Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Singapore: The Tourist Trail

Little India
When I arrived on Friday, Jess and I popped down to Little India for a look around.

The area is filled with shop houses as they are known locally. Essentially two story buildings, brightly painted. They have a certain charm given to them by the feeling of faded glory. Unsurprisingly the area is home to the best Indian food in Singapore. We strolled through a market selling saris galore and lots of Indian food stalls.

We also visited the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore.



Jones the Grocer
Sunday was my final chance to pack in the tourist sites of Singapore and I think I did pretty well!

The day started with brunch at Jones the Grocer where I had agreed to meet an ex-BarCap colleague who is now working out in Singapore. It is an Australian cafe and deli in the finest tradition of Sydney cafes. Those of you who have been to (or live in!) Australia will know good the Sydney cafe culture is. I had the breakfast BLT and it was an excellent start to the day.

China Town
After brunch we went for a walk round China Town. China Town nestles up against the skyscrapers of the financial district, but still manages to hold onto it's heritage with more shop houses, lots of market stalls and a hawker centre.


The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple dominates the centre of China Town.


Big Bird
After China Town we wound our way down to the waters edge on a loop towards Raffles.

Located in Boat Quay Big Bird is one of Singapore's more quirky statues.

Merlion

The symbol of Singapore is the Merlion. Half mermaid half lion, it presides over the Singapore harbour. It was interesting without being imposing or captivating. However, the Singaporeans seem to be devoted, so I made pleasant noises!

We finished with a Singapore Sling in Raffles. Sipping away while eating monkey nuts and throwing the shells on the floor. The Sling was a little sweet for me, but it is one of the things that has to be done while in Singapore!

The photos from my Singapore weekend are here.
Posted by Richard Elliot at 10:15
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4 comments:

  1. Andy18 February 2009 at 14:10

    I hope its really a great trip for u all... :)
    Noosa Heads Accommodation

    ReplyDelete
  2. Old BE19 February 2009 at 13:58

    Noosa is nice, haven't you been there before Richard?

    Sing looks lovely, but I am slightly concerned that your tourist attire may be a bit too relaxed for Sing's tight regulation. I am not that confident that you will be allowed in next time...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Richard Elliot19 February 2009 at 14:15

    Haha! It has this reputation for being a tight laced placed, but that hasn't been my experience.

    Decent behaviour and respect are quite highly valued, but is that a bad thing?

    Admittedly getting 10 lashes for being naughty isn't so good.....

    I haven't been to Noosa. Maybe while I am in Oz!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Old BE19 February 2009 at 14:33

    Not a bad thing at all, but I think it's better not to be forced to be nice under threat of lashing/prison!!

    ReplyDelete

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