One last 'dig' and 'Hello' Singapore

A gardner's pride

What are they selling?

January 28th

“We have a rental car; there are buses, trains, trams, taxis even bicycles. Why are we walking, via the beach from our apartment, to downtown Melbourne?” we gently inquired of our beloved editor. We did not want to appear impolite but 11 or 12 miles on asphalt is somewhat tiring, especially after little sleep and a hectic couple of months hiking. We have been waking in Australia at times that even the ‘streetwalkers’ of Chapel Street might find awkward. “Because there are no mountains to speak of in the area, I’ve got to keep you busy and exercised otherwise I’ll have to listen to your whining,” she replied firmly. We’re sorry we asked—we should know better by now. Keep us ‘exercised and whinnying’? —sounds like horse-talk to us.

"Okay Guys, I got you covered...extra sunscreen in my sidepocket"

We said goodbye to our spunky niece and left Melbourne for the city-state of Singapore. After a hectic start including a torturous route to the airport, we flew to Darwin, changed planes (although we thought that one was just fine) and headed to our first Asian stop. A trip to South Africa will follow. What do New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and South Africa have in common? Yes, they are or were part of the commonwealth. We want to point out that in all four countries, one drives on the left side of the road. Of course, that is if one follows the law. We thought that might be an interesting tidbit. Then again, after writing it, it might not be.

We were impressed with the system of ‘demerits’ in the country. The government interferes um…involves itself in many aspects of life, we notice. For a moving violation, a person might incur a demerit or two. After a certain number of demerits, the licence privileges are withdrawn. So far so good. However, if caught kissing the wife while driving—two demerits—three if caught kissing the mistress. Oh well!

We never listen to the state of union speeches or speeches from politicians. Words are cheap especially from people who are trying to please or ‘buy’ votes rather than lead. Besides, we know that in all the news articles following, we will read many extracts and interpretations. After a couple days in Singapore, we think that the ‘Old Western’ world is going to have to change its work ethic and attitudes should it wish to compete with the Asian countries. The country, and we reiterate that we have only witnessed a tiny bit of it, is very impressive. It is clean, tidy and attractive. The city has all the features of a modern metropolis but with a difference—an orderliness, a discipline and a look of confidence and success. Our judgment is premature; nevertheless, we are impressed.

Jenni spots Noah's Ark--great eyes.

Okay, we’re moving off the subject. Good. We’re back. On another long walk in a city, we may have solved one of the great mysteries of the world. The solution has been staring people in the face all these years. It takes people of our stature and of course, humility (in spades) to make the discovery. We found the resting place of Noah’s Ark. We kid you not. Have a look at the picture and then try arguing against it. At worst, it is surely a place to find Irv and Sandy or Celia and Nate. We think people never thought to look for a boat 'out of water’. No wonder it was never spotted.

Apparently, nobody knows to whom it belongs--must be the Palestinians

Does anyone know what's going on?

Off to shul for Shabbos tomorrow. We hope there’s not going to be a language barrier. If the davening is in Chinese then we may have to throw a tantrum, never mind whine. We also cannot read those little graphics they call words. Furthermore, we don’t know whether Chinese-Hebrew is read right to left or vice-versa. Man, life is complicated on the road. Maybe we should just arrive in time for Kiddush.

Chinese-Indian-Malaysian Shul

We think this is the Chinese new year of the rabbit so we’ll…never mind.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey