Happy New Year in Singapore!
It's 2018 and I've taken my first trip of the year -- to the Philippines. On our way to the incredible archipelago, we stopped for a weekend in Singapore. As a native New Yorker, Singapore blew my mind.
I have never seen such an organized, clean, safe, green and orderly big city. Everything was just so streamlined and easy! Our Uber driver referred to it as the often called "Singa-BORE" and that it was a "fine" city, as in you get fined and taxed for everything.
In the subway were cute cartoon characters that taught different manners such as putting your bag down for more people to fit, giving up your seat, and not eating durian or drinking. The platform ground had lines so you knew where to stand and how to line up to get into the train seamlessly. Everyone had to come out first, and then you could go in.
The train stop map told you which side the doors would open at each stop. The stations were so clean, we actually saw a man sweeping up like 2 grains of dust.
The amazing thing is that of course many people abide by these rules in NYC or other big cities, but EVERYONE seemed to obey them in Singapore. In several social situations, we watched what everyone else did first, and then acted. We definitely did not want to do anything wrong there and stick out!
I managed to get ONE sketch in for Singapore of the giant baby statue.
Our accommodation location couldn't be any better. We stayed in Little India at the Wanderlust Hotel which was especially amazing because each capsule room was a different Pantone color from ceiling to floor. The streets were bustling at night with shoppers, a concert outside the Indian Heritage Center and lots of food.
It rained everyday that we were there and we were actually grateful because it cooled the weather down. Several people told us that this was COLD for them... and we were stunned. I was sweating! It's definitely a bad hair city.
The loveliest opportunity in Singapore was to make a guest illustrator appearance at the beautiful bookshop, Woods In The Books, in the Tiong Bahru area.
Photos by the Woods in The Books Team
We started off with a reading...
Photo by Sam Murray
And then we continued the fun with some mask making and coloring!
Photos by the Woods in The Books Team
I was very impressed by their attention and interest in the story. Lucia the Luchadora seems to charm children of all backgrounds in many parts the world!
After the crafting was over, I signed the books and made sure to buy some Singaporean children's books! Already carrying books in my luggage, and it was only the 2nd day of the trip. I just can't help myself!
Photos by the Woods in The Books Team
Singapore,
We will be back.