Just as interesting is the ethnic diversity. The city has an Arab Street, China Town and Little India. People go to the various areas to shop, go to a mosque or temple, eat, etc but do not live in these areas. Most people live in high rise apartments that are integrated, a certain percentage of each ethnicity according to the total city population.
As true in most cities, rent rises the closer one gets to the city center. Mass transit is efficient and inexpensive. Cars are extremely expensive, and only the very wealthy own cars. Home ownership is very common and highly subsidized by the government. Housing is very high quality.
Our friends Donna and Philip have a large nice apartment, close to bus lines. They live on the 9th floor of a building that houses about 3 apartments on each of the ten floors. A small children's playground, wading pool, large outdoor pool and spa are available for residents as well as a roof top garden. Few residents have cars. The building and gardens are spotlessly maintained. The many expats that live and work in Singapore seem to love the lifestyle. The schools are first class! Singapore education ranks first or very near the top by International scores. Not just memorization of material but application and critical thinking.
Any negatives? Wine is heavily taxed,as is all alcohol. But the biggest negative in my observation was the air quality. There is also it's low ranking internationally with respect to freedom of expression. The press is rigidly controlled. While we were in Singapore the PSI reached in the 80's. The smoke comes from fires and crop burning in neighboring countries. Air conditioning and face masks are the only relief. This is a cautionary tale, we all live under the same sky.
We certainly don't want to go somewhere with high tax on wine!!
ReplyDelete