Dro fram denne tråden da jeg kom til å tenke på når InsideFlyer-gjengen startet med å dra på helgeturer til Auckland i Business med SQ.
Det var halvannet år siden, vinteren 2016 (tiden flyr, men det gjør InsideFlyers også).
Her er noen tanker om byen Singapore jeg skrev nylig, til refleksjon.
Singapore, you've lost that lovin' feelin'.
Mini-review of Singapore, as I was there last week and had a clear and sudden change of vibe for the place. Usually my impression of a city remains stable over time. But as we evolve personally, our preferences change. Cities are like lovers.
What does Singapore have that is great?
A wonderful airport, near downtown. Nice mix of architecture. It’s green, varied and not flat. Efficient public transport and roads, not too bad traffic. Fast Internet and social after-work culture. Lots of tourist attractions and warm tropical climate.
It’s safe and easy to navigate. Everyone speaks English. It has a strong economy, business environment, low tax and good infrastructure. Amazing apartments, parks and the town is walkable. It also has good high-end dining and hotels, but any big city has that.
So why don’t I like Singapore anymore?
Primarily the people mix. I find the Chinese-Malay-Indian combo, together with a huge migrant workforce and British-US expat business workers very unattractive. It’s an unusual demographic blend and it does not appeal to me.
The streets lack local service economy, they feel boring and dead. For someone like me who loves walking and peoplewatching, this is a big drawback.
The part of Singapore I normally stay (within 5 km of CBD) there is no feeling of real life. No kids going to school, dogs and families, old people or grocery shopping – just dressed up business people, nightlife, rich tourists and hidden, inaccessible cultural events.
Located on the equator, the constant humid air outside becomes annoying.
What makes me love a city is finding my neighborhood, my favorite coffee shop, daily walk, lunch spot, grocery store etc.
Nope, Singapore I love your airline (SQ) and you are OK for a weekend and business, but that’s it. No way I would choose to live there.
Disclaimer: I compare Singapore to its Southeast Asian siblings; Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Hong Kong. Japan/Korea and Australia are in another bucket.
My perspective is of a Nomad staying in a city for one month. If you are visiting SIN for 3-4 days and doing tourist stuff and shopping, your experience will probably be great.
Les også:
https://insideflyer.no/forums/sq-biz
https://insideflyer.no/forums/beste-business-class
https://insideflyer.no/forums/singapore-tråden