Nothing but Blue Skies from Now on . . .

As we were preparing for our summer trip to Singapore, we realized that many people didn't really know the difference between Singapore and China (You know who you are.  Don't feel bad when M started traveling, I had to look for Singapore 4 times on the globe before I found it.  It is sooo tiny.)  So now that I have traveled to both, let me shed some light. (Seriously, I feel kinda bad that you are now reading travel info from me.  You should be scared.  I am scared for you.  You should buy a travel book, search the web, or what the heck, get on a plane and come to the other side of the world to learn.  But I am what you got so . . . )

Where was I . . . oh yea. . . . the difference between Singapore and Beijing, China.  Let's do it Letterman style and I will give you a Top 10.

10.  Singapore is a completely different country than China (both are on the continent of Asia).  Although the majority of the people that live in Singapore are Chinese, the feel is different.  (Do you want people saying, "Where are you from?  Canada, US, whatever it is all the same.")

9.  Although in Singapore, the Mandarin and Cantonese languages are common, most people in stores and restaurants speak English so you can walk in pretty much anywhere and order.  There are lots and lots of variety of food choices from around the world.  Beijing had lots and lots of Chinese food.  Of course as M. reminds me, in China they just call it food.  If you don't speak the language it is very difficult to order even at a McDonald's (during our two, that's right folks, we are up to seven Mickey D visits in total.  M does the point communication style to try and order even there, most other places weren't even an option.) 

8.  Driving and traffic are busy in Singapore but it looks mild in comparison to Beijing.  Beijing is like a game that requires skill and luck to cross the street.  Singapore is orderly.  Cars stop for pedestrians, cross-walks are honored by walkers and drivers.  There are very few bikes out on the streets. 

7.  Beijing is the land of knock-off's.  You can find imitation purses, wallets, watches, shoes, electronics, socks, and clothing.  Pretty much you name it and you can find a look alike.  You can buy them at the markets (or someone will approach you at a McDonald's to see if you want Nike socks.)  Knock off products aren't legal in Singapore so you won't see them.   Singapore has all sorts of high end designer stores and really nice shopping malls (and lots of them). 

6.  I thought subways were crowded at rush hour in Singapore, until my family and I wedge ourselves (or are helpfully pushed by someone behind us) into a jam-packed subway car in Beijing. 

5.  Singapore has lots rules and has a high regard for a clean, safe city.  Most public bathrooms are pretty nice and walking through the streets it smells ok and looks relatively clean.  Beijing is more like New York City

4.  It is much easier to take a tri-shaw ride in Singapore (See the Bad Boys posting, if you haven't read it yet.) 

3.  i-phones are everywhere in both cities.  The phone of choice. 

2.  There is only one Great Wall of China in the world and it is near Beijing.  That along with, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.  Most of China's history is far older than our country.  Truly Amazing. 

1.  Nothing but blue skies (mostly) in Singapore.  You can see lots of blue and white fluffy clouds.  Beautiful plants and flowers around. Beijing has lots of overcast skies and lots of smog. 

So for the next 3+ weeks, we have nothing but blue skies from now on . . .

That, ladies and gentlemen, concludes the geography portion of my blog.  So you should probably go out and get your kids a tutor on geography and culture to correct any harm I have done at this point.  Matter of fact, can you just hire one for my kids also?  Who knows what kind of damage I have done?