What You Can Bank on in Singapore

The other day I'm sitting at my desk, talking to someone on the phone who is nowhere near the Little Red Dot.

"So, how's Singapore," the caller asks.

"Hot," I say.

I've had that question a lot the past year, and "hot" is my knee-jerk response every time. How could it not be? It's one thing you can absolutely bank on here. Any day of the year. Any time of the day. Even when the sun goes down, "it's tropical," as my mate Howie likes to say, especially when he's got sweat pouring off his face.

But Singapore is nothing if not fairly predictable across the board. Which is why you can also be certain that:

* Your car will stick out like a sore thumb if you drive forward into a parking spot. Singaporeans back in, folks (see photo, below). No law saying you have to. They just do it. All of them do.

* A security guard won't do much to thwart a throwdown. I watched a bust-up break out the other night at the beer festival. Some Aussies, really getting into it. One security guard eventually came over, sorta got in the way, then just sorta... disappeared. About as useful as Verne Troyer at power forward. Nice.

* When you go to Newton Circus (the island's most popular hawker center), the 'hawkers' will badger you. And badger you. And badger you. Until you order something. Or just tell them to beat it. Sounds mean, but unless you've got a bottomless pit for a stomach, it's the only solution.

* You'll never find better chili crab. You'll (probably) never pay more for a beer after 10 p.m. in your life. Even after a year of living here, you'll see a Lamborghini every day. The sheer size and beauty of the trees will never cease to amaze you. You won't find an easier place to pay your bills (7-Elevens, post offices... they'll take care of it for you in a snap). And the list goes on...

Comments

big daddy said…
good stuff freschetta, tell us more or do an entry about the wildest foods! and are there a kabillion motorcycles? this site sure makes it a pain to comment, you have to sign in
July 2, 2010 at 6:32 AM
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