Scintillating Singapore

Given a chance, I will make my second home in Singapore, a cosmopolitan city where many people come from different parts of the world in quest of jobs and settlements.

My visit to Singapore was short yet memorable. I covered some parts of the city by walking as I prefer, it’s the best medium to explore a new place. My stay at Swiss Hotel made the trip sweet. 🙂 A classy hotel in terms of style and hospitality.

This city is full of stunning skyliners yet it has plenty to offer for everyone from casino lovers to zoo lovers. The following places must be included in the itinerary.

1) Sentosa
2) Double Helix Bridge
3) Chinatown
4) Botanic Gardens
5) Little India
6) The Singapore Flyer
7) Arab Street

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Luckily, I managed to visit all these places and Arab Street turned out to be the best one for me as one can find cool bars here. 🙂

There is no dearth of restaurants in the city but most of them are expensive. So be careful where you eat and what you eat. If you are an Indian, then you will surely like Little India.

I had a nice time at Paulaner Brauhaus (recommended by a chauffeur) and for the first time I tasted Paulaner beer, but I can’t say whether I liked it or not as I was completely lost. 🙂 I also spent a nice evening at an open Japanese restaurant, surrounded by beautiful candles.

Don’t forget to enjoy Singapore’s nightlife though it could be racy.

People are very friendly. Whenever I asked something, they guided me thoroughly. One thing which I did not like was the climate – too much humidity – might also spoil your mood!

It was indeed a memorable visit for me as I learnt many things from the city and its people.

Well civilized and well cultured people make a great nation !!!!!

P.S. – Chewing gum is banned in Singapore. So be careful 😛

Coffee in Bangkok ?

There is something about Bangkok – a city which I often call ‘poor men’s Las Vegas’. It will never disappoint you even if you have visited it more than 1,000 times. Delicious food, cheap booze, pubs, street shopping, not to mention the cosmopolitan atmosphere makes the city a heaven for an impulsive traveler like me.

My two days stay in ChinaTown was memorable, though not exciting. Nothing much to share except one unique discovery – a chic coffee shop in the heart of the town.

So from where could I have started my journey after stepping out of my hotel? I had no idea, no map and I personally don’t much like the idea of guides! I thought, let’s start a random journey.

I skipped my breakfast deliberately so that I could indulge myself in food straight from the streets of Bangkok.

To my delight, I found a nice joint of prawn rice and assorted fishes where I enjoyed a served hot meal with a bottle of local beer. Sorry no picture to share. So try to imagine it yourself. 😛

I kept walking and walking with a mild smile on my face for the passer byes. The climate was hot and humid but I liked it because it nonetheless liberated me from my hotel room as I was amid a buzzing street.

Suddenly, I saw something. Wait. Is this a coffee-shop? An interesting signboard – Coffee, Tea or Me?

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The shop was surrounded by many tiny shops and it is not so easy to spot such eateries unless you have eagle eyes like me, not to mention, a stomach that is all up for surprises 🙂

I entered the shop without a single thought and slow motioned towards a seat as I grasped all the details of a shop with the interesting signboard. Now I was searching for the ME.

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I had never imagined that I would find an elegant coffee shop amidst busy streets. It was neither Starbucks nor Costa Coffee but the coffee shop managed to grab my attention, thanks to its simplicity and interiors that helped you to laze. Do we have to really mention – Anything can happen over a cup of coffee? What a dumb thought. Anyway!

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I saw two people there sitting besides two attendants.

When I queried about something, one man approached me with a smile and said, “May I help you?”

He turned out to be the ME of the shop.

I told him: “Your shop look nice. Can you please recommend something to drink here?”

Instantly, he asked a waitress in local language to serve some hot coffee to me.

It was Espresso, if I remember correctly. I checked some photographs that I had clicked in my camera during the stroll and pleased myself with the cup of coffee. I guess I have never seen such a gracious coffee shop in India.

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As I left I could feel a sense of satisfaction to discover such a nice not to mention inexpensive coffee shop in Bangkok. Wish I had noted down its address as I could not even Google it!!

Only memories are with me. !!!