Once upon a time in Singapore

This writing is actually the sequence of the story of "the journey to six cities in a month." The trip continued to a city (and country as well) northwest of Indonesia; Singapore, though a small country, plays a very significant  role in the southeast Asia and the world. Thanks to my best friend, Damianus Fritz, that made this trip possible. No one would ever think before that this small country would be one of prosperous countries in the world. Its existence even was never expected by its people. According to history, this small island was first developed by a British, Thomas Stamford Raffles to be a free-trade port. As the time went, Britain brought to this small Island more and more development. However, this island is actually lack of natural resources. What it depends is mostly on its strategic location for the world trading; the location makes a very efficient way to connect the West and East world, even up to this day. 

After World War II, Singapore joint other Malaysian states to form a new Federal country after granted independence by the Great Britain. But the state then was expelled from the federation of Malaysia due to some racial issues Malaysian government was afraid of. Since that, it has survived to stand as a sovereign state. What I am amazed about this country is that the country not only can survive after the separation but also has grown faster than the country that has expelled them.

I went to places that mark the history of the city; monuments, museums, etc. Here in Singapore, most of the monuments are free to look but not for the museums. Most of these sites tell the history of Singapore during British occupation up to the post World War II. Some museums also tell the cultures that have enriched the country.

Like other developed countries, discipline is one of the most crucial parts of the society here. No wonder Singapore becomes one of the cleanest and efficient countries (and cities) in the world. However, not like in other developed cities, it seems the discipline in Singapore mostly is a product of very strict law enforcement; the government will charge a big fine to whoever that breaks the rules and it's for real. However, some of the rules they apply seem silly for outsiders; one of those is prohibition on chewing gum.

One of the things that makes this city famous for tourism is the shopping center it has. Almost all famous brands are sold here like you can find in Paris and the 5th Ave. in NYC. It's centered in Orchard. Most tourists spend most of their money here before going back to their country.

The other thing I like from the city is its cuisine. Many peoples from around the world (especially from Europe, India, China, and Malaya) have lived here since long time ago, they brought their precious and delicious recipes from their homeland to the country and it makes the city one of the best places for culinary tourism. Not like Asian food in western countries, Asian foods here are very alike to its original.

Over all the country is very nice and tidy. It is good for tourism but not for living many years. You may get bored after living a few years here because the city size is so small and many rules applied there are very strict.

More pictures can be found here. Till the next story then... :) (A T)