Singapore

Where else in the world is there a pool in the Airport? Lots of places could do with learning a little about managing public services! Ok.. it could possibly be called a Benevolent Dictatorship, but sometimes, that's really not a bad thing I don't think.

 

Arriving in Singapore you notice what ruthless efficiency can delivery; an ice cold and clinical airport - that while it's being refurbished would put new buildings elsewhere in the world to shame. We moved through quickly, were greeted by the passport control with a little sweet to go and then headed off to find our baggage. Through the glass wall we were greeted by Oli and his mate- what a nice surprise!

We were staying with an ex colleague of Jen's so headed off by taxi to the otherside of the city, the Westside! Aiight. Condo's are pretty sweet and frankly, I haven't even been in a hotel which was as pleasant to stay in! The outdoor pool was over 50 meters and provided a very pleasant way of waking up – I did some exercise and swam a whole ten laps – oh the muscles ached the next day. A very big thank you to Sheridan, Elina and Nick for their very generous hospitality.

Another great thing about it was the getting my new card.. HSBC had cocked up getting my switch card to me in December before I left and initially hadn't wanted to get me a new one to SE Asia—2 hours of phone calls of which 45 mins were spent in Heathrow in January persuaded them to sent it out at their expense, although shockingly enough one of their agents actually said "why would you need a card in the back of beyond" what a prick. I hope they fired him. Getting to Singapore meant that I could get to a Branch and pick it up! So overall, well done HSBC but why make it so bloody difficult!?!

Moving around the city is easy, the tube has recyclable tickets with a dollar deposit for each ticket- one for Boris to adopt perhaps, the buses and taxis all worked seamlessly, and getting to the airport, a good 1 hour on the tube only cost £1.50!!! Methinks UK PLC could learn a little about investment and reinvestment of profits as the state owns a substantial amount of enterprise apparently – spending the profits on keeping the place working, clean and tidy - not Taxing its citizens who therefore have greater spending power! Perhaps with the cut price investments into the large UK banks, the Chancellor of the Exchequer might decide to do something similar in the UK when the banks start earning money again- or is that a crazy idea?

Coming to spending, it's a city of nothing but. Countless malls – some for technology some for clothes, food cheap and expensive lining the streets allows you to have what ever you want when ever. Jen and I headed to a brilliant Indian Street stall and had lots of "stuff" on a tray with rice for 5 Dollars… and were taken to lunch in a modern Chinese fusion hotpot place which specialized in Mushroom hotpot absolutely delicious. By far the best was the signature Chilli Crab which we ate at Jumbo's near Clarke Key. We also ate at Boomerangs on Robertson Quay with Jen's old office colleagues who were outstanding company for the evening and made us realize once more that we really weren't missing our old lives just yet.

A must in Singapore is the Singapore Sling in Raffles, pricy but very nicely mixed of course. It feels like you might well be mixing with some outrageously wealthy people, who did actually sit around puffing on large cigars and looking busy. From there it was a short hop to the Swisshotel and their New Asia bar on their top floor- 71^st. The lift up doesn't really give you an idea of how fast you are travelling until your ears pop- coming out you get a 360 view of the city state- it is a free just must see. You can of course indulge and buy a drink, we didn't for once. Oh, and if you feel like something a little more cultural, head to the Museum. It is superb and very interesting- allow some time for it though!

Leaving Singapore to a new adventure- bye bye Asia- I think travelling through has been brilliant and couldn't be much better with the ending of this leg of the trip with a great three days in Singapore! Hello Darwin- Gateway to the Oceania segment.