64. THIS LITTLE RED DOT

This is the other name for Singapore. It was meant to remind us as to how small we are by an Indonesian politician, forgetting how big we are as an investor in that country and other neighbouring countries, whereby, jobs were created for their peoples, something their politicians were'nt doing enough of. 

Singapore punches above her weight in many areas of endeavour and politicians in those countries are envious - it certainly makes them look inadequate. A Taiwanese politician referred to us as the shit from his nostril (he picks his nose in Parliament). Both these politicians had to later eat their words. Singapore has since used 'Little Red Dot' frequently, in good humour.

This old building was painted all red and named Red Dot Traffic, home to arty crafty, arty farty shops, cafes and a museum. It was for a long time, a police station - ma'am - you've come a long way.

As I trudged around looking at old buildings and their new lease of life, I began to feel old myself. I withered in the heat and humidity. I realised there's heckofalot of old buildings still standing in Singapore, all dressed up and looking smart. I have a lot of ground to cover and am not sure if I have the energy to go out into the rest of the island to cover the 4 corners when here I am, still in the central civic district. Spirit's willing, body's not.

Siang Cho Keong Temple











Thian Hock Keng Temple











The Chinese Methodist Church
































These old houses of worship are smack in today's central business and finance district. They are walking distance from each other. Singapore, a port city, would have received a good number of peoples from all over and those early settlers would have put up these places of worship close to shore where they would gather to pray for their safe journeys and return. These would have been their community clubs where they bonded..

Indian Muslim Mosque..name unknown..it has since become a museum of sorts...no info yet on this lovely dame...

63. ISLAND IN THE SUN

Within the Central Civic District, there's a bunch of really beautiful buildings within walking distance from each other...all have undergone face lifts...
There's more not featured here - the area makes for a pleasant walk.

St Andrew's Cathedral

The Victoria Theatre...all buildings featured here are walking distance from each other. Next door to this is the Asian Civilisations Museum...another conserved building

The fabulous Capitol Building after extensive renovations

The National Archives Building

Central Fire Station - love that retro art deco look











The Singapore Philatelic Museum

The Masonic Club



The Peranakan Museum

 

The Armenian Church of St Gregory the Illuminator

If a priest/pastor can live this well, he wouldn't want followers to leave right? He'll be out of a cushy job and out of a home like this

The prayer hall is zen without a whole lot of statues or pictures

Tombstones of prominent members of the Armenian community in the church's compound

At a recent walkabout, I took note of how beautiful Singapore has become, how livable this city is, but getting terribly crowded. I love old buildings with lots of character and we have many grand old dames which look even more majestic and graceful after some major makeovers. I shall devote many weekends exploring areas of architectural interest and will devote many posts to them for the viewing pleasure of friends overseas.