Singapore …….not always a good experience

 

Listen up….those who wanna make a difference! I believe I am one of them.

I am sharing a recent incident that a known family experienced during their recent visit to Singapore between the 11th and 16th of April 2019.

It is been observed and sadly to say, experienced that people(judged by country of origin or ethnicity or race) are treated indifferently at many places in Singapore, especially at touristy spots; be it train stations or zoo ticket counter.

While this family lined up at Orchard Road train station, a lady in a scarf(name not visible) greeted people ahead of them with a smile that seemed nice until their turn came; when the lady suddenly turned cold, in a sense showcasing attitude not friendly at all in any means but it did not mean she was loud. Her change in tone and gesture spoke out the indifference that was purely not welcomed.

Apparently, over the next few days of their stay, it came to their attention that the “White Skinned” were the ones were courteously treated. It was a common occurrence observed, and this is been the very attitude to most Asians or the Brown or Dark Skinned……

Truly shocking to hear an incident from one of the most touristy places. Why?

(1) Not expected and a “supposed to be” behavior

(2) Despite the fact I never visited Singapore…..I have been to other Asian countries ….where not even at once during my stint of more than 15 days I had a bad experience like this. The people were very warm unlike in Singapore.

(3) Unexpected attitude from Singapore who set an example to be one of best countries…….But is it really? I wonder now……What kind of memory will a visitor take away……??? Truly shameful and hurting.

So, to this lady out and others who have the same attitude…..CHANGE.

To the local authorities and the government…… PLEASE TRAIN/TEACH THEM

……..With a hope someone carries my message………

Singapore…..Hear Me Out!!!!!!!

A sea of clouds, near Bangalore city

Every city comes with some sought of an advantage. The moment….a place becomes “city”, it is overcrowded or at the least moderately crowded. And this means weekends are the only time off the bustling crowd, either tucked away at corner in the house or to some place that is at a short driving distance.

For “Bangloreans”, Chikmangalur is a privilege. Not far away, yet throwing various options, be it lazing at a resort, engaging in adventure activities, soaking in early morning sun, trekking or submitting oneself to almighty at one of the popular temples, this place has it all.

This was a quick click on my way back in the early hours.

Bheemili Beach, Andhra Pradesh

A beach at Bhimlipatnam, popular as Bheemili.

This old fishing town has Dutch stories engraved within it’s past. Not more than 30 minute ride from Vishakapatnam city, the beach is serene and less crowded. The sand beach is one of the most preferred destinations for locals of Vizag, especially children. It is also home to 18th century light house, probably one of the shortest one that I ever seen. On a clear day one can sight mountain standing right on the other side. A magnificent view!!!!!

Have you heard of Bheemili beach before? Share your thoughts.

Big Buddha, Phukhet

Hello,

Parking my other travel stories aside, those are yet to be told; I, for this time settled on an incredible view point.

Bangkok happened to me in December 2018 all of a sudden. I traveled with my friend Aarti, who by now have been labelled as my best travel companion. Together we marked out that our first destination will be Phukhet, followed by Pattaya and Bangkok. We chose the old town to stay instead of busy beach area to get a feel of daily local activity. Had it not been there, I am sure we would just be lazing around the beach.

We zeroed in on Big Buddha as first site to visit. Local travel in Phuket is immoderate, unless your hotel is closer to beach. This is the only time in the course of Thailand trip that we felt the tweak of money. Yet considering the inhibitions of time, we did not restrict. The drive was for about 40 mins from our hotel but extended for another 20 mins when the taxi driver volunteered us to the Bee farm and was successful in making us purchase. I am no stranger to the fact that most of these drivers have tie up and get a small percentage for the number of visitor with their associated vendors, usually to stores selling handicrafts, food or any other local products/souvenirs. Keeping that in head and shopping was truly resisting. Nevertheless, I got a pain relief balm made of Bee wax. There were lot other beguiling stuff that was at display but then I told myself to control, for it was only our first day.

Soon he drove us through up the hill to Big Buddha. As I alighted the taxi, within few steps on the left hand side are statues of Lord Ganesh, few other deities where visitors can offer dhoop sticks and pray. In hardly 20 steps from there was the magnificent statue of Lord Buddha facing sea, seated above a construction of concrete, a prayer room to be precise.

A fantastic view then imprinted in my heart. Strong wind blew and all of us kept holding on to our dress or hat. My face was covered with hair as the wind blew harder, yet we managed some good pics. There were about 70 steps, not sure but nearly, to reach the statue. As said above, a prayer room under construction was nearly finishing; Yet one can offer prayer in silence. Also, noticeable was a tree with heart shaped metals tied with names of people. These are likely to be the wish lists, they are all around. Everywhere its just the clicks and poses, so did we pose and click 🙂 The strokes of sea breeze was truly angelic for the couple of hours we spent. It was too late in the afternoon, all kinds of growling was clearing heard. We ensured that the driver halted for a Thai food affair. Rest of the day was passed by the beach area gaping the on-goers and sport enthusiasts, who tried their bit in braving the sea.

A slice of Horanadu

I have been doing a sort of intense travel since December. Despite being a travelaholic, these travel came unexpectedly and not pre-planned. I did a bit of beaches and religious places.

Last week, I happened to visit Horanadu in Karnataka (never heard of this place before until I decided to travel few days ago). The only way to access the place was via road. Contrary to most other times where I do scribble about the place, things around home kept me held up for this activity, being rest assured of some sought of adventure and I was not disappointed.

It’s was only on my return through the curvy ghats, which houses coffee and tea plantation, spaciously private houses engulfed by herbs and flowering plants, creeping black peppers and laid back locals; I realized it was heaven tucked away amidst mountains. It seemed like spring but not even a single feel of summer in air for 40 odd kilometers.

Travelling by the state bus was real adventure as the driver did all he could to sway the passengers from one corner to other, while speeding through bends of the mountain. Not wanting to miss on hidden beauty, I pulled out my instant camera and captured few shots whilst on the move.

**Just before Sun was up

 

**River Bhadra

** Tall standing trees playing hide and seek with the Sun