Observations of a Yorkshireman in Singapore

Having spent the end of 2001 working in Philadelphia I escaped to SE Asia and Singapore in January 2002. 

Here's what I wrote back then:

27 January 2002

 

Well, after three months in the USA and after two weeks here I can at last report that once again I have reached civilization.

It's a bit like the USA in that there are lots of tall buildings.

It's a bit like the USA in that there is an abundance of food. But there is more variety here. And lots of the food comes from all over the world - there is even Blue Stilton in the supermarket, or pickled onions. And supermarkets sell beer, wine etc - you don't have to go to the liquor store to get it.

This being Asia they know how to cook food. Ask for a fried egg - you get a fried egg rather than lots of questions about which way up it goes.

It's a bit like England in that shop assistants are refreshingly indifferent to whether you have a nice day or not!

 It's a bit like Italy in that fashion and cars are important to vast swathes of the populace. It's like the USA in that the road signs are in a sort of English - but like England they drive on the correct side of the road here.

 It's a bit like the USA in that they have shopping malls crowded with people. But here they are much smaller people.

 It's a bit like Thailand in that it's hot - probably hotter. But unlike Thailand you can drink the water and the traffic whilst chaotic generally stops at the lights.

 It's a bit like Malaysia in that you see women in Muslim outfits and scarves. But nowhere near as many of them. It's a bit like Hong Kong in terms of number of Chinese people

 It's a bit like everywhere these days - nothing worth watching on TV.

 It's a bit like Thailand in that the newspapers are international in content. It's a bit like Malaysia in that you only read what the government wants you to. It's a bit like the USA in that most of it's not worth reading anyway. It's a bit like everywhere but the USA in that The Economist magazine is widely available and a special expedition by train and on foot is not
needed to find somewhere that sells it.

 It's a bit like everywhere I have been but the USA in that people know that
 football is a game played by eleven men kicking a spherical ball – not some
 weird version of Rugby played by who knows how many in padded outfits and
 crash helmets throwing a ball.

 All in all it's not quite as laid back as Thailand and much more organised -
 so not quite as relaxing.