it is a real jewel of economic success, which is the result of exemplary relationships that exist in this kaleidoscope of races, cultures and peoples inhabiting the island- country . Maybe in terms of area it takes to Singapore is a “David” among “Goliaths” like China and India. But with pride the success of its statehood, the strip of the equator of the Globe , normally associated with poverty, dirt, disorder, and politico-economic chaos , Singapore rapidly turned with new challenges of contemporary problems into Garden City, how often Singaporeans call , this incredible city . Here in metropolitan area with the biblical concepts of “Gardens of Babylon,” where among the tropical greenery, in a fever of tropics, you can always find plenty of places for relaxation and entertainment. This island, city-state, nation, civilization and culture with their specific attractive cocktail of skin color and ethnic genealogy of residents is joy to visit .
Singaporeans together in a disciplined rhythm of economic success, at a time when the world is facing a financial crisis, build a modern metropolis, Singapore, whose symbol is the “Lion”, proudly looking at his “garden” of joy. Not only the parks and gardens of the city, but also the success of socio-economic governance system in which the rhythmic pace of implementing the socio-political structure of this country, may be a recipe for political and economic model of contemporary, modern State.
Orchard Road, Singapore is an elegant boulevard. Here you can find elegant shops, the huge so-called “shopping centers, great restaurants and some of the best hotels that present themselves in Asia. In addition to modern architecture, among the thicket of magnificent high-rise, you can still explore the exoticism of “enclaves” of small habitats of colonial Singapore. Emerald Hill, from the bustle of Orchard Road, which is a hill climb up the narrow streets, introduces us to the world of the nineteenth century. A walk through the alleys, narrow strips of streets winding among the terraced houses, give us a real taste of true adventure. Authentic experiences atmosphere, exotic Singapore to “yesterday’s day.” Originally the owner of Emerald Hill region was William Cuppage, who from his position of Head of Post Singapore in 1840, created a plantation of nutmeg . However, when disease destroyed the plantations, the area is used, this time on the plantation of orchids. But when that plantation also fell victim to the disease, it was decided to subdivide this land into small plots of land into 38 residential properties .Now we see in the area of so-called “Terrace” homes, modern, often gigantic, aluminum and glass “skyscrapers””, a great attraction for the eye and imagination, presenting the architectural diversity of the city.
During his stay in Singapore visit LAU PA SAT , wonderful place, where the octagonal roof, with beautifully decorated cast-iron construction, the all delights of Asian cuisine are presented . Rich stews and exotic dishes all cheap, tasty served in a graceful atmosphere of the south-east Asia, where races, cultures live in harmony . The mood of social symbiosis of Singapore , provides tremendous economic benefits to the island-state and as well to all these culinary magicians , Chefs of the City . One can eat in a coconut sauce, prepared on open fire meats served on wooden sticks called “satay” or Indian curry , Indonesian “nasi goreng “ . And all customers in a fever of tropical evenings sipping a cool, well-known throughout the world Singaporean beer “Tiger.” Lau Pa Sat history dates back to the beginning of 1800-th century In this place, at one time was housed a large market called the Telok Ayer. Reached by the river it was the place , where on the back of the porters ‘coolies’ splendor of Asian region like brocades, spices, fruits of the amazing tastes and origin were delivered . This was important crossroads of trade routes in tropical Southeast Asia . Some of the goods , partly remained in Singapore, but many materials and objects of desire in the region, were sent by JUNKS , to other regions of South East Asia to delight the consumers. Singapore currently provides the same roles for the World . . Here in Singapore commodities, sent from all over the world , like petroleum, electronic equipment, cameras, watches, perfumes, including cars and other luxury goods on the huge ships like “RO-RO”, from China, Japan, South Korea through the transit port of Singapore, are shipped to meet the world markets., “hunger” for the goods produced in the region .
In 1991 this market, called the Lau Pa Sat , commonly called by Singaporeans ” old “market is also called “Festival” market . The atmosphere here is really one endless festival of colors, smells, sounds and night light illumination. Combination of rhythmic melodies of local musicians and artists to create unforgettable moments Singapore assist to enjoy great food feasts.
One of the important moments in the history of Singapore, is the Second World War. Drama of the concentration camp, convict labor, set up by Japanese occupiers during the cruel, recent global conflagration, you can learn in the Changi Museum. Changi prison originally formed at the initiative of the British administration of the region, “Straits” – “Straits Settlements” in 1936. It was a penitentiary center for the civilian population. However, after the fall of Singapore and the occupation in 1942 during the Second – World War, it became the Japanese prison . Designed for 600 prisoners , Japanese occupants imprisoned in terrible conditions of 3000 inmates . In addition to Changi, the Japanese invaders used old British barracks Selarang to hold , 50,000 prisoners in this horrible jail . These were mostly British and Australian soldiers.
Another important aspect of the presentation of the past and the history of Singapore, is a “China Town Heritage Centre.” A visit to this museum is a wonderful history lesson, Chinese influence on this island being kind of small addition to elongated Malay Peninsula.
Of course, clean and neat, well-known Bugis Street, as usual, attracted by the great mass of tourists. Until recently, this street and the area was a typical urban area of south-east Asia. Full range of exotic flavors of roots and spices sold in stalls, vehicular traffic , where the trumpets and bells of rickshaws along with honking horns of inefficient cars, composed cocaphony of incredible sounds, in this chaotic mood . This street in the city’s history was an important bridge in the urban-ethnic city’s development. As history indicates, in the era before the British influence in this region, there was a large channel where the Bugis, sailors from the south of Sulawesi island, the pirates, in their boats conducted trade with merchants of the old Singapore. In the first half of the twentieth century journey from Bugis Street, along the well-known “North Bridge Road “ to the city center, modern for those times means of transportation which was the tramway, enable excellent communication and close liaison between the city of the Malay community and the XIA PO. So that was history of BUGIS Street now we see here elegant , clean , well presented shops and restaurants .
Modern, bright clean modern Singapore awaits all adventure seekers as well as these who search for the luxury of great hotels and restaurants . Singapore Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines members of “ Star Alliance “ present the travelers with great range of airfares .
Singapore WMIG 2011
Mitch Godziemba Swiat
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