Singapore
Singapore is a small island country that sits at end of the Malacca Strait and provides a convenient stopping point to ships going through the strait. Large numbers of container ships sail through the Malacca Strait, many stopping at Singapore. The channel, a global choke point, transits a fifth of the world’s seaborne trade and a third of the world’s crude oil shipments.
A friend from Singapore says that they have no natural resources to export so they get rich by hardware work and being smart. Singapore is a very expensive place with a high-income level. As a former British colony, English is the main language and you can see rugby, soccer and cricket are their main sports.
Singapore is known as the Switzerland of Asia for its cleanliness, high standard of living and conservative laws. Paul pointed out that the customs for say before you even come into the country that if you are caught with drugs, you will be put to death, quickly. Chewing gum is not allowed, you do not see any litter or any graffiti. It is very green with lush vegetation, palm trees and jungle trees with vines.
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Most of the new high rises are banking and shipping establishments or very expensive hotels. Because the country of Singapore is only 25 x 15 miles in size, most people live in high rise apartment houses. The place looks like Dubai – architects gone wild – there are many modern and different looking buildings in the Marina District where we stayed.
One of the most unusual buildings in the new Sands Casino and Resort which is the building with 3 legs and a top with trees and a large swimming pool. Paul and I paid $20 to go to the top and look out (57 floors). This new building cost $5.5 Billion to make and employs 15,000 people – it is very impressive and has a great view!
