Culture and exercise!
Trip Start
Apr 10, 2006
1
19
47
Trip End
Jul 24, 2006
Singapore,
Singapore
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
What was more of a concern was that I was probably twice the age of most of the occupants in the lodge, and I actually felt like an overweight granddad at times, rather than a fellow backpacker. But in reality, apart from the travelling groups that came and went and kept themselves to themselves, most of the backpackers were a great bunch of people, happy to stop and chat, pass on advice on places to go and see, and were fun to be around
Cultural Museum
. Sleepy Sams, was actually perfect, it was clean and tidy, the bunks were comfortable, there was plenty of hot water and the staff were excellent. Apart from the dorms, single sex rooms were available, as well as single and double private rooms. There was also a large kitchen, sitting room with TV/DVD, dining area and outside seating. The lodge was set in a quiet tourist street in the Indian quarter, with a large mosque to one end. In all very tranquil, except for the 5.00am call to prayers!Although Singapore has a most fabulous metro and bus system, it was actually possible to walk to most of the places of interest within the city.
One such walk took me down to the quays, a water front complex entirely composed of bars and restaurants. In fact I was staggered at the number of restaurants in Singapore full stop, there were thousands and every taste was accounted for, even yep...... McDonalds!! Eating seems to be the natural pastime for the whole country, no matter what time of day, or where you were the restaurants were deluged with people. Maybe it is because no chewing gum is allowed and in fact anyone caught bringing in or chewing gum will face one of the many fines and penalties imposed for this and many other things like smoking, jay walking, spitting and of course littering
Museum statue
. Singapore is often referred to as a fine city, due to the sheer number of fineable offences it carries. Even non voting in elections carries a fine, which was interesting as while at the quays I bumped into the country's vice PM and Prime Minister giving a party election speech - well I didn't pump into them as such but I wandered past the rally they were holding for the elections being held the following weekend.After that I decided a bit of culture was needed and headed to the Museum. Many buildings in Singapore are from the old British colonial days and the museum was set in a pristine white colonial building facing the business quarter just over the river. The building itself was in beautiful condition and it's contents whilst sparse were quite interesting. I've mentioned before that I'm not a great museum person, but the skull paintings and painted masks were of interest. I guess of all I was amazed that the history of Singapore was only 600/700 years old - I thought it would be older.
Not of huge concern, but I know I'm overweight when I get on a plane and have to loosen the seat belt from the previous occupant, I haven't had to tighten one yet, so although getting fitter from walking everywhere I decided to go for a jog. I headed off towards the quays, turned left and found myself running along a wide promenade alongside the river. I was joined by many Singaporeans out for their ritual jog, and enjoyed the views across the waters and along the banks. I was running well, my iPod providing accompanying music and was happy with my progress and pace, until a 97 year old overtook me - oh well at least I'm trying!
