10 August 2011
Yesterday was Singapore's 46th National Day. It occurred to me that Singapore might be the youngest country and largest city in which I have ever lived. With the help of Google and Wikipedia I learned that, in fact, Botswana is one year younger than Singapore having been granted independence in 1966 and that Toronto has the same population as Singapore (five million). Even though it isn't the youngest or largest it has many things that make it special. Following is a list of my top ten favourite things in Singapore. They are in no particular order.
1) Changi Airport - It has won over 360 awards for customer service and security and has free internet and free massage chairs.
2) VISA debit cards - The convenience of a credit card without the debt and interest charges.
3) MRT goes directly to Changi Airport - It is so convenient, some people go to the airport just to go shopping!
4) Many styles of clothes are acceptable - From Dior to burqas; from Manolo Blahniks to flip-flops.
5) Multicultural with lots of mixed races - There are 4 official languages; English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil
6) Religious tolerance and respect - Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques and churches neighbour one another.
7) Every kind of food and drink including a few things I am hesitant to try (see The AFB -Issue #1)
8) Trees, flowers & fountains everywhere
9) Security and safety - My bank account came with a device that produces a code that adds an additional layer of security to on-line banking.
10) Chilli Sauce - yummy :-)
