Weary-Eyed Wanderings
My head was already cloudy getting out into Changi Airport. Those bombarding images of McDonalds and Popeyes didn’t phase me. I was used to seeing Western influence in the major Eastern city. And even though this was my first time to Singapore, I guess I would be more shocked if they didn’t have those shops here. What I didn’t prepare for were the different types of people.
All I wanted to do was get to my hotel. After getting some cash I head to the MRT which had a stop there at the airport and happened to connect to most of the city, most importantly, where I was staying. While I waited for the doors to close, people came in, all sorts, and I don’t mean different races, that’s given with this place being the true melting pot of Asia. No, what I mean were the types of people. Families. Kids. Expats. And what was this? A group of six girls scantily clad dressed in their tight tube dresses. Must be clubbing… at 11:30 in the morning. Or maybe they came from somewhere. Wait, this was the airport. Anyways, I wasn’t gonna try to speculate. As the train made it’s way into the city, people got on. Workers. Teenagers. Old men. They all got on and only about 5 stops later, I realized, not too many were getting off. Everyone was heading into town. I only realized why after I got to the M Hotel Singapore (courtesy my job), checked in, freshened up, and got out. The need to keep yourself awake from 2pm – 6pm was key to defeating jetlag.
For lunch I hit the Maxwell Road Hawker Center, my very first one. Quite frankly, this felt like Hong Kong ones, with a substitution of well mannered people and a overdose of sweltering heat. Why are there ceiling fans in this joint? They’re useless! Odd thing was that during my meal, I didn’t have a drink, the warm soup sufficed. Another sign I’m getting more and more Vietnamese. I know that doesn’t make any sense, but trust me on that one.
For the whole afternoon, I took the MRT every where. Shopping in the Orchard area, and over to City Hall for more. Then hunted for food over in Geylang road, only to leave within 10 minutes after realizing I may be out of my element there. Besides the lack of foreigners there, I couldn’t understand a thing. There may be pictures of food, but you can’t really tell what’s good or not. I’ll save this for later when my friends take me out. Feeling a bit defeated, I headed back to my hotel area. It was pass 6pm and at the very least I was doing okay. My eyes weren’t. I explored the area and found Tanjong Pagar Road nearby. Man, you don’t need to go far to find food in this city. This area seemed to be all about Korean food. And no, I didn’t try any. I mean, I was just in Koreatown a few weeks ago. Nothing was going to top that except for Seoul itself. Though I should have eaten there than having the blah ramen I had. Ugh I wish I waited at the other place. Important note. Lines here in Singapore mean it’s good shit. The longer the line the better! Right? I’ll let you know.
With the night coming to an end, it was time to get some drinks in me to put me away for the night. I met up with an old co-worker, Gavasso, at a fucking cool bar The Mad Men Attic Bar. Leave your pretentious ass at the door. Sure you can get table service, but there’s plenty of room to drink and chill. It’s on top of a four story building with a patio area. Pretty relaxed place and I love seeing a good mix of people. Glad the smog cleared up for this!
This place was pretty good. Prices weren’t so bad, but most of all, the line was pretty short. Only a couple of people. I will try the longer line places next time. They get this stuff out quick.
The closest one to my hotel. I have a feeling I’ll be here many more times given how close it is to my office. They have everything from noodles to chicken rice to boba drinks. I didn’t see any shaved ice though. That would have been killer. Oh, do know it’s communal seating.
Great little bar with a big patio area to drink my jet lag away. We could have done without the live music. A bit hard to hear people. Atmosphere was great, people were cool and we mingled. Every local seemed to be from some where else, Canada and even Northern California. Small world. Kirin Super Dry: $10SGD.
Found this little place after I decided not to wait in line for another Ramen place across the street. This looked promising when it let you pick and choose what you wanted. The system needed work though. I don’t think they got my order right.
When I think the eggs are the best thing here, then you don’t have yourself a great bowl of ramen. A little sub par for me. And damn, I ordered extra seawed. Don’t be so lazy and stick in a sheet. If it’s for presentation, then utter fail. $16SGD
Had dim sum kinda foods. Not many, but I wanted something small to take on the road.
Comes with bok choy and a clear chicken broth soup. That soup was all I needed. Now I know how people can have a meal without a beverage. The combo worked well. Oh and this may look a bit lackluster, but the taste is oily orgasmic. Chicken in Asia is always so tender. Wish we can get such moist breast meat back in the states. *shakes fist at mass production* $5SGD
Oh man do they make these right. It wasn’t all about the dough. It was about the mushy goodness inside. It was moist, my last bite was into the juices that pooled at the bottom of the bun. This photo isn’t too appealing, but I hope I post a video on this trip for you to see how this was. $1.80SGD