You and I, the last refugees: September 2006

20.9.06

Going Ons

So, Southeast Asia. People ask why I like it here. A number of reasons actually, including: beautiful beaches, beautiful highland and countryside, interesting people, and a region in transition. You can find the simple life on rice paddies, you can find the metropolis and malls, you can have normal sized food portions, but more importantly you feel a unique vitality of movement. I love Europe for its history and past, but that's the point, Western Europe feels old and accomplished, as though it's seen its time and shakes it head at the world today. The United States is moving but it's older, it's established, it's a 40 year old about to reach a mid-life crisis. Asia (I don't mention Latin America, Africa, Australia, because I haven't been there) is a teenager, a young adolescent, where it hungers for more, and is wholly excited about things in the world and about its future in the world to come.

So a couple of cases in point, last weekend I went to a civil society meeting on Batam to discuss IMF/WB reform. I have many gripes coming out of that, but I'll keep it to myself. It was interesting, although I will say this, there comes a point when the whining needs to stop and some practical positive action should take place. For those who care, click here.

On another amazing note, Thailand had a coup last night. Interesting, exciting times. I won't go into detail, but an interim government is to take power in two weeks with general elections slated for October 2007. The Thai I've talked to have been thrilled. For complete coverage check out the BBC and The Nation

10.9.06

Spongey Beach Bottom?

Yes, this is Singapore, they are very serious about the Peacocks

The sound of waves, the tranquility of floating in the water, the coral, the turquoise blue, the palm trees, the fish, the smile on people's faces all are reasons why I love the beach.

Singapore, as some of you know has a reputation for cleanliness and orderliness. I find it suffocating much of the time. Yesterday I went to Sentosa, Singapores' resort island/beach, with dolphins, nature hikes, and family oriented fun. For some reason the first thought I had upon arrival on the island was, "hmm, this is like Jurassic Park" albeit it might have been due to the sign that read, "Caution, lizard crossing" with a picture of a large lizard on top. But there, as at most places in Singapore a feeling of calm and safety from the crazy outside world. I'm not particularly comforted by it, but I understand the happy families that find it as necessary.

So, the beach, I can say this, when they think to make a perfect beach they've put in plenty of thought. And yes, I said "MAKE" a beach. Dear readers, the beaches of Sentosa, and this was Tanjong Beach in particular requires the import of sand, rocks, and some palm trees. How do I know? Imagine this: as you walk onto the beach the and is a bit coarse - a bit like the sand in playground lots. You look out in the water and see an island with rocks in a perfect circle. As you enter the water (which is quite nice) you suddenly notice a steady but sure progression of deeper water in precise increments --- i don't mean a gentle sloping more like significant drops within a foot of each other. Fine fine, it could be a fluke. Now, as you wade out even deeper and float to touch the bottom what was very very coarse sand - as in what looks like ground up garden rocks, has become concrete and what feels like that odd spongy turf at children's playgrounds. Now, a couple of hours later, you venture back into the water and what was coarse sand before has now become all spongy material - spongy slippery material - algae covered sponginess. When you look at the coastline from the water, the curve is too perfect and the grade of the sand as it approaches the water is sloped exactly the same.

Given all that, I have to say I had fun, the water was nice, there were lounge chairs, drinks, a jacuzzi and music on the beach, all of which I can't complain about. There was kayaks if you wanted to sea Kayak in the small cove (i kind of thought this was ridiculous given the small roped in size of the cove) as well as volleyball courts. Completely well thought out. Other beaches were designed for families or activity enthusiasts. Sentosa I can only say this, it is Uniquely Singapore.

4.9.06

Around Singapore

Just a short post. I spent most of the weekend walking around Singapore, catching an IMAX film, called Deep Sea at the Science Center, visiting the Esplanade, and the Merlion. Starting from the initial application process of 4 SIPA students to study in Singapore, our ranks are now down to two, Fox and Me, after others sadly left us to our lonesome.

Photos and some links for you.