Singapore, Wednesday 9th June

Just a couple of photo's of Singapore life. Top 2 are Raffles Hotel and third one is the view from my hotel.

The Singapore by night tour was a hoot, not because it was anything brilliant but because the poor tour guide could not say anything right. Best part of the night was Raffles but in a way this also was a let down as it is totally for the tourist. I looked around the shops under the Raffles hotel during the day and I would imagine it was a peaceful haven in a bustling city before the war. I expect N Coward and his fellow writers experienced the best times. What made us laugh was the tour guide explained in detail that Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore back in the early 1800's, died in the 1820's and then Raffles hotel was named after him when it was built in the late 1800's. She then patiently explained that as he had been dead for some 50 years he had no knowledge of the hotel's existence. We had a few of these type of comments throughout the night. We also had a real spam moment when she explained the possible ingredients for the Chinese soup.

Due to time restraints I only had time for 2 slings, pink and sweet, no real punch. Had another one back at the hotel that looked the same but boy was it much stronger. Still did not fall over but the serving wench behind the bar explained that she made them individually, whilst due to demand Raffles have to make a batch otherwise one would be waiting all night - I preferred the hotel's to Raffles.

I would definitely come back as there is so much to see and experience. We briefly visited China town, little India and the botanic gardens all of which requires time to do justice. I also fancied the trip into Malaysia but no time. Other tourists talked of the Changi museum as being worth a visit as well as Santosa island - a week's visit as a minimum.

A couple of Canadians thought HK much cheaper for buying clothes but spoke to two aussie ladies who had bought half the islands supply of shoes and hand bags - they thought they had some good deals.

Right time to go and get ready for my next flight, so it is good bye from Singapore.