Things I have learnt in Singapore already...

• I'm still addicted to BUYING books
• Books are a sensible price, i.e. I do not have to spend the GDP of Switzerland for a 60 year old out of copyright book
• It's hot and humid. It's not the sun that's just hot, EVERYTHING is hot. Buildings, on the same scale, are freeezing (inside them that is)
• The Suntec City Mall has over 75 billion shops.
• My trousers are too loose
• Apparently it's labour day.
• Some malls sounds like techno clubs
• Electronic goods are not stunningly cheap and there is a lack of unknown brand rip offs I was hoping for.
• Bartering involves the shop keeper lying, not including GST and being mean.
• There are very few white people. Which is cool, though no one seems surprised I'm around.
• VCDS are common here
• Everything is English.
• I am suspicious of how they measure millilitres.
  

1st May 2008

So after landing, I successfully navigated my way to the shuttle, and chatted to a couple from Birmingham while waiting for it. Only $9 and the ride was far longer than I realised, good tour of the city. Arrived, checked in to my very nice, though tiny single room. Own tele and DVD player and kettle. Went on the free internet for a while, then watched some tele before passing out. Woke up at 3.30am, shaved, then passed out once more. Woke at 10, showered, prepared myself, asked receptionist about places to buy cameras and then soldiered outside. Where I instantly melted. Had a croissant and coffee, then walked over river to digital mall, where I spent a while browsing everywhere and buying a micro to mini SD adapter. I then ventured out, aiming for Sin Lin Square, which I eventually found after some how losing all sense of direction, which I only seem to do on my own. Eventually found it, used a disgusting loo (which surprised me for SP) and began bartering with various shopkeeps. Learnt a few of the scams and eventually got the exact camera I wanted (Casio Exilim S10) for a decent price. ish.

I did some more wandering, before finding a quiet food area and chose a Korean/Japanese restaurant, where I told the waitress to get me whatever she liked. And some spring rolls. And a DC. She got me Beef teriaki, which was yum and quite cheap. The slogan of the restaurant was "Original Good Taste, Lingers Your Heart" which I thought was excellent. I then trekked to Suntec City Mall, which is the size of Australia and have spent ages in here perusing many shops and places. Bought an Asimov book (The Complete Robot) and just had a mocha so I could write this all down with a pen that is far to thing to be practical. I may aim for the boat quay now.

Love Tom.