Extremely humid.
Amazing airport.
Friendly people.
Big crowds.
The almost intolerable humidity and heat aside, this place is actually not that bad. It is very civilized, extremely clean and is home to some of the most forthcoming and sincere people I've come across. Everyone tries to be helpful and goes out of their way to be of assistance. Everyone is polite and listens to you carefully. On average, people are quite laid back and don't rush too much (unless they have a bus to catch).
The city itself is a nice blend of cultures, traditions, the future and the past. Skyscrapers stand tall amidst the many religious temples, centuries-old mosques use digital clocks to display prayer times, taxi drivers use the latest technologies, yet drive in some of the oldest cars around. You witness contradictions everywhere you go, but you learn to accept them and live with them.
Public transportation is definitely superior to the one in the states. Trains are on time, well air-conditioned and plenty wide. Buses are colorful, roomy and even come in double-decker versions. EZcard system is extremely efficient and allows you to effortlessly swipe your way through life, without having to worry about loose change or small bills. Taxis are always available and are very happy to provide their services to you. Not to mention the covered walkways that protect pedestrians from both the extreme heat and the torrential downpours.
The food is ... fantastic! I haven't had a single dish in Singapore that I didn't like yet (granted most of the dishes contained chicken, pork and/or rice - can't go too wrong there). Singapore offers a wide variety of cuisines - Chinese, Japanese, Malay, Indian, Thai, Korean and so on. I wish I could build enough appetite in this heat to try as much of everything as possible, but sometimes the weather dictates otherwise. Surprisingly, aside from McD's and Subway, I haven't come across any western restaurants or chains in the city. I hope to keep it that way for as long as I can. :)
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