Streets Ahead

We spent most of today running across Singapore trying to find all the places we've been meaning to go but haven't gotten around to yet. It was satisfying, but it's the end of the day and my feet are killing me and I have a heat rash spreading across my chest. Lovely. I am such a classy woman.

First we went to Bras Basah, which is a very eclectic and arty section of Singapore. The Bras Basah Complex has five stories of used book stores, art supplies, and music shops. It's pretty much right up our alley. We were in desperate need of a trip to this place, since Mike has been bored without a sketchbook in the evenings, and I've gone through twelve books since we got here. We've seen other book stores, but new books in Singapore cost around $17, which just doesn't work for me. We found a great little shop called Evernew, where we picked up six used books for $10. I'm super excited, and I got a pretty good variety of overly-indulgent mystery, hokey fantasy, and genuine literature. We discovered the Singapore version of Michael's on the third floor, the only thing it's lacking is that weird dusty perfume smell. They have clay and paint and brushes and those little food erasers my mother is so fond of. Mike got a new sketchpad and pencils and pens, and immediately started sketching when we got to our next stop....

Arab Street! I've been wanting to go back there for awhile, since I didn't bring the camera last time. Something about this area is just so peaceful, it's completely unlike the rest of the city. The shop keepers don't hassle you, there aren't very many people around to jostle you, and the view of the mosque through the palm trees is breathtaking. I think this might be one of my favorite places here, it's small and secluded, and I just feel comfortable there. Everyone takes their time to stroll down the road, and that sense of calmness is infectious. Mike was hungry, so he sat at the restaurant we went to last time, Deli Morocco, and ordered us some chicken tajin and sketched while I browsed along the row of shops. I found a place full of handmade Malay artwork and crafts; it had swords and creepy looking shadow puppets as well as toys and instruments made from things like coconut shell and wood. It's just like being at World Market, but I finally won't feel stupid buying a frog made out of bamboo.

Our last stop was not very exciting, but Mike has been in sore need of a pair of clippers. His strong, manly beard has been growing at an alarming rate, and simple razors are no match for such thick masculine bristles. So we braved the mall on a Saturday, which was less than fun, but we got out with what we came for. We also picked up some Magnum Gold?! (seriously, that's how it's punctuated in the ads with Benidio Del Toro) ice cream bars, which sound like condoms but are indeed as delicious as Mr. Del Toro claims they are.

Also, on the walk home, we passed a family walking with their two kids, and Mike scared the little girl and she screamed. I think she thought he was an ogre. It really made my day complete.