Singapore - day 2
I've finally started my travel blog. I wanted to start it in Heathrow, but I couldn't work out the wifi and I got distracted by Yo! Sushi and duty free. Heathrow is HORRIBLE, everyone is angry and miserable, I wasn't sure if Terminal 3 had been reserved for deportation now, rather than sending people merrily off on their holidays. Still my part was a breeze, I checked in without so much as a 'have you packed this bag yourself madam' and the security didn't even check my little sandwich bag of miniature cosmetics; mind you they were more concerned with making the Muslim family in front of me remove their three-year-old daughter's trainers, so I guess they have their priorities.
Good flight and was actually sat next to a normal, a nice Canadian chap called Ryan, who also turned out to be staying in the same hotel as me. As we are staying in Little India, we ended up going for a gorgeous hot curry and cold beer, and I successfully proved that Brits have a higher tolerance to chilli than Canadians.
The Park Royal hotel is amazing, but fantastically posh. I am only staying here because the travel agent booked a package, so basically I can enjoy the luxurious surroundings as long as I don't use or touch anything, as no doubt a large amount of money will be charged to my VISA of which they are holding hostage till I've proven myself as the sort of girl who won't sneak two bathrobes, a hairdryer and a flatscreen TV into her rucksack.
Singapore is just how I expected, but was no less of shock, with its sparklingly-clean streets and demure attitudes. Nobody stares or is pushy, and whereas it is not exactly as friendly as some other places, it is nice to walk around with relative impunity... even if the threat of accidental law-breaking is always hovering nearby. One can't help wondering if these clean, low-crime, virtually beggar free streets are kept so without compromise of civil liberties - maybe I'm reading too much into it.
So today I went on a little mission. I say little, I walked about 10 miles. I wanted to see the house in which Neil first lived. I had a vague address and took the MRT system to the area I believed it to be in. Alas, that area turned out to be massive, and I had to walk through suburbs and along highways to find it, even taxi drivers didn't know where it was. I did feel a wonderful sense of achievement - and mild heat stroke - when I did find it through, and am glad I made this mini pilgrimage.
Once I got back into town I decided to treat my poor feet to a massage, as there are many places offering 'reflexology' for very cheap prices. Apparently the definition of a foot massage here is 'poking your feet very hard and beating you around the ankles with a sharp stick'. After racking my brains for any Nazi war crimes I could confess to, the torture was over but surprisingly my feet did feel bit better, or at least tenderised.
Now back at the hotel for a freshen up and a dip in the pool, I am going to head out for some food with Ryan as I have not eaten all day and am starving after my trek. I have yet to get to grips with Singapore cuisine though, as it doesn't seem to be anything specific. As so many different nationalities live in Singapore food choices range from the sublime to the ridiculous; around lunchtime I was looking for food and came across a stall selling only deep-fried duck heads and feet; the next restaurant along was a McDonalds... needless to say I went hungry hopefully I will find some middle ground this evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment