Serenity Found: S’pore Botanical Gardens

I found some peace in this hectic city – Singapore Botanical Gardens. What a fantastic opportunity I had today. I started out quite the tourist today and took the quite obnoxious Hippo Hop On Hop Off Bus. Though, I have to say being on top of one of those double-decker buses is very refreshing – it’s topless! Of, course you get odd looks and eye-rolling (I would do the same if they had these where we lived) but it was a great way for me to get to the Gardens. Right when I entered all my cares fell away and I was surrounded by peace the entire time I was there. It was quite an emotional experience and utterly fantastic. I hope the pictures do it justice as my words cannot. I took 482 pictures today – don’t worry, can’t post them all here; I tried to pick the best but I may have to post more later! I got the biggest kick out of this sign on the bus - so, I had to post it! Like I said - obnoxious but a necessary evil to get to the Gardens!

Here are two photos that introduced me to the S'pore Botanical Gardens...

Okay – I have to have some toilet humor right up front! Again - here are the squatter potties at the Botanical Gardens; luckily only the first 3 stalls were those and the last two are western toilets (of which I might add are the ones always full! Makes ya’ think!) If you would like more info, look at my posting in November titled, "Lucy, You're in Trouble!"

You can take your dogs into the Gardens but beware some dogs owners - at least Collies don't have to be muzzled!

Okay - getting back on topic. If you ever get the chance to go to S’pore DO NOT miss the Botanical Gardens. The National Orchid Garden is within the grounds (though you have a pay S$5 which is really nothing – the actual Botanical Gardens is free). Now, here are the photos you came to see - enjoy!

(Above: Rain Tree)

(Above: Johore Fig - Ficus Kerkhovenii)

(Above: The Girl on a Bicycle by Sydney Harpley)

(Above: Girl in a Hammock)

(Above: Wild Water Plum, 'Sui Mei')

(Above: The Passing of Knowledge - see explanation sign below)

(Above: Marantaceae)

More Pictures to come - just can't post them all at once! Next more Botanical Gardens and National Orchid Garden!

Singapore Kindness Movement

So, why would a country need a Kindness Movement? Recycling, Smoky the Bear, etc. I get. But, why does a country need to “teach” kindness? Well, come to Singapore. As I promised, I would document the adventures and misadventures. Mostly, everything here has been quite positive and if you know me, then you know I look at the world as half full but with some cynicism.

I’m sitting on the couch this morning, working on the computer and finishing my tea when a commercial comes on (first I think it’s one of the LDS commercials – people are smiling and helping each other, etc.) and I’m intrigued! So, watch below –

I think immediately, “I want to post on that – but what and how?” So, I thought I would share just some of experiences that happened today – just today. In almost 5 minutes I experienced the following: I’m coming back from Carrefour with a bag in my hand additionally my Decaf Tall Soy Mocha (Yum!) and I’m dragging my grocery trolley in the other hand. I come to a door and I struggle to get through the door, there are people around but I’m completely ignored – this is a fairly common occurrence here (I don’t know if it’s because I’m considered a tourist or if it’s just how they are – I believe it’s more the later because I witness it even amongst Singaporeans). Then when I had to go through the next door, a man and woman on the other side just stood there waiting for me to get through the door first – I had to actual motion for the man to help open the door for me and (Argh!) he then actually gave me some attitude.

So, at this point, I’m really thinking this Kindness Movement is necessary, there’s an epidemic here. But, my faith is restored as I enter a side door of the hotel and a man voluntarily opens the door for me. It seems today, I experienced 1-2 acts of rudeness for every 1 act of kindness. But wait, it may be outweighed in the favor of kindness today because when I entered our hotel room there was a pot of orchids sitting on the table. Utterly fantastic, and, no note. It was just a random act (albeit the Company is paying $$$$ for our stay and we have received a few little gifts here and there but nothing like this!). So, it’s just another day in S’pore – the good, the bad and the ugly! Though, I could have reported the same thing in the U.S. – it’s hard to say, but since I’m here I’m going to look at it from a different angle.

As an aside (because I’m full of it today!), I frequently experience the issue of the door opening here in Singapore. Though it’s quite common in the U.S. for the man to open the door for the woman, I also find it quite frequent that no matter the gender the door is opened and held open for the other person. People here are quite adept at “ignoring” each other; even when there is a stream of people going through the same door, it’s not held – you have to watch out and make sure it’s not slammed in your face. There’s no other way to put it.

I received some very good advice from Doug and Mary, “Never look at people in the eye,” (in reference when walking down thoroughfares). This is a quite difficult for me because, as you may know, looking someone in the eye in America is almost required – the person thinks you’re hiding something or being rude if you don’t look them in the eye. So, yes, this is a cultural difference but I wonder if it has created a spirit of apathy and a loss of personal connection? Just a musing thought… Another aspect is this: you have to realize there are 5 Million people on this Island AND it’s only 247 square miles of land area. So, I guess you either be kind to everyone or ignore everyone. What would you do?

But, I hope the Movement helps; I did notice on the website (http://www.kindness.sg/) that S’pore is not the only member of the “World Kindness Movement” and it’s not government mandated – it’s pretty much one of those feel good things that will probably never really take hold (now that’s one of half empty moments!). Maybe we all need a little reminder at times. In the U.S., I’ve seen commercials – “Pass it On” and maybe that’s all this is but with some of the comments and absolute rudeness I have witnessed it makes me think there may be more to it.

A Side Trip to the Scout Shop

This post is dedicated to my Dad (Dad Bloom)! He’s been involved with the Boy Scouts for 50 years (and the only reason I think he’d allow me to say that is because the Boy Scouts are celebrating 100 years in 2010). So, it’s become a tradition that I pick up some patches, books, woggles and scarves from my various travels. I delivered Boy Scout paraphernalia from Dublin and London just this past year. So, for 2010 he’ll be receiving souvenirs from S’pore! Just wait Dad!

I took the MRT to the Bishan Station and then walked to the Boy Scout Headquarters. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed seeing a different part of Singapore. It was mainly residential so it was really quiet and I got see how people live outside the Marina Bay and the business district.

(This one is a bit hard to figure out - he looks Asian but it's supposed to be Baden Powell - too funny!)

Wet Markets – A Lasting Tradition?

I’ve wanted to post on Wet Markets for awhile but hadn’t visited one. Luckily over the break I did get to see the Chinatown Wet Market. I hope to visit a few more before we leave because they are an extraordinary look into the history of “hawking” food and how local markets were king. The “Wet” in the Wet Markets refers to the floor because as vendors “prepare” the meats, fish, fruits, etc. and everything falls to the floor and it’s constantly being sprayed down.

However, our Chinatown tour guide, Helena, said that most of the fruits, eggs, etc. are imported, most being 95%. So, what is the significance of these markets – are they needed or is Cold Storage, Carrefour and Jason’s the end-all-be-all? It’s a similar argument to the idea of farmer’s markets in the U.S. and haven’t Farmer’s Markets really just become a Sunday morning tradition? Since the end of November I’ve seen newspaper articles on this debate at least every other week. One article was titled: “Wet Markets: Saved but for How Long?” – The Straits Times. Some city planners want to get rid of the markets and replace them with supermarkets but the opponents note that many of these big stores create a “class structure.” In a Wet Market everyone is the same, the signs are just pictures of the foods (no words; no language barriers – see the picture below) and you can buy as much or as little as you want.
Another interesting thing about these Wet Markets is the LIVE animals (i.e. Turtles, Frogs, Fish, etc.) ready for the slaughter. Is it so bad for us to know where our food comes from? See video below (no killing filmed)…

Additionally, you get to see skills, expertly developed over generations, exhibited daily. At the Wet Market we visited we saw a woman expertly cut out the meat of a Jack Fruit. See video of that below.

Will public outcry be enough? One stall owner, age 65, says none of his kids want to take over his “business.” Many of the people he works with are in the same situation; the next generation doesn’t want to take them on. But as it stands the NEA (National Environment Agency) still manages 109 markets and hawker centers – the organization has already upgraded 84 of those. So, Wet Markets are safe, for now. But, in my opinion, unless the next generation wants to take them on, they may become just another tourist attraction with people like me taking pictures of live turtles and frogs ready for the slaughter!

Fun Flowers For Amy

Well, Paul has to go back to work tomorrow (though he's been working anyway)! It’s been a great break for both of us and we’ve enjoyed every minute. Paul’s back to long hours and I’ll be back to exploring and posting – I’m a little behind!

Just as a fun fact: florists wrap flowers like wedding bouquets even for everyday events. I would see people carrying these “flower bouquets” around and wonder what the special occasion was. But, then Paul bought me flowers today and that’s how mine were wrapped! It’s so awesome – a very beautiful presentation.

Here they are in our “Ice Bucket Vase” – how about that!

Marina Bay Countdown! It’s now Twenty Ten!!!

Happy Early New Years to our U.S. people! Have a great One! Here are some shots from our New Years Eve! The fireworks were fantastic! We started out the night not knowing what to do and ended up at Carrefour buying a bottle of Champagne and the game Upwords. We ordered Italian take-away from Bel Mondo and headed to the Executive Lounge and enjoyed a great bottle of wine with dinner and then played a round of Upwords – hmmmm…that’s kind of difficult! We then headed out to the balcony and met a great couple from Perth, Australia and shared some champagne to toast the New Year! Here are some pictures of Marina Bay and the videos of the fireworks! Enjoy!