WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT SINGAPORE.

Some things I learned through observation and others from my shuttle van driver.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino

Lotus shaped Art Science Museum

• The architecture is incredible. Got a sore neck trying to look at some of the tallest buildings.
•  Most buildings look new and very modern.
• The country is about the size of Lake Taupo with 5 million people.
• It does not look like too much of a concrete jungle because there are green and flowering plants everywhere. Some buildings have gardens built into them.
• Every brand name shop I am aware of was in Singapore. From the high end shops of Orchard Road to the every day ones we are familiar with at home. Even a Harvey Norman store!
• English is the first language. I saw tiny tots at the library being asked questions in English.
• Not as safety conscious as Kiwis. Construction workers mosly wore helmets but no high vis vests. No helmets on bike riders. People sat in the back tray of small trucks.
• Taxis have different charges. They all have a flag fall cost attached to their windows. I saw them from $3.20 to $5.
• Nobody can have a vehicle that is aged over 10 years. They must be scrapped. This is to prevent pollution. My driver told me the cheapest cars – like a Suzuki Swift cost around $70,000. Vans like he was driving – with all the bells and whistles cost about $200,000. He said that was okay as they earned good money. $4,000 a month gross and $3,500 net. Good money??
• The majority of people live in high rise apartment buildings. They cost about $200,000 to buy or $800 a month to rent.
• The cost of vehicles really stuns me. You could buy a home for the cost of a van.
• Education is affordable – not sure at what cost though.
• Doctors cost $50 a visit and this includes any medications.
• Evidently the government has plenty of money so they are using it to make Singapore the best place to be. Hence building is going on everywhere.