Singapore - Nov 25-28

We'll start with a bit of small world syndrome: while staving off the effects of dehydration at Manila's Ultimate tournament two weeks ago, I ran into Adam, who also hails from Airdire Alberta, and was playing in the tournament as well. The Turner family and mine had crossed paths many times quite a bit earlier in history, but Adam having 5 other brothers, most of whom schooled around the same time as me, it's never wholly unlikely to meet randomly with one of the bros. Adam has been teaching in Singapore for the past 2 years and invited Justin and I to recharge at his place once we had left the Philippines.

Very quickly I was to learn that Singapore is unlike any city I've visited yet. Singapore is a city, and exists as its own country, much like the Vatican. Its fills a small tropical island just a smidgin away from the equator which lies south, and just a hair away from Malaysia to the north. It is a clean, healthy city crowned with graceful sky-scrapers and bejeweled by palm trees. The people of Singapore (3 million singaporeans and 1 million expats) exude confidence, smiles, wealth and style. Multiculturalism abounds as this has been an important trade crossroad between Europeans, Chinese, Indians, and Malaysians for centuries, and it would not be unlikely to hear the languages of each while enjoying an afternoon's stroll down the tree-lined Orchard road. I've about convinced myself, that some day, I'll be the 1,000,001st expatriate on the island.

A funky cafe near the river aptly named "Clinic" finds its patients immobilized and even if need be, fed alcohol through IV drip bags. The operation was a complete success!

One of my favorite spin-offs of multiculturalism (besides french exchange partners run-amuck)are the culinary adventures to be enjoyed. At Sammy's place, a former British colonial house, we enjoyed tikka chicken, masala, and the ever delicious garlic naan all over top a sprawling banana leaf. Who needs plates when you've got equatorial vegetation.

Not much in the way of pictures, but imagine downtown Calgary, surrounded by rainforest, without gum sticking to your shoes or anyone holding out an empty coffee cup to you, on a tropical island. With a drink named after your city. Absolutely amazing impression, further decorated by the overwhelming hospitality of one of its own.