I finally got to drive in S'pore, but there is no need for the mad dash to get off the roads just yet. I was referring to the bumper car ride in a carnival (expo?) next to the Chinatown Center. One of my pet peeve about the States is that everything is supposedly so "safe." I saw a editorial cartoon that depicted the US has more safety laws governing toys than guns. Kids nowadays are deprived of what I enjoyed when I was young, e.g. fireworks, plastic bullets from toy robots, etc. The reason that I mention this is because the bumper cars here are faster and more fun than those in the states. I remember when I went to Great Adventure in NJ, the bumper cars were so slow and you were only allowed to go one direction in a circle. Whenever you ram into someone hard you will get yelled at by the attendants. Well, bumper car ride is one place that you won't find nice and courteous S'poreans 8-) Everyone was going for blood. I was bumped so hard from all sides that I had to search the bottom of the car for my wallet and keys afterward. Of course, I did my share of damage too. I never had so much fun driving, maybe except the time that I accidentally did a 360 spin out on Rt. 23 in NJ. Maybe I am beginning to get the taste of the kiasu mentality 8-)
So I exaggerated. So I didn't get a chance to drive on the roads of S'pore, but I did manage to get my S'pore license. Most of you should know by now that getting a car in S'pore is very expensive. But it didn't stop a lot of people from owning a vehicle. So I figure, it won't hurt to get a local license, just in case I win a car in a drawing or something (don't laugh, people do win cars in drawings here). I am sure most S'porean will tell you about horror stories about getting a driver's license. Supposedly it's very expensive and very difficult to pass the test, both written and driving. I found out from a friend, who shall remain nameless, that you can get a license by having a foreign license for a period of time then converted to S'porean license. So I decided to do the same. I went down to the traffic police headquarter at Maxell road. First day I was there, they told me that the whole island's computer network was down. I recently read that S'pore is implementing a information superhighway and there I was experiencing a major highway closure. What good is a information superhighway when the entrance is closed? Nevertheless, I get the temporary license the next day. I am currently in a one year probation, meaning if I get more than 12 points in a year, I need to take the local tests ($$). Now I just need to get my hands on a car. Maybe my reputation in the States has preceded me because no one here at work would lend me their cars 8-( Now I have to stop thinking that with the money for a new Honda Civic here in S'pore, I can get a brand new Lexus, SC400 at that, in the States. Ouch...
Let me squeeze in a tourist report. One of the newest tourist attraction here is Clark Quay (pronounced Key). It is situated right next to the S'pore river, further up from Boat Quay. According to the Insight Guides "It's a massive historic renovation project that aims to transform an old warehouse district into a shopping, eating and entertainment district." The project is not entirely completed yet. I went to one of the Chinese restaurant that was recommended by the local paper, according to a friend. It's name translated very roughly to river view palace. The food was quite good, but there was no view unless you stand and eat. Besides, the view wasn't that great if you are familiar with S'pore river. There were lots of shops spread out across the whole place. There is River Adventure ride which for a minimum sum (ok, so I forgot how much it costs) you get to tour the history of S'pore with a Disney type of ride, but without air-con (A/C)! Then there is a boardwalk-like arcade which I lost a few dollars trying to impress the local girls by trying to get the plastic little frog into the tiny little lily pad in the stupid little pond. Good haven that at least I have the net to vent my frustration 8-) One final note, recently a water taxi was introduced between Clark Quay and Clifford Pier. If you work near the financial district, it should be an interesting way to commute.
