February 8

Singapore

Another mixed night's sleep but I was up and about betimes. At 08.15 on a Saturday, Singapore is like the Marie Celeste. I explored the food court at the Funan Mall and found nothing much open. Even The Sidewalk only had the drinks stall open. I bought some of their sandwiches, at least there was some brown bread, a coffee and a lump of pineapple. The coffee was without sugar but the condensed milk made it very sweet anyway. I could develop a taste for it.

My original plan had been to go the beach at Changi. The Lonely Planet, however, mentioned a riverside walk at Punggol so, never having been there, I embarked on the 35 minute train ride to the end of the North East Line. Being one of the new lines, it was underground all the way.

Punggol Station	Which way to go?

I emerged into a huge station and had to make the usual study of the maps etc in order to work out which way to go.

I spotted a mall called Waterway Point, decided that was a good omen and entered. It had some splendid decorative models with no indication of why they were there. There was also a sign for Tim Ho Wan, the world famous Hong Kong dim sum shop. I couldn't see the shop though. At 10.15, almost all of the cafes were closed. Not surprisingly, the one that was open was packed. One customer had even bought his own chair.
Beautiful models	This one brought his own chair

I sat outside, looked at the water and at the, surprising for Singapore, rubbish. The sun shone gently, it was about 30, and all was very pleasant.

I stared at the water ...	... and at the rubbish

The queue at the café cleared so I ordered an iced black coffee. The production process in this chain is magnificent, involving a coffee pot with a large spout and alternate boiling water or ice slopping around. Being a coward, I didn't feel able to take a photo.

Having finished my coffee, I descended to the waterway, crossed a bridge, found a sign, retraced my steps and set off in the direction of the sea.

Awards for something - can't remember what	A well used path

The path was well used by cyclists and pedestrians and followed the water through a heavily built up area with more housing under construction. There were a few shops and even a hawker centre.

Lots of bridges ...	... and lots of houses
There was a hawker centre ...	... lots of building work ...
... and a stray dog	The path entered the countryside
After about three kilometres the path entered into the countryside and eventually reached a barrage, where the water would have entered the sea were it not being saved as a reservoir. I had hoped to see some otters but didn't, only a sign warning me what to do if I did meet one. I did meet a pack of what were probably stray dogs but they looked fit, healthy and amiable. I had a rest in a shelter and decided that, after a walk of four kilometres, it was time to return to Punggol.
	The barrage at the end of the journey

I retraced my steps for about a kilometre, then crossed to the opposite bank by the Sunrise Bridge. The path continued through lots of houses and lots of building sites. There were even some self watering gardens, although they need rain and I haven't seen a drop since I arrived.

	Towards the centre
Back over the river	Disco or Police recruitment

I turned off the path to reach the LRT (driverless bus) station when my attention was attracted by loud disco music. Investigation revealed it to be a recruitment fair for the local police!

The Oasis LRT station was tiny but enough for the little two unit trains. They run around on concrete tracks but quite how the steering works I do not know. Unfortunately, the tinted windows on the trains caused problems for my camera.

Back at the main Punggol station, I braved the lunchtime crowds and sat in a seafood restaurant. Fish and chips or seafood platters. Rubbish really but I was tired and the seafood was OK. It was the second most expensive meal of my stay - almost £20 - but what do you expect in a trendy place in a large mall.   Right: I have eaten better

I had noticed there was an LRT station called Punggol Point. On the off chance that this might actually be on the coast, I returned on the little train - only one carriage this time - and travelled four stops. I could see some water and some big ships at intervals through the train windows. When I reached the station, however, I could see a tiny amount of water a long way away. I didn't bother leaving the station but hopped onto the next train coming in the opposite direction. Back at Punggol, I switched to the North East Line and made my way back to the hotel for a rest.

I then spent two hours organising my pills, always a complicated task, and organising my suitcase so that the clothes I planned to wear tomorrow would be set aside. The remainder could wait until this evening.

At about 17.30, I left the hotel and passed a couple of security guys setting up a thermometer post outside the Peninsula Mall. I didn't think it politic to photograph them but it's the first time I have seen this on the streets. Last night I had discussed events with the couple from Perth over dinner. We agreed that the city was quieter than usual. Throughout my stay, I had no trouble getting into restaurants for which, in the past, I have had to queue.

The most famous paint job in Singapore ...	... but it needs some refurbishment

I walked down to the river, stopping to take the obligatory photos of the Hill Street Police Barracks. The famed shutters appeared to be fading and closer examination revealed that the Government Departments which currently occupy the building have a very expensive paint job on their hands.

I took a few photos of the river, looking a bit drab in the evening light, and of Clark Quay, starting to become busy with expats and the well heeled for the evening. My walk back took me into the Funan Mall, where I thought that I could have dinner. All of the places there, however, looked a bit plasticy and not that special. I did notice that the Toast Box would open at 08.30 so ear marked that for breakfast.

Quiet for a Saturday night	A superb dinner

The Sidewalk used to be buzzing on a Saturday night but now was only about 20% full. I had a beer and was sorting the camera when the pretty waitress came and poured it for me. She obviously doesn't understand how us artists work.

After the disappointment of lunch, dinner was superb. The Sidewalk offered beer, pork with black pepper, spiced kang kong, rice and soup, all for under $20, ie about £10. I returned to my room for a bad night's sleep.