I took the train ‘home” today, as I was early enough (barely) to beat the rush. Mostly. Seems Thursday is really the beginning of the weekend here. I got off at Outram Park and walked, a pleasant little jaunt of less than fifteen minutes. It was hotter than normal, if that’s possible. But that’s okay, it’s a wet kind of heat. That part’s certainly normal here.
The humidity got me to thinking: What happens if it Really Rains here? Does that ever happen?
That’s when the significance of one of the key features of Singapore really hit me: There are drains everywhere. From small ones, a foot square with metal grates, to continuous ditches along all streets, to these super-deep honkin’ ditches connecting up all those other drains. And taking water to the humongous aqueducts that I see regularly from the train.
As I was contemplating why Singapore might need such a massive investment in water trenches, I noticed I was now part of a crowd walking along Havelock Road. There were several young ladies who I could only assume were part of the Hospitality Hostesses Union. They were dressed to the nines and beyond, and the swiveled better than an $800 office chair. There were five in all, and between them they had enough cloth on to cover a small end table. If I’d ever tried to get by with such small coverage I’d be more than simply fined in Singapore. (That’s a rumor, of course.) These lasses were merely ogled gawped x-rayed admired by all, including the cops. I attached myself to the back of the parade and let them clear the way.
It’s good to be the king, sometimes.
Or it was, until I nearly fell into one of those drains as I was strolling along. Dang thing jumped out next to me and tried to eat me! Before I could compose myself and get back into line the ladies had exited the sidewalk and entered the Las Vegas KTV. They had work to do, I’m sure.
After I dropped my stuff at the hotel I went looking for a moneychanger. I decided to get some Sing money before the USD dropped any further. It’s already eroded 4% since I got here, 10 days ago. At this rate, it’ll be about the same as the ringgitby Christmas. While I was out I grabbed a sandwich at a snack stand near Tiong Bahru Station. A Beef Rendang something. And no, it wasn’t as deadly as Burger King’s Rendang Double. Quite good, actually, if a bit on the mild side. I added a few green chile slilces and it was just right.
On the return trip I kept my drain avoidance radar primed and alert. Now that I know what to look for, I see them everywhere. But I’m warned now: Singapore could easily get some Real Rain, and their drains are dangerous. With that in mind, I’m auric…
Enjoy the Heat!
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