Singapore

20:00  Tom O’Connor was the entertainment last night.  Still around but brilliant.

We took 400 photos today and it was hard to choose a few to put on the blog.

Today the tour guide summed the country up well: Singapore has developed from a 3^rd world into a 1^st world country in a single generation. Jane found it hard to recognise what she saw some 30 years ago.  There was the magnificence of Raffles – and of course we ordered a Singapore Sling each – delicious – and threw peanut shells on the floor! 

There were no junks in the harbour for Jane to see, nor the large number of open-air street restaurants but the Chinese and Indian quarters are still vibrant.  Jane was astounded by the amount of reclaimed land as Raffles moves further and further away from the coast.

The National Orchid Gardens were exceptional – no need for any more trips to the Eden Project.  We also visited both a Mosque and a Buddhist Temple and drove around town on parts of  the F1 Grand Prix circuit.

Our lunch in a traditional Chinese was more than adequate (just like our cloakroom, Lorraine Rush!) but did not include chicken claws – more’s the pity. 

One of the most stunning changes seen was on our trip to the Merlion which symbolises unity of the lion city and the sea. The architecture around this area, for example a bridge in the shape of a double helix and the largest cantilevered building in the world, was stunning.  This is a place full of life.

Jane was on a bit of a sentimental journey.  At Raffles, she visited the garden where her mum fell asleep.  She had a great time all those years ago and memories of David must also have been in her mind.

Downside (or not)? If you write something critical of another person’s religion you are imprisoned without trial.  No one under 35 can buy a house unless married, because the country discourages one-parent families.  You get an immediate fine for littering and the death penalty if you bring over 15g of heroin into the country.  Discuss.