I've spent the last 5 days in Singapore. Has it been that long since I've written? I guess I am getting pretty lazy. Doing nothing all the time can be quite tiring.

I've heard that it's been snowing a lot in Vancouver. I can honestly say that I don't miss that. I like snow, but not in the city. It's been quite nice in Singapore. The last time I was here (2 years ago), it rained every freakin day. This time, it's been sunny and hot. It's a nice change.

Singapore is a strange city. It's strange because it's really quite unlike other cities in Asia. It almost feels un-Asian. It's so clean, and the people are so polite (well, a bit aggressive). The streets are wide, traffic is normal, and consumerism is rampant. Compared to other cities in Asia, like Hong Kong or Bangkok, this place is kinda boring. I rather like the grittiness of Bangkok, and the go-go-go attitude of Hong Kong. I think it'd be tough to live here. Singapore tries to hard to be a major world city, and it seems unimpressive.

My impression of Singapore is simple. People shop and eat. They eat 5 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and supper. And the topics of conversation at every meal are what and where they will have their next meal, and how good/bad this meal is compared to the last one. And it's one mall after another after another. I know it's Christmas time, and the malls are naturally busy. But here, it's all year. And I think there are as many restaurants as there are people in Singapore.

I did some touristy things, when I was here. I went to the National Orchid Garden, which I've been to before. Many orchids and plants that you just won't see anywhere else. Plus, I went to see the Singapore Flyer, which is a giant ferris wheel a la London. It was a great way to see the city (which is permanently under construction). I should just say, to all my friends from Singapore...that it's the people here that make it worthwhile. If it weren't for the really nice guys I know here, I wouldn't visit.

I am at the Changi Airport in Singapore now, waiting for my flight to Bali. I will be spending 3 days in Bali, over Christmas, then I will head south to Sydney Australia. I've been to Bali a few times already, and I quite enjoyed it. I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas, than on a beach in Bali. OK, one better way would be to have all my friends there with me. =)

I am going to Australia for the first time, after Christmas. I will spend New Years there. Bali is about as close as you can get to Australia, from Asia, so it seems like a logical choice as a follow up destination. I have never really thought about going there before. It's never really attracted me. But...I am really looking forward to it, now that I am booked to go.

I hope all my friends that are reading this will have a wonderful Christmas. I will be thinking of you, and missing you. Ho, Ho, Ho.