update

Just after I blogged last night we ended up picking up our gear, saying goodbye and thanks to Jianggan and went with Chris to stay with his family on the Western side of the country. His house is situated across the road from their Department of Defence. His family seem very nice and hospitable. Chris is especially hospitable, showing us around, explaining the culture and the interesting laws imosed by the Government. The best one is that Singaporeans are required to purchase a "license" to say that they are permitted to own a car before they are even allowed to buy one, this license costs S$10,000. The license then lasts for 10 years and it costs more to get a new license than to buy a new car and so most of the cars you see around are almost brand new! Strange system.

This morning was the first time we've slept in since getting here. Might be the fact that we've got our own room with an air-conditioner now.. It's quite humid and it has rained at least once each day so far - albeit only briefly. We have not seen a hint of blue sky yet. Chris took us out for breakfast/lunch at the local food court where we had more noodles and rice and soup. You definitely get used to it quickly. You also get used to the safety of the place quite quickly too. It feels extremely safe here which is great, walking through the city, on the trains - everyone is really friendly and helpful. I think it might be a bit of a shock when we get to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow, but this place has certainly been a great introduction to East-Asia. They are slightly crazier on the roads here than back at home but still obey the road rules generally (apart from speeding and changing lanes without indicating) - again I'm thinking Vietnam will be a lot crazier from the stories I've heard..

So today has been pretty chilled out, have pretty much stayed at Chris's place for the whole time as there has been quite a bit to blog about as you can see.. Tonight, we're going to another Hawker centre for dinner and then onto "the place to be" on a Wednesday night in Singapore, a club called Zouk. S$23 entry for guys, free entry for ladies.. Bargain! Not to mention the drinks will be quite expensive I would imagine. A simple beer - say, a Heineken - already costs around S$10 (A$8) in backpacker areas, and upto about S$15 (A$12) in the city.

Anyway, the next time you here from me we'll be in Vietnam...

Selamat tinggal

Photos:

1. Lee, Chris and me in Little India

2. For Mike.. Wierd signage

3. Did I say this place was safe? A week ago, this JI leader escaped from a detention centre (with a broken leg, mind you) and hasn't been seen since...

4. They love their escalators - hardly anyone uses stairs here

5. On the train (or MRT as it is know over here)