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Singapore, Singapore (December 2008)

The reason why Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue gazes out over Singapore Harbor with so much pride, must be because Singapore is thriving. New construction continues at a breakneck speed, while the city is clean, polished, stimulating and prosperous. Singapore is a fascinating mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures. There are still many remnants of the British colonial era, such as the famous Raffles Hotel and the popularity of cricket on the island. While Singapore is a bit expensive, it is still a shopper’s paradise. It is also has an excellent contemporary arts scene, great restaurants, outdoor activities and sports. You can toss out your preconceptions about Singapore being a city where spray painters get caned in the city square or gum chewers get ticketed, it is, in reality, very progressive and is one of the most livable cities anywhere.
Singapore, Singapore cover page.
Singapore, Singapore cover page.		 Map of Singapore.
Map of Singapore.		 View facing Orchard Road, which is the main shopping street and the most elegant one in Singapore.
View facing Orchard Road, which is the main shopping street and the most elegant one in Singapore.		 Close-up of the Christmas decorations at the corner of Orchard Road and Paterson Road in Singapore.
Close-up of the Christmas decorations at the corner of Orchard Road and Paterson Road in Singapore.
Since it is the epicenter of Singapore's shopping and entertainment industries, Orchard Road never sleeps.
Since it is the epicenter of Singapore's shopping and entertainment industries, Orchard Road never sleeps.		 More Orchard Road holiday decorations that are famous for being over the top.
More Orchard Road holiday decorations that are famous for being "over the top."		 Christmas decoration suspended over Orchard Road.
Christmas decoration suspended over Orchard Road.		 Another Orchard Road view. It is named after the nutmeg orchards that used to line the street in the 1830s.
Another Orchard Road view. It is named after the nutmeg orchards that used to line the street in the 1830s.
View of the Shaw House which is at the intersection of Orchard Rd. and Scotts Rd.
View of the Shaw House which is at the intersection of Orchard Rd. and Scotts Rd.		 A new shopping mall called Ion on Orchard was going up. It will have many flagship stores and almost 50,000 sq. ft. of space.
A new shopping mall called "Ion on Orchard" was going up. It will have many flagship stores and almost 50,000 sq. ft. of space.		 A friendly construction worker that I passed by. Orchard Road was booming with new construction.
A friendly construction worker that I passed by. Orchard Road was booming with new construction.		 Shoppers and tourists strolling down Orchard Road.
Shoppers and tourists strolling down Orchard Road.
The huge Ngee Ann City is the largest shopping mall on Orchard Road.
The huge Ngee Ann City is the largest shopping mall on Orchard Road.		 Close-up of the Ngee Ann City fountains and sculptures.
Close-up of the Ngee Ann City fountains and sculptures.		 This beautiful Christmas tree was on display inside of Ngee Ann City shopping mall.
This beautiful Christmas tree was on display inside of Ngee Ann City shopping mall.		 Entrance to the Singapore Zoo, which is considered to be one of the best zoos in the world.
Entrance to the Singapore Zoo, which is considered to be one of the best zoos in the world.
A proboscis monkey on display at the Singapore Zoo.
A proboscis monkey on display at the Singapore Zoo.		 Female proboscis monkeys have smaller noses than males. The big nose is thought to be used to attract females.
Female proboscis monkeys have smaller noses than males. The big nose is thought to be used to attract females.		 The white tiger exhibit at the Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular ones there.
The white tiger exhibit at the Singapore Zoo is one of the most popular ones there.		 They are very rare and beautiful animals. Here are two in the water.
They are very rare and beautiful animals. Here are two in the water.
White tigers are found within South Asia, notably in India. Only 1 white tiger exists out of 10,000 normal orange tigers.
White tigers are found within South Asia, notably in India. Only 1 white tiger exists out of 10,000 normal orange tigers.		 A mutated recessive gene causes the white coloration. Genes from both parents are needed to produce a white tiger.
A mutated recessive gene causes the white coloration. Genes from both parents are needed to produce a white tiger.		 These 2 tigers are enjoying the waterfall and the natural habitat by the Singapore Zoo.
These 2 tigers are enjoying the waterfall and the natural habitat by the Singapore Zoo.		 Baboons live in a spacious naturalistic setting in the Singapore Zoo baboon exhibit.
Baboons live in a spacious naturalistic setting in the Singapore Zoo baboon exhibit.
A baby baboon is on his mother's back with other baboons behind them. They are highly intelligent and social animals.
A baby baboon is on his mother's back with other baboons behind them. They are highly intelligent and social animals.		 Baboons live in hierarchical groups. Vocal exchanges determine the dominance between individual baboons.
Baboons live in hierarchical groups. Vocal exchanges determine the dominance between individual baboons.		 These African sculptures at the Singapore Zoo make it seem like Africa.
These African sculptures at the Singapore Zoo make it seem like Africa.		 Babirusas are often mistaken for warthogs. A warthog's tusks are on the side of its snout, while the babirusa's are on top.
Babirusas are often mistaken for warthogs. A warthog's tusks are on the side of its snout, while the babirusa's are on top.
Two tapirs at the Singapore Zoo. Their upper lip and nose are fused to form a trunk.
Two tapirs at the Singapore Zoo. Their upper lip and nose are fused to form a trunk.		 With it, they have a strong sense of smell. They also use the trunk for grasping food and other objects.
With it, they have a strong sense of smell. They also use the trunk for grasping food and other objects.		 This very cute and sleepy otter was on display at the zoo. They are semi-aquatic fish eating mammals.
This very cute and sleepy otter was on display at the zoo. They are semi-aquatic fish eating mammals.		 He looks otterly bored!
He looks "otterly bored!"
This was a fake crocodile at the San Diego Zoo, otherwise, I never would have made this photo album!
This was a fake crocodile at the San Diego Zoo, otherwise, I never would have made this photo album!		 Christmas sign for the Night Safari where you get to see all of the nocturnal animals while riding on a train.
Christmas sign for the "Night Safari" where you get to see all of the nocturnal animals while riding on a train.		 This fountain of wealth in the Suntec Mall district of Singapore is the largest fountain in the world.
This "fountain of wealth" in the Suntec Mall district of Singapore is the largest fountain in the world.		 I took a tour of Singapore, and our first stop was Little India.
I took a tour of Singapore, and our first stop was Little India.
The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived in 1819 with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers.
The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived in 1819 with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers.		 Me posing in front of this Hindu sculpture.
Me posing in front of this Hindu sculpture.		 Fruit and vegetable stand in Little Italy.
Fruit and vegetable stand in Little Italy.		 This Indian man was taking a break resting on his bike.
This Indian man was taking a break resting on his bike.
A typical street in Singapore's Little Italy.
A typical street in Singapore's Little Italy.		 It was odd to see this statue in Little India since it looks like it is American Indian.
It was odd to see this statue in Little India since it looks like it is American Indian.		 Indian arts shop that is on the street corner.
Indian arts shop that is on the street corner.		 Close-up of some of the Indian art that was for sale.
Close-up of some of the Indian art that was for sale.
This is where you buy mutton in Little India. Mutton curry, anyone?
This is where you buy mutton in Little India. Mutton curry, anyone?		 Pointy shoes for sale in Little India.
Pointy shoes for sale in Little India.		 View of the colonial-era Raffles Hotel where such luminaries as Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward stayed.
View of the colonial-era Raffles Hotel where such luminaries as Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward stayed.		 Side-view of the Raffles Hotel. It is famous for it Singapore Slingers, a drink that now goes for about $20.
Side-view of the Raffles Hotel. It is famous for it "Singapore Slingers," a drink that now goes for about $20.
Between 1937-1939, master Italian craftsman, Cavalori Rudolfo Nolli, built this former Supreme Court building.
Between 1937-1939, master Italian craftsman, Cavalori Rudolfo Nolli, built this former Supreme Court building.		 View behind the trees of the colonial-era concert hall, Victoria Memorial Hall, built in 1905, and renovated in the 1970's.
View behind the trees of the colonial-era concert hall, Victoria Memorial Hall, built in 1905, and renovated in the 1970's.		 Close-up of the clock tower of Victoria Memorial Hall.
Close-up of the clock tower of Victoria Memorial Hall.		 View of The Esplanade, the eye-catching multimillion-dollar performing arts center. It looks like a big beehive!
View of The Esplanade, the eye-catching multimillion-dollar performing arts center. It looks like a big beehive!
Singapore's most recognizable symbol is the Merlion sculpture at Marina Bay in front of the Fullerton Hotel.
Singapore's most recognizable symbol is the Merlion sculpture at Marina Bay in front of the Fullerton Hotel.		 The lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves (designed in 1964) became Singapore’s icon to the world.
The lion head with a fish body resting on a crest of waves (designed in 1964) became Singapore’s icon to the world.		 The Merlion stands on the Singapore River facing Singapore Harbor with water spouting out of its mouth.
The Merlion stands on the Singapore River facing Singapore Harbor with water spouting out of its mouth.		 There are 5 Merlion statues in all in Singapore. This baby Merlion stands behind the main one on the Singapore River.
There are 5 Merlion statues in all in Singapore. This baby Merlion stands behind the main one on the Singapore River.
Boat on the Singapore River with the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest ferris wheel in the background. It is 165 m. high.
Boat on the Singapore River with the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest ferris wheel in the background. It is 165 m. high.		 A tourist boat on the Singapore River. I took a harbor cruise on a similar one later that night.
A tourist boat on the Singapore River. I took a harbor cruise on a similar one later that night.		 Cyclos lined up for hire in Singapore's Chinatown.
Cyclos lined up for hire in Singapore's Chinatown.		 Colorful washing on the side of a building. This method of drying laundry to dry in Singapore is known as flagpole laundry.
Colorful washing on the side of a building. This method of drying laundry to dry in Singapore is known as "flagpole laundry."
A Chinese Buddha (with a big belly) in Chinatown.
A Chinese Buddha (with a big belly) in Chinatown.		 Even though it was daytime, this is where the night market is held in Chinatown.
Even though it was daytime, this is where the night market is held in Chinatown.		 This street in Singapore's Chinatown is known as Food Street.
This street in Singapore's Chinatown is known as "Food Street."		 Most of the restaurants had signs in front with photos of their food.
Most of the restaurants had signs in front with photos of their food.
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest and most opulent Hindu temple. It was founded in 1827.
The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest and most opulent Hindu temple. It was founded in 1827.		 Frontal view of the Hindu temple. It is located in Singapore's Chinatown district.
Frontal view of the Hindu temple. It is located in Singapore's Chinatown district.		 Rooftop decorations on the Sri Mariamman Temple.
Rooftop decorations on the Sri Mariamman Temple.		 Statues and elaborate decorations adorn the temple.
Statues and elaborate decorations adorn the temple.
Statue of a Hindu goddess.
Statue of a Hindu goddess.		 Interior of the temple with tourists and worshippers praying.
Interior of the temple with tourists and worshippers praying.		 Interior decorations in the Sri Mariamman Temple.
Interior decorations in the Sri Mariamman Temple.		 Pavilion at the back of the temple with a face in the doorway.
Pavilion at the back of the temple with a face in the doorway.
Close-up of the expressive face.
Close-up of the expressive face.		 Details of the back of the Hindu temple.
Details of the back of the Hindu temple.		 The figures are very detailed, elaborate and colorful!
The figures are very detailed, elaborate and colorful!		 Hindu image at the Sri Mariamman Temple that looks like a lion.
Hindu image at the Sri Mariamman Temple that looks like a lion.
Elaborate door at the Hindu temple with multiple bells.
Elaborate door at the Hindu temple with multiple bells.		 View looking down Temple Street in Singapore's Chinatown with Chinese lantern decorations.
View looking down Temple Street in Singapore's Chinatown with Chinese lantern decorations.		 Art supply store in Chinatown with paintbrushes for sale in many sizes and shapes.
Art supply store in Chinatown with paintbrushes for sale in many sizes and shapes.		 Painted column in Chinatown showing different massage pressure points.
Painted column in Chinatown showing different massage pressure points.
The brand new Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown is the biggest Buddhist temple in Singapore.
The brand new Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown is the biggest Buddhist temple in Singapore.		 The temple is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, housing the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.
The temple is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, housing the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic.		 Temple guardian outside of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Temple guardian outside of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.		 This urn for incense offerings is located at the front door of the temple.
This urn for incense offerings is located at the front door of the temple.
Interior of incredibly ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple with a golden Buddha in the background.
Interior of incredibly ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple with a golden Buddha in the background.		 There were quite a few worshippers at the temple that day.
There were quite a few worshippers at the temple that day.		 View of the elaborate ceiling of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
View of the elaborate ceiling of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.		 Dazzling details of the decorative and ornate temple walls.
Dazzling details of the decorative and ornate temple walls.
Golden Buddha in front of the temple. The Buddha Tooth Relic is in a 420 kg. solid-gold stupa on the 4th-floor.
Golden Buddha in front of the temple. The Buddha Tooth Relic is in a 420 kg. solid-gold stupa on the 4th-floor.		 This Chinese Buddhist monk was at prayer in the temple.
This Chinese Buddhist monk was at prayer in the temple.		 After leaving Chinatown, we passed by this Thai temple in Singapore.
After leaving Chinatown, we passed by this Thai temple in Singapore.		 Display cases at a jade shop that we went to in Singapore. I disappointed them by not buying anything!
Display cases at a jade shop that we went to in Singapore. I disappointed them by not buying anything!
This elaborate jade piece was for sale in the jade shop. I passed on this item.
This elaborate jade piece was for sale in the jade shop. I passed on this item.		 As I was leaving, I admired this shrine put there by the factory workers of the jade shop.
As I was leaving, I admired this shrine put there by the factory workers of the jade shop.		 Obelisk in Singapore's War Memorial Park commemorating civilians lost in World War II.
Obelisk in Singapore's War Memorial Park commemorating civilians lost in World War II.		 View of the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center located in the City Hall District.
View of the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center located in the City Hall District.
A downtown skyline view of Singapore as seen across from the convention center.
A downtown skyline view of Singapore as seen across from the convention center.		 View through the trees of St. Andrew's Cathedral. It is Anglican and is the country's largest cathedral.
View through the trees of St. Andrew's Cathedral. It is Anglican and is the country's largest cathedral.		 Close-up of the cathedral. The first foundation stone was first laid in 1856, and the first service was held in 1861.
Close-up of the cathedral. The first foundation stone was first laid in 1856, and the first service was held in 1861.		 Rush hour at the Town Hall station of Singapore's MRT transit system.
Rush hour at the Town Hall station of Singapore's MRT transit system.
Map of Singapore's MRT transit system.
Map of Singapore's MRT transit system.		 It opened in 1987, and it now has 66 stations covering all Singapore, except for the remotest parts of the island.
It opened in 1987, and it now has 66 stations covering all Singapore, except for the remotest parts of the island.		 Passengers waiting for a train at the East West line.
Passengers waiting for a train at the East West line.		 Passengers exiting and entering one of Singapore's MRT passenger trains.
Passengers exiting and entering one of Singapore's MRT passenger trains.
Later that day, I saw this juggler performing in a Singapore shopping mall.
Later that day, I saw this juggler performing in a Singapore shopping mall.		 The juggler as he was finishing his act.
The juggler as he was finishing his act.		 View of the Hotel Re where I stayed in Singapore. It is located on Pearl's Hill.
View of the Hotel Re where I stayed in Singapore. It is located on Pearl's Hill.		 Entrance to the Hotel Re. It is a retro hotel decorated in a 1960s and 1970s motif.
Entrance to the Hotel Re. It is a retro hotel decorated in a 1960s and 1970s motif.
It is very funky; with bright colors, mirrors and with lots of chrome. It was a fun place to stay!
It is very funky; with bright colors, mirrors and with lots of chrome. It was a fun place to stay!		 In the evening, I took a harbor cruise on the Singapore River.
In the evening, I took a harbor cruise on the Singapore River.		 The most spectacular thing to see from the harbor at night is the Merlin statue lit up and spewing water.
The most spectacular thing to see from the harbor at night is the Merlin statue lit up and spewing water.		 View of the Singapore skyline as seen from the harbor at night.
View of the Singapore skyline as seen from the harbor at night.
Buildings and the Singapore Flyer (the world's largest ferris wheel) seen from the river at night.
Buildings and the Singapore Flyer (the world's largest ferris wheel) seen from the river at night.		 My boat passed by Riverside Point where there are restaurants and nightlife.
My boat passed by Riverside Point where there are restaurants and nightlife.		 More Singapore Harbor scenes illuminated at night.
More Singapore Harbor scenes illuminated at night.		 After the harbor cruise, I went to a pewter factory where this guardian statue was for sale (it was too expensive for me)!
After the harbor cruise, I went to a pewter factory where this guardian statue was for sale (it was too expensive for me)!
My final destination was to this Singapore night market.
My final destination was to this Singapore night market.		 Fruit vendor and a customer at the night market.
Fruit vendor and a customer at the night market.

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