The Random Singapore Walk

The sun was shinning, the temperature was not too hot, and the humidity was relatively low for Singapore. In short it was a perfect day for an exploratory walk around Singapore. As we set out, our general destination was the Quays (pronounced "keys"). There are three of them: Boat, Clarke, and Robertson in order as one goes up the Singapore River. These are scenic parts of Singapore with many restaurants, pubs, and shopping.

We were in no particular hurry, so we decided to go in any direction that looked interesting as we walked along in the sort-of general direction of downtown. We brought along the camera so we could share the interesting things we found. We also brought along Paul's cell phone (with the built-in GPS) just in case we really got turned around. Singapore is small and very interesting, so we got more use of the camera.

Of course we stopped on occasion to sample some local treats. Like Hong Kong ice cream for example. It costs S$1 and is served from pushcarts. The vendor takes a block of the ice cream of the flavor you picked and cuts a slab from it. He then serves the slab to you between two sugar wafers (Hong Kong style) or wrapped in a slice of multi-colored bread (Singapore style). We opted for the bread this time, having tried the wafer version a few weeks back.

There are interesting things around just about every corner. Here's group of rickshaws cruising down North Bridge Road that we almost missed. As you can see, they are right in the middle of traffic.
We found ourselves on Waterloo Street, a small street that is the very model of religious diversity. Magain Avoth, the large synagogue in town is at the south end. And at the north end, we found a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple -- and right next door to it -- a spectacular Hindu temple.

In front of the Chinese temple were various vendors selling incense, fruits, and other items that one might need in the temple.

It occurred to me that these building would really stand out as being peculiar in Dallas. Here they really just seem to fit in naturally into the scenery. The styles of prayer are also different, in terms of sounds and movements, sights and smells. During our walk, we found a smaller place for Hindu puja that was set up in a small yard. On other walks, we found signs behind the public housing flats indicating that one particular spot was the authorized place for "religious burning."

Eventually we found our way to Boat Quay and walked along the river past Clarke Quay to Robertson Quay. Each of the Quays will be worth an extended visit on a future adventure. For example, we saw a bar called "the Highlander" which had a huge malt whiskey menu -- and Chinese waiters and waitresses wearing kilts. Another pub was called "the Clinic". It was decorated with old hospital equipments: OR lights, hospital cots, wheel chairs, etc. An old dentist chair (I think) is the centerpiece (you can see it between the two pillars in the photo).

It was a great walk that lasted about 4 hours. And we're both looking forward to doing another random walk again. You just never know what you're going to see next, and that makes it so much fun!