Singapore

Strategically poised at the tip of the Malayan peninsula, just over 1 degree north of the equator, Singapore is the dynamic trading crossroads of East and West.  Once a sleepy fishing village known as Temasek, the island got its name in the 14^th century when a visiting Srivijayan prince saw an animal he believed to be a lion and renamed the island Singa Pura, the Lion City. Destiny took a hand in 1819 when a British East India Company official, Sir Stamford Raffles, claimed Singapore as a regional base.  Its fine natural harbor and favorable location made it ideal as a trading post with a free trade policy that attracted merchants and migrants from Malayam Indonesia, China, India, the Middle East and Europe.  Today, Singapaore has been transformed into a cosmopolitan center for commerce and industry bustling with communications and transportation networks; immaculate streets and ultra-modern skyscrapers.  With a population of about 4.8 mmillion – of which is 77 percent Chinese, 14 percent Malays (indigenous/native), 8 percent Indians and 1 percent others, Singapore enjoys multi-racial harmony.  By the way, the Raffles hotel is where the “Singapore Sling” was invented.

We were docked far away from town and had to take a shuttle in.  It took us 45 minutes to reach the city.  From our drop-off place, the Hyatt Hotel, we walked to the subway station and took the train to Chinatown.  That was an experience in itself.  Throngs of people crowed the stations many levels.  It was easy to find our way around as everything is color-coded.   It cost us $2. Each with $1. being a deposit that would be returned at the end of our trip.  We spent the day walking around Chinatown and shopping.  We had lunch of chicken & pork fried rice along with some Peking duck & shrimp at a great  restaurant.  We just made it on to the last bus which left at 3:30.  People came on with 2 & 3 bags full of everything imaginable.  Do they have the stuff here!  Far, far too numerous to name, but think of every trinket or Oriental knick-knack you have ever seen then quadruple it.  Two & three camera stores on every block (although none with international warranties).  Another great day.  Tomorrow Kuala Lumpur.