After a great time in Malaysia, or rather a great time in Penang, Neeti and I were happy to be back in Singapore, again.
As we touched down at Changi Airport, I couldn't help but reflect back upon our trip to Malaysia. While Kuala Lumpur seemed caught in a classic identity crisis - the city does try to project its modernity, which is evident in skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers, It tries to project itself as a rival to Singapore, but it isn't well-oiled, it isn't clockwork. It is chaotic, its creaky and it is unfriendly. That's evident in the transportation system - taxis don't run by meter, the mass transport system isn't integrated. It appears as though modernity has been thrust upon KL, making it quite a muddy confluence.
On the other hand, Penang was friendly but sleepy. It does not project that it has any pretensions of modernity but revels in its heritage. Georgetown is full of character, it is living proof that the confluence of civilizations is what makes history richer and meatier. There was some kind of an order to the chaos here, at least so I felt. The smell and and feel of the place was positive and welcoming. Indeed I felt blessed I visited Penang, but lament spending two days in KL. Perhaps this time could have been allocated to Penang.
After landing, I did feel relieved to be back in an aseptic and sterile environment that defines Singapore, before heading back to the chaos of Mumbai!
Landed and taxiing to our gate...
Parked next to the big bro - Singapore Airlines Boeing 777...
Waiting for our bags at Changi...
Chinese New Year decorations at Changi...
Would have loved enjoy these sights at Changi, but we gotta take a cab to Balestier to catch up on some sleep...
Would have loved enjoy these sights at Changi, but we gotta take a cab to Balestier to catch up on some sleep...
Our first destination today was Raffles Hotel...
A lot like a mecca for us, we headed for the legendary high tea at the Raffles, for a second time!
Luckily, our Singapore Airlines boarding passes entitled us for a decent 20% discount on the damages...
As we wait for our high tea to be served, it was interesting to see people savoring delights from the colonial era...
...in the elegantly and ornately designed Tiffin Room...
...listening to the harp being played!
And then we enjoyed the high tea with fruit!
We just went mmmmmm!
The ornate courtyard of the Raffles and its intricate fountain...
The charms of Raffles are indeed endless...
It was a wonderful afternoon..
After Raffles, we headed to Plaza Singapura to meet some friends...
It was here we figured out that Sachin Tendulkar is as popular here in Singapore, as he is in India!
As we headed to Clarke Quay, we came across an institution dedicated to Chinese medicine, a therapy like Ayurveda, needs to be researched a lot more...
Finally, a time to party at Little Saigon...
Their band was awesome...
...belting out stuff of the 80s,
...the kind of music we love so much!
There comes my Singapore Sling!
And shrimp rolls with fries!
The party continues outdoors as well...
It is interesting to see how the guy serves Turkish ice cream...
Clarke Quay, and Singapore, will indeed stay on my mind!
