Singapore

The first sign that singapore had it together: free interenet in the huge/ very modern airport. There were also computers that were free to use (for up to 15 minutes).

Ive heard complaints about singapore and its alleged lack of culture. I would have to disagree. Singapore is small, very modern and very organized. I think it was a perect place to begin the asia adventure. The subway is exremely easy to navigate, free wireless abounds, and the food was wonderful.

Singapore is pricey compared to most places in SE Asia but you just have to accept that and know what you're gettting into. Food is disproportionately cheap especially at government organized hawker centers. The centers consist of very specialized little booths. There is usually only 1 of each type including 1 just for drinks (the food stalls dont serve drinks). My favorite drink is the teh tarik (pulled tea). It is sort of like a really basic chai and it costs .80 cents (SD). I could go on and on about the food. One of my favorites was a soup where you go and pick out little pieces of stuff (bok choy, bean curd, tofu, sproats, etc.) and then they cook it with noodles in a soup. Very delicious and fairly healthy. The food (like the culture) is a mix of chinese (hokkien), indian, and malaysian.

We stayed in a hostel near little india and found it to be quite cozy. It was more like an apartment than a hostel and we only left because there were no more beds available afer a few days ( we didnt book in advance).

Singapore is a small melting pot of cultures. I was really intrigued by the brightly colored Little India part of town. The indian food was also really amazing. I quickly learned how to eat with my hand ( a common indian practice). While it was sometimes difficult to communicate with the people selling food, we always got a smile of approval when we started eating with our hands.

On a spiritual note, I visited my first Hindu temple and Islamic Mosque on the same day. The Mosque was really basic and no frills. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the temple was really elaborately decorated with tons of statues, offerings, and incense. I was impressed with the calm and tranquil energy that abounded in the temples. It was different than most other religious structures Ive been to.

We spent most of our time in Singapore just wandering around and eating the most random food we could find. But, we did make it to the botanical gardens. The orchid collection (supposedly the largest in the world) was absolutely stunning. Tons of orchids were flowering and it was fun to see all of the hybrids they had.

I could have hung out in Singapore for much longer, but the budget wouldnt have liked that. So, after 4 or 5 days, we took having to leave our hostel as a sign and head to Malaysia....