My exodus from Colombo was a 45 minute ride in a dilapidated van known as the Airport express (yes you) whose suspension had gone to car heaven a while back. I complained and threatened to ring the boss of the company so they only charged me half the price. Check-in at the airport was so slow. I arrived at Changi airport at 4a.m local time (8pm GMT) after a short comfortable flight complete with on demand entertainment and in flight meal. A porter at the airport drew directions on my fold out tourist map. He also wrote his number down in case I needed 'any help'. 1.....2.....3.....Aaaawwwwwwwwww, sweet. I got the MRT (mass rail transit system) from the airport to Burgis, the stop near Little India. I figured I could get a cab to my hostel. The MRT's atmosphere in rush hour is akin to London, expressionless workers dreading the work day ahead. Some travelers have described Sgp as sterile and soulless. The MRT and the city is spotless. I can see my reflection in windows and pure marble platforms and I like the air conditioned, reliable trains.
On arrival at the accommodation I realise it is very close to Little India station. Duh! My room is 180 cm by 180cm and I am not exaggerating but at least I have a fan. What more can you ask for for 20 Singapore dollars (SD) a night? Well a lounge, internet area and free buffet breakfast. The initial shock drove a knee jerk run for the exit with my bags in tow. After some hyperventilating, I reasoned I could spend the money I save on enjoying the sites and attractions. The rooms are clean and the showers hot. One advantage of the box closet room is I spend my days out so I just come back to sleep.
I slept then ventured into a camera shop in Sim Lim Square, searching for an adapter. So I'm sitting in some camera shop, getting directions to the best sites drawn on my map and some old man says I should consider working as a Dr in Sgp. The kind owner offered to charge my run down canon battery for me after I bought a 2 SD adapter. It was supposed to be for half an hour but after chatting gadgets, top tourist sites and about the expense of London vs Sgp he offered me a soft drink. People are so nice. I pass St Andrew's Cathedral, City Hall, the old Art House and Sir Stamford Raffles' Landing Site. Next the Colonial district past Clarke Quay, Merlion, the Fullerton Hotel and the river. My mini museum tour starts 20 mins before 7pm so the curator lets me in free . My first stop, the Asian Civilisations Museum where 3 levels take you through South Asian inventions, religion, the colonial era and medieval India. Second stop Sgp Art Museum where most exhibits were closed for renovation. I take an evening boat tour of Singapore and stop at Merlion Park to take photos. Singapore is so safe but I get a cab back to my 'hotel' as it's at the end of a long road. It costs the equivalent of 2 GBP.
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