14 countries, 2 continents, 14 nights spent on trains and countless train & bus journeys later and I've made it from London to Singapore overland - Its been an amazing experience and a real privilege to see the changes in landscape, cultures and communities as I've crossed each boarder. But, tonight the over landing ends for a while as I board my first plane and make the 7hr 50min journey to Brisbane - finally I get to go to the land of Oz and see what all the fuss is about!
Being in Singapore is like living in a real life Vegas...the streets are perfectly clean, tall trees line every street, the MRT (underground train) runs to time, the platforms are spotless and people walk in an orderly fashion and it is impossible to walk for 5 minutes without coming across a shopping mal which would rival any you've ever been to anywhere in the world! It's a far cry from the other countries I've visited in Asia and although I admire their prosperity and indeed the amazing way they integrate the various people groups resident in the city, it almost feels to clean, to pure, to perfect and as a result lacks the interest or intrigue of its neighbours. however, the biggest reason for needing to limit my stay here to a couple of days is more practical - Its soooo expensive!! Yes, on my first night I did the obligatory trip to the raffles hotel long bar for a Singapore Sling, but at S$24++ a time, one was enough before heading back to the hostel for cans of tiger on the roof!
So, having done the city bus tour, river boat cruise, spent time meandering my way through the botanical gardens, rode the cable car across to Sentosa Island and visited the famous landing site of Sir Raffels and the British East India company, its time to bid farewell to Asia and reflect on the amazing journey which started at Waterloo Station back in October and has been a rolercoaster ride which is maybe best described as the longest but most informative history/geography field trip I've ever undertaken.
Now its time to click those shiny red shoes, avoid the lions, tigers and bears - I'm off to see the Wizard....
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2 comments:
Well I'm glad it wasn't another arm sling!
Hello darlin girl, what fantastic experiences you've had and people you've met. Can't wait until you get back to house group and tell us more about them. We miss you and cant wait to see you. By the time we have all returned from very wet British holidays it will be nearly time for your return. Church renovation still not started waiting for the manse to be sold for the finances. It is SOOOOO frustrating. The houses opposite the church are nearly finished we need the new building to be able to fit potential people in!!. Have fun on the 'last leg' much love Ann x
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