Rick's Roadshow: Singapore Day 3

Rick's Roadshow, Singapore returns with Day 3. This is my final day in Singapore, and in Asia. I next journey to Dubai, then London. Singapore was a fitting way to end my Asian World Tour. There is so much to do, interesting things to see, delicious food, and plenty of shopping (too much, really). Somehow, even after swearing I wouldn't buy another stitch of clothing, I broke down and bought some beautiful silk Chinese kimono-style robes. I'll go over the loot when I get back home and unpack it all. But for now, join me on today's journey through Singapore.

above: I visited a section of Singapore called Clarke Quay, adjacent to the Singapore River. There are a lot of restaurants, shops and a few bars too. Its very well laid out and a nice place to just stroll around.
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above: the structures along the Singapore River are colorful and cheery, much like the streets of Singapore.
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above: restaurants are perched along the banks of the river, offering perfect waterfront views to virtually any table.
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above: everything you see is relatively new, but they did a nice job making it look like it has been around awhile.
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above: these traditional Chinese style sweets were calling my name...
Sights of Singapore...
I wanted to have today's post include a few more photos to show just how colorful Singapore is. Look closely at not only the colors, but the shutters and details of the buildings. Click on the photos to biggify.
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above: believe it or not, this is just a footbridge, pretty nice huh?

above: just a neat restaurant where I ate lunch.
One final temple, I promise...
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above: Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Mariamman is "Mother Mary" the goddess of disease and rain.
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above: the temple doors...I like doors...
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above: like many sacred temples, visitors must remove shoes at the main entrance.
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above: Inside, the shrine was ornate with Indian deity. This temple is considered very holy to Hindus.
And Now for Some Miscellaneous Stuff...
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above: sometimes I'm still 13 years old. This sign made me chuckle...
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above: I like this building on Orchard Road, the famous shopping district within Singapore.
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above: I saw this restaurant earlier today, which is what prompted this next photo:
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above: On my last night in Singapore, I thought it fitting to order a "Singapore Sling" cocktail. Its a little fruity for my tastes, but it was a perfect way to wind down my time in Singapore. Thanks for stopping by today. Tomorrow I leave Asia, I know I'll miss it. Next up I head to Dubai for a day and then onto London, so stay tuned! Rick's Roadshow continues...
-Rick Rockhill

Rick's Roadshow: Singapore Day 2

Today brings another installment of Rick's Roadshow from Singapore, Day 2. Just for something different I decided to seek out photos of Chinese lanterns while walking around Singapore. It wasn't hard to find- several pet shops even had these iconic red lanterns, so even while working I was able to snap a photo here and there. There are some really nice lanterns throughout the city; they add not only color but create a festive atmosphere. So let's look at a few more Chinese lanterns, shall we?

above: some parts of Singapore have these lights running across streets.

above: you can find these lanterns in both residential and commercial streets
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above: this was in a Chinatown shopping area.
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above: or even in some contemporary restaurants. They are fun, aren't they?
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above: I used my lunch hour to go shopping for another Buddha statue to take home. I didn't buy this one, as it was too heavy. But I did take a photo of it. Can you guess why???
My Visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
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above: The exterior of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It contains a museum, cultural center and of course the temple itself. The museum has an impressive collection of art, historical items and an easy to follow exhibit about the origins of Buddha. As a student of Buddhism, I found it fascinating.
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above: The temple entrance is quite impressive.
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above: These guys flank the entrances on left and right side of the main door.
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above: I case you have not noticed the past few weeks, I've been photographing doors of temples. Not sure why, but I seem to be attracted to temple doors.
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above: this is the rear entrance of the temple. It is an offering room, where people can light candles, offer flowers or fruit, etc
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above: the front side of the building, or the main temple. There is a huge altar to Buddha here. There was a prayer service going on when I visited. I presented some incense offerings and prayed for awhile, enjoying the traditional chant music.
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above: a close up of the huge Buddha statues at the altar. They are really exquisite.
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above: using my zoom camera, the guy in yellow is a monk or priest. He was chanting and tapping some chime constantly. The faithful were behind him, wearing black robes.
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above: high above the temple walls are these beautiful dragon molding. Click on the photo, I hope you can decipher the details.
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above: the temple has these really terrific Chinese light fixtures.
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above: It also boasts an impressive collection of art and historical items. These three Buddha statues n gold were encased in glass for security.
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above: this jade Buddha is stunning, isn't it?
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above: the faithful brought fruit and water to pay homage.
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above: more statues around the temple
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above: I placed incense here too...
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above: the walls around the main temple have these mini statues all over from floor to ceiling. Each little tiny statue is a person who have made an offering. There are probably hundreds of these in the temple walls.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF INSIDE THE TEMPLE SERVICE!
Check out this quick video clip, and listen to the prayer chant:

Thanks for stopping by Rick's Roadshow from Singapore, Day 2. Please join me again tomorrow for day 3.
-Rick Rockhill

Rick's Roadshow: Singapore Day 1

Welcome to Rick's Roadshow from Singapore! The Republic of Singapore is an island country on the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It borders Malaysia and Indonesia; the flight from Kuala Lumpur was a short 55 minutes south. Being so close to the equator, it has a tropical rain forest climate year round. With a diverse population of 5 million, it consists of Chinese, Indians, Malays, Caucasians, and a mix of various other Asians too. Singapore (the city) is vibrant, with lots of activity. Many businesses are open very late, or even open 24 hours. From my first day here in Singapore, I was struck by the nice bright colors of many buildings. I notice these cool spiral stairways (above left) painted in different colors; I thought it was a nice touch. So for something different, I thought I'd lead off this post showing the many colors of a few buildings I encountered:

above: I also love the real shutters on the windows. You see them everywhere.

above: these are retail shops and restaurants, yet they all have such nice colors.

above: this wall was so cheery. It was just a side ally, yet they had it painted nicely and had a row of potted trees along the way.

above: just a nice pedestrian side street with lush plants.

above: Arab Street, with a variety of wonderful shops.

above...like these slippers. They kind of remind me of "The King and I"

above: I ate here at the Sultan restaurant

above: The Sultan's Mosque

above: The Istana Kampong Guam temple

above: Famous Bugis Street Market, the largest street shopping in Singapore.

above: Bugis had this cool stand with fresh fruit drinks. Click on it ti Biggify to see the neat-o flavors of drinks.

above: Bugis Street market isn't like other Asian street markets I've visited. It has a huge variety of goods, mixed with produce, food and services. Plus, there are flat screen TVs overhead!

above: the market has several bakery stand. I love these Chinese steamed buns (the white ones in the case)

above: Not to mention the other Chinese sweets, like these sesame ball things among others. No idea what the deal is with the green waffles...

above: later I encountered this Buddha statue, and yes, I did rub his belly for good luck.

above: later I visited the Goddess of Mercy Temple. I went in to pray and make an incense offering too.

above: I loved the tile walls out front of the temple.

above: another view of the tile walls in front of the temple.

above: I was admonished for taking this photo of the wall inside the temple area. I missed the sign that said "no photos". Whoops.

above: I passed through Heritage Park on my way to a pet shop. It was so serene, and offered views of life in Singapore early in its history.

above: I especially liked this model they had of the traditional Singaporean Palace

above: I had dinner at the famous Raffles Hotel. Its sort of historic and has really nice grounds.

above: I also visited the Indian Sri Krishnan Temple. I had a tough time getting a good angle to take a photo.

above: it had a long line of Hindus waiting to get in to pray, so I did not enter.

above: lest you think Singapore is all just colorful buildings and temples, here is an example of its modern architecture too.

above: I loved this building. The white things are hexagonal tiles, which give it wonderful texture. My first day in Singapore was enjoyable. Between visiting pet shops I was able to see quite a bit. I have a very busy Monday at work planned, so hopefully I will be able to have some additional photos of Singapore again tomorrow. I hope you can stop by again.
-Rick Rockhill