Singapore (not walking around)

My trip to Singapore hasn't included much walking around the parts, it's mostly walking short distances then sitting. Never the less, I think it's worth including, if only as a contrast to other journey's.

 

At first I thought Singapore was just a weird big city, but I have to admit it's growing on me. It has a very Las Vegas unreality, it's all glittery and made up. And you know how I feel about Las Vegas. 

It feels like the future here. It's a totally three dimensional space, you'll be somewhere and think you are on the ground floor and then it turns out it's 5 stories up,... but after you got off the bus went through that parking garage and then down those stairs and that seemingly subterrainian maze of walkways and now you are out on a sky bridge between two buildings and wow that's a long way down, wait... Huh?

This is partly due to the fact that at least 50% of any journey between two points is through some sort of indoor or semi-indoor space. The mark of true luxury seems to be to never go outside except when it's picturesque or you are going in an insanely over the top pool,

 

at your apartment,

on top of a 6 story mall.

Our local taxi driver told us the best mall was so great because you arrive there on the train and can go to four different malls without going outside. Although, after the deluge I experienced my first day here, perhaps it is purely ultilitarian.

My first day here it rained. I mean it rains every day, but this was RAIN. I lived in Oregon for many years and still I was amazed. And there was lightening close enough to be blinding and for the thunder to have no delay whatsoever. Apparently, Singapore has the most lightening strikes of any place, and also the most lightening related fatalities, I was told as we waited for the bus, in a puddle of water, in a lighting storm. I saw huge bolts hitting two buildings, including that crazy one with the boat on top. You know the one I mean.

Apparently, the thing to do in Singapore is go to the Mall. My former boss told me that when they had their new student mixer to get to know the incoming undergrads in Geology, they asked everyone what their strengths were, what was something they thought they were good at. Every one said "shopping". All the nice restaurants are in the mall, as well as some government agencies. I will visit the mall where "you don't even need to go outside" tomorrow. You have to embrace these cultural experiences when you are traveling. I will report in afterward.