Singapore

Winter 2019

As we explored Singapore, I found many stark contrasts between different atmospheres within. The tall, green trees lining the city streets break up the dense concrete buildings that go on forever. They offer a whiff of fresh air that would otherwise be difficult to find. The value of money within a few miles of each other also changes drastically. Marina Bay is lined with designer shops and high-end stores which few can afford. Only a few streets away is a beautiful Hawker center where you can get a full meal for less than $5. Right after visiting Louis Vuitton Island, we ate at small street food stands where we could buy hundreds of meals for the price of one wallet.

There are many incredible places to visit that push the boundaries of architecture. The Gardens by The Bay offer incredible building designs. My favorite was the Cloud Forest, because the fog gave off a sense of mystery. You can also climb to the top and see the city far away and look down to see the light falling in beautiful patterns.

Like Chinatown in San Francisco, there's a Little India in Singapore. I was surprised by how much it felt like I was in India; more than the culture, the streets and population contributed to this feeling. These communities are what make Singapore so culturally diverse and make it one of our favorite places that we have visited.