Singapore – The Esplanade

Walking around without feeling any paranoia, because youre in a strange city, helps to enjoy the environment more.

I understand that Singapore forbids any form of theatre, film, or publication that may be taken as offensive by any particular ethnic group. Being a multi-racial society I think this contributes to the harmony in which most people live.

When I visited the Esplanade, the performing arts centre, built at a cost of about 600 million Singapore dollars, with the aim of becoming one of Asias leading Arts Complex; there was an inspiring display commemorating Singapores diverse ethnicity.

This colourful display depicts the wonderful vibrancy that can be acquired from such a multi-cultural society.

With a great choice of restaurants in a small area Chinese, Indian, Malay – I dont think I went long without trying a different meal each day; although being British, of course, my first answer when asked what I wanted, was usually Sweet and Sour Chicken with rice.

With Bennys encouragement I felt confident in letting him decide in many instances what we ate. However I would have drawn the line at curried fish head and rice!

Although there are very smart restaurants in Singapore it was often more enjoyable to eat in one of the many side streets; sitting with the many, many, other customers just relaxing in the warm evening air.

And Ive already mentioned the Malay restaurant that Benny took me to.

Touching on the subject of the Arts we visited the Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road. There was a display of work by the Columbian sculptor and painter Botero.

Its hard to describe his work, not wishing to copy any, in case of infringing copyright so lets just say they seemed to consist primarily of chubby people. And many of his bronzes were scattered around the Esplanade.

Also on display were some beautiful works of photography by Russel Wong; my favourite section being the photo shoots of sets and characters from films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Hero and House of Flying Daggers.

Of course in Singapore you are never far away from the shopping malls that typify Asia. A combination of stunning modernity, and local character.

I was delighted to see modern artwork being enjoyed by young children!

Yes, it can be very hot at times!!

For those addicted to retail therapy there is Orchard Road. This is a very long road of numerous shopping malls, specialist shops, restaurants and hotels..

My strongest memory is of the coffee shop that Benny took me to Coffee Bean at Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road. This was on the 5th floor overlooking the outside, the walls being made of re-enforced glass; and thats where we were sitting! Tight up against the ‘glass wall. Im afraid my nerves got the better of me (with certain parts of my anatomy shrinking) and I ended up facing inwards, my back to the glass wall.

Yet, after this experience, its surprising that a visit to New Asia Bar at the Swissotel Hotel was so enjoyable.

Bennys job made it difficult for him to get free nights; the advantage being that the days were great for sight seeing together. However it became a routine with me drinking (sensibly..) each evening before ending up at Tantric to meet Benny after his work had finished; and no matter how hard you try I think theres always a certain sense of guilt one person merry, the other sober after working hard all night.

So it was great when Benny did manage to get a few free nights, and on one of those we went to New Asia Bar. This is near Raffles City, and the bar is on the 71st floor with one of the most spectacular night time views of Singapore. Added to which it was happy hour!

It was so nice to see Bennys smiling face as he relaxed and enjoyed himself.

An enjoyable experience for someone whos fascinated by all things associated with electrical gadgets, computers, software. was Sim Lim Tower where there was an astonishing collection of I.T. goods, and the prices were so tempting (and all legal !!)

However if you feel the need for a quick escape theres the beautiful Botanical Gardens.

A fairly short taxi ride from Orchard Road. A beautiful Park to walk about, away from the busy traffic and crowds. Enjoy walking around the swan lake, the fountains and numerous displays of colour.