The best recovery for any ailment in this world is pure green coconut milk. You name it, green coconut cures it - hangover, jet lag, an over fondness for celebrating Chinese New Year, even burning humidity has its sanctuary found in the heavenly waters of a green coconut. Nature's nectar is in abundance here in Singapore. The last time I had one of these was on the very first port of call during this Siesta del Somewhere, on the island of Mauritius. Fortunately, in Singapore, as in ile Maurice, coconuts can be bought for next to nothing at the side of the road. Pure, chilled water inside and the white flesh scoops out like ice cream.
Singapore by day is alive with colours, Little India - one of the busiest suburbs - is a hustling nest of shuffling feet and offers, street cries and opportunities, smiles and handshakes, narrow cool alleyways offer shade from the wide open streets.
Part of Singapore's beauty is its diversity and tolerance of the many identities of its inhabitants. Respect begets respect, instructs one billboard posting near Arab Street. The many mosques of Singapore are open and welcoming to visitors of all faith. The Sultan Mosque stands at the end of Little India, and once inside the busy world surrounding it dissolves into a serene silence. The air is cool, and the space is immense.Singapore's public transport system is one of the best in the world. Clean and up to the minute, punctual and fast. It travels from North to South and East to West, criss-crossing the island somewhere near the city skyline not far from City Hall and the Raffles name.
The Chinese Gardens can be found at the East of the Island and are a wonderful way to spend your afternoon. A heavy wooden bridge leads you down from the train station and across a giant, still lake. The gardens are beautiful and simple. There is much to see here: a seven story pagoda, a bonsai garden, a turtle lake, a statue in honour of Chinese philosopher Confucius and walks through greenery that go on all day.
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