DO NOT: Spit. Criticize the government. Jaywalk. Smoke in public. Drink (even water) on the metro. Litter. Read Porn. Have dents in your car. Be a public nuisance. Offend decency. But other than these minor details, Singapore is a pretty amazing place. It's modern, clean, friendly, welcoming, efficient, and beautiful. With a combination of cultures (mostly Chinese, but many others mixed in) and a focus on enterprise, it's an anomaly in Southeast Asia. The contrasts are startling (modern high-rises, traditional folk art and temples).
It's so efficient that street signs tell you exactly how many places are available in local parking garages.
On the first evening, I was invited to speak at a dinner of dignitaries from Singapore, followed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (when you listen to him, you levitate).
It doesn't get much better than this. Today, Reading Day (with a panel on the Vietnam War --draft protesters and vets-- plus a lecture by Larry Bell on the Vietnam conflict). Tomorrow, Vietnam.
DO NOT: Spit. Criticize the government. Jaywalk. Smoke in public. Drink (even water) on the metro. Litter. Read Porn. Have dents in your car. Be a public nuisance. Offend decency. But other than these minor details, Singapore is a pretty amazing place. It's modern, clean, friendly, welcoming, efficient, and beautiful. With a combination of cultures (mostly Chinese, but many others mixed in) and a focus on enterprise, it's an anomaly in Southeast Asia. The contrasts are startling (modern high-rises, traditional folk art and temples).
It's so efficient that street signs tell you exactly how many places are available in local parking garages.
On the first evening, I was invited to speak at a dinner of dignitaries from Singapore, followed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (when you listen to him, you levitate).
It doesn't get much better than this. Today, Reading Day (with a panel on the Vietnam War --draft protesters and vets-- plus a lecture by Larry Bell on the Vietnam conflict). Tomorrow, Vietnam.
Oh my - this is fascinating! Thanks for sharing. Kristin
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