"The Lion City" Singapore by shopgal

I was a little gal when I first visited S'pore w/ my parents & sister as part of our S.E. Asia travel.

I then went back again when I was 13, spent years there until I finished my high school. It was definitely an unforgettable memory for me :)

I was v. homesick & hated everything there during my first couple days. I literally cried at nite when I was alone in my room, on this beautiful bungalow house of my host family.

Mom flew over two days later and stayed with me for a week. By then school had started & I found some new friends.

My Secondary school was located on Dunman Road, east side of S'pore. I had to take a fifteen minutes bus ride to school every morning, and it was definitely hell. Being spoiled living in Indonesia, I wasn't used to having no maids nor chauffeurs around me.

I went back home every quarter during short & long breaks. I got to have a rendezvous again w/ my HS sweetheart, and this time he was in the same class as me, sitting rite behind me. Boy was I lucky!

There weren't many Indonesians in my school, but everyone was greeting me during my first day, which really helped me to adapt quicker.

On the National Day one year, our school was elected to be part of the celebration. I had to hold the flash card. We had to practice under the sun after school which really tanned my skin :( The only thing to help us stay "cool" was the cute guys from GES high.

Being an Indonesian, I"m really proud that I know the S'pore National Anthem by heart, and even know the meaning!!

Check out also the Merlion Park, Jurong Bird Park, and the Japanese garden. Don't forget the legendary & elegant hotel, Raffles Hotel. It's the oldest and most expensive hotel in S'pore, famous guests namely: Pres. Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Chow Yun Fat, and many more.

There were too many memories in this Lion city, I'll definitely go back again in the coming future :)

Orchard Road

Indonesians go to S'pore to shop, that's a tradition. The most popular shopping area is definitely Orchard Rd. Believe me, I moved rite behind the Center Point during last year of high school *devious grin*

My favorite malls are Takashimaya, the biggest before Suntec City exists, Sogo (Raffles City), and many more. I could definitely spend my entire day @ Orchard Rd just shopping. Don't forget to cool yourself down w/ the yummy ice-cream sold on the sidewalks. It was only a buck each at that time.

I usually went for the movie at the new Lido cinema, loveeeeee the popcorn there! It's also a nice shopping mall on the lower levels.

My favorite resto: the Compass Rose on the top of Raffles City Hotel (Sogo), the view is marvellous & the food is excellent. Do dress up coz you won't get in in your shorts & flip flops.

I love Clark Quay @ nite. There used to be a "Satay Place" around that area, too bad it's not longer existed.

Those who love the sightsee can definitely check out the Haw Par villa, Tang Dynasty city, and Sentosa island. I really love the cable car there :)

The one thing about S'pore is that it's so clean & neat. English is the first language, therefore, you'll never get lost. You can take the MRT or bus anywhere at a cheaper price.

Take the taxi if you're in a hurry, they do not let more than four passengers in one cab, and they charge extra on after 11pm.

If you're out for a NYE party, make sure one of your gang is driving coz it's almost impossible to find any taxi to drive you back to your hotel/home.

If you love the hawker center foods, definitely check out the stingray, fish-head beehoon, fried carrot cake, & yong do fu :)

• Pros:Great shopping, convenient & reliable public transportation.
• Cons:Hot & humid
• In a nutshell:Only Lee K.Y. & Goh C.T. can live in this country!!