Escape to Singapore

Before arriving in Singapore late Saturday night, I really knew very little about the small island pocketed between Malaysia and Indonesia. In fact, I wasn’t even sure if Singapore was an independent nation or just an annex of Malaysia. (Well, I did do a bit of research the couple weeks leading up to my visit, but for most of my life, I wasn’t familiar with Singapore’s political standing). Now, after spending approximately 40 hours and counting in this beautiful country, I am astonished by how little I knew when Singapore is in fact such a unique place.

What strikes me most is the city’s immaculate state of cleanliness and order. Never have I visited such a green, litter-free environment in an urban setting. I’ve walked all over the city the past two days and I can count on one hand the number of pieces of trash I’ve seen on the ground, including cigarette butts. Singapore is also incredibly lush and green. Perfectly manicured lawns and tropical foliage abound on every street, even amongst mile-high sky scrapers and small, decrepit shops (though there aren’t many of the latter – most buildings are new and massive).

I also appreciate the country’s structure and order. There are rules, and people follow them (unlike most Southeast Asian countries). For instance, cars actually stop at red lights, making it safe and easy for pedestrians to cross the street - whereas in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, crossing the road can be potentially life-threatening. People don’t spit in public (one of my biggest pet peeves) because they could face up to $1000 in fines if they’re caught. Oh, and I got the latest scoop on chewing gum. Apparently it is now legal to chew gum, however stores can only carry sugar-free gum. And you must dispose of used gum in the trash can and only the trash can.

What else is interesting about Singapore? It’s very multi-cultural. There are four national languages – English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil (Indian dialect). As you might guess, that means the cultural demographics are all over the place. I’ve explored several parts of the city, including Little India, Arab Street, and Chinatown. Each district offers fabulous food and shopping. And then there’s Orchard Road. Home to just about every clothing and accessory store under the sun, Orchard Road is the shopping hub of Singapore, or perhaps Southeast Asia, or maybe even all of Asia! Never have I seen so many monstrous shopping malls all on one, tree-lined boulevard. They house designer labels such as Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, and Versace. I’m not big on clothes, especially designer clothes, so this doesn’t excite me like a T.J. Maxx or Walgreens would, but it’s interesting to observe the people who can afford to patronize these stores.

Being in Singapore has made me realize that I miss home, or just the West in general, more than I thought. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved my time in Thailand and its neighboring countries, but as much as I think I don’t mind the absence of order, structure, recycling, the law, toilets that can accommodate toilet paper, the English language, and drinkable tap water, my heart does in fact long for these Western conveniences. This 3½-day Singapore get-away is the perfect way to begin transitioning back into Western-mode. Until then, it’s back to Thailand to enjoy some of the country’s finest beaches and islands in the south!

Only a hostel in Southeast Asia would post a “no durians” sign (the durian is a tropical fruit with a particularly strong, sometimes deemed offensive, odor)

I thought this poster circa 1993 was too great not to capture on camera. I’m staying at the YMCA Singapore Hostel, hence the religious undertones. Clearly this photo is a self-portrait. I tried to retake it so my entire face would be in the frame, but my camera pooped out on me before I got the chance.