Singapore - January to May 2010

Dear Singapore,

It's time to bid you adieu again. I won't pretend I'll miss your sweltering heat or spontaneous downpours. And no, I won't be reminiscing about loud sneezes in public spaces, open-mouthed naps in public, or the MRT's endless reminders to stand behind the yellow line.

Some days, the conversations felt repetitive: food, material pursuits, maid troubles, and the occasional grumble about foreigners. It wasn’t always easy to relate.

But I’ll give credit where it’s due: your transformation has been remarkable. The speed by which you raised new structures and changed the skyline reminded me of a sci-fi movie I saw a few years ago. The new buildings, the buzz around the casinos, the build-up to events like F1 and the Youth Olympics - you’ve grown, and fast.

So here’s to you: may your progress keep pace with your heart. And as I move on, I wish you well.

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

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