Singapore

By Glen Bruels
This is part of a series called Seabourn Half-World cruise
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Ah Singapore!  This was my third time visiting (Deb’s second), and we agree it is one of our favorite cities.   It is a true jewel in Southeast Asia and a crossroads for trade across the Pacific.  It is highly diverse both ethnically (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian) and religiously (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism), but the level of integration is noteworthy and nothing gets in the way of business.  And boy, is there a lot of business – it is rated the friendliest place in the world to do business, it’s the world’s fourth leading financial center, and it has the third highest per capita income in the world.  Believe me, it shows.  The skyline is constantly changing with new, really cool architecture.  The number of “high end” cars is staggering, despite the fact that cars are hugely expensive and for every new car that comes on the island, one must leave.  Singapore is also a shopping mecca – Orchard Road is the place for fashion, but I favor the six-story electronics mall in Little India.

If there is any downside, it is that Singapore is “free-ish.”  While there is an elected parliamentary government here (actually it is called a “unitary parliamentary constitutional republic”), it is quite conservative, controlling/regulatory, and extremely punitive to those who break the law.  Freedom watch groups often complain about Singapore.  Having said that, their crime rate is one of the lowest in the world, the city/state is clean, and their people are happy and well taken care of.  I guess it’s the ultimate trade-off: how much freedom are you willing to give up for a prosperous, safe, happy life?

Anyway, we enjoyed our day there, zipping around on their metro (ride all day for $6), doing some shopping, and having lunch with one of Glen’s former partners and his wife.  Unfortunately, a day in Singapore is never enough.  You can easily spend a week and probably still not see/do it all.

Next stop, Langkawi Island, Malaysia!

The old row houses of Emerald Hill Road
The old row houses of Emerald Hill Road

The old row houses of Emerald Hill Road

Similar to "The Doors of Dublin," this area has a number of unique, beautiful entryways.
Similar to “The Doors of Dublin,” this area has a number of unique, beautiful entryways.
A view down the Singapore River
A view down the Singapore River
Lots of sculpture along the river; much of it depicting the origins of Singapore.
Lots of sculpture along the river; much of it depicting the origins of Singapore.
Electronic Road Pricing -- a way of collecting tolls variably based on traffic and time of day. It's a crap shoot!
Electronic Road Pricing — a way of collecting tolls variably based on traffic and time of day. It’s a crap shoot!
The new Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino. The "cover" across the towers is actually an infinity pool that is 3X the length of an Olympic pool and 650 feet up!
The new Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino. The “cover” across the towers is actually an infinity pool that is 3X the length of an Olympic pool and 650 feet up!
The lion's head (symbol of Singapore) shooting water into Marina Bay.
The lion’s head (symbol of Singapore) shooting water into Marina Bay.
The Esplanade Performing Arts Center in Marina Square. Most of this is new since we were last here in 2008.
The Esplanade Performing Arts Center in Marina Square. Most of this is new since we were last here in 2008.
The Singapore River is lined with all sorts of outdoor restaurants. It's a fun place to go at night.
The Singapore River is lined with all sorts of outdoor restaurants. It’s a fun place to go at night.
Thomas Raffles -- the man who convinced the British to develop a trading post in Singapore.
Thomas Raffles — the man who convinced the British to develop a trading post in Singapore.
For those under 50, ask your parents what this is. They still do Civil Defense here.
For those under 50, ask your parents what this is. They still do Civil Defense here.
A drink at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel -- home of the Singapore Sling. Yeah, I know, kinda touristy...
A drink at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel — home of the Singapore Sling. Yeah, I know, kinda touristy…
A Singaporean Public Service Announcement. I like it!
A Singaporean Public Service Announcement. I like it!
An aerial shot of our ship getting ready to get sucked into an energy vortex!
An aerial shot of our ship getting ready to get sucked into an energy vortex!
Taking the cable car to Sentosa Island, the entertainment center of Singapore.
Taking the cable car to Sentosa Island, the entertainment center of Singapore.
A new apartment and business complex. I love the architecture here!
A new apartment and business complex. I love the architecture here!
Farewell, Singapore; we'll be back!
Farewell, Singapore; we’ll be back!
This entry was posted in Cruising, Singapore
Glen Bruels

I am a traveler and sometimes clay sculptor, following a long career working in consulting. My work allowed me to travel the world extensively and I was hooked. Today, I travel with my wife/best friend to explore new places, meet new people, and learn new things.

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