Singapore, SingaporeI picked up a bottle of Beefeater gin from the duty free shop at Phnom Penh airport.
Because my backpack was loaded to the hilt I stashed it in Elenka's bag. When we arrived at Singapore International she got nabbed for not declaring it. Actually neither of us were asked if we had booze, but it was apparently something we should have known. Customs officials brought us into an office where they studied the bottle intently and filled out forms. All the time I was recalling the stupid young bugger of a kid who'd spray-painted graffiti in Singapore some 30 years ago and wound up being caned for his 'art'. Suddenly, one of the officers asked why we were in Cambodia. After telling him the reason he looked at us as though we were mad, suggesting that the Cambodian people were very dangerous. I told him that the only dangerous looking people we encountered had long, very dirty hair, oftentimes broken teeth and were white. I stayed away from explaining that these lone-dog ex-pats were most likely escaping incarceration from their original homelands.
When the forms were completed one of the officers took us to a higher ranking official who gave us a good talking to and then provided us with a pamphlet on what you can and cannot bring into Singapore.
When we walked back into the initial office with the bottle, the two arresting officers couldn't believe we were able to keep it. Then after learning that we weren't fined, their chins almost banged against their chests. I pointed at Elenka's pretty smile, then at my own hot legs and shrugged my shoulders with a devilish smile.
***
While walking in circles trying to find our apartment in Singapore we stopped in front of an Italian bistro called Chapter 55, to look once again at our rather befuddling address information. A waitress came out from the restaurant and invited us in. We told her of our dilemma; she looked at the papers and said that the apartment should be right about where we were. Then she whipped out her hand-held telephone device and called the number that was listed on the papers. Within moments, Catherine is her name, had found us our apartment.
After dumping our bags off we went on a seven or so hour Singapore hike. Upon our return, while walking past the bistro, Catherine ran out with her hand-held telephone device extended in front of her saying there was a call for us. It was the woman who owned the apartment, calling us about something of absolutely no importance. The moral of the story — with people like Catherine why would we ever need our own held-held telephone device.
For dinner that evening we ate at Chapter 55, the Italian bistro we now affectionately call Catherine’s Place. We enjoyed it so much so that we went again the following day. Aside from the great food it’s also a great place to visit if your telephone device isn’t working.
www.chapter55.com.sg
Over the years there have been a number of people who have told Elenka and I that they couldn't ever travel to the places we've been because of the culture shock involved. Singapore's ethnic makeup is just over 70 percent Chinese. Indians and Malays make up 20 percent. Other peoples of the world account for the balance. Elenka and I live in a yuppie enclave situated in a predominantly Chinese area of Toronto; we have our own Little India just a few kilometres away. Almost everyone we've met in Singapore speaks English. At home it ain't that way at all. If you're hesitant about travel but want to test the waters come and stay with us at our new Culture Shock Treatment facility in downtown Toronto. Rates are reasonable and upon course completion you will be awarded a personalized certificate that will allow you to travel damned near anywhere.
starlagurl
2016-02-18
Ha funny. I went into that office too, but for overstaying my visa. I thought I was going to be imprisoned but it was $100 fine or something.
David Baril
2016-02-18
Great story and terrific photos! Makes me want to visit Singapore!
Peter & Mandy
2016-02-18
Mmm might one suggest that it was your legs that got you into hot water in the first place. Singapore has standards don't you know . Mandy and I brought in a truck load of booze no problem .
Just saying........
Margo
2016-02-18
That was funny! Enjoying the pics.
Keep those cards and letters coming :)
Katharine
2016-02-18
You sure it was your legs that did the trick? Sounds like you are having a fabulous trip. You're only missing the worst weather we've had all winter.
Looking forward to drinks on your return.
Leta McGowan
2016-02-19
Hi Ellie & Jack,
Another great blog & photos, love the colorful funky buildings (& funky lady of course!) Glad to hear you survived the Customs ordeal & didn't lose your bottle, make sure to study pamphlet, lol. Take care & continue to enjoy your adventures. xo
Majka
2016-02-23
How come we didn`t get a certificate? :)
Dinah Watts
2016-03-09
HI Jack and Ellen! Finally catching up on these blogs and enjoying myself like crazy! Love the offer of the culture shock treatment facility. xoxoxoxo