Singapore Zoo Signs

Went to the zoo this weekend. Got up at the crack of dawn to avoid the heat. Caught a train; then caught a bus. Got there around 9:45am, just in time to see the polar bear feeding. Yes, they have polar bears in Singapore - heavily air conditioned dens!

The zoo is amazing and beautifully laid out. Got lots of cool animal pics, but it was the signs at the zoo that cracked me up.

MRT Signs

Unlike everything else in Singapore, these illustrations don't try to be multi-cultural.

They're just funny.

Carrie Bradshaw

Sarah Jessica Parker adding a little fabulousness to the Singaporean streets.

As you can see, there's no Diet Coke here. Only Coke light.

On a separate note, I heard the Ministry edited 10 minutes of SATC: the movie when it was released here this summer. Hmmm...

Singapore Flyer

A couple weeks ago I took a ride on the Singapore Flyer - the tallest observation wheel in the world (541 ft)... for now. Until Dubai and then Beijing both surpass it.

The flyer, like every indoor space in Singapore, is air conditioned, and gives you a pretty cool look of the island. I work in the central business district on the right.

On the left, you can see new parts of the island. Sand imported from Indonesia to make land for a new casino - just what every city needs.

Asian Civilisation Museum

Had the awesome opportunity to take a private tour today of the Asian Civilisation Museum (yellow bldg in the picture). My VP's husband is a tour guide there. His energy and passion alone made me excited to learn more about Hindu myths and Buddha's life.

They have a special exhibit on Vietnam this month, and it further increased my desire to travel there.

Some quick facts I learned:
1) Hinduism is the world's oldest religion

2) Buddha is from India

3) "Amok" as in "running amok" is a Malay word used to describe a sudden violent frenzy which usually ends in death

4) You can tell Arabic inventions by the prefix "al." Algebra, algorithm, almanac...etc

5) Singapore was/is the most logical trading post between China and India; hence, the reason for its rapid development as an international port city.

Dinner

Met up with some other Amex New Yorkers tonight and headed to the Golden Mile Food Center to try the famous Indian mutton bone marrow. It's messy stuff and to get the marrow you can either use a straw or you can do it the fun way...bang it against your plate and suck it straight out of the bone.

It's damn good. You use toasted bread to soak up the sauce and then wash it all down with a nice pint of sugar cane juice with sour plum. Yum!

Dali in Singapore

This statue is located across the street from my office.

Entitled "Homage to Newton," the hollow torso and head represent an open mind and open heart.

Kind of sweet, in a freaky surrealist way.