Singapore Journey (P.1)

Lots of First Time.

For me, Singapore is more than a country. This is the place where I got many first times. First time going abroad, first time travelling by plane alone, first time going by subway... After 3 years going back and forth between Vietnam and Singapore, I have dedicated a small corner of my mind to this country.

Arriving in Singapore, I was overwhelmed by everything automatically, the glamor of the bustling buildings and commercial centers. Saigon is inherently bustling, Singapore is more than that. People move around, with the smart phone on their hands, rushing forward in a predetermined order.

Singapore is home of immigrants, where people use four languages, English, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian. English is considered the official language. But most older generations use Chinese. They make up nearly three-quarters of the population, and many of them use only one language.

Near my homestay, China Town, there was an old lady pushing a small tricycles, asking for things and often slept at the street's corner. Once, I saw her sneaking into the inn's kitchen area, sleeping. The back was cuffed, leaning against the wall and sleeping hard. At that time, Singapore was in hot season.

Boat Quay.

If you've ever been to Singapore, you will probably be introduced to Boat Quay, a famous nightlife area with bars and seafood restaurants along the river. If you like the fun of parties, you will never miss this place.

Along the riverside road, there are side-by-side restaurants of Thai, Indian, Western, ... with many styles, many cultures mixed together.

But if you don't like the noisy atmosphere, it is only a few steps away, right at the feet of skyscrapers, there is a large space with benches. Here you can relax, quietly watching the water drifting, splashing the lights from the surrounding buildings. Late at night, the air will be quieter. You are like sinking into another world, different from the noisy atmosphere of the day.

There are many delicious dishes in Singapore. This is the place where the cuisine of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian,... and Western dishes are gathered. Among theese typical dishes, there are some worth trying: Bah Kuh Teh, Mongolian Grilled Rib, Chilli Crab, Dim Sum, Yong Tau Fu,...

Chilli Crab at Boat Quay

Bah Kuh Teh

...to be continued...

#ww