Singapore 2002
In October 2002, I visited Singapore for the first time since I was here 20 years ago. Last time I was here I stayed at the Shangri-La. It's had a facelift since then and I stayed here again this time. I was met at the curb, escorted past reception to check in, in the privacy of my room. Elevators had carpets changed daily with the day of the week sculpted in them. Actually pretty helpful since I had just flown 12 hours from Frankfurt and really had no earthly clue what day it was!
Last time I was here, Singapore felt pretty exotic to me. To be frank, I had been out of the country infrequently at the time, mostly to well-groomed destinations in Europe. After I checked in, I took a late afternoon walk down Orchard Road. Within a mile I passed 3 Starbucks, a California Pizza Kitchen, a Borders Bookstore. a Pizza Hut, and several McDonalds. I passed fashion clothiers with names from all the best labels: Gucci, Armani, Bally and other name brand stores like Bulgari, Sony, Cannon ... well you get the idea. All in all, it was Park Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Calle Serrano, Champs de Elise ... all rolled into one. Sleek. Sophisticated. Busy. Exciting. Oriental.
I will need to reflect on it a bit, but Singapore is a city where I think it would be relatively easy to live. Speak English, a huge advantage. Drive on the wrong side of the road. Have to get used to it. The weather would take some getting used to, kind of like it would in Hawaii. And it does seem a little exotic in a organized sort of way. Like Disney doing Asia. Clean. Safe. Well organized. Everybody has a good time. Recommended.
Read MoreLast time I was here, Singapore felt pretty exotic to me. To be frank, I had been out of the country infrequently at the time, mostly to well-groomed destinations in Europe. After I checked in, I took a late afternoon walk down Orchard Road. Within a mile I passed 3 Starbucks, a California Pizza Kitchen, a Borders Bookstore. a Pizza Hut, and several McDonalds. I passed fashion clothiers with names from all the best labels: Gucci, Armani, Bally and other name brand stores like Bulgari, Sony, Cannon ... well you get the idea. All in all, it was Park Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Calle Serrano, Champs de Elise ... all rolled into one. Sleek. Sophisticated. Busy. Exciting. Oriental.
I will need to reflect on it a bit, but Singapore is a city where I think it would be relatively easy to live. Speak English, a huge advantage. Drive on the wrong side of the road. Have to get used to it. The weather would take some getting used to, kind of like it would in Hawaii. And it does seem a little exotic in a organized sort of way. Like Disney doing Asia. Clean. Safe. Well organized. Everybody has a good time. Recommended.