February 6
Singapore
A middling night's sleep but enough to permit a walk in the morning. The new virus is still centre stage on the TV News and most cases in Singapore seem to be linked to a coach party from Wuhan, who travelled round happily infecting all with whom they came in contact. Of greater concern to me was the forecast 40% chance of rain from 10.00 for the rest of the day.
I breakfasted at The Sidewalk, chicken escallop with noodles and vegetables, with tea and pineapple.
My quest for the Green Corridor was a disaster. I started at Buona Vista station, where I could find no mention of it, either on the maps or the signposts. I changed plans and caught a couple more trains to King Albert Park, where I knew the walk passed through.
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I explored the posh streets on either side of the main Bukit Timah Road and found no signs of a disused railway line. I then found a path leading alongside a fenced off area of engineering works, so I followed it.
This emerged alongside the Bukit Timah Drainage Canal. There were shelters, playgrounds, information signs and everything that a walker could desire. I had difficulty crossing a drainage ditch but then found a small bridge, which solved the problem.
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The path continued for a while, with the forest giving way to manicured parkland, with posh houses on the other side of the canal.
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It then came to a grinding halt where an extension was being constructed.
I found a path, running perpendicular to the one on which I had arrived, which took me to a busy road, Sixth Avenue.
I considered walking along it but then encountered an English lady with a bichon frise, which threatened me. We both told it off and it gave me a lick. Its Mother said it was very protective of her. She asked about my walk and I explained about my failure to find the Green Corridor. She knew all about it but her directions were a trifle hazy.
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I set off following a concrete path and then a rougher one, which came to a halt in a playground.
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I continued along a road through some very posh houses until I arrived at Holland Road, another main artery. At this stage, having completed about five and a half kilometres, I decided that honour was satisfied and caught a bus a couple of stops to Holland Village. I had an iced coffee in the mall at the train station, wrote my diary and took stock of the situation.
Holland Village is very posh expat territory, with lots of shops, cafes etc. There is also a very good food court but it seemed too early for lunch so I contented myself with a couple of photos.
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I returned to the hotel, changed out of my walking clothes and retired to The Sidewalk for a large bowl of fish ball noodle soup.
The afternoon almost ended as unsuccessfully as the morning. The plan was to take the train a couple of stops and then to have a short walk to the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. In the event, the walk took the best part of an hour and involved lots of dodging closed paths as there was lots of construction work in progress.
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The walk took me across the huge area of reclaimed land which comprises the area, much of which has a huge road network but not much else.Eventually, I reached the back entrance to the Marina Bay Gardens and they had occupied a large area of ground as nurseries. I've never seen so many large plants in pots. The sun was blazing, making photography difficult in the very harsh light. |
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I eventually reached the barrage which closes the Singapore River so that it can act as a fresh water reservoir. I found the shop and had a lemon tea and a sit down. After an hour's walk in over 30 degrees, I needed it.
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The Museum/Gallery was part of the complex but, by then, I was too exhausted to care. I walked to the end of the viewing area, which had water features and views across the harbour to the CBD. There were even excellent views of the Marina Bay Sands from an unusual angle. I then started the long, slow climb to the top of the "bridge", which offered spectacular views across the ships moored out to sea, over the barrage itself and, once again, across the harbour to the CBD. |
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I might not have visited the museum but the views almost made the journey worthwhile. Just to improve the photo opportunities, there was a man with a very colourful kite.
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I sat at the bus stop outside for a quarter of an hour before one arrived - dead on schedule. This took me to another train station, four stops from home. The train was as empty as one would ever see one here.
Right: As empty a train as you will see |
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Back at the hotel, I changed, showered & had a rest before wrapping myself round a cold beer at The Sidewalk and writing my story.
My plan to visit Kafei Dian, almost opposite where I ate last night, was nearly abandoned because of my fatigue after the day's exercise. In the end, I decided to be a man and that the extra couple of kilometres would do me no harm.
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The spartan building was reasonably quiet, I fought my way through the menu, ordered and paid. I just hope I like it!When I first encountered Hainanese pork chops, at a large restaurant round the corner, I was surprised to discover that they came with chips. That is the norm, however, and my meal came with chips this evening. Not a classy meal but genuine. |
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I now managed to face the one kilometre walk back to the hotel without undue pain. The lights were good and the buildings impressive.
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