my transit hotel was in the heart of the arab quarter and by night looked sketchy. but knowing that singapore is one of the safest places in the world, i ventured out at 2:30am in search of food. despite my best bleary-eyed attempt, i could not for the life of me find the 7-11 to buy any snacks. remembering an open cafe on arab street, i found my way through the neighborhood until the sounds of laughing singaporese (or whatever you call them) were like a beacon leading me towards salvation. i sank into a musty old sofa while middle eastern techno blared on the stereo next to me. i took the advice of the proprietor and ordered a chicken wrap to go. i watched the clock strike 3am while waiting. i finally made it back to my hotel, ate just the fries, took a blissful shower, took a sleeping pill and hit the sack.
in the morning, the sun's early light illuminated the spartan nature of my accomodations. little did i know that the overly firm bed would seem pillow-like in comparison to the beds in india. my room afforded me a great view of a building that i swear to god was used as the prototype for the monolithic building in AI where little robot, haley joel osmet, goes in search of the blue mary.
i had planned to trek all over the city, but after arriving at the botanical gardens around 11am, i found myself way too entranced to leave. i walked the entire thing and took over 300 photos of the foliage, especially the amazing orchid garden. after 3 hours of the sweltering heat, sticky thighs and an aching shoulder from my burdensome backpack, i finally took a break with an iced fresh watermelon juice and people watched. i can't remember the last time that i spent an entire day alone, not talking to anyone unless necessary. i haven't felt so peaceful in a long, long time. i was so busy taking it all in that i don't even think i had any real thoughts of any consequence...just observations, smells and sounds.
i did cruise orchard road in a cab on my way back to the hotel. the shopping is undoubtably amazing and most likely unparalleled. i was far more interested in my hotel's neighborhood.
i went back to the hotel to wait for my transfer and dropped my bag with the bellhop and went to wander around my neighborhood. i was amazed that all the boarded up and lonely streets were alive with silk vendors and cafes. by the light of day, it was another place entirely. there was even a huge sultan mosque right in view of the hotel that i didn't even see last night. i took a bunch of pictures again, had a cup of tomato soup and hopped on my transit shuttle. i now have far too much time on my hands in the singapore airport where the shopping is but a mere reflection of orchard road. if i know what's good for me, i'll hunker down with my book and pass the time sans consumerism.
i thought this sensor activated fountain was hilarious...something lost in the translation?
ps...i'm absolutely thrilled to see jake and get to delhi tonight!
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