July 11, 2005

• On preview: I sound like a bit of a nut really - why would you go to a place you are not particularly interested in? I'm going there to visit a mate of mine - but he'll be working for some of the time I'm there so I need to amuse myself for a bit.
• Paging Alnedra...
• As in many of life's situations, ask yourself what Alan Partridge would do. Check out the ladyboys.
• There's a "tequila bar / microbrewery" that goes by the name of Brewwerks, which is operated by an American bloke. I haven't been, but I've heard good things from friends. Well, that is if you are into rather unknown indie bands that will rock your ass off punk mexi-style! For the most part, I've always been somewhat bored while visiting Singapore. That doesn't mean there aren't some quirky places/things to see and do. If you are going around by yourself, I would recommend just getting off the "beaten path" and exploring a bit. Well, that's my time-honored method - I ignore the guide books and go with my senses. I've always enjoyed exploring Singapore's Hindu temples.
• And while we're at it, does anybody know of anything to do in Little Rock, Arkansas? Seriously, been there twice, still looking for a way to stay entertained.
• Paging middleclasstool ...
• There is a wonderful english pub in this shopping mall in Little Rock that makes a mean Singapore Sling.
• The most interesting place I could recommend in Singapore was shut down by the government in the 80s, I think. It was a neighborhood on Albert Street where there were food vendors and you could get all kinds of real local food, not disneyfied for English and American visitors. I had the pleasure of eating there with a friend of my father's when I was a teenager. Maybe someone can tell you where that kind of food has moved. You won't like all of it, but it's worth a try.
• ooo at Annadhanam temple there is such a thing as a free lunch... Very much into unknown indie bands so I may check that out - cheers sugarmilktea. squidranch = cheeky bugger (~^)
• Touristy stuff that's still pretty nice: Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo; Little India at Serangoon Road; Chinatown (go try out this teahouse while you're there* for really good Chinese tea and awesome dim sum). East Coast has really good seafood (check prices before sitting down at any of the places; they don't differ by much, but you never know). There are hawker centres still all around Singapore, but not really in the town area. Try taking the MRT to some housing estates and look for hawker centres around there instead. Hawker centres are like food courts, but cheaper and better (but much warmer since it's open air). If you have the time, try taking a coach to Malaysia. Say, Malacca (or Melaka), which should cost maybe 14 SGD either way. Buy a single and then buy a ticket from there back, I recall it was cheaper that way, due to the exchange rates. Small town, but quite a bit of history. And great seafood at good prices. If you like nature, try going to one of the islands. Not many people go, especially on weekdays. Places not to try: Most of the museums (unless you're interested in Singapore history, or if it's a Wednesday evening after 6pm, when entry is free); Sentosa (overpriced, and frankly nothing special); Orchard Road (unless you just love crowds and shopping, in that order. For electronic stuff, go to Funan Centre instead. Ask your hostel/hotel staff how to get to it from where you are). *I might still have tea there. Say you're a friend of Su Yian's and ask if I still have tea there you can try. Their dim sum and lunch menus are quite reasonable.
• Thanks Alnedra - the teashop looks good and may be the perfect quick-stop omiyage place for the rellies. ah dim sum...drools
• ha ha ladyboys