Asia Adventure 2012: Singapore

After breakfast, Greg left for a full day of meetings at Nan Yang University which was located about a half hour drive across town. Left to my own devices for the day, I spent most of the morning sorting through photos and updating the blog. Then I headed to the rooftop gym and had a vigorous workout for about an hour, watching the sprinkling of rain progress to a white out downpour. Once the deluge was finished, I had a cooling off swim in the pool. Then I headed off to High Tea.

Reflecting on Singapore some more, it really is quite the meshing of western and traditional values. The relatively high standard of living here is influenced by the consumerism of the west. But the growing middle class is very generous and supportive of social programs. Recently, the budget did not have any perks at all for the middle-class, middle-aged population. Instead, it focussed on improving conditions for low-income and elderly citizens and the reaction, as captured in the newspaper was full support of the budget. The middle-class individuals surveyed were very happy to share the wealth and were happy to be in a position where they did not need help themselves. The wealthier senior citizens interviewed were committed to supporting themselves in their own homes, rather than moving into senior accommodations provided by the government. Clinging to their independence, their plans were to pass their homes along to their children, rather than selling and taking advantage of the tax incentives. All in all, Singapore although adopting western consumerism, has maintained traditions of caring for vulnerable and elderly populations.

It was nice to be able to drink the tap water again. Singapore is quickly becoming an incredibly green country; recycling, conserving water, products derived from recycled materials, minimizing office lighting at night, etc. But one thing about Australia and Singapore is air-conditioning and doors wide open. I think we are way ahead of them in this regard. But I suppose a little eastern seaboard blackout was inspirational in that regard.

Greg arrived back from the university well after 6pm because he could not get a cab, so had to take public transit. Singapore has an awesome and expansive, efficiently run system. But the fares vary depending on how far you go.

At dinner, there was a birthday celebration for little boy who turned one. He was way too cute and reminded us of Aidan, being busy, busy, busy. But lucky for us, we got another Skype call from Aidan and Drew because it was family day and Aidan’s daycare was closed. Drew was at home hanging out with Aidan while Andrea was still fighting her bug. He’s walking around now hanging on to things with only one hand and occasionally taking a few steps on his own.

Can you believe? I didn't take any pictures today? So, I'm going to share more pics taken yesterday at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.