Adventures in Singapore: Chapter 11: Chinatown

It is odd to note that Singapore has a ethnic district called Chinatown when it’s largest population is Chinese, this stems from back in the 1800’s while under British rule the Chinese were a minority.   

Chinatown is a fun market place to visit.  We found some great deals on stuff – especially souvenir-y stuff.  Deals like six key chains for $2 – unlike the one key chain I bought at Jurong bird park for $7 (although mine is quite nice and really I only needed one).   And good prices for stickers and trinkets – must have items for my nieces!

We started our visit in the Chinatown complex, the main indoor market place and food stands (food court like), I had my first whiff of Durian in the air – It was early – most shops were just opening - we stopped off  at a juice stand – fruit juiced – so many options – honey dew, dragon fruit, pineapple, watermelon, pear, apple, orange, passion fruit, even durian, and many more – some fruits I have never seen – great deal - $1 a drink – large too! we also had some delicious fried dough  - puffs and sticks. 

We did a lot of  looking, a little shopping, then out to the streets. 

Beautiful red lanterns fill the sky, running across the street from building to building.   The Baroque Italianate Victorian buildings were beautiful, brightly colored traditional details were like the  US’s painted ladies, at the street level there is shop after shop, encompassing a number of streets, intersecting one another, a maze of eateries, produce and dry goods,  massage parlors, tailors, and a myriad of items to buy.   The streets were filled with amazing sights, sounds of a busy market place and smells both delightful and others less appealing.