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I don't quite know how to describe my perceptions of Singapore. So a couple of observations.
The architecture - sort of crazy - like the town planners are high on the new. Each structure looks amazing - big ooh Aah factor. There is a huge,three towered building - probably 60 stories high, with the depiction of a giant ship on top of it, straddling the three towers.
There is massive amounts of construction work - cranes reaching over the city - Barriers and orange bunting, cyclone fencing and huge areas tarpaulined off- but it feels like it will always be like that because there will always be something new to build and old to tear down.
It feels sort of utopian but with a 1984 manifesto as its undercurrent. Amazing buildings - incredibly clean - and then statues of smiling families with plaques... "this happy family of five with smiles on their faces has arrived at Esplanade in high spirits..."
Its like... This is what we portray and this is how you will be. I guess that sounds harsh and is probably wrong and unfair. I was only there for a day and cannot really know anything - but it was just this impression that sat in the back of my cortex.
The dripping heat - like a shroud. When the air sticks to you, you know it's humid. I got up just after 6am and went for a walk - note to self... If you are going to Singapore - even for 1 day - pack a pair of shorts. Even at that hour the humidity was amazing. I got my camera out and it was instantly fogged up. As I walked to the marina I noticed a smell- sort of wet, dank, rotting - everything must break apart and decompose at an amazing rate. And then someone walks past you in the street and they smell so clean- such a contrast to the air.
And I really want to come back here. Everyone I met was so friendly and helpful. And their art is amazing.
So right now I am flying at 30000 ft over the Adaman sea. We climb up next to clouds that seemed to be moulded from some magical solid material. They reached up and up - and we glided above them. Now, at such a height we have moved into another cloud bank and have hit some turbulence, so I will have to wait until it calms down before the flight crew can give me the beef ghoulash.
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