The Famine is Over
Trip Start
May 22, 2005
1
90
107
Trip End
Jan 22, 2006
Singapore,
Singapore
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Singapore is a "democracy" which is ruled with an iron fist by the Lee family. The Lees are right wing, conservative and authoritarian. The appearance of the island reeks of conformity, cleanliness and order. Singapore's tough drug laws are well known, and during our stay the Singapore government put to death a young Australian caught smuggling drugs. Mel's uncle explained that since most people are well-off and comfortable they are not too concerned with the Lees' political leanings nor their grip on power. However, he did note there had been a recent rise in dissent due to the economic turbulence caused by the SARS outbreak.
The population in Singapore is made up of Chinese, Malays and Indians. The groups operate in their own spheres and as our uncle explained there is definitely an unofficial hierarchy. Politics aside, one of the advantages of having these three great Asian cultures operating so closely is that the local Asian food rules supreme.
We saw, or at least drove by, all of the important sights in Singapore. We saw the Sealion statue, the durian shaped convention centre and we drove by the Raffles Hotel which made famous the Singapore Sling. However, the real attraction was the food. The best places to eat in Singapore are the food courts, which are the cleanest and probably tastiest in all of Asia. These food courts are everywhere in Singapore--in the malls, on the streets and on the beaches. And no matter which one you choose the selection is phenomenal, the freshness and quality is superb, and the taste is divine. Our time in Singapore was a moving feast--we sampled everything in abundance. Meals just blended into the next. Our all time favourites were the oyster omelet, chicken rice, durian ice kachang and fresh durian eaten from the street markets. The durian is a large, spiky fruit whose fragrance is stinky to the uninitiated, but is heavenly to durian connoisseurs. The fleshy not-quite sweet meat of the durian fruit is surrounded by a thick shell-like exterior covered in spikes. The work required to break the shell is well rewarded by the rich and luxurious taste of the delicacy hidden inside. Mel's pre-trip proclamation that the food in Singapore was the best proved true.
We also spent some time shopping and Mel found this great shoe store that sold only high heels and sandals. Mel bought over 10 pairs and we had to ship them home. Her only lament afterwards was, "Why didn't I buy more? I have two feet!"
In between the unending consumption of calories, Paul did get a chance to play tennis with Mel's uncle and cousin. Paul was rusty but had a blast reconnecting with a racquet and a ball.
Our stay in Singapore was too short, but with fond memories and full bellies we boarded a plane for the land down under.
