Sing a song of Singapore

Captains Log: 2nd full moon of July, 2012:

After 60 days at sea, we finally hit land.
According to our maps, we have dropped anchor in the island called Singapore.  Scouts' initial reports say that this is a nation awash in beauty and culture, where vestiges of its rich past co-exist harmoniously with its modern vibrant metropolis.  I am intrigued and eager to find out more about this new habitat we have discovered.  As such, I and my trusted companion shall delve into this place of wonder and mystery.  Our first stop, upon insistence of my little ward, were to be their market places, in search of opportunities to establish trade routes.  

And so, we ventured forth...into the unkown.



Our travels brought us to a myriad of merchant establishments.  The natives were hospitable and agreed to barter with us:

The Marina Bay Sands.  Oddly, there was not a grain in sight

The various spices at Central in Clarke Quay 

Citylink Mall

Vivo City

New footwear from Velocity Mall

Bugis Junction

Raffles City Shopping Centre

More spices at Takashimaya

Establishing contact with the natives at Ion Orchard

On the second day, as we were practicing our skills in hand-to-hand combat, a scout interrupted our session to ask us to hurry and follow him, which we immediately did, seeing he was trembling with fear.  

We then chanced upon the reason for his terror - a giant monstrosity that seemed like an amalgamation of lion and fish.  The natives we had befriended told us that this was The Merlion - the guardian of their great nation, and there was nothing to be afraid of.

A few yards from the Merlion, we discovered a giant monolith that told us that these people already had some knowledge of astronomy. Behind this strange depiction of our world (it was not flat as we know, but round in shape - such ignorance!) lied a city of wonder where we would be totally immersed in the culture of this fine nation - a place called Universal Studios!!!

As we entered its gates, our mouths were agape at the beauty and grandeur of this vast city. 

 We marveled at its architecture...

                                                            Met its wonderful people...

                                                             
                                                              Savored its exotic cuisine...

                                                            Roamed with its wild beasts...

                                                And traveled through time to catch glimpses of its past...

                                                                   ...and its future.

 Yes, never have I seen a place so puny in size but gargantuan in its splendor.  My men and I have decided to settle in this beautiful island, as we are sure that there shall be more mysteries to unravel and things to discover.  For now, we shall sing songs of this great land as we partake of their ale and Hershey's chocolates.

This is your captain, signing off.