|
|
We arrived into Singapore after another luxurious plane ride aboard a Singapore Airlines flight from Tokyo's Narita airport. Upon first wandering around the city, we were taken by how westernized the city was. We both commented that, in many respects, we felt like we were in Canada, which is to say that we knew we were in a foreign country, but at first blush it did not appear all too different from our own. Also, because English is the official language, that helps greatly in feeling at home.
Boat Quay, the center of dining and nightlife in Singapore. Bordering the city's financial district, it consists of a long, waterside, strip of dozens of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. This small bay leads out to the Straits of Singapore to the south of the city.
Singapore is a fascinating mix of old and new. Here, the New Parliament building, ringed by palm trees, sits in the foreground of some of the city's high rise office buildings.
Singapore's population is varied, consisting of roughly 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, and 7% Indian (with the rest of varying ethnicity). To the outside observer, ethnic strife did not seem to be a problem, as all of the populace seemed to work and live side by side harmoniously. This harmony has, no doubt, contributed mightily to Singapore's economic success.
Above to the left, Indian women exit a restaurant in Little India. To the right, Malay schoolgirls in the vicinity of Arab Street. And directly above, the streets of Chinatown.
With this ethnic diversity, comes a diversity of places of worship. Below to the left is the colorful, and elaborately sculpted and painted, pyramidal gateway tower (a gopuram) which sits atop the entrance to Sri Mariamman Temple, which serves many of Singapore's Hindu Indians. In the foreground are sculpted cows, which decorate an outer wall of the temple. Below to the right is the Sultan Mosque on Arab Street, the biggest mosque in Singapore and place of worship for many of the city's Malay citizens (Malays are traditionally Muslim)
In the Temple of a 1000 Lights sits Lord Buddha, sitting rougly 45 feet high. Buddhism is the religion of many of the city's Chinese citizens.
After our visit to Japan, we were well versed in taking our shoes off. Here, Kelly removes hers before entering a Hindu temple.
A Hindu devout meditates in Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
The Merlion (half mermaid and half lion) stands sentinel to the city's harbor. Singapore, which means "Lion City", got its name from a Sumutran prince who mistakenly thought he saw a lion when he reached the island. More likely, he actually saw a tiger. No matter, the name stuck.
|
|
2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page
PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!
©1999-2001 Kelly and Rich Willis. All rights reserved. |
With
its emphasis on trade and prosperity, it is little surprise that Singapore is
home to the Fountain of Wealth, the world's largest fountain. If
one touches its qi (positive energy) filled water, it is said to bring wealth
and prosperity. Here, Rich prays mightily for such wealth, having just
touched the magic water. We find it comforting to be able to rely on magic
fountains and the predictions of coca-tea leaf reading South American shamen, in
lieu of jobs, to ensure our future prosperity.
