Singapore x3. WOW WOW WOW

 This city has been so exciting and welcoming, I just don’t know where to start or where to end.  From the facts: Singapore is a City-island Country. It is governed as a meritocracy, an area of about 720 sq.Km, a population of almost 7 million,Multi-racism is enshrined in their constitution, and their goal is Unity through Diversity. The city is the entire island and it is situated in a garden.  Green spaces are everywhere; up the sides of sky scrappers, on top of sky scrappers and in park areas. This city, perhaps because of their lack of natural resources, has set on a path of self sufficiency. This means for everything! Today’s blog will focus on pictures of the architecture It is simply amazing! Ive taken thousands of pictures over this three day time span… Ive tried to pick out the ones that made the biggest impression on me.  

Our first peak at the city skyline

Building across from our dock

The center building has the glass offices protruding out of the building. 

This building has greenery growing up the sides and across the building. It will eventually be totally green!

This complex is near our ship’s dock. The concept is to portray the movement of sails and indeed is names The Sails building. From every angle it appears to be moving.

Unique mix of green space and functional space

At the riverfront walk. The low old buildings in the background are some of the original shipping “shop houses” from the 1800s. The area was filled with these houses and warehouses that lines steps up from the river. All the shippers had to do was dock, climb up the stairs and take their goods to warehouses or shops. The merchants lived above their shop, hence the “shop house “ name. All of the remaining shop houses in Singapore are designated national historic sites and must be maintained as original. There are only around 7,000 left in the city and often cost into the millions to purchase.

Victorian government buildings  Now either museums or theatre centers

The MerLion. This is the symbol of Singapore. There is a legend that goes along with it to explain the birth of the country.  It is a national symbol and beloved by all.

This is an depiction of a lotus. It is a science museum

The iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and interactive entertainment center ( fancy name to avoid saying Casino) 🤣

An interesting building heading into China Town

 More shop houses on Arab street. All along this road there were many fabric dealers.

A mosque. Singapore had a religious tolerance that many countries,including ours, should try to emulate. All faiths are welcomed and beliefs are shared.

These buildings are placed together to form a circle with passageways and rooftops that are filled with greenery. This building is government Housing. Along with the one next to it. In Singapore the government provides opportunities for residents/citizens to purchase housing for modest amounts. This is not a handout, but an investment in the system.  These apartments may run as much as a million $$. But often they may be as low as a few hundred thousand. Its part of their culture to have people invested in the community and invested in the future of the city/state. The more pride in your work and your home the better it is for the future of the country. Everyone works together for the betterment of the economy and future. Time will tell if this modern Utopia works or not. Its only been 50 years so far…

Singapore is currently known as the Garden city but according to our guide, the ultimate goal is to be know as a city IN the garden instead. They sure have made progress towards that goal! Everywhere we turned there was green space which is amazing when you think about the small size of the island and the incredible sun millions who call it home!

Next post I’ll  share some of the interesting sights we saw…the night safari,orchid gardens and Singapore at night!