Singapore: Asia for Beginners

Since this is my first sojourn to Asia and I admit being a complete apprentice, perhaps some good observations, based on information from locals, might be worthy of sending along.

This week the phrase "Singapore, Asia for beginners" really struck home.  The moment I heard it from my luncheon guest Sylvia, a woman from the Netherlands who has lived here for 9 years with her husband and son, I understood the concept. There is a reason I have found Singapore to be so welcoming and appealing.  This country is set up to handle the world.  I'll detail this in a moment.

But first, I found prior to my departure, many of us had little if any idea just exactly where Singapore is situated geographically.  If I had polled most of us, I bet "somewhere in China" would have been the most common guess.

So I put this little geography lesson together on just where exactly is Singapore.

Hope it helps.

Why is Singapore Asia for beginners?

Simply put, if you're trying out Asia for the first time.....start here!  Everything works!

• They speak English as the official National language
• The people are incredibly friendly
• The transportation system is fantastic and easy to use
• It is squeaky clean and prides itself on good citizenship
• Every food is well represented here (you can have Kaya toast for breakfast, Bat Kut Teh for lunch and KFC for dinner)
• It is small and moving around is manageable and quick
• They have cool places to visit for tourists like a fantastic zoo and futuristic waterfront
• Their airport (Changi) was just named the best in the world this week
• Their financial business economy was just named best in the world this week
• They have more shopping malls than you can imagine, all spotless and air conditioned
• Their films are released at about the same time as in the U.S.A.
• It is safe, safe, safe.  Walk anywhere, anytime.
• They don't try to rip you off
• It's beautiful with lush vegetation
• No potholes
• Incredible hotels and upscale restaurants
• Their currency is called a "dollar" and the fellow portrayed looks like Walt Disney

You get the point.  No disrespect, but.....go to Thailand......crowded, dirty, bad traffic.  Go to Cambodia, temples, crowded, dirty, mixed food situations....go to Vietnam, backwater, crowded, pollution......Indonesia, security concerns....Malaysia, security concerns, etc. China,....try breathing! Japan, crowded, congestion.  All totally interesting and fun to visit, should you be so lucky.

But start here!  Singapore: Asia for Beginners!