Singapore

Travelling has been another regular part of my yearly routine. Travelling different parts of the country, is fun. Beholding the vivid colors of nature, culture and treasure (of that kind) is an experience of its own kind. When it comes to a phoren visit, it deserves to be classified as an eye candy.

Singapore is beauteously ravishing. I, however, recristened it as Shingnnapoor; spoonerism intended . Break-free roads, shiny cars, pedestrian pathways with lush green tropical flora in the backdrop, buildings that defy gravity and demands redefinition of word beautiful, robust public transport, disciplined people and lots of light. I love the place.

The moment we landed the Singapore International Airport, better known as Changi airport, it gave us a feeling that we have ventured into a new world. Thanks to the Chaos Unlimited, proudly sported at the eternal IGI. The luggage handling was hassle free. There were escalators - both, horizontal and vertical - for faster movement of passengers. It saves time! There was no Thulla to (mis)guide us. These people prefer signboards. Water was available free much to our ashtonishment. Emmigration was hassle free. The Officer greeted with smile and a 'Welcome'. Processed our papers and thanked. The poor fellas at IGI find it all so unnecessary and boring. One amongst them asked the motto of travel with an attitude of Why-the-hell-are-you-travelling. It was much later that I understood why he donned so. It was rather simple. He had to work for getting paid.

Drop it. We moved out of the airport. The luxury bus took us to hotel. The ride was majestic. Countless flyovers and underpasses, zillions of twinkling lights - of cars, street, buildings and of course, malls, shops and restaurants. It is a visual delight to see this city nation at night. Hotel was great. It was in front of the well known Mustafa Mall. We had a shower and then went for the first Indian supper on a phoren land. Mind you, it was tasty.

The next morning, we went for sight seeing. The India Memorial, various legislative and administrative monuments, President house, a parks, Indian temples, downtown Singapore and lots more. It may sound a bit hectic but honestly, it wasn't. The bus was cozy and AC. Roads were pot-hole-less. The kept us efficient. The beauty of the nation is that people are disciplined. Smoking is common. But none, mind you, none trikles the ash on the road. The tarmac is so clean that you can very well lie down for a siesta. Obviously, it won't be that soft as the bed. Moreover, people follow rules. A red signal mean stop. Green means Go. Amber means slow down. The last one confused you right? Unfortunately, Amber doesn't mean Go Faster, in this part of the world. The pedestrians help. If you ever get lost on the street, usually the signboards don't allow you that, people help.

To be continued...