Like a huge pod of sleeping whales, just off the coast of Singapore, hundreds of vessels of all shapes and sizes wait for work ...the size of the pod may be a primary indicator of the health of World Trade.
Singapore has railways, and some of the neatest rail-yards...on show if you look carefully when landing at Changi Airport.
We took a short break from work to celebrate Chinese New Year, as we have relocated the project team to Singapore.
This traditional meal is called something like Issen...several kinds of shredded fresh vegetables, including ginger, to which is added thin strips of raw salmon and a couple of sauces...everyone stands around the tray, stirring up the food with chop sticks while talking about their New Year wishes and aspirations...then, tuck in! Washed down, of course, with a cold tin of Kilkenny ale. Felt like a right yob carrying this home from the pizza shop, didn't I!
Those dinner plates give some idea of how big this thing is. I doubt any other traveler could have voyaged in the lift with me and It. It had tasty dollops of anchovies here and there, but the dominant taste was black olive...filled three enthusiastic eaters, and slid down rather well with the aid of a couple of bottles of very decent Spanish red. Singapore is not exactly a "hardship post"... The Penny Black Public House is about 2 km along the Singapore river from our apartment...in the evening we sometimes stroll there, take a break and enjoy a 1/2 pint of Kilkenny light ale while watching other strollers in short dresses, then stroll back.
Its a pleasant outing. The ale costs S$15 for a 1/2 pint, which seems a bit steep when compared with S$6 for the same product in the local supermarket...and especially steep when compared with S$1.30 for 1/2 pint of a decent local brew in Bangkok. Not complaining...just saying... :) Remove yourself 1 street back from the tourist precinct on the Singapore River...everything takes on a more utilitarian demeanour.
There is a new Persian Restaurant by the Singapore River at Robertson Quay...the food is good, and the ceramic decorative pieces are wonders.
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