Merlion.

Finally had a full day of blue sky and we took full advantage by taking a walk from the CBD to the Boat Quays into the Clarke Quays. Coming into this trip to Singapore I really didn’t know what to expect, but in just a few days I’ve seen a lot and learned even more. For instance the Merlion above is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name combines “mer” meaning the sea and “lion”. The fish body comes from Singapore’s ancient name back when it was a fishing village — Temasek — meaning “sea town” in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore’s original name — Singapura — meaning “lion city” or “kota singa” in Sanskrit and Malay. All in all in glad to have stopped through here on my Asian adventure and even more excited that my mom paid for the hotel room. Thanks again!

Where I Rested: Sheraton Towers, Singapore

National Museum of Singapore.

Sinnnngggg-aaaaaaaa-poooooorrrre! The tour of the national history of Singapore starts with this amazing song and dragged out usage of the word, Singapore. However this sight wasn’t on the radar at first, but with the help of my friend Mark who had visited just this last winter, he told us it was a sure fire hit and a must to do for Singapore. He wasn’t kidding, and with the help of a audio guided tour the museum took just over three hours to complete. Although it was a very detailed history lesson, I found the history of this little country to be extremely fascinating.

The two exhibitions that are currently being hosted included “Christian Lacroix the Costumier” and “VERNER PANTON – The Collected Works”. Both seemed to be perfect timing for me as a designer. As the virtuoso haute couture designer Christian Lacroix, who is known for defining the look of the 1980s with its bright colors and extravagant embellishments, presents his splendid costume design work of 20 years for the ballet, theater and opera in this exclusive exhibition. And Panton was an exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, Germany. Check the pics below for a better look.

Where I Rested: Sheraton Towers, Singapore

Singapore Zoo.

I hadn’t been to a Zoo in a good four years (Berlin ’05) and there was no way I was going to the SF Zoo after that Tiger got loose last year, but I’ve been kicking myself for not getting back to the Portland Zoo while I had the chance. Enter the Singapore Zoo. With over 2530 animals and 315 species this was a definite not to miss while here in Singapore.

The Singapore Zoo follows the modern trend of displaying animals in naturalistic, ‘open’ exhibits, i.e. with hidden barriers, behind moats and shrubbery etc. It’s quite the sight, it also makes you wonder how all of these animals stay put, but nonetheless it was very cool to get up close and personal with so many animals. The Zoo also houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world. Although we got caught in a downpour of rain, it turned out to be a great day. Check out the pics below of many animals from the Proboscis Monkey to Kangaroos.

Where I Rested: Sheraton Towers, Singapore

Taking Care Of Business.

Let me tell you, they mean business here in Singapore. Not even five minutes into my 50 minute flight from Kuala Lumpur I was handed a “Health Alert Notice”. This green 3×11 piece of paper states everything you need to know about H1N1 aka the flu that everyone is crazy about right now in four languages. Also attached is a “Health Alert Card” for you to carry around to “show to the attending doctor when you are ill”. Now I won’t get into my true thoughts about this outbreak and I understand the precautions that are taking place but I do feel as though it’s gotten out of hand (I have consulted multiple people in the health industry to draw my opinions on). It’s really only influenza. Moving along.

The next document I’m handed states “Warning: Death For Drug Traffickers Under Singapore Law”. My first thought is of when I was a kid, remembering the American that was caned her for vandalism while here. Even back then I thought it was a bit harsh, but rules are rules. I even hear spitting is illegal here which is amazing because I couldn’t walk five feet in China without someone hacking up a logy on the street.

Long story short, they don’t mess around here and for some reason that excites me. Maybe I’ve been surrounded by too much leniency recently or maybe I’m happy to seem some type of order being placed in this culture. I guess time will tell and I’ve got 5 days to figure it out.

Where I Rested: Sheraton Towers, Singapore