Condor Kristen: Singapore, my thoughts and ramblings

Some say it is a city of wealth and excess, I’d fight you on the latter. I found it simple, minimalist – clean and crisp. There is an aristocratic aura, however, it is done so beautifully and with such ease you feel as though you are walking around on a movie set not Southeast Asia’s hub of transport, trade and art.

Opposed to my experience in other Asian countries, my blonde hair and blue eyes did not stick out in the slightest. Because of Singapore’s status in the financial world people of every background live here. This morning I passed by a European couple walking their adorable black and white pup in north boat quay. There’s something refreshing, or dismal depending how you look at it, about the fact that you’d have to take a microscopic look to tell I’m on the other side of the world.

I’ve always wondered about the strict regulations to ward off pollution and keep the city the cleanliest in the world and now I see why. It is a necessity for cities on the water and made up of canal systems – it can get quite dirty, hence Venice, Italy. Singapore’s restrictions are smart and well beyond us all. As we hustle to retract our mistakes and all of a sudden declare ourselves on the “green” path, Singapore has been there for ages. So much so, they're in the midst of creating a reservoir in the city center. Unbelievable, huh?