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Singapore
is a vibrant, sunny tropical island where Asian tradition and culture
exist harmoniously along side sleek modernity. Skyscrapers and superb
concept shopping malls compliment restored colourful shophouses along
the riverfronts. The people are warm and friendly with diverse ethnic
backgrounds - Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians, totaling a population
of 3 million. Favorite pastimes are shopping and eating. Raffles
Hotel is the equivalent to "Hotel Vancouver" and is home of the
"Singapore Sling" at $15 (Cdn).
The Arab district
in Singapore was a fascinating glimpse into the Muslim way of life,
with shophouses teaming with textiles, cane and rattan wares, hand-beaten
brass, and silk batiks.Sultan Mosque is pictured here. You could feel
the nostalgia and character of olden day traditions and craftsmanship
in the narrow streets with quaint muslim traditional restaurants. Singapore
has a tropical, hot and humid climate of an average temperature of 23-30
degrees Celsius. Heavy rainfall season is usually from November to January.
In Singapore, prohibited items include explosives, firearms, pornographic
material, and drugs. Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death
penalty! You will also be "caned" for chewing gum and smoking in public
places. Tough laws make Singapore an almost crime free city.
Sentosa
is a resort island with theme parks and attractions that provide
a multi-sensory experience for the entire family.Travel to the island
of sandy white beaches by cable car, ferry or bridge. You can discover
the splendors of Sentosa by visiting sharks at Underwater World, the
Butterfly Park, Orchid Gardens, Dragon Trail, Volcanoland, Maritime
Museum and Fort Siloso. There is a free monorail that takes you around
the island. Soar to the top of the 37 metre high "Merlion" (pictured
here) and view the world's largest port as the Merlion emits laser beams
from its eyes.
Our highlight was to sit with an orangutan at the Singapore
Zoological Gardens. The Zoo was a fascinating and enriching experience
because of its home to a variety of animals in a "non-caged" environment.
This is a place where the beauty of plants, trees and lakes have been
used to bring out the wonder of our animal heritage. We have never seen
a Zoo as spectacular!
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