Changi Jail Chapel & Museum, infamous during the Japanes occupation of WWII, held the moving accounts of the terrible conditions and treatment of allied prisoners there. The original jail was built in 1937 to house 600 criminals and was believed to have housed some 10,000 at it speak during the occupation with not only the cells over-crowded but the corridors too. In the afternoon, we took a tour of the city's key site, including the Merlion, half mermaid, half lion, and symbol of the 'Lion City', passing buildings from the colonial era, the Cricket Club, Botanical Gardens that house an incredible selection of orchids, China Town with its oldest Chinese temple, and Little India. The day was then topped off with a few tipples and a Thai meal by the river on Boat Quay with Andrew, joined by Monte who had just flown back that day.
Opinions vary as to whether Singapore is clinical because of its strict governance, but we both found the litter-free, low public transport cost, blend of old and new architecture very appealing. $500, just under £200, it caught having a pee in a public place, is among many other fines for misdemeanours. It is a democracy that most people seem to believe in, and many sell quite enthusiastically, as the government keep getting re-elected, so something is right! Even gambling is now allowed, but it's free to foreigners, but $1100 for locals, with a $1,000 fine if done illegally, a typical example of the control mechanisms.
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