I got to play hooky last Friday and go to Singapore with six other teachers. It was necessary to leave the country, as we entered on a tourist visa (only good for 30 days) and then complete some immigration papers in Singapore and re-enter on a work visa. The work visa is called a Kitas and is necessary for many things, like opening a bank account and receiving my shipment from home. This was all at the school's expense, which made it even more enjoyable!
Singapore was a great break from the craziness of Jakarta. It's clean, organized, the traffic is normal and everyone speaks English. I loved hearing "Mind the Gap" on the subway at the airport.
After giving up our passports to the agent working for the school, we headed for the "Singapore Flyer" which is like the "London Eye". We had great views of the city and the harbour. It's surrounded by water like Vancouver and has some very interesting and modern architecture. One skyscraper has a ship perched on top of it. Apparently when you go into it, it is an infinity pool. After the Flyer, we walked to the landmark "Raffles Hotel" where the Singapore Sling was created. The hotel was built in the late 1800s and has hosted many famous writers and actors. It is built in the colonial style, in contrast to the rest of Singapore which is very modern. When you enter the bar, you crunch, crunch across peanut shells that people toss onto the floor. (Can't believe that's allowed in Singapore since chewing gum and spitting is an offence.) A Singapore Sling was going to be $25, but for about $35 you could have the drink and fish and chips, which is what we did.
After lunch and a nice respite from the muggy heat, we caught a cab to Orchard Road, which is a trendy shopping area, similar to Robson Street, with lots of high end stores. We window shopped for a bit, then went to a cafe and watched the world go by. After an hour or so there, it was time to head back to the agent, then on to the aiport for the 1 1/2 hour flight to Jakarta. Sometime, I'd like to go back to Singapore and have a little longer. Apparently there is lots more to see.
The Singapore Flyer
The menu from Raffles.
With "London Liam" our Gym teacher at Raffles.
$25!!!!! Oh my....
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