulation and forced change and there is no doubt loss involved in the move to skyscapper vs kampong living. We found that people are not as genuinely warm, but very helpful, perhaps a reflection of a large city with "rules". We would stay in the Bencoolen area again as it was very convenient with the MRT at our doorsteps. Similar to the last locations, coffee and breakfast could open earlier for us, so something on site would be preferable to get going given that it is almost always hot and humid here.Read more