WECLOME TO ASIA! We decided to start the voyage into our next continent via Singapore.  Flights were good, and we thought it was a good of place as any.  When we arrived to Singapore we were struck but just how orderly and easy to navigate it was.  First of all, English is one of their (four!) official language and is considered the country’s ‘main’ language.

In Singapore things fall into a certain patter and routine.  There were signs all over the city informing people what to do, how to act, and giving an overall sense of calmness to the situation.

In many ways, it was quite nice.  Hardly a spot of litter to be seen, no stray animals running around, a general sereneness.  Even the subway station was silent.

I emailed a friend of mine (an American gal living in Asia) and told her my initial thoughts. “Oh yes Singapore!” she responded  “Lovely place.  We call it a fine city, meaning the government will give you a fine any chance it gets.”  I thought this was funny but also slightly ominous.  Don’t do anything illegal in Asia!  Not that we ever would, but other countries seem a bit more lenient.  If you happen to jaywalk in Argentina, Spain or Italy, you smile at the police officer on your way to the curb.  If you jaywalk in Singapore, you use your one phone call to get bail money. I still vividly remember the 1994 controversy in Singapore, when an ambassador’s son was sentenced to caning for vandalizing and theft.  A quick google search just indicated that caning is still legal and  used in Singapore.  Lord have mercy.

Needless to say, no issues surrounding corporal punishment arose.  We were pleasantly surprised by the polite and kind citizens of this city/state. People on the street were just so darn helpful.  We rode the city bus (which was air-conditioned, and super clean) to and from the airport.  Numerous people helped us with our luggage, telling us to move  here or there, offering us more space whenever it was available.

Fun fact: There was sign on the subway (of course) telling people to please refrain from eating while riding.  I asked Julia offhandedly if many people ate on the buses and subways in Philadelphia.  She responded “I’m pretty sure a woman went into labor and gave birth on the Market Frankford line so. . yeah, I don’t think anyone is too troubled by soft pretzel or cheese steak.”  Man, I love Philly.

While we were in Singapore we crossed over the border into Malaysia to see Julia’s college friend. What a treat it was to have her friend show us around.  She has lived many places in her young life (Hong Kong, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Philadelphia, San Diego!)  It was really sweet to spend a couple of days with her and her family.