Well, I am at Singapore airport and have 2 1/2 hours to kill. Free internet, so seemed a good idea to bring this up-to-date while I have the opportunity.

Still can't put photos on (depends if the computer will upload the program to install them, most won't) so we still have the Indian elephant picture ...........

I have really enjoyed myself here, Singapore is a fantastic mixture of history of mixed races along with the modern and it all sits together quite well. Over all the hostel was good, the staff couldn't have been more helpful and apart from the non sleeping stuff I have no complaints.

I learn't a lot about the country. The different coloured highrise flats are the social housing which most of the people live in, I think that they are available to buy but there are strict rules to this. Only married couples may buy and they must marry and live with either of the parents until their application has been approved , singles may buy but not until they have reached the age of 35yrs. If a couple divorce they may buy a property as a sole purchaser. (but I bet it's not easy!!)

Raffles (Beach Resort as it once was) does not have rooms only suites, and the major road (Beach Road) which is in front of the hotel was once the beach, Singapore has reclaimed a lot of land although I think this has now stopped as if they had completed much more it would not have been an island anymore! I think the reclaimed land is 22% of the island (but that could be wrong, I don't do numbers )

So off now to Melbourne ......................