Weekend in Singapore: The tourist part

Libraries offer more than books!

We hadn't planned this trip, so we were challenged deciding what to do between meals. We had booked tickets to a performance at the National Library - an impressive, green, and multi-use building. In addition to the show we got to watch a tai chi class.

S'pore artist's (Justin Lee) 21st
century warriors

We decided to visit the Asian Civilisations Museum; we were attracted by the exhibit of the terra cotta warriors. A thoroughly amazing exhibit; we were surprised with how large the warriors are. The warriors are worth a visit when a similar exhibit visits your town. We will go to the museum again even without warriors. A favorite gallery showed the changes on the Singapore River - now clean, but missing the chaos of river life.

Jurong Bird Park seemed worth a revisit - from Metro to clean, organized bus interchange it was an easy trip, so different from the diesel spewing station of the past. We had a little time, so we watched a lively bird show, visited the penguins at feeding time, and fed the lorries. We also revisited Haw Par Villa; it did not amuse Brendan as much as it did when he was 7.

Singapore does not let a holiday/festival go by uncelebrated. Chinatown was still decorated with lanterns, although the mooncakes of the autumn festival were gone. Little India was decked out for Diwali (Diwali bazaars just started appearing in KL). We understand Christmas decorations will go up at the end of October - and by late December Chinese New Year's decorations appear.

Chinatown the last lanterns of the autumn festival

Little India - lit up for Diwali

We snapped the "No Way Out" sign for its existential message; it may also capture the Tourist Bureau's hope that one will stay a bit longer.