Dear Singapore,
It is time again to bid you adieu. I have to say that I am not going to miss your hot and humid weather, or the thunderstorms. I will not look back in fondness at some people there who sneezed loudly, hacked loagies or slept open-mouthed in public. I will also not reminisce the annoying command, "Please stand behind the yellow line" that I hear repetitiously on MRT stations. I will also, in no time at all, forget the many frivolous topics like food, material pursuits, maid issues, and xenophobic remarks that dominated local conversations and the media.
Still, I have to say kudos to you on your physical transformation. The speed by which you raised new buildings and structures and changed the skyline reminded me of a sci-fi movie that I saw a few years ago. While the 2 newly-opened casinos may be a welcome economic multiplier for you, I hope that it is at no expense on the social fabric of your country. All the best to you on the F1 race and Youth Olympic Games this year. You have certainly come of age. Godspeed.
Above left: Victorian-style cast-irons ornately deck the octagonal framework of this 1820's Telok Ayer Market (also known as Lau Pa Sat); Above right: Serangoon Road
Above left: An old-style home in Singapore - a rare gem-of-a-find in the modern island-state; Above right: The Merlion is to Singapore as the mermaid is to Denmark
Above left: The sophisticated 5-star Fullerton Hotel was once Singapore's General Post Office; Above right: The CBD (In acronym-addict Singapore, CBD stands for Central Business District)
Above left: The Parliament House where the PM (Prime Minister) and MPs (Ministers of Parliament) work; Above right: Vintage tiles
Above left: Lovely orange-red flowers - anyone know what it's called?; Above right: Rain trees of Singapore
Above left: The Sail @ Marina Bay; Above right: The newly-christened Helix bridge with the newly-opened Marina Bay Sands (casino & hotel)
Above left: Walking across the Helix Bridge; Above right: Marina Bay Sands (top left) and the Singapore Flyer (top right) from the Marina Barrage
Above left: @ Mandai Orchid Garden; Above right: @ Bugis Street
Above left: Free concert @ the Esplanade; Above right: Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) @ Kampung Glam
