Singapore Travel Log: Food, Culture, and Observations
This article summarizes a travel log about a trip to Singapore, focusing on food experiences, cultural observations, and general impressions of the city.
Food Adventures
The travelers sampled a variety of Singaporean foods. They tried charcoal vanilla ice cream, which one traveler described as tasting like actual charcoal.
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They visited a hawker center and ate Hainanese chicken rice and a "four treasure" (si bao) roast meat rice dish, commenting on the generous portions and affordable prices.
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The Hainanese chicken rice was praised for its tender chicken and flavorful rice.
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The roast meat rice included roast chicken, char siu (barbecue pork), roast pork, and roast duck. They found it to be a good value for the price.
The group also observed that the hawker food generally comes with chilli sauce. They also noticed that compared to Malaysia (especially Penang), Singapore’s food portion sizes are much bigger.
Cultural Observations and Impressions
The travelers made several observations about Singaporean culture and lifestyle.
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They noted the laid-back atmosphere, where people seemed comfortable leaving bags unattended, implying a high level of safety and security.
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The high-rise architecture of the city center created a sense of awe and also a feeling of being small and insignificant. They compared this to similar feelings experienced in Shanghai's Bund and Shenzhen's Shennan Avenue.
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They saw many Filipinos, likely working in Singapore due to higher wages.
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They noticed a strange custom of Filipinos and others gathering in groups and sitting on blankets to socialize.
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The travelers noted the prevalence of foreigners working in Singapore as teachers and corporate executives, reflecting the city's status as a hub for multinational corporations.
Lucky Plaza
The group visited Lucky Plaza, a shopping center which felt less upscale and more catered to migrant workers and tourists than other malls. The plaza was very crowded.
History and Development Displayed
The travelers saw a sculpture illustrating the history of Singapore, from its early days as a fishing village to its current status as a modern metropolis.
Reflections on Travel and Life
The travelers reflected on the impact of international travel on their lives, stating that they had essentially "re-parented" themselves since moving abroad. They also mentioned the challenges of traveling in Singapore, noting the constant walking and use of public transportation, which could be tiring.
Interactions with Locals
The travelers encountered a friendly hawker stall owner (an "Uncle") who shared his thoughts on life in Singapore and Malaysia. He talked about work, drinking habits and relative costs of living.
End Notes
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The couple mentioned that they live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with their daughter, and they visit Singapore from time to time.
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One member humorously commented that in Singapore, you must clear your own table and take your tray or risk a hefty fine of up to \$2000.
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