Singapore is a country, a state, a city and an island. What a fascinating place. The Concept Plan and 50-year Master Plan should be a part of every city's Growth Management Act. As an island with no natural resources and 5.8 million people, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong as the city with the most investment capital under management. They have figured out how to do what they are good at. The best thing is the Urban Renewal Center with wonderful interactive exhibits. Children are included in the planning because they will be the ones implementing and living with the results. Seems reasonable, right? Google this to find out more.

We visited the National History Museum where we saw Paul Revere's Bell, donated by his daughter .

A lunch of Paranakan cooking introduced us to some amazing favors and unusual foods. Paranakan culture evolved from the intermarriage between Malays and Chinese and Malays and Indians.

Finally we toured the magnificent orchid enclosure of the Botanical Gardens.

Queen Elizabeth Park and the Marina Bay Gardens are beautiful. The architecture of downtown lends credence to the comment that builders try to outdo each other with their buildings. Their commitment to green space, even if it is vertical, is important on an island with little undeveloped land.