Today we followed a Lonely Planet walking route around the Colonial District, starting at the Esplanade Theatre. This is a modern complex that resembles two halves of a durian, with sparkling glass and metal cladding. Inside is a shopping mall, the city's premiere theatres, and an art space - where we saw a neat collection of pixel art versions of famous paintings, such as David's Napoleon and Botticelli's Birth of Venus. You could even tailor your own version of Michelangelo's Creation of Man from the Sistine Chapel.
Got a bit lost outside, as the streets are all fenced off for next week's Formula 1 night race. We eventually made it through some underground malls, resurfacing at the War Memorial, and then walking along the City Hall, Supreme Court and Parliament buildings. The sun was scorching, so we had lunch at the Clarke Quay, which is on the riverside. Despite being dressed in shorts, sandals and Army of Darkness t-shirt, we gained entry into the upmarket Peony Jade, where the food was exquisite. The highlights were the baked cod with mango sauce, and the large prawns with curry leaf.
Fortified, we assaulted Fort Canning park, an intimidating hill that rises abruptly out of the flat city. The British had their war bunkers up here, which I will visit another time. It's quite a sight to be up so high, looking across at skyscrapers through a dense jungle! Down the other side, we wandered through a few exhibits at the Singapore National Museum. There was one on women's fashion over the years, the local film and changi (Chinese opera) scene, and our current favourite subject: food! We've already talked about the food here, but it really is a central part of Singapore's cultural fabric. The way different ethnic food styles have hybridised over time reflects how the different peoples here have integrated. It was actually quite touching to read how the food courts mix customers from all backgrounds and social classes. Well, food this tasty should make everyone feel agreeable all the time!
Zipped home via Doby Ghaut MRT station for some poolside RNR, before heading out again to Outram Park to join a Chinese lantern procession. By mistake or boldness, we managed to nab a couple of free lantern (and snack) packs. We lit these up and entered the happy throngs, marching behind drummers, a swooping, circling dragon dance troupe, and some men with an extremely tall flagpole which they were balancing on their heads (with mixed success). Ended up at the waterfront once more, but could now see the displays lit up. We then had an appointment to meet Alistair, the brother of a friend of ours, who has been living here for years. Had a good time drinking extremely expensive Asahi and meeting some fun new people.
Sunday was a big recovery day!
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