Chinatown
Among the narrow streets of picturesque shophouses and
restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers,
herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers
pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations.
Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread
their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers,
regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun. Much of Chinatown
has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure.
During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit
up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of
festive goods. |
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Raffles Hotel
One of the most famous hotels in the world, this Grand
Old Lady of the East is fully restored to her former glory
after an extensive $160 million restoration. Down the
years, royalty, film stars, world leaders and famous authors
have stayed at Raffles — one of the last great 19th
century hotels. |
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Orchad Road
Orchad Road is the commercial main street of the city.
Modern Singapore is truly a Western creation. During centuries,
the island was populated by fishermen and pirates. In
1819, sir Stamford Raffles (1781-1826), a person in charge
of the Brittanic Company of the Eastern Indies persuaded
the sovereign of the Malayan State of Johore to concede
to Great Britain the use of the island and of his port
to make a trading post of it. It became then a significant
center of export of wood and rubber and its population
increased considerably with the arrival in mass of Chinese
merchants and workmen. |
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