Meghan, Daniel, Me, and Henry
Monday, 6 June 2011
A Hawker Center & the Asian Civilization Museum
Today I ate in a hawker center in the local neighborhood. A hawker center is a collection of dozens of permanent food booths (quite small booths) where people gather to eat. Many people in Singapore eat the majority of their meals at centers such as these. This particular one is kilometers away from tourism, and thus it was quite an experience. I am truly a minority in this neighborhood, a bit of a rarity, and that is apparent from all the stares I get. Nonetheless, people are very kind and wonderful to me wherever I go. But it is slightly odd to be the only caucasian amongst 1000s of locals.
When I entered the center, I took a tour as I do normally and surveyed my options. I ended up choosing the stall with the longest line - also a stall in which you can see the food and point to it. This is quite helpful since half the time I have no idea what I am eating. I love to try the local stuff/new stuff and so today I ate a plate of peppered-dried beef with some type of eggplant and greens, all topped with some sort of curry sauce. Fantastic meal. I also had the pleasure of eating with an old couple of Chinese decent (I believe). We shared a few words, but language barrier gets to be an issue at times in the outer parts of town.
The Singapore River Exhibit
The Southeast Asia Exhibit
Singapore fun fact day 14: The Asian Civilization Museum occupies a formed government building known as the Empress Palace, a building formerly used by the Colonial and Independent Singapore governments
When I entered the center, I took a tour as I do normally and surveyed my options. I ended up choosing the stall with the longest line - also a stall in which you can see the food and point to it. This is quite helpful since half the time I have no idea what I am eating. I love to try the local stuff/new stuff and so today I ate a plate of peppered-dried beef with some type of eggplant and greens, all topped with some sort of curry sauce. Fantastic meal. I also had the pleasure of eating with an old couple of Chinese decent (I believe). We shared a few words, but language barrier gets to be an issue at times in the outer parts of town.
Rain inspired me to view the one remaining museum I have been wanting to see, the Asian Civilization museum. For me there were two highlights.
The Singapore River is really at the heart of Singapore's history. In the early days, Malayans traded here, and sometime after, Chinese traders began to arrive with new goods such as ceramics, textiles and even silk. Trade would occur here for centuries to come. When the British arrived, the river landscape changed when Cavenagh Bridge was constructed. To this point, boats had been the only options to run people from side to side. The river continued to serve as the region's major trade enter and did so through world wars, independence, all the way through the 1970s.
Time and modernization would eventually take a toll on the river. Pollution from squatter waste, hawker center waste, overfishing, and boating pollution left the river lifeless, overcrowded, and foul-smelling, and time and modernization had pushed trade and shipping further down the shores. So in 1977, a massive Clean River Project was undertaken, and by 1983, all trade ceased to exist on the river, ending a run of several centuries. Today redevelopment into tourism, bars, pubs, shops, commerce and museums, has revitalized the era. In 2005 a tidal barrier was built (where Marina Bay sits) at the rivers' mouth to make it Singapore's 15th reservoir - a move towards water sustainability to help meet demands for drinking water and other urban uses.
Here I learned many things. Civilisation is believed to have occurred in the region for 40,000 years. Rice cultivation is said to have begun around 2000-6000 years ago. This process is quite neat as two seasons are ideal for wet rice cultivation - a very rainy season, and a very dry season. Monsoons happen to make the region perfect for this. Interestingly, in most places this is still a very labor intensive process and use of water buffalo is still paramount. Today, 11% of the world's arable land is used to cultivate rice. This really is a staple food here. I eat it just about every meal!
Other exhibits I saw included the West Asia Exhibit which spoke a lot about Islam, and the China Exhibit which talked much about culture.
Experiencing life here and visiting museums such as these, give a perspective on life, culture, and histories remarkably different from anything I have known either in the US or even abroad in Europe. My appreciation for how people live and survive only grows. Seeing is learning, learning is to leave ignorance behind, and appreciating how and why people live, act, and believe in the ways they do. I consider myself lucky to have this and so many opportunities to interject myself into foreign cultures.
A History Filled Saturday!
Saturday, and that means a chance to get out there and explore Singapore once again. With rainy weather I decided to check out the Battle Box as a starting point, which was the command center for the British forces at Singapore during the Second World War.
The Battle Box is located on the hill which is called Fort Canning Hill. This site has seen much history. It was originally called the "forbidden hill" because this land was reserved for sultans who ruled from the 14th - 18th centuries. It would also become the site of Sir Thomas Raffles home, British founder of Singapore. Again, in 1859 new usage would claim the hill when Fort Canning was built (the hill sits overlooking the entrance to the bay). This brings us to the Battle Box during the World War II era.
On December 9, 1941 the same raids which hit Pearl Harbor also assaulted Singapore. By February of 1942 the Japanese has destroyed the water manes and pipes, taken control of the food dumps, and blocked incoming petrol. On February 15, Lt. Gen Percival and his officers decided to surrender because they did not not want the soldiers and civilians to be decimated, even though this went against higher orders. Full surrender was issued at 11AM that day and was done so at the Battle Box.
The bunker itself has been refitted to look as it did at the time and includes human models and elaborate scenes to give visitors a true sense of what life in the bunker looked like. This added a nice element of visualization that one does not get in similar World War II sites such as the bunkers in Normandy.
Part two of History Saturday was spent at Raffles Hotel. This was not owned by Raffles, but rather named after him. It is a true representation of the colonial era - a side of luxury and ambiance that once existed. It opened in 1887, and still operates in grand fashion today. When originally built, it looked upon the ocean separated only by a dirt road. 100s of meters of fill have since increased the shore space so the building no longer has a water perch. Yet a subtle reminder of what once was can be found by looking to the street sign upon which the hotel sits, "Beach Street."
A billiard room, bars, luxury shops, tropical verandas and courtyards make up the posh modern yet historic site. The museum of the hotel (inside the hotel) was particular telling of the land changes and dynamics over time. See pics below.
Original Views
Hotel View Today
The Battle Box is located on the hill which is called Fort Canning Hill. This site has seen much history. It was originally called the "forbidden hill" because this land was reserved for sultans who ruled from the 14th - 18th centuries. It would also become the site of Sir Thomas Raffles home, British founder of Singapore. Again, in 1859 new usage would claim the hill when Fort Canning was built (the hill sits overlooking the entrance to the bay). This brings us to the Battle Box during the World War II era.
On December 9, 1941 the same raids which hit Pearl Harbor also assaulted Singapore. By February of 1942 the Japanese has destroyed the water manes and pipes, taken control of the food dumps, and blocked incoming petrol. On February 15, Lt. Gen Percival and his officers decided to surrender because they did not not want the soldiers and civilians to be decimated, even though this went against higher orders. Full surrender was issued at 11AM that day and was done so at the Battle Box.
The bunker itself has been refitted to look as it did at the time and includes human models and elaborate scenes to give visitors a true sense of what life in the bunker looked like. This added a nice element of visualization that one does not get in similar World War II sites such as the bunkers in Normandy.
Part two of History Saturday was spent at Raffles Hotel. This was not owned by Raffles, but rather named after him. It is a true representation of the colonial era - a side of luxury and ambiance that once existed. It opened in 1887, and still operates in grand fashion today. When originally built, it looked upon the ocean separated only by a dirt road. 100s of meters of fill have since increased the shore space so the building no longer has a water perch. Yet a subtle reminder of what once was can be found by looking to the street sign upon which the hotel sits, "Beach Street."
A billiard room, bars, luxury shops, tropical verandas and courtyards make up the posh modern yet historic site. The museum of the hotel (inside the hotel) was particular telling of the land changes and dynamics over time. See pics below.
Friday, 3 June 2011
Under the Sun
Yesterday I went to the beach. It was a nice needed break, and splendid to get outside and really enjoy the environs. We took a personal day and went to Sentosa, the Disney Land of Singapore. The water was quite warm, my estimations put it around 80F (if not warmer). Daniel, our local friend, met us and we passed a nice day in the water, under the sun, under palm trees, playing frisbee and volleyball and a little exploring, By nightfall we were gassed, so it was off to a hawker center briefly for dinner where I chowed down on Indian food, which I have really been taking a liking to. I poured on the curry sauce and felt I was spewed flames - very tasty.
The other crazy part of my day was my living situation. They told me that "a little change would take place." The lobby area was drywalled and three new rooms appeared in its place. The new lobby opened a floor below as if it had been running for years. I know construction goes on night and day, but this was a shock. The hostel itself is my favorite thus far - clean, new, and central. As my housing situation looks in peril, I have booked up the remained (or most of it) of my time at this hostel. My living situation you ask. This lady (with whom the other students are living) told me at first June 1, then it was "well the room will be ready June 5." Then it was, "well, he needs to find a place to live so maybe the 10th you can move in." I am all but settled on living in town - love meeting people, the location, and flexibility anyways. Glass is always half full - especially under the sun.
Today was a great day at work. We are really moving forward on the booth for water week. The write up and blueprint are complete. We need only now come up with a "connection." Stay tuned to this blog for more on that. Next week we are to hammer out the most important task - the grand-opening moment of the science center.
After work I grabbed some grub with the others before heading across town to a new hostel for the weekend - Betel Box. Supposedly the best. So far as I write this blog in the lobby I am quite enjoying it. It has an interesting mix of folks, young and old alike.
Tomorrow begins the weekend, and there is much exploring to do. Plans as of this moment include visiting the Botanical Gardens and WWII museum.
For some reason I am having trouble uploading pics - promise to do so Monday back at work.
Singapore fun fact day 12 - Sentosa island was once call "death from behind" because pirates attacked the back doors...Sentosa means quite the opposite, "peace and tranquility"
The other crazy part of my day was my living situation. They told me that "a little change would take place." The lobby area was drywalled and three new rooms appeared in its place. The new lobby opened a floor below as if it had been running for years. I know construction goes on night and day, but this was a shock. The hostel itself is my favorite thus far - clean, new, and central. As my housing situation looks in peril, I have booked up the remained (or most of it) of my time at this hostel. My living situation you ask. This lady (with whom the other students are living) told me at first June 1, then it was "well the room will be ready June 5." Then it was, "well, he needs to find a place to live so maybe the 10th you can move in." I am all but settled on living in town - love meeting people, the location, and flexibility anyways. Glass is always half full - especially under the sun.
Today was a great day at work. We are really moving forward on the booth for water week. The write up and blueprint are complete. We need only now come up with a "connection." Stay tuned to this blog for more on that. Next week we are to hammer out the most important task - the grand-opening moment of the science center.
After work I grabbed some grub with the others before heading across town to a new hostel for the weekend - Betel Box. Supposedly the best. So far as I write this blog in the lobby I am quite enjoying it. It has an interesting mix of folks, young and old alike.
Tomorrow begins the weekend, and there is much exploring to do. Plans as of this moment include visiting the Botanical Gardens and WWII museum.
For some reason I am having trouble uploading pics - promise to do so Monday back at work.
Singapore fun fact day 12 - Sentosa island was once call "death from behind" because pirates attacked the back doors...Sentosa means quite the opposite, "peace and tranquility"
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Living at Clark Quay
Today I woke up in my new hostel, a lovely place - clean, well-located, comfy and filled with cool folks from around the globe (although the latter is typically of many hostels). Since I have been here I have chatted with migrant workers from India and Bangladesh, travelers from Germany and Canada and many others. Last night I did laundry for the first time and while it dried, I took an evening stroll in the quay. The city is so vibrant and full of lights everywhere you turn your head.
So in my freshly washed clothes, I headed to work this morning, but as usual it wasn't long until I was sweating up a storm. At least I am not the only one as everyone around me as I observed seemed to be in the same state. And thus why nobody walks. Seriously, it's hot here!
We are making good progress on our work. Or promotion materials are nearly complete and our event planning preparation for both the water center opening and the water week booth and moving along steadily. After a early afternoon brainstorming session, we made a great discovery - there is a pool, it is outdoor, it is accessible to staff (which includes us) and it is...s$7. We have scheduled Friday's brainstorming and update meeting at the pool. Seriously, at the pool.
In about an hour I am off to collect my official visa card. I think tonight shall be another walk around Marina Bay. If live on the bay, so might as well take advantage of the lights, the views, the water, the atmosphere. Tomorrow we are all taking a comp day and going to sit under some palm trees on the beach on the island of Sentosa.
Singapore fun fact day 8: the locals here drink kopi, which is a type of strong coffee with milk (heavy cream)
So in my freshly washed clothes, I headed to work this morning, but as usual it wasn't long until I was sweating up a storm. At least I am not the only one as everyone around me as I observed seemed to be in the same state. And thus why nobody walks. Seriously, it's hot here!
We are making good progress on our work. Or promotion materials are nearly complete and our event planning preparation for both the water center opening and the water week booth and moving along steadily. After a early afternoon brainstorming session, we made a great discovery - there is a pool, it is outdoor, it is accessible to staff (which includes us) and it is...s$7. We have scheduled Friday's brainstorming and update meeting at the pool. Seriously, at the pool.
In about an hour I am off to collect my official visa card. I think tonight shall be another walk around Marina Bay. If live on the bay, so might as well take advantage of the lights, the views, the water, the atmosphere. Tomorrow we are all taking a comp day and going to sit under some palm trees on the beach on the island of Sentosa.
Singapore fun fact day 8: the locals here drink kopi, which is a type of strong coffee with milk (heavy cream)
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
More Photos of the Bay and the Quay
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| Marina Bay View |
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| Marina Bay - lazer/light show |
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| Marina Bay |
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| Clark Quay - beneath the giant sun umbrellas |
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| Clark Quay |
Monday - back to work
Today we were back in the office, although the day began with a meeting at the Biopolis research park in preparation for a booth we will be running for a sustainability convention.
I arrived early, as I wake up everyday early and like to get a move on things, and treated myself to a kopi (milk coffee) and what I thought was carrot cake. In fact it was called carrot cake, however, the doe was made of fish ball, and so after a nibble, I could go no further. Back in the office I dove into work on the organization, and creation of the booth we will be running at Singapore International Water Week. This little project will probably take up the remainder of my week. Photos of this all will be posted once available. After work my little marketing team went to a hawker food court for happy hour and dinner. I had a few Tiger beers with Henry, and as usual tried a new plate of something. Rice, chicken and something yummy and something? Such is the way here. Point, point, point...guess and check. Not really sure how else to do it sometimes. I insist on eating local and trying everything, however, sometimes this method results in discovering fish ball.
Today's only downer is housing problems.There is a delay on when I can move in, so this means I will have to change hostels for a few days while waiting. This isn't the worst thing in the world because you get to me so many interesting peoples, here perspectives from cultures around the world, and live and experience different quarters. However, being a place for a few months would be simpler in one place. No matter, this will give me a great opportunity to live in the infamous Clark's Quay and Colonial Quarter.
Singapore fun fact day 7: Average temperature is consistent between lows around 23c and highs of 31c...that's the equator for ya!
I arrived early, as I wake up everyday early and like to get a move on things, and treated myself to a kopi (milk coffee) and what I thought was carrot cake. In fact it was called carrot cake, however, the doe was made of fish ball, and so after a nibble, I could go no further. Back in the office I dove into work on the organization, and creation of the booth we will be running at Singapore International Water Week. This little project will probably take up the remainder of my week. Photos of this all will be posted once available. After work my little marketing team went to a hawker food court for happy hour and dinner. I had a few Tiger beers with Henry, and as usual tried a new plate of something. Rice, chicken and something yummy and something? Such is the way here. Point, point, point...guess and check. Not really sure how else to do it sometimes. I insist on eating local and trying everything, however, sometimes this method results in discovering fish ball.
Today's only downer is housing problems.There is a delay on when I can move in, so this means I will have to change hostels for a few days while waiting. This isn't the worst thing in the world because you get to me so many interesting peoples, here perspectives from cultures around the world, and live and experience different quarters. However, being a place for a few months would be simpler in one place. No matter, this will give me a great opportunity to live in the infamous Clark's Quay and Colonial Quarter.
Singapore fun fact day 7: Average temperature is consistent between lows around 23c and highs of 31c...that's the equator for ya!
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