Arab Street & Singapore Town District

My dear ones,

I hinted in my last post that today I would take you to Arab Street and also into the Town District. I have already explored the Indian Quarter, some parks, and a large part of the city center, but I had yet to visit these two neighborhoods. So, I freshened up in the morning and treated myself to my super 'awesome' breakfast aka. 2 slices of toast with margarine - not particularly nutritious, but at least it fills the stomach - and then walked from the Indian Quarter to Arab Street.

In Singapore, many nationalities and religions come together. This includes Muslims, who were the first merchants to arrive in Singapore, offering their goods and coming in ever-increasing numbers. During their journey, they also converted many of the Malays to Islam. I have already been in Arab-influenced areas, and as soon as I walked through the streets, this influence was immediately noticeable. However, a difference from the streets and buildings in southern Spain is that it was much more colorful here. There are various and diverse things like baskets, jewelry, colors, fabrics, and many other cool items.

And the centerpiece of this street or district is the large old mosque, which feels like it sprang from the movie Aladdin and is simply wonderful to behold with its golden dome structure.

On Arab Street, I strolled through a few smaller shops and enjoyed seeing all the colors on the buildings and being in the midst of the hustle and bustle. After so much color, I then headed to the slightly grayer and 'darker' Town District, where the skyscrapers and the old buildings of the old town stand. Among other things, there is also the Merlion Park with the large Merlion statue or fountain. Merlion is a mix of a lion's head and a fish's body. On the way, I also encountered a super rare unicorn elephant.

I walked along the pier, crossed the bridges, and often sat by the water, observing a bit, and sometimes reading my book.

And as I strolled through the city, hours passed by, and I slowly saw the sunset. First, it became grayer, then it turned dusky, and then I walked through the beautifully illuminated streets at night. Another day in a truly cool city with so many different districts and cultures to marvel at and, above all, to taste, as I naturally indulge in a snack or a delicious meal in every neighborhood.

Another district that I have yet to visit, which exists in every larger city, is Chinatown. More about that in my next post.

Look forward to it,
Your Britta