Farewell to Thailand

6th of August

I didn't exactly stray too far off the beaten track while I was in Thailand but I had a really good time. I'm sorry not to have made it up to Chang Mai but at the same time I'm glad to have had 2 weeks to chill out in Ko Samui, so I guess I'll just have to come back! Thai people are very friendly and the food in this part of the world is really top notch. They really adore the Royal Family here, you see pictures of the King and Queen all over the place. I've found this quite helpful as one day blurs into the next, as a large number of people wear yellow on Mondays in honour of the King. They do this in honour of the king (who was born on a Monday).

Am waiting for my flight to Singapore and what should be playing in the background, but a cheesy instrumental version of "All kinds of everything...". Cheesy and all as it sounds, Dana's version is probably a little cheesier.

Arriving in Singapore, I decided to make my way into the city by train, which was relatively painless. My hotel is about a 5 minute walk from one of the train stations. Singapore seems like a nice place, although it does feel a little bit artificial, as it it was genetically engineered. I suppose that's partially because its a modern city. The Brits only got here in 1819, sending Sir Stamford Raffles to setup a trading post here. After grabbing a quick bite to eat one of the hawker food courts which is near my hotel, I went for a bit of a wander around downtown Singapore.

I went down to the Esplanade where in 3 days time there is a big celebration kicking off to celebrate Singapore's 42nd birthday, which should be good craic. There's a fireworks display along with a big open air concert. After wandering around the old colonial part of the city, I thought it would be fitting to stop off in Raffles hotel for a drink. Tempted to have a Singapore Sling, I was glad I checked the price list first! There's not too many times you get to drink a cocktail in the bar where it was invented. However, the S$30 price tag, even though they throw in the glass as a souveneir seemed a little expensive, a tad on the tacky side and a little reminiscent of what you'd expect to find at an American themed restaurant like TGI Friday's or Planet Hollywood. I opted for a Tiger beer instead, which at 15 dollars wasn't exactly cheap either, and that was just for a glass. That's before they add on what appears to be the obligatory 10% Service charge and then government tax on top again. The beer did taste good after walking around in the humid evening heat. I didn't expect a drink in Raffles to be cheap by any means, but I don't think its likely to become my local boozer while I'm here in Singapore.

Heading back to my hotel, it dawned on me that this is the first place I've been to in 6 weeks, where you don't have to worry about the quality of the tap water. On the whole Singapore seems like a really nice spot and I'm looking forward to doing some sight seeing tomorrow.