Sights of Singapore
Above (1):Marina bay area taken from Merlion Park with Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands on the far right.
Above (2):View of Marina bay from Marina Bay Sands lookout platform, 52 stories high.
Singapore has changed much over the years. Whether the native Singaporeans can see the big picture or not, their lovely City is transforming from the quaint tropical City paradise where the cost of an item in an orchard road shop was the max and you bartered down from there to a clash of western meets middle East with boutique shops standing in place of bargain markets.
Don’t misunderstand, in the midst of his transformation Singapore has grown even more beautiful as a City. Unfortunately however the Singapore culture is been pushed out with it.
Just one of the many simple things that made Singapore so welcoming were the friendly native cab drivers; always happy to chat and show off their proud City. In the five days we’ve been here only two out of the ten or so cabs were Singaporeans, the others all Indian.
I discussed this at some length with one of the drivers on route to Marina Bay for some sunset photography who initially must of thought i was barking mad, “what? Merlion Park? But its raining!” Interestingly he remarked on the increase in boutique shopping and influx of immigrants pointing out one of the most sobering differences between native Singaporeans like himself and the now immigrating Indian and Chinese. “We live a simple life with simple needs” he said, “we don’t waste time and valuable money on Armani or Gucci. Most Singaporeans, too feel special may splurge on one of two item only, for the men this is usually a nice wallet, a nice leather wallet for around $600, that is all.”
The driver continued on a variety of topics from real estate pricing to his woes as a cab driver, but not once did he disgrace his job, rather it was obvious, despite the long hours he was proud of his job and took great pride in it. He got a $12 tip for an $8 fare that evening and as for me, that sign of good faith bought me an hour of fine weather and some beautiful photographs.