Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Singapore

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Singapore, Singapore, in Southeast Asia.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
The surprising superstitions of the Lion City
Superstitions are like culinary specialties: every part of the world has its own, and discovering those of new countries is always an experience, if not tasty, at least fun.

Singapore is no exception to the rule in Southeast Asia that gives pride of place to the supernatural and offers some surprising sparks of superstition that you can observe with a smile or take home with you, should they bring you luck… You never know.

Let’s start with a belief that will please the cheapskates: you don’t gift watches or shoes in Singapore.
Watches symbolise the end and ‘giving a clock’ in Mandarin sounds very similar to ‘attending a funeral’.
To avoid bringing death, no watches or clocks are given. For shoes, the same battle: the shoe is pronounced the same way as evil in Mandarin. So it’s in terrible taste to give shoes. Two beliefs that can save a lot of money…

Cutting your nails after dark is also forbidden. In Singapore, this practice is believed to attract angry spirits who could bring misfortune to the house and its inhabitants. Never point at the moon, either, especially if it is full. The risk? Finding yourself with the tips of your ears cut off in your sleep. Also to be avoided is whistling at night. This practice, which is harmless everywhere else, seems to please ghosts in this part of the world. Whistle at night, and you could end up with a string of not-always-benevolent ghosts hanging around your neck. Fortunately, the best way to deal with this is to wash your feet and face when you get home to ward off the wandering spirits.

Another rule of the Lion City, also found in Vietnam, is that you don’t take photos of three people. Two, yes. Four, yes, but three, no. It’s bad luck for the person in the middle to be the first to die.

Finally, let’s finish with a rather amusing and intriguing superstition involving new owners, a new flat or house, and a pineapple. For good fortune to fall upon a new house and its owners or occupants, when they first enter their new home, they must knock on the door three times and shout ‘huat ah’ (good luck) as they roll a pineapple around. Derived from Feng Shui, this practice is said to purify the premises. The story doesn’t say whether a tin of pineapples will do the trick..

Today’s Excursion – Singapore on your own

Orchard Road Self-exploration
Orchard Road is the symbol of consumerism. Singapore is the world’s largest consumer, and a good reflection of this is
Orchard Road – an avenue of 2km with a concentration of over 50 shopping centers. The best and the most exclusive brands can be found here. However, there are also shopping centers at affordable prices for all budgets. The malls are both above and below the street, and all are connected by “connections,” so there is no need to go outside to go from one place to another. For shopaholics, this is THE street. It is a stylish and cosmopolitan street where you can find anything.

China Town Self-exploration
In Chinatown, stroll along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese-influenced curios, accessories, apparel, and much
more. It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to take home. You can also view the Sri Mariamman Temple, which dates back to 1827 and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Chinatown Food Street is one of Singapore’s best places to eat tasty and authentic local food. The venue is roofed and has an integrated cooling system, making it a perfect all-day dining spot in Chinatown in any weather. You can find the array encompassing a wide range of flavors from across Singapore, China, and the rest of Asia. If it is your first time to Chinatown Food Street – or if you are picky when choosing what to eat – it might be a bit tricky to decide what to go for.

Marina Bay Center Self-exploration
Before you head back to your ship, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the architectural icons that dot the impressive skyline of this tiny city-state at Marina Bay Center. You may wish to walk along the scenic waterfront promenade decorated with artistic sculptures. If you have yet to see more skylines, head up 57 stories to the SkyPark Observation Deck, which boasts picturesque views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.

Asian Culture Museum

The highlight was visiting the Asian Cultural Museum. The Special Exhibit was Pagoda Oddessy, featuring the China Pavillion at San Francisco’s 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. 84 hand-carved model pagodas based on real structures offer a tantalizing glimpse of China’s rich architectural heritage.

Tonight’s dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.