A few weekends ago, we had our third and final volunteer retreat. We headed to the small city country of Singapore to enjoy a few short days of sights and fellowship.
Singapore is definitely different than any place I've experienced in Asia thus far. Past the normal exclamations about Singapore (the organization of the city, the cleanliness, the laws forbidding chewing gum), I found myself adding new ones, being thrown off by a nice bathroom or when someone struck up a conversation with me in English. Overall, I think our group was a bit overwhelmed in the vast differences in a country just a few hours plane ride from our own. I think that it may have been a good thing to have had this retreat last, to remind us, however difficult, of the Western lifestyle that we left behind and will be returning to.
Singapore has a considerable arts scene, and is a city that is being built up by the day. We stayed with hosts with the Presbyterian church, and as always, enjoyed time together and exploring a new place.
Singapore skyline at night. If you look closely, you can see the merlion statue (mermaid + lion)
spitting water-- the mascot of Singapore.
The infamous Esplanade theater. Some say it is more famous (and beautiful) than the Sydney Opera house, though I agree with the critics who claim it is modeled after a durian.
A street arts festival, showcasing a fire exhibit. It was really amazing.
We also had the chance to go to the Singapore Zoo. It's world famous because it doesn't use cages for its animals.
Exhibit A.
I learned that White tigers now only exist in zoos.
A historical section of town, Emerald Hill, with Chinese baroque architecture.
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