Singapore, December 2006 -
Singapore 's skyline and surface change dramatically, at least, every five years because the country is extremely motivated to adapt itself to international evolution and claim more land to accommodate economic expansion and host population growth. Initiated by a strong anti-corruption Government- "workfare" - based on neo-Confucian ideals "work, family, society" - provides employment, housing, and living in a total free market economy. With respect to environment: strict laws control littering and waste emission and each year at National Day hundreds of pupils plant trees to "keep Singapore green"!

Because it is forbidden to spit or throw cigarettes-butts on the streets, many people think that Singapore is a tasteless city. Tasteless, utter nonsense! Day and night, it is one of the most attractive cities in the world. Jetsetters well know the excitement and glamour Singapore offers and are happy to make a stopover.

From Changi, awarded world's best airport, visitors drive on the tree-shaded expressway to any place on the island without meeting traffic jams like in Bangkok, danger of crime as in Manila or depressed views of poverty seen in Jakarta. Orchard Road is as crowded as Fifth Avenue or Oxford Street , and anyone can stroll day and night through the smallest streets of the ethnic districts without being disturbed by any beggar or pickpocket. Violence is not on the front pages of the local press. Respectful to all cultures, religions and traditions, the Government preserves their ethnic villages ( Chinatown , Kampong Glam, Little India) and subsidies the artistic expressions (theatre, opera, museums.) of each human component of its population, Chinese representing 76%, Malays 14%, Indians 8%.

Moreover! Melting pot of Asian cultures and British education it is the perfect go between Asia and Occident. Its equatorial climate and lush vegetation, its sandy beaches and green islands, its sparkling shopping centres and thirty golf courses have attracted about 10 millions tourists in 2006. 17 millions are expected in 2010 when the future developments will open: to attract more tourists, the government decided in 2005 to legalize gambling and allow two integrated resorts to be implemented at Marina South and Sentosa.

Enjoying Singapore begins at early morning. Walk through a park, admire the flowers and listen to the birds before taking a Ya Kun Kaya Toast for breakfast in a hawker while reading the newspaper. After a round of golf or a few hours at Sentosa beach or a stroll in one of the multiple parks, take a refreshing shower, get a pizza and browse shops and people-watch through Orchard Road . Make a stop at Que Pasa on Emerald St. to sip a Spanish style " mango madness " or go to the ghetto of antiques at Dempsey Rd. to taste a glass (or a bottle) at Wine Network . If you prefer, go to the Raffles and drink an emblematic " Singapore Sling " at the plantation-style LongBar where the floor is strewn with peanuts and cockleshells. For dinner, depending on what you feel like, there are many, many restaurants featuring the best and the most diversified cuisines from the world. In fact, eating is very important to Singaporeans and some chefs, being very inventive to refine a mix of cuisines, have put the Lion City on the world gourmet map. After dinner, walk a mile to watch the old bumboats night cruises along the Singapore River or look at the appealing topless girls of the Crazy Horse at Clarke Quay. And if you want it, go to Arab St. and drink a mint tea with a shisha pipe.