Singapore

Singapore is special, very, very special. It is like the white sheep in the family of Asian cities. Singapore looks like Hongkong, has a somewhat similar history, also includes a large Chinese group but Singapore is different, very, very different. So what makes it special and different? First of all, Singapore is clean. Of course you will see some sigarette buts on the pavement (but you need to look carefully) and there might be some occassional litter, but generally speaking, Singapore is as clean as for example Oslo or Stockholm. Of course, clean is a consequence of rules, very strict rules. Reason two why Singapore is different. Left, you'll see a picture from the subway showing the local fine menu. The fines are in Singapore Dollar which is worth around 50 Eurocents.

First stop: Chinatown for some dinner and cheap beers. This is the good thing about Chinatown, no matter where on earth you go, it's always the same: good food, low prices. It's like a McDonalds, but better. Singapore has more etnic areas like little India (pic left) and the Arab area (the other pic). However, although we had some good beers in Little India and excellent tea in the Arab quarters, nothing beats Chinatown!

Eating every night in Chinatown would be a little too much, so we headed for Boat Quai, a more tourist oriented area, where we paid tripple for fair food (in Chinatown it was simply good). However, the atmosphere on Boat Quai was pretty good. A lot of people and a zillion pubs and clubs close by. Our local guide Rebecca(not really local, but East coat American, but still more local than we ;-) told us to check out the Ministry of Sound. As obedient good researchers, we set out to take a closer look at this place.

Almost forgot to mention the great hotel: Sheraton Towers, not directly on Orchard road, but definately a good pick (mine :-). Below is a small movie of the relaxed coffee/smoking area outside to chill a little after breakfast and before starting a day of work.