Singapore

Trip Start Jan 03, 2008
1
27
84
Trip End Ongoing


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Singapore  , Singapore,
Friday, April 25, 2008

Singapore is supposedly one of the world's most clean cities. Since 1992, there has actually been a ban on the sale of chewing gum in order to prevent people from disposing of it improperly. I stayed at the Innscrowd Backpackers in Little India. This area of the city must not be taken into consideration when people discuss the city's clean approach to city living. Little India is incredibly dirty and intimidating at times. All of the restaurants are outdoors or open air dining. All of the tables are occupied by only men. So I ate all of my meals away from the area.

I decided to first wander around. As long as I have a map, I have no problem getting completely lost. I ran across this amazing temple. All of these vendors were selling incense and flowers for people to purchase before going in. I decided to buy a homemade ice cream bar. Basically, this cart man took a block of ice cream and cut a huge hunk. Then he added wafers. Best homemade ice cream sandwich ever
Best homemade ice cream sandwich ever
 It sounds bad but it was very good. I just sat down and watched all of the happenings.

I went to the SAM (Singapore Art Museum) to see the exhibits. It was a lot of interesting modern art from showcasing artists from all over Asia (mainly China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, etc.). The museum itself is located inside a gorgeous historical building and is located in the old section of town. The buildings are all well preserved. I also went to the National Museum of Singapore which is located in the same area as SAM. It had some very unique exhibits. In one section of the museum, you are given this electronic guide. If you wanted a more detailed explanation you simply typed the number. I enjoyed seeing the transition this small country has had. My favorite exhibit was the one that gave the personal stories of the people that settled in Singapore. They also had a good area about the transitions in fashion, food and music over the years. Some of the clothes the opera singers wore were absolutely stunning.

Singapore has this amazing bar and restaurant district called Clarke Quay. It has five blocks of riverfront bars with interesting themes. If I had to give an award to the most creative bar, it would have to go to the hospital bar. You sit in golden wheelchairs and nurses are your servers. The bartenders are doctors and above the bar there are even hospital lights. You can order a drink in an IV drip and pour it from that into a cup. It's kind of morbid but definitely unique. This reminds of 4th Street but it is about 5 times the size and it is more diverse.
Slideshow Print this entry