I wasn't sure of what to expect of this small metropolis in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, I hadn't done much research. Typically, I learn more about the places that I explore solo, but I left this one up to chance. Having known that the city is tiny and an international hub for expats and businesspeople alike, I knew this would be a reasonably straightforward city to navigate.
I found my friend when I landed at the airport. We had met in Hong Kong briefly while staying in a hostel in Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong. He was kind enough to offer to show me around the city a bit.
My first impression of Singapore was pretty silly actually. I had bought a coffee to go from the coffee shop at the airport before going out to take the metro. At this time I learned about one of the laws that Singapore has for metro riders. There are no food or drinks allowed on the subway, at all. And on a comical note, they do not allow Durian (the stinky fruit that is so popular in SE Asia). Here is when I begin to learn about Singapore and some of its laws. Although they may seem silly from an outsiders perspective, I think its something that makes Singapore much more enjoyable.
Here are some of the laws that you should abide by if you are stomping around this country:
1. They put trashcans out for a reason. Litterbugs will pay a hefty fine if caught. By hefty penalty I mean the first offense in $1,000 Singapore dollars. Additional convictions will result in $5,000 fines for community service. You may also have to wear a sign that reads "I am a litter lout." How fabulous!
2. Gum chewers beware! You should just go ahead and convert to mints while trekking through these parts. You will not find gum sold anywhere and it is illegal to have. Remember, you can stick it anywhere either, so this could be a double fine if you choose to spit it out and get caught.
3. Keep your clothes on! I think this is common sense for many people traveling in a different country, but you should be extra safe in Singapore. While it can be fun to strip down and hop in the pool on a late night with someone special, pornography is illegal and that's a harsh a punishment for a quick dip.
4. Be mindful of food and drinks on the metro. There is a reason why it is so clean!
5. Keep your opinions to yourself while out and about. Singapore is a country with many diverse religions and cultures which makes it so unique and is also why it's best to be mindful of this. As a rule of thumb anywhere, stay off of this topic. Here, you can get cited for sedition, and that is not a very lovely accusation to rid yourself of.
Once making it to my hostel in Chinatown, I threw my stuff in my locker and was ready to grab some food. My friend took me to eat very traditional food that is famous in Singapore. I was a bit surprised as he walked me through an outdoor shopping center's first two floors. As we reached the third level, I was overcome with incredible smells of rich and savory spices. My mouth was already watering. My friend had me sit tight at a picnic table while he went to buy a variety of different foods for me to sample. With the place packed with people, it was apparent that this area was a local favorite. Food courts are common areas to enjoy great food in Singapore, especially if you're looking for local foods like I was.
I really can't stand the travelers who eat western food while abroad! I understand you need a good cheeseburger now and then but, come on! You're missing out on the best aspect of travel: experiencing the full essence of the country through its food! While patiently waiting, I noticed the many varieties of food stalls. I pondered how my journey through Malaysia would be having not educated myself about what would lie ahead. My thoughts were quickly interrupted when Gary put BBQ pork skewers, a bowl of something beautiful and a wrapped banana leaf in front of me.
The bowl of something beautiful would be called Laksa. OH MY, OH MY, OH MY!!! My mouth and body were in heaven! The sweet coconut milk with the tender chicken and spicy vegetables was an incredible experience in my mouth. I swear this incredible mixture made my taste buds sing and dance! Laksa is a famous spicy noodle that originates from the mix of Chinese and Malay cuisines and is particular to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. This curry coconut mix is decadent - please never turn down the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic dish. The banana leaf was exciting to unfold. Inside was round, flat circles of steamed rice with a special sweet sauce to accompany it. It was delicious as well, although the name I cannot remember! Aside from these dishes, everything I ate in Singapore was unique and memorable. I recommend you to venture and try something new!
After lunch, Gary accompanied me to a few museums around the city including an art exhibit and the history museum of Singapore. The city is beautiful and one that you cannot miss on foot. We would wander around many different areas that day, exploring the ins and outs of a cluster of the city. Below are a few of the pictures I captured on the first day of wandering around the city with my friend.
The best part of our day was around 5 o'clock when we would watch the 49th Anniversary Celebrations of Singapore in the bay. It was a spectacular moment in my travels to this part of the world.