Singapore Weekend

I never understood the animosity between Singaporeans and Malaysians, though fierce neighbourly rivalry has always ruled the day. Besides the few differences (debatable, I know) I objectively think that Singapore is a nice place with a character of its own.

Really-wan.

My last memories of Singapore at the tender age of five were refreshed once more when I journeyed south for a recent assignment. While we are only a bridge away and are “pretty much” the same, fundamental differences can still be felt. Singapore’s somewhat neater, compact, more cosmopolitan, and a pleasant cross of Hong Kong with Kuala Lumpur. That was oddly comfortable yet disturbing to me, but the pace of the city won me over.

Then again perhaps my views on Singapore are somewhat skewed. After all, I did get to live in Mandarin Meritus on Orchard Road whilst dining and eating the absolute best Singapore has to offer…all in the name of work.

I had some time to wander off on my own and later with Lishi (my school mate) around town. So I took the chance to visit Chimes, a disturbing drinking/pubbing spot where an Old Catholic church once was. Well…it’s still there lah, the structure I mean. So you’ll see people drinking in corners under a beautiful fresco of Jesus extending his hands to his disciples.

Wieeeerd.

The other difference with Singapore came to me during the wee hours of the morning…it’s somewhat safer than your average cosmopolitan city. Here’re 2 reasons why:

1. It’s an island. If you commit a crime, where CAN you go.

2. Cabbies, who dominate the streets, work cohesively with the police. You may hide from the cops, but cabbies infest the nooks and crannies of the city!


But I truly enjoyed my brief time in Singapore, thanks Lishi for the Chimes cum NUS exposure!

Managed to grab a few pics when I was there, it’s on my flickr account here.