Singapore-May, June

Tandem is getting a thorough cleaning due to extensive mildew after being left in the tropics for six months and we'll lift her out of the water tomorrow for a bottom inspection and insurance survey. Mechanics are at work on the engine, generator, AC while Sue is storing provisions for the next 3 months. We both had a dentist appointment today for a cleaning which was a 10 minute procedure with the amazing new sonic equipment. The waiting room was no bigger than a breadbox, approx. 6 ft. square and that included 2 chairs and the receptionists counter! Even in our past experiences the dentist does the cleaning, usually with an assistant as was the case this time. We paid a total of US$35--not bad.

We love the small stalls in the food courts at the malls and also the hawker stands where good meals abound. Most offerings appear to be quite healthy and with the Singapore Govt. regulating the food industry you can be assured that it is very clean. Ted's favorite is the one with all the veggies in a soup broth but I'm still looking for my fav. meal. We attempt to cook on the boat but shopping is a time consuming task that you are sharing with thousands in a very small space so it isn't easy to try to decode the Chinese words while hundreds are edging past you with shopping carts, wheel chairs, canes, and strollers.

We stumble on so many interesting sights as we explore the city. These staircases caught our eye yesterday. Singapore is a city of apartment buildings, most not more than 17 stories and some with small shopping centers on the ground level, or possibly even a school or kindergarten. Public transportation is efficient--we take a rapid transit train to the center of town in about 30 minutes and then walk, ride a bus or catch a taxi. Our marina is located about 15 minutes from the transit station so we sit on the top level of a 2 level, un-airconditioned bus, and enjoy the breeze and view until it drops us at the gate.