It is almost half way through the year and I have not documented my last trip to Singapore yet.
I went there in January of this year, for the e-CASE 2009 conference. Besides presenting a paper and chairing a session, I was one of the four speakers in an international forum.
Singapore is hot all year round. It is small but full of cultural attractions. Mandarin Chinese, English and Fokkian are spoken by many people there. Fokkian is similar to Taiwanese so I was able to communicate with many food vendors. Cantonese is well received there too. Actually Singapore and Malaysia share many cultures, including the languages and accents.
Here are some snapshots of Singapore:
Had a cocktail here. It was late into the night:
From a cable car in Santosa island
Taking a train in Santosa
I wasn't too interested in this: beach at Santosa.
Clarke Quay: Had dinner here on the first night
Lots of shops for tailored Chinese dresses
The famous Hainan Chicken and Rice
Apartments are numbered.
Not a bad idea to hang clothes out systematically.
China Town
Sneaked into a school open house and got some free gifts.
A simulation on the college tour
Singapore is a litter free country
A taste of Singaporean flavours
Singapore is an ordered society with multicultural people living in harmony. But I wonder if Singaporeans feel cold easily because they have only one season to experience? My friend Ron, his son and I posed with two interesting new friends-Emre and Zumrut, the nice couple from Turkey. Zumrut, Emre and I have kept in touch ever since. I just love making friends.
(photo: courtesy of Ron)
Taipei Time
Hey Lori, looks like you had a good trip. Singapore is a lovely place, but I must say that I tired of it after a while: it was as if I wanted something to happen to shake things up and make it seem more real. It's hard to explain but to me Singapore feels like a giant movie set.. Nonetheless, I think it must be a nice place to live.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Martin. I would feel trapped living there, although it is very ordered (versus Taiwan's chaos). As a nature lover, living in Asian cities does not offer much comfort, espcially with the noises of the motor vehicles in Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteOur greatest gain was to know Lori at the International Conference at Singapore where we were rushing to find an empty table for the Opening Ceremony Lunch. In our last effort, we all hooked the last table. Lori is a gorgeous, warm, joyful person. It's a great opportunity for someone to meet her. Although I disagree with her beliefs about Asia that I like people, their way of thinking, hospitaliy, foods, spicy and sweet smell and so on, I am sure she will give us a more clear picture after visiting all around the world. Do not forget Lori, your chamber is ready whenever you come to İstanbul.
ReplyDeleteHi, Emre, thanks for your gracious words about me. The pleasure was mutual in meeting with you and Zumrut. We had so much fun chatting away. I am glad that you enjoyed Asia that much. Perhaps it was because I was born and raised here to have missed seeing its charms and beauty. I like your idea of trading places. I am visiting Istanbul for sure! Thanks for visiting, brother.
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