by
Travelin' Tony T (Editor @ Large)
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Eating
and drinking make up just a small portion of recreational
activities here. There are tons of things to see and do all
over the region. Walking any number of areas will provide
wonderful views of everything from ultra-modern skyscrapers
to lush parks and scenic river ways. The "Quays" along the
Singapore River are popular tourist spots with their combination
of shops, restaurants, bars and patios. I'm sitting riverside
while writing this article; I just can't stay away from the
water too long. You can stroll along, or grab a half hour
ride in a traditional Asian riverboat for $10 (SIN). The river
rocks day and night, depending on your desire.
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If
the beach is your thing, head to the local "Attraction!", Sentosa
Island. This area teems with ways to occupy your time. Just getting
there is a diverse adventure. You can ride a cable car down from
Faber Mountain, take a ferry over from the mainland or simply grab
one of the convenient buses. Once you set foot on Sentosa sand,
you won't be wanting for things to do.
Aside
from the beaches (with their imported sand), you can check out the
aquarium, the historical fortress, the water park, golf and tons
more. As well as the usual shops, clubs and eateries. Ride the monorail
from site to site, but beware of the long lines, especially on the
weekends. There are also buses along certain routes and a "Beach
Train" that rolls along the seaside. Or
try renting a bike or horse drawn carriage.
A
day at Sentosa will certainly be a memorable one. As with any day
in this climate, wear sunscreen, bring cool clothing, drinking water
and an umbrella.
Though
the temperature rarely fluctuates from its equatorial 26-32
degrees Celsius, you can almost guarantee it will rain at
some point during the day, and a downpour can happen in a
heartbeat. This is even truer during the "rainy" season, or
their version of Winter (Dec-Feb). The first thing you'll
notice is the humidity. I'm talking thick as soup, slap you
in the face, sweat til you drop, sticky ! Hey, I love warmth,
but this air is just plain different from anything you will
experience in most of the rest of the World. There were times
when I almost (I say almost) wished for a good old Canadian
snow bank to jump in to. The key is to stay indoors when you
can, among the sweet air conditioners. |
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live theatre scene is thriving here as well. Given the conservative
nature of most of the population, it's interesting that sex
is the big topic on stage in Singapore. They don't discuss
such controversial topics as domestic violence or political
discontent, so having some flesh in the mix seems a natural
drawing card for local productions. Currently raising the
curtain are plays such as "The Vagina Monologues", "Shopping
and F***ing" (yup, that's what it's called) and "Asian Boys"
(featuring transvestites). The sex thing started in London
awhile back with nude performances by Nicole Kidman and Jerri
Hall (Mick's ex, or did they get back together again??). Now
Singaporean audiences are flocking out for the flesh. Sex
sells ! Not to say that there aren't other offerings for those
uninterested in titillation. Everything from the Pulitzer
prize winning "Rent" to family oriented productions await
behind a curtain near you. [MORE].....
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