tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103195906643100227.post1458019617860057533..comments2024-03-27T14:58:09.318-07:00Comments on Shannon & Andrew's Blog: FlyingAndrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14804100673748502872noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3103195906643100227.post-67376251615363686672011-05-07T09:50:29.590-07:002011-05-07T09:50:29.590-07:00Singapore is a great first Southeast Asian city to...Singapore is a great first Southeast Asian city to visit. Or one to visit as a holiday from Southeast Asian cities, since it's clean and services run efficiently.<br /><br />It's kind of difficult to explain, the closest I've come in one sentence is that it's what happens when you pour bathroom detergent cleaner all over a Southeast Asian city: it's got the same architecture, language and people, but it's a little antiseptic, with a sense that the authorities will fine you for anything fun they don't like.<br /><br />There are fines for chewing gum, littering, jaywalking, and the subway has its own list of fines. Singaporeans joke that theirs is a "fine city" because of the long list.<br /><br />I'm sure you can get off the beaten track and get closer to the hectic and chaotic (more lively?) feel, but rather than feel like a city that's scrubbed up and house-proud, you get the feeling it was dragged into a strict boarding school and had discipline imposed.<br /><br />As you mentioned in the part about the President not being challenged in elections, Singapore doesn't seem to be a free society. There's something repressed about it.<br /><br />I will say it's a great place for expats with families, as it's safe, medical facilities and hospitals are first class, and I believe there are great international schools. Oh, and Singapore Airlines is consistently voted the best airline in the world. Andrew's sister should have a great time, and if you get to visit her you will, too.wozhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03996801814352407478noreply@blogger.com