World Cup Fever and people everywhere!

June 30th, 2002 at 12:00am

Does anybody in this town stay home on the weekends and like, maybe relax, watch a movie, or read a book? I don’t think so. I’ve been out and about in Singapore for the past 2 days and EVERWHERE I go, EVERYPLACE is packed! The malls, the stores, the restaurants, the subway, the sidewalks – there are just literally mobs everywhere. The national pastime is definitely shopping and it seems as if all 3 million people who live here go out to spend, spend, spend on the weekends. It’s a nice city, but I don’t think I could actually live here and deal with these crowds on a daily basis. The food is great though and the city itself is really safe and easy to get around in so I think I can entertain myself for a few more days…

After exploring the town yesterday, I headed back to the guesthouse for a little break and then met up with some other backpackers to venture out and watch the Turkey vs. Korea World Cup Game. It was 3 Norwegian girls, 1 British guy, and myself. We went down to one of the many outdoor bar/cafe/restaurants along the riverfront and get this, paid $18 USD for a pitcher of beer!!! Oh my, this place is VERY pricey. I nearly fell off my chair.

Everyone was sad that Korea lost.

After the game we went over to Chinatown for some dinner and then decided to go out for a drink. The Norwegian girls knew of a good place that had been recommended to them so we went. It was a bar/club on the 70th floor of the Swiss Hotel. The hotel lobby was amazing. We tried our best to clean up and present ourselves well but admittedly we were a bit scruffy for the likes of this place.

Anyway they had an express elevator straight to the 70th floor and from there we wandered around the multi-level club, taking in the night views of the city. It was so cool! We all could only afford one drink since at the end of the day we’re still just po’ backpackers, and after awhile we walked back to the guesthouse. Even at 1:30am it was perfectly safe to walk around the city. No leering men, homeless people, drug addicts, muggers, nothing. Well where’s the fun in that you ask? Well it’s refreshing, even though it feels strange not to have to be on the lookout.

More walking around town today. Will likely catch the Final somewhere tonight. Also, I bought my ticket back to Bangkok today so I’ll be leaving here on the 3rd of July.

Downtown Singapore

A blend of the old and the new

How long would this place stay in business at home do you think?

Entry Filed under: Singapore