It's about as high as it gets in S.E. AsiaJanuary 30th
What do the following have in common? A Jewish economic adviser to Muslims of Indonesia and Nigeria, an Indian Coca Cola executive residing in Singapore, an owner of ‘The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’ chain of stores, a mathematician from Heidelberg, an elderly Canadian couple from Winnipeg, formerly of Poland, visiting their son in Saigon, a Bulgarian pianist and a handful of Malaysians and Chinese couples, the men wearing Tzizit. We suppose we should add two wandering Jews whom are full of wonder. So, what’s the answer to the riddle?
In the Forest near the CityWe wandered through the ‘green area’ of the city in pouring rain, reaching the highest point in Singapore, Mount Faber and then walked into the adjoining forest. A cable car reaches the top as well as allowing one to travel on it to a nearby island, too. We think we had an elevation gain of 500 feet or so—big deal. However, the gardens and forest are very attractive and provide a respite against the backdrop of the many high-rises dotting the landscape. The density of the housing is quite remarkable. It adds to the wonder of many people living so close to each other in relative harmony. Once again the cleanliness of the city-country made a favorable impression. There must be a lesson somewhere in there.
Rain every day, saves time in the shower
City forest (with concrete)Being in Shul was quite an experience. The building is 140 years old, a wonderful place although the acoustics caused difficulties. It is a Sephardic community, which made it quite different from our regular services. However, we were just relieved that Rabbi Abergel spoke in English although the concept sounded ‘Chinese’ to us. We are always fascinated that the ‘Chabadniks’ all know each other; it matters little where they are. Sometimes one sits in shul and has to think hard to determine where in the world one is—now we know how Waldo feels. In fact, it is fascinating—may we have this feeling more often. The answer to the riddle is, of course, these were some of the people we met and spoke with during a sit down Kiddush lunch.
A different perspective of the countryFor our afternoon walk, we were stunned to see the multitudes filling the malls, underground and street level, sidewalks and every conceivable space. It was a real eye-opener to witness that many people in a confined space. This was in contrast to our walks in the financial district and forest area, which were most comfortable, people wise. Too constricting for us but maybe it’s only the weekends. It reminded us of London or New York at peak except it is orderly, clean and exuberant. One other thing. It was mostly youngsters. The Asia we are seeing is a powerful, emerging force, in our opinion.
Recently, we happened to walk through a golf club en route to a hike in New Zealand and came across the following sign: ‘In the event of lightning, take out a one-iron and hold it towards the heavens—even the Almighty has trouble striking that club.’
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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