Today we sailed into the busy port of in Singapore. We have now been here several times and have an old post on this blog around Nov 2010. Today we had a shopping plan – Little India, Sim Lim Square and Chinatown.
Singapore is an island republic at the bottom of the Malay Peninsula. It has come a long way since Sir Stamford Raffles founded it in 1819. Once symbolic of the mystery and romance of the Orient, it still retains its Eastern flavour in a clean and modern environment.
Again today we took the opportunity of taking the ship’s shuttle bus service into the Singapore waterfront complex where we caught the M.R.T (Mass Rapid Transit) underground air-conditioned train to the Little India station. As the name suggests, this is where many of the Indian population of Singapore lives and work- around Serangoon road. The shops here sell a fascinating selection of silks, gold, pungent spices and many food stalls.
After stopping at the local Indian clothing stalls and taking in the sights and busyness of this area. It was now Steven’s turn and we walked to Sim Lim Square, a mega building of floor upon floor of electronic gadgets and gysmos. We were contemplating buying a new camera with an inbuilt GPS and spent some time exploring the many stores. 
Taking the train back to China Town, we also spent some time here dodging the many tourists bartering for wares, plus being part of those ourselves. The Chinese community are celebrating New Year and the streets and buildings were decorated with many colourful decorations and Chinese lanterns. China town is located around South Bridge Road and is a bustling, lively part of Singapore. The busy streets are chock-full of hawkers, herbalists, temple-idol carvers, clothing stalls and calligraphers.
Sitting down to lunch in a local street side café we ordered Fried Rice with Crab for Trish and Malaysian Spicy Fried Rice and a local beer for Steven.
The day was getting on so back to Harbour Front Station sharing the train with many workers on their way home. During our last minute shopping at the Waterfront Complex we bought a new camera so the photos from here on in should be much better.
Back on board to rest and recuperate after a long hot day in the busy city of Singapore. On to the port of Phu My Vietnam ( The deep water port for Ho Chi Minh City).