Picked up a Hitch Hiker in Singapore
Trip Start
Sep 15, 2008
1
114
122
Trip End
Jan 01, 2009
Singapore, Singapore
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Jay's Entry
After six months of backpacking around searching for beaches, beer, and babes I thought it'd be fun to meet up with Charis and Arik - because after all, there are only so many crocs, kangaroos, and Vegemite one man can handle. Of course I had to bring with me my fishing rod, boomerang, and didgeridoo. On my flight to Singapore there was a slight hiccup in security, but nothing that couldn't be solved with a couple swine flu swabs
Arik waiting for Jay at the airport
. Soon enough, and swine flu free, I spotted Arik's flowing mane (and from quite a distance I might add).A couple subway stops later we arrived at the Inn Crowd Hostel in Singapore's Little India. I dropped off my bags at the hostel we jumped on the subway to central Singapore for some Satay and Tiger Jugs at a food stall market. The Satay Seller was actually pretty pushy. First he recommended a special platter. We didn't want that so we ordered our own mix of skewers. He didn't write our order down, but returned to re-sell us the special platter. We called his bluff, but eventually gave in to his special platter. Asia - 1, Jay - 0. For dessert I found my new love - shaved ice, mango juice, and condensed milk...mmmmm condensed milkyness.... The first night was great, just catching up with old friends. So far so good.
In the morning I hung out at a boring and clean mall while Arik and Charis did some errands. In the afternoon we went to checkout the Merlion while Arik repeatedly mocked Zoolander saying "Mer-Lion, Dad, Mer-lion" (apparently you have to see Zoolander to understand). We heard rumors of a Canadian Brew pub so we decide to check-it out. After a long hike though the Singapore CBD we arrived at the brew pub. We looked at the menu which was ridiculously expensive and decided to just get a pint
Jay Arrived
. Luckily while walking to the brew pub, I'd spotted a fine Hooters establishment across the river. It's all about the wings, really. Final stop of the day one was supposed to be the museum but by the time we got there it was closed..always time tomorrow when you're traveling...Since they wouldn't let us into the Museum we decided to see Terminator Salvation. The movie was so horrible I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy. Back at the hostel we had an interesting night [CENSORED] ...and then I says to the guy... [CENSORED] but they weren't too happy at 4am, that's for sure!
The next morning we checked out the Museum of Asia Civilizations. We arrived just in time to catch a tour through the special exhibit on some old Emperor dude which was incredibly boring. However, the danish volunteer tour guide was entertaining because she kept saying weird stuff about her dreaming of different ways the emperor used the artifacts. Kinda Weird.
Arik was still obsessed with the Mer-lion so we had to go back for more pictures - sometimes I wonder if he's half Japanese.
Our final big outing in Singapore was the Zoo. At the ticket counter the cashier asked me for $40 and I almost passed out. She re-assured me this was the deluxe tour with a limo and champagne, but I never did see the bubly or the stretch. Asia - 2, Jay - 0. Inside the zoo were some pretty cool animals. The enclosures were all natural and open which made the zoo feel more like a safari or jungle walk
The Boys downtown Singapore
. The White Tigers and Orangutans were kicka**. After the zoo was the "night zoo" which is called the night safari. Arik and Charis keep telling me how cool India is, but at the night safari I met my first real Indian person. The guy behind me kept rubbing his massive belly on me and stepping on my feet while he tried to jump the line. I decided then and there that I will never visit India.Singapore is clean, organized and has some awesome food - but man it was not cheap. A beer in a restaurant for $10! A hostel bed for $20! This was not the reason I came to Asia. Next stop - Tax Free Island, yes please!
