Singapore: tiny island nation of 5.2 million and the pulsing economic heart of Asia. Who would have thought we would come here to relax? Say what you will about the political nepotism, extreme consumerism, and severe legal system, but it is still an ingenious masterpiece of urban planning. We felt tremendous relief with the clean streets, courteous and friendly people, quiet parks and trails home to abundant wildlife, and efficient public transportation. After months and months in tumultuous Asia, how wonderful it was to be somewhere easy! We walked 10-15 miles every day, knowing we'd soon be back in Indonesia where there are few trails, let alone sidewalks.
Of course, the real reason to come to Singapore is the food culture, a fascinating blend of tastes from all over Asia. For months I had been licking my chops at the mere thought of Singapore's hawker centers, organized and permitted collections of street food stalls. The diversity of cheap and delicious foods is staggering. I spent twice as much time gazing at the possibilities than eating. Just a few examples of the treats we enjoyed in food heaven: laksa (spicy coconut soup), fresh dumplings with angel squash and prawns, ginger duck, noodles with fragrant mushrooms, sliced fish soup, dim sum with scallops and prawns, bryani with mutton, chile prawns... and on and on for six days.
Of course, our stay in this expensive metropolis would not have been possible without the hospitality of good friends. We met Lynette at the ashram in India, and were very pleased to finally meet her wonderful family -- husband Andy, and brilliant, fun young daughters Emmy and Izzy. It was wonderful to be a part of a family again, and we will always remember their love and generosity.
Singapore is a feast for the senses, for better or worse. You can't walk into a train station without first walking through a mall. Everywhere you look there are architectural a,d artistic examples of Singapore striving to be the top this or that in the world. Everything is huge, dazzling and ostentatious. But what a fascinating place, and we will gladly come back. Now, back to Bali...
