Singapore, the face of modern Asia

  Singapore turned out to be our respite from the chaos of the rest of SE Asia, despite fears of health consequences from the Sumatran haze. True, the country-state imposes strict regulations that at the beginning somewhat irritated my US-born sensitivity to, well, freedom protection, no matter how small the actual right. No alcohol or cigarette imports into the country. No chewing gum. Crossing of streets at designated areas only. And these are just the small rules, all scrupulously enforced.

Oh, durian is one smelly fruit

  I do have to admit, though, that the results are pretty spectacular. Months of travel instilled in us expectations of hustle, swarms of people and at times overbearing racket. We found little of that in Singapore, an oasis of safety and modernity. It's clean, green and efficient. We wandered the city, letting our legs and frequent AC-inspired stops lead the way.

Got AC?

  So: Orchard Road, renown for shopping desires of every kind. Check. 

 Little India. Check. Iconic Marina Bay Sands complex. Check. 

Grand old Raffles Hotel.  Check.

 Boat and Clark Quays, remnants of the old districts. Esplanade, witness to frequent concerts. Gardens by the Bay and its impressive, world-spanning collection of plants. Check, check and check. 

 But our favorite were the Botanic Gardens, simply stunning in their design. Since we quartered nearby, we'd take prolonged detours through the gardens every time we walked by.

  Marzena, family of family, and her husband and kids welcomed us into their home. It was gratifying to revel in homemade meals, late-night patio sit-ins as well as a night out and, gasp, fresh laundry. Comforts of home, a full month before home.

Nutritious dragonfruit

  Almost eight months have passed since the beginning of our travels. We eagerly move on to the more adventurous (and last!) of our destinations – Indonesia.