"ON THE ROAD WITH THE FAMILY VI (2011 edition)" stamporama's Profile

Profile
Activity
Travel Pages (102)
Photos (983)
Videos
Badges (5)
Stats

May the Merlion shower us with blessings!

A 2-day Swing around Singapore!

Except for last year, my family usually spend the interval between Christmas and New Year’s Day at home, either going to the malls for post-Christmas sales or entertaining relatives from overseas who are home for the holidays. For 2010 however we decided to swing around at Singapore for a change of scenery.

A must-eat: Chili Crab!!!

We only spent 2 days there as given the size of the place that’s long enough (as even the locals advise) to see and experience the must-dos. Which is a good thing because with all the innumerable food around, to try and taste them all will mean endless calories!

Chinatown shop houses

Aside from being a foodie paradise, Singapore is also a shopper’s haven. Malls are all over the place…why, even Changi airport is no more than a supermall that happens to have runways! But what’s different here is while malls can be found in any world city, many small retailers still run their business in colourful colonial-era shop houses (either restored or reproductions) that gives the city a unique identity.

The CBD along the riverbank

Many people are impressed with China’s phenomenal economic growth but for me Singapore’s rise is far more admirable. China has the land and population to accomplish what they did, but for a city-state that’s just a dot on a world map with no natural resources and people that number about 5 million, to have attained first-world status within a generation is no small feat.

Peranakan houses along Koon Seng Road

What’s interesting about their success is that they were able to become what they are in spite of their multiracial and multi-faith backgrounds. This is something many other countries have failed or are still striving to attain.

A Hindu temple gate

It is also this ethnic diversity that provides Singapore its “culture”. Despite the country’s tourism ads that tout its “culture”, the place does not really have a home-grown culture of its own. But the mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences certainly allows visitors to peek into the 3 cultures in one place. This is what Hong Kong does not have. Also unlike Hong Kong, Singapore is more welcoming to tourists since English is an official language so you could easily talk with locals (unlike in HK) though understanding ‘Singlish’ can be a bit of a challenge, lah.

The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel

So thanks to Sir Raffles, were it not for him Singapore would probably be different from what it is now. How so? Well, the famous hotel named after him may not have been built…then we would not have enjoyed the Sling drink in its bar!

Tastes no different from punch

Now join me and my family in a toast (with Singapore Slings, of course) to the city-state: for its continued success and happiness. Cheers, lah!!!

Intro Updated Dec 30, 2010
Report Abuse

Personal Pages (1)

Written Nov 23, 2008

8 photos

Why "Stamporama"? Click here...

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (41)

cachaseiro May 6, 2012 at 3:53 AM Report Abuse

I´m planning to go trekking there for 3 weeks.
Nepal is a country best suited for walking and i love that too.
Laura_Mexico Apr 28, 2012 at 12:31 AM Report Abuse

Hey Boooooobbbb, long time no seeeee!!!! A bit late but thank you so much for the bday wishes, I hope you and your family are doing great!! Cheers.
TrendsetterME Apr 2, 2012 at 11:10 AM Report Abuse

Hey Bob, nice pages w helpful details, especially the photos on ur "Japan" tips r great, keep postin' .. :)
olja1234 Mar 27, 2012 at 11:55 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday!
Dymphna1 Mar 20, 2012 at 6:39 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday - hope you have great plans.
jumpingnorman Feb 18, 2012 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

Naku Bob, sayang I miss you in RP....we have to meet someday, haha
Durfun Sep 19, 2011 at 3:39 AM Report Abuse

Hey, Love your stampo concept!! Really cool :-) Your Niagara one is from the same angle!!
MarvintheMartian Jul 11, 2011 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Hi Bob, it's July 2011 and I've made excellent use of your June 2011 Xi'an tips! Brilliant! Thanks, Martin.
SLLiew Apr 22, 2011 at 6:43 AM Report Abuse

Hi Bob, Thanks so much for your nice postcard sent from Nepal. Salamat :) SL
akosilei Mar 30, 2011 at 7:23 PM Report Abuse

Belated happy birthday Bob :)