The population is 4,658,000 people of many cultures that speak Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English. All these folks reside in a total area of 269 square miles. Crowded, yes, but a most wonderful place to visit. You may guess that this city is one of our most favorite stops on the world cruise.
Earliest records show a civilization in the 11th century lived here, and it was still a small fishing village when Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819. Around that time, the sultan made a deal with the East India Company for Singapore to be a trading post with England. Eventually, Singapore was under direct control of the British Crown in 1867.
The Japanese forces occupied this city during WWII, a very painful period for them. British rule was restored after the war. In 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia, becoming an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.
What you will find here now is a wealthy and vibrant city with people of multiple nationalities – a worldwide attraction. And the rules are strict. Bringing drugs and other illegal things into this country can be punishable by death. Lesser offences are dealt with by caning. Also not nice.
The best time to visit is from February to October, considered the dry season. However, being located so close to the Equator, rain and thunder storms can occur at any given moment.
There is so much to see and do here, it would take a month to do it. But in two days, we could see many museums, churches, temples, or mosques. They have them all. Actually, we have seen them all, so our plan will include other attractions.
There are various markets, old and new. Fabulous over-the-top shopping malls can be found on Orchard Road, and even underground. You could shop forever, and never see the light of day. Also here to tour is Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street to name a few. Clarke Quay on the river is a great place for afternoon beer, perhaps after visiting Jurong Bird Park or the Singapore Zoo. Definite stops for us will be the Singapore Botanical Gardens and the Marina Bay complex, the newest attraction in town. If you have time the Night Safari Zoo is fun or a visit to try a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel. We heard that parts of the hotel may be closed due to a restoration project. However, you can spend a day on Sentosa Island and the amusement park by taking the monorail or the gondola ride over the harbor.
Speaking of harbors, we will not be in the usual one at the Harbourfront Mall. For some unknown reason, we will be docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Center, because we suspect another ship has our spot for the next two days. Wonder if it is the Pacific Princess? We will have to go there and check it out.
Our day was closer to our regular routine today, since the sun was out and it actually warm enough to put the swim suits on again. The rest of the regular sun worshipers were also on the aft deck, either swimming in the Seaview pool or relaxing on the lounges like us. Being able to read a book while taking in the warmth of the sun was wonderful. It was much warmer than two days ago, but not unbearable yet. There was enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable.
We ended up staying much longer than we planned, since we had some company….friends who came back to chat with us until after 3pm. Good thing we had gobs of sunscreen, since our tans have faded quite a lot since we last did this. In fact, it must have been around the time we missed Saipan on February 8th that we last came back here…exactly one month ago. Gosh the time is flying…….
Lunch was room service salads and a split sandwich while answering emails. We went up to deck five to listen to the band, and visit with folks passing by on their way to dinner. Sometimes that is the only way to visit with the early dining friends we know. They are on a whole different schedule than us, and that means our paths don't always cross.
Dinner for us tonight was with friends Bill & Leta. They have a table for four, and invite friends every now and then. It is always a pleasure sharing a meal with them as we catch up on news. We are also free to talk about all the forbidden subjects at a large table…….namely politics. We think that is one reason we bonded back in 2002, when we first met on another cruise. Been good friends ever since.
After dinner, we all went to the front desk to pick up our passports, which have the landing cards in them for Singapore. When we go off the ship, we are required to carry our passports with us in Singapore. We had intended to get some Singapore dollars at the front desk as well, but the "bank" had closed, so we would need to do this tomorrow. We could wait until we get into the terminal, but since this will be our first time at this terminal, we are not sure where the money exchange is. Sometimes it is not worth searching onshore, when we can buy the money on the ship. Sure there is a fee, but it is not that bad…it can be worth the convenience.
Our tablemates filed past us and said hi. Some of them were on their way to the Queen's Lounge to watch the show of Sun, the young singer, and David Meyer, who performed last night. We heard that the night we went to the Pinnacle Grill for dinner, the singer Sun joined our table. Everyone said she was delightful. If we had known she was coming, we may have cancelled dinner. Usually, these things happen at the last minute.
Got to rest up for Singapore tomorrow and the next day. Can't wait…..
Bill & Mary Ann
