I’m on vacation in Singapore visiting a friend. I invited a nephew to join me and together we explore the city of Singapore for about one week. Mostly walking from our downtown base but with the occasional ride on the MRT, the local city train.
The weather is tropical, temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. High humidity and the occasional breeze. Changing between cloudy and clear and so far no rain.
We stop at a food court or a restaurant for lunch to cool down and to explore the wide selection of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Malaysian dishes.
We are here for many days still. So far my impression is of a clean safe city where a happy population enjoy life and where lush green trees are ever present.
My phone is filling up with images. Spectacular skylines, peculiar details, fun moment with my fellow travellers. Delicious food. I will share a selection with you in this and coming posts each with a theme. First up is Signs.
A solution for every problem
Singapore is full of signs. You notice these right away as a first time visitor. Locals likely numb to their plentifulness, their messages long internalised. My curious mind create stories of what went before. Why does this sign exist? What happened that made someone create a sign with instructions to future passersby?
No durians in the metro train? Durian, the local fruit with a distinct smell not unlike the unpleasant human fart. Was it really a cause for conflict and discomfort? My nostrils so far safe from bad odours, perhaps the sign helped?
A sign promoting family values, marching soldiers for celebrating the independence, a shop in Little India naming itself cheap and best. An advertisement for a baby naming service. Extra math. Together they tell one story of what Singapore is.
Enjoy today’s selection. More to come.
