Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
I picked up a bottle of Beefeater gin from the duty free shop at Phnom Penh airport. Because my backpack was loaded to the hilt I stashed it in Elenka's bag. When we arrived at Singapore International she got nabbed for not declaring it. Actually neither of us were asked if we had booze, but it was apparently something we should have known. Customs officials brought us into an office where they studied the bottle intently and filled out forms. All the time I was recalling the stupid young b***** of a kid who'd spray-painted graffiti in Singapore some 30 years ago and wound up being caned for his 'art'. Suddenly, one of the officers asked why we were in Cambodia. After telling him the reason he looked at us as though we were mad, suggesting that the Cambodian people were very dangerous. I told him that the only dangerous looking people we encountered had long, very dirty hair, oftentimes broken teeth and were white. I stayed away from explaining that these lone-dog ex-pats were most likely escaping incarceration from their original homelands.
When the forms were completed one of the officers took us to a higher ranking official who gave us a good talking to and then provided us with a pamphlet on what you can and cannot bring into Singapore. When we walked back into the initial office with the bottle, the two arresting officers couldn't believe we were able to keep it. Then after learning that we weren't fined, their chins almost banged against their chests. I pointed at Elenka's pretty smile, then at my own hot legs and shrugged my shoulders with a devilish smile.
Over the years there have been a number of people who have told Elenka and I that they couldn't ever travel to the places we've been because of the culture shock involved. Singapore's ethnic makeup is just over 70 percent Chinese. Indians and Malays make up 20 percent. Other peoples of the world account for the balance. Elenka and I live in a yuppie enclave situated in a predominantly Chinese area of Toronto; we have our own Little India just a few kilometres away. Almost everyone we've met in Singapore speaks English. At home it ain't that way at all. If you're hesitant about travel but want to test the waters come and stay with us at our new Culture Shock Treatment facility in downtown Toronto. Rates are reasonable and upon course completion you will be awarded a personalized certificate that will allow you to travel damned near anywhere.
- comments
starlagurl Ha funny. I went into that office too, but for overstaying my visa. I thought I was going to be imprisoned but it was $100 fine or something.
Margo I tried to copy and paste a pic from the infinity pool but the site won't let me. :(
Margo This is the Marina Bay Sands. Krista and Tyler stayed there for one night of their honeymoon trip. It has a beautiful infinity pool at the top. You can purchase a day pass and spend the day lounging by the pool. Imagine, you can feed your Elenka grapes or perhaps a beverage made from the grape and enjoy a beautiful sunset together.
David Baril :-) !
Margo Maybe when U of T updates the area around the Planetarium they'll take this creative design into account. Speaking of which, I miss the Planetarium. I loved it! I mean I really loved it!
David Baril Great story and terrific photos! Makes me want to visit Singapore!
Peter & Mandy Mmm might one suggest that it was your legs that got you into hot water in the first place. Singapore has standards don't you know . Mandy and I brought in a truck load of booze no problem . Just saying........
Margo That was funny! Enjoying the pics.Keep those cards and letters coming :)
Katharine You sure it was your legs that did the trick? Sounds like you are having a fabulous trip. You're only missing the worst weather we've had all winter. Looking forward to drinks on your return.
Stephanie Uh, I will pass.
Stephanie Cool!
Leta McGowan Hi Ellie & Jack,Another great blog & photos, love the colorful funky buildings (& funky lady of course!) Glad to hear you survived the Customs ordeal & didn't lose your bottle, make sure to study pamphlet, lol. Take care & continue to enjoy your adventures. xo
Majka How come we didn`t get a certificate? :)
Dinah Watts HI Jack and Ellen! Finally catching up on these blogs and enjoying myself like crazy! Love the offer of the culture shock treatment facility. xoxoxoxo