Leaving on a jet plane.

2008-01-30, Chinatown, Singapore

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The 3.5 hour flight from Hong Kong to Singapore went by in a flash. Sat next to Andrew who is Singaporean and works in Hong Kong. He was very chatty (always my luck) and informed me of all the good places to eat, drink and be merry while in Singapore. Thanks Andrew.

Before I knew it I was in the taxi and on my way from Changi airport to my hotel in Tiong Bahru. Of course I need to mention that it was a toasty 30 degrees Celsius out there - absolute heaven compared to Hong Kong's cold and damp weather the last couple of days.

Grabbed a map at the hotel and set off almost immediately for Chinatown.
It was mad colour everywhere as I walked down Eu Tong Sen street. This is a great time of the year to be in Singapore because of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Red lanterns, rich aromas and blaring music washed over me as I dodge and dive people, traffic and the odd shopping trolley.
The infamous Hotel 81's facade was bathed in colour slides wishing people happy new year. It was a sensory madhouse just waiting to be explored and of course I did.

While sipping a coffee in Chinatown Point I was fortunate to see Northern lion dancers from Hebei province.In Chinese culture the lion symbolises luck and prosperity - naturally very auspicious during this time of the year. Their performance was spectacular. The lion dipped and pranced to the beat of the music. There are two major styles of Chinese Lion dance; Southern and Northern. Having seen the Southern style previously in Hong Kong it was great to experience the other.

And on a personal level I'm hoping the lion brings me luck and prosperity too. Judging by where I am at this stage I'd say it has already happened. It's good to be here.