Cruises are planned to the most minute details, several years before they actually take place. We sailed towards Sri Lanka for several days, leaving the Maldives behind us. Sri Lanka… the name alone had always seemed magical and full of exotic adventure to me.
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka used to be known as Ceylon. The island country is just off the south coast of India and home to some 22 million people. We very much looked forward to exploring the green hills and tea plantations.
Imagine our disappointment when we slowly approached the dock in the capital city of Colombo, only to find it occupied by a container ship. The captain was even more frustrated and sounded ready to kill somebody… But there was nothing to be done except patiently wait for this behemoth to vacate “our” berth. These ships move slowly, as did the people trying to arrange it. After several hours we knew that our tour of Sri Lanka would not happen.
The next best thing, and really the only option we had, was to take a bus into the city and walk around. Colombo is a typical Asian mix of beautiful city. crazy traffic, poverty right along wealth and lots of people. Most of them on motorbikes or tuktuks.
We enjoyed the glimpse of this country we had, but this is the downside of a ship’s itinerary. There’s never enough time to explore and if something like this happens, after many days of sailing to reach a far-away place, it’s disappointing not to have time to stay.
Sri Lankan beauty
We did, however have two full days in Singapore and, later, no less than 15 hours at the airport of Singapore! Singapore is a most interesting city/country. At 735 square kilometers, the Republic of Singapore is 5 times smaller than the smallest US state… Yet it is home to some 6 million people. Put that many people on such a small island, and you need a lot of apartment buildings. And rules. Singapore has more rules than I have ever seen elsewhere.
We’ve all heard of the rule of not spitting out gum on the streets here (you CAN actually chew it!). But you also cannot vape or use e-cigarettes (is this a country where no one smokes?!). No eating or drinking on public transit. No public drinking after 10:30 pm. Because of harsh fines there is no vandalism or graffiti.
We also learned about regulations that help citizens to save money for their pension or to be able to purchase an apartment. All in all, life in such a densely populated place is regulated but in Singapore it seems to be working. People also have freedom of information, internet, and access to world class education.
And compared to other densely populated cities, Singapore is amazingly green! In fact, remember it has 6 million people? Well, it has 7 million trees! There are parks ad green spaces everywhere. You cannot just cut a tree or even a branch. Apartment buildings and hotels have trees everywhere - on the roof and in between apartments. Even the airport had a row of trees right by my gate.
And then there are the world famous Botanical Gardens. Here you can stroll for hours among exotic trees, ponds, meadows and orchids. The national orchid garden has more than 1000 species and over 60,000 orchids alone! The airport, too, boast an orchid garden and well as a tropical waterfall.
And all this greenery is not just there because it looks pretty. This ‘City in Nature’ actively uses trees and plants to reduce urban heat, to improve air quality as well as mental well being of its citizens. A shining (green) example for many other cities on earth! Singapore’s Green Plan for 2030 is to have 300 km of nature trails and even more trees.
We enjoyed walking all over the city and visiting its iconic buildings as well as China Town. In China Town we got a chuckle out of a vending machine to buy incense to burn at an altar. We enjoyed eating lunch in an open market where many cultures mingled. While we tried eating with chopsticks, a young Chinese couple, with whom we shared a table, had a much harder time trying to figure out how to use a fork and a spoon!
If you ever have a chance to visit this dynamic city, do so! I have not even mentioned yet a visit to Little India, or sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles! There is so much to do in this tiny country. Even a 15 hours lay-over at Changi Airport is (almost) a treat. I found an area in the airport with beautiful lounge chairs to sleep. No talking allowed and dim lighting - the first time I could actually sleep in an airport. An electric train takes you around the entire airport, with views of an amazing tropical convex waterfall. I strolled through a butterfly garden and an orchid garden. This airport gives Vancouver’s YVR a run for its money as most beautiful airport in the world!
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