Singapore

I enjoyed Singapore, even though I was not sure if I was going to like it. I liked that it was so diverse with different cultures and religions. Chinese/Buddhist/Arab/Muslim/Indian/Hindu and even Australians business men. Singapore is super clean and really easy to get around. Most speak English. Like Thailand, you can find 7-11's all over the place if you ever needed water, etc.

I stayed in a hotel right next to the Singapore river, and it was really nice to walk along it. I walked all over the place to Clark Quay/Robertson Quay (which can be kind of touristy, but nicer) and Chinatown. The MRT subway was really easy to use.

CLARK QUAY/ROBERTSON QUAY
This area is right along the Singapore River and was really nice, but touristy. Lots of bars and restaurants that you see tourists and businessmen alike. It's quite pricy too, but definately worth a stop or a walk around.

CHINATOWN
I really like this Chinatown compared to others. Well, I guess it is a lot more touristy, but it is easier to digest/not feel as overwhelmed as other Chinatowns I have been in. Since it is Singapore, it is a lot cleaner. The temples are quite nice. There is a night market and a food street where you can get tons of street food. I got some shopping done here too. Also, found a really nice tea shop there where I got some delicious Jasmine teas. Another item that I got that I haven't seen anywhere else is Bakkwa. Bakkwa is BBQ meat, but more like jerky. Very delicous, and kind of on the sweet side, although you can get it spicy. Most is pork, but beef is available too.

LITTLE INDIA


Little India was really neat. I have never seen soo many Indians in one area before, and it was neat to see it. Here I ate Fish head curry, which is a Singaporean delicacy. Quite delicious, although had some reservation when offered the eye. I did in fact eat it, and after getting over the weird texture, it was good. Shopped at MUSTAFA`S, which is huge Indian department store/bazzar with anything you can possibly imagine to buy. Watches by the t0ns, toiletries, eletronics....and SPICES. I was neat to see all the different spices and flours.

ARAB STREET
I did not have too much time here, but was able to visit the Sultan Mosque and walk around a bit. Not much was open, maybe because it was a Sunday

SHOPPING
Tons of malls, and huge ones at that. It was not really my style, but I did enjoy going to Takashimaya, which is a Japanese department store. The food level had tons of neat options including Kaya toast (which is like a coconut and leaf jam with butter and bread), bakkwa, teas, and other delicious treats like durian!

HAWKERS AND SATAY STREET
I almost forgot to mention THE best eating in Singapore. They are called Hawkers, and are basically street food centers. Went to one that is called Satay street, where it is all the best Satay in Singappore. Most is served with the Satay sauce (kind of a bbq peanut sauce), pickled veg like radish, and rice cake (a smooth, gummy kind). I also ate THE BEST fresh Japanese style noodles here. They were made fresh to order. The dough was made, but the lady had a machine that rolled and cut the pasta. I had it served with some light soy sauce, green onions and dumplings. Also good was the chili crab. Fresh crab with a thick sweet chili sauce. Very spicy still, and dont forget to ask for a lot of napkins!!!

KOPITIAM
Finally, for the refreshment stop, you go to a Kopitiam. This are technically cafes, but range from a nice cafe to a beverage station. You can get all sorts of drinks here, and even previously mentioned Kaya tost.