I just posted this thread about an upcoming trip to the Russian wastelands. The phone rings again. It’s my boss again. Apparently, my trip isn’t going to happen for another two months. In the mean time, can I pop over to Singapore for a meeting? :eek: :eek: Singapore? Just for a meeting? Isn’t this the sort of thing that only happens in bad bad thrillers (and then only for plot reasons).
Again, I know very little about Singapore, except that chewing gum and writing grafitti are really bad ideas. Any SE Asian dopers out there? What is this fair city like? And if any one has a plausible explanation as to why I’m going, I’ll be glad to hear from you. It’s sure going to be a long journey (for those of you who don’t follow my adventures, I’m currently in Gabon in West Africa)
And I shall direct you to this thread, oral sex and caning notwithstanding. 
Yes, I’m a thread whore. Shameless, to boot.
We were there a couple of years ago, general impressions:
- The airport is very open and modern
- It’s very clean, everywhere
- It’s very easy to get around with public transportation trains, buses, etc.
- The people are really friendly; every time we were standing around looking hopelessly lost (alot) someone invariably came up to assist us. Our first time on the subway a commuter even went back into the station with us and showed us how to buy tickets (Hey give us a break we’re from one of the fly-over states with no public transportation).
- The Quay (sp?) area is fun
- If you have time go to the night zoo. The fishing cats are cool.
- Rules is rules. You will get yelled at if you cross in the middle of the street.
Oh and an aside. My daughter left her wallet on the plane when we arrived. Because we had extra time at the airport on departure and with no real hope of success we asked if it had been turned in. The agent walked over to a desk, opened a drawer and there was her wallet with all her stuff including a bit of money still inside. 
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You tend to hear a lot of stories about the strange civic-minded culture of Singapore, with a heavy emphasis on order, discipline, responsibility, cleanliness and civic pride. It’s all true, bit without any nasty Third Reich overtones. Many are the cities in the world that could benefit from some of the magical Singapore touch. You won’t see litter, mess, graffitti or vandalism. Even the cheapest of back street restaurants will place all their waste and garbage in the approved containers, and have them at the approved spot at the approved time for it all to be taken away by the approved contractors.
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It has the weirdest civic emblem in the world: the Merlion. Half lion, half fish. Sounds like something out of Python but it’s true. When you come across any emblem this weird, there’s usually some back story, some reference to ancient myths, some historical or cultural precedent which explains why it’s been chosen. The nice thing about the Merlion is that there is no such back story or myth. It isn’t based on anything.
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The big Merlion which stands at the harbour entrance has been moved. It used to stand at the entrance to the old harbour, but then they built the big bridge at the entrance and the Merlion was technically no longer overlooking water. This was deemed to be bad Feng Shui so they moved it across the bridge so that it was once again looking out over water.
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Every visitor to Sing goes to the Night Safari. Go. It’s brilliant. No problem getting there - just ask and everyone can and will tell you how to get there and what to do. Unmissable.
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The people are fantastic. Most of those you meet will probably look Chinese or Asian-American but speak perfect (if accented) English and fall somewhere on a sliding scale from 5-9 out of 10 in terms of their assimilation of Western culture and outlook. This can be very interesting. Every single person in the city will be 100% kind, helpful and efficient. You’re never lost or helpless in Sing.
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It’s a religious melting pot. Lots of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. I’m not religious but check out the fantastic Hindu and Buddhist temples that you will see in and around the city temples. At lunch time in the Buddhist temples people from all walks of life spend time getting their questions answered by shaking yarrow stalks.
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If you like Chinese or seafood cuisine, you are in paradise. If you don’t, take care when deciding where to eat or meeting with friends. There is a tendency in social situations to just assume you want to eat Chinese/fish.
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Don’t mention Malaysia much. Bad subject.
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It’s really easy to get around, and you can cover a lot of what’s worth seeing on foot. Do so if you can.
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Try the Moon Cake if it’s around. They make a squillion variations and flavours, all good.
Does this mean I can’t poke my head into this thread? 
I went on a family holiday a couple of years back.
Oh yes, the food. It good and it’s dirt cheap. Shame they cracked down on the street vendors, but the ones in the malls are almost as good (but a lot more hygenic).
See if you can go to Sim Lim Square, it’s houses approxiamtely 3 squillion computer/electronics shops and there’ some good (and legit) deals there. Taxis are cheap, and we managed the bus system fairly easily. Also, English is fairly widespread, so at least you can communicate with ~1/2 the population.
Incidently, they also have a Hooters over there - go figure.
Do not miss the Ancient Civilisations Exhibition. It is world class. Outstanding. It’s very informative about all of the cultures that make up SE Asia. I cannot recommend it enough.
Eat Indian food, I believe it is the worlds finest.
Go to Sentosa Island (take the sky trolley thingy) rent a bicycle and have a great day, take your suit and have a swim if you like, it’s really a lovely afternoon.
And if you keep your eyes open you’ll see an awesome airport and exception subway system. Who knew it could be like this?
Hokkien Mee
Chicken Rice
Wanton Mee
Watermelon Juice
Satay with Sticky Rice and cucumber
…I gotta go I’m salivating all over my keyboard…
politics can be befuddling during mahatir’s time. (i think it may be different now.) food, friends and everything else is welcome. 
Turns out like I’m going to be there for around four days before my meeting with as yet unamed clients. Looks like I’ll have time to do plenty of neat stuff.