Now I read a guide book or two about Singapore and it’s penchant constructing and demolishing buildings on a regular basis but it really doesn’t hit you until you walk around. Not only is there building work going on in every third building, but there are new pavements being laid, drains being re-piped…it just goes on and on – It really is a state in continual transition.
The few old buildings which shine back to Singapores past seem to be hidden away and unpublicised which begged me to ask the questions:
Where is Singapore’s wealth from and Why is their a lack of historical context around the city? A wikipedia search later:
Since independence, Singapore’s standard of living has risen dramatically. Foreign direct investment and a state-led drive to industrialisation based on plans drawn up by the Dutch economist Albert Winsemius have created a modern economy focused on industry, education and urban planning.[8] Singapore is the 5th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP (PPP) per capita.
As for why it seems to lack any throwbacks, I’m stumped. Especially as it seems that historical establishments would agree with the strategy put forward by their Economic Guru, Albert Winsemius:
One of his earliest pieces of advice was not to remove the statue of Stamford Raffles as it was a symbol of public acceptance of the British heritage and could alleviate concerns that investors have toward a new socialist government.
Interesting times but as for what I think of Singapore – underwhelming. Bar the incredible variety of food at the numerous “hawker stalls”, nothing has really stood out as shwoing me the real singapore. It seems to be a maze of high rise appartment blocks, high end shops, construction sites and bustling roads. There seem to be more tourists and migrant workers than actual Singaporeans and any I have come across seem to be resentful of the fact there are more of us than them (though that may just me be me…).
All in all a strange place that I haven’t liked too much to be honest. Although this opinion is only based on my epic 12 mile trek around Singapore today but I tend to find you always get the truest picture of a place when you simply explore as opposed to having a nailed on itinerary…
To Follow: Pictures and my impressions on the other activities I do around SG
