What can one say about Singapore apart from it being a beautiful city which has an air of Disneyland and the old collonial feel to it. Have just returned from drinks at the Fullerton Hotel and dinner on the waters edge with a friend of mine, Deborah. She has been living out here for a few years since her transfer from London and it has been good catching up. Really amazing food out here and my duck green curry was one of the best I have had. There is a ultra classy feel to this city from the sleekness of the buildings to the super cool dress sense of the local Singaporeans. The catch word here is “money” and everybody wants to make lots of it. The work hours are ridiculous but each to their own. A great city at the end of the day.

Arrived in the city yesterday evening after catching a flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur with a short stop at the airport and then the hour long flight to Singapore. The airport at KL has been voted best international airport for a second year in a row and it really is first class in every sense of the world. Huge departure lounges, large eateries offering all sorts of cuisine and friendly and efficient security and information personnel.

 In my usual manner so far this trip, no accomodation was booked in advance. Caught the MRT (Singapore’s underground rail system) from the airport and headed straight to Chinatown. My thoughts were that KL’s area and accomodation was good, so how could I go wrong here. Stumbled upon the Dragon Inn in Mosque Street…I say that as the backpack has become heavier as the trip continues….and booked a single airconditioned room for two nights. At S$45 (equivalent of 15gbp) per night, El Cheapo had spotted another bargain with a tv and a desk in the room. Gave me a good a chance to update the diary. The reception guy was very friendly and informative about the area. My previous visit to Singapore had been on a business trip 4 years ago and so the bearings were reasonably good. This was no Raffles Hotel but would do for my short stopover here. Headed downstairs after a very refreshing shower and then noticed that there were so called “transit” rates. My thoughts were confirmed when the reception guy told me that they hire out rooms for either 1,2 or 4 hour slots as young lovers and others out on the town were always looking for some privacy. Will tick that off in my list of things to do….stay in a mini brothel…no it was not that bad but it still made me chuckle. Drifted in and out of the numerous food stalls down below, had a great dinner and then retired to my room.

The following day was spent visiting the Indian temple around the corner from the hotel, walking around the city centre, visiting the old army barracks, some photo equipment shopping and generally getting a feel for the people of Chinatown. They seem to retain so much of the old Chinese culture and the food is superb. The smells of the soup pots, the fried fish, the continuous clattering of cutlery and the enthusiasm of the local cooks makes ordering food in this place such a rewarding experience. Have become a big fan of the wonton soup noodle dish. Tried a frog leg and it tastes a little like chicken….apologies Kermit!

The heat has been stifling in Singapore today and walking around was not recommended in long spurts. The city is extremely clean, very commercialised and no doubt a place I could work in if the opportunity arose. The lifestyle here and raising kids has always been regarded as one of its main drawcards. Once again a good albeit short visit and now time to head on to the land Down Under.