A Swing through Singapore

Hello from Jenni! As we wing our way past Mozambique, arching over the cloud ruffled shore of Tanzania in our Singapore Airlines 777 overnight flight, I finally have some perspective on Singapore. Our 2 AM flight from Changi Airport to Johannesburg was ‘retimed’ to 3:40AM and the flight was continually rough, frequently awakening those fortunate to be able to sleep in the confines of the cabin seats.

I read “Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven’ by Susan Jane Gilman on this overnight journey…it fit perfectly into the space I’ve left open for this new adventure, describing how one steps off the edge of the planet when embarking on an expedition. There’s only so much planning that can be accomplished and counted upon: the rest is up to chance, openness to the moment, and embracing the unknown.

After spending a few intense months in Bangkok (so much time that I consider it to be home right now) the appearance of Singapore jarred my sensibilities. It is an absolute jewel.

The vegetation and architecture are stunning. It is clean, clean, clean. It’s citizens are culturally diverse and polite. Very polite. And it is not frenetic. Not even during rush hour.

It reminds me of a gigantic film set; all the humans and buildings appear to be scripted. I can’t say that I miss the combined fragrance of sewer, jasmine, fish balls and chili that perfume the sois of Bangkok, the endless caravans of street dogs and begging elephants, and vendor stalls clogging the thoroughfares but there is something so strategically careful at first glance of this great metropolis that I was flattened emotionally. I couldn’t react.

Michael, who happens to be the best tour guide in the universe, is always careful to offer just enough information to tantalize, but allows the unveiling of any destination to unfold gracefully and the interpretation to be left to my eyes, to my heart. He answers questions as they arise. Read more