My First Time Visiting Singapore

I've landed back home in Hawaii and realized I jaywalked on my last night in Singapore. Don't worry, I wasn't arrested, nothing happened and everyone is home safe and sound. Actually all the things you may have heard about strict punishments, intense laws and over organization in Singapore didn't even dawn on me until after I left. The "city state" is so immaculate, perfectly developed and well executed that you learn to appreciate how organized everything is. From the unbelievably spotless mass transit to the rich culture and extreme diversity -- Singapore truly is a land of opportunity for people of all races and at the forefront of sustainability. 

Overall I was very impressed by the kindness of the residents, the immense melting pot of cultures (mostly Chinese, Malay and Indian), the delicious and affordable foods and the impressive attractions for visitors and locals alike. From museums, to parks, to national monuments there is so much to see, do and explore along the streets of Singapore. 

Because it is a peninsula, Singapore is bustling with ships and cargo making its way in and out of the second busiest port in the world. Most of the people there speak English (largely in part to the former colonization of the region by the British and the subsequent free trade policy) which makes it fairly easy to communicate. The dollar is different there (conversion= $1 Singapore Dollar equals 0.74 US cents) and the money is also very clean, crisp and mostly white. The mass transit seats are so clean and sparkling new you could eat off of them and there literally is no litter anywhere, well I saw a napkin on the ground once near a shopping mall. 

I will have upcoming blogs featuring the highlights of my trip. This blog is kind of an intro to the location, where I went and what to do. In the end, be prepared to be amazed, wowed, eat A LOT, and there are many opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and a bountiful community of cultures.