A Singaporean In London - Details

Listing ID: 332

Title: A Singaporean In London

Description: London through the eyes of a Singaporean. He discusses the differences and similarities about the two great cities.

Category: Home & Garden : Relocating

Owner: Singaporean in London

listed on: April 23, 2008 05:31:15 PM

Number Hits: 2 times

Recent Posts:

Urinal on London streets - Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:45:00 +0000

Was walking pastWindmill Theatre(made famous byMrs Henderson presents) the other day when I came across an interesting plastic sculpture… or at least I thought it was. The plastic installation was placed on the pavement, which street was lined by pubs and filled with revellers. On closer inspection, I discovered an curious sign on its side which looked somewhat familiar. That was when a chap came up to it, unzipped his pants and emptied his bladder. Judging by his expression, he would have gladly done that in the next alley if he hadn't found what apparently was the public gents. There you go. If you had a drink and find yourself in need to relieve yourself, just step right up. That four sided plastic makeshift loo comes with urinals adjusted to different heights as well. Ah…. how convenient it can get.

Spare some change? - Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Visitors to Singapore will notice that there are very few beggars to be found on the streets. I would love to tell you that it's because the relative affluence of the population and efficient public funds distribution rendered begging unnecessary. The truth is that the police will 'gently' disperse any beggars found on the streets. London, however, does not enforce such a policy as far as I can tell. Most of those in need of charity would sit passively by the streets waiting for the occasional coin thrown into a cup placed in front of them. Some are a little more aggressive. There is the middle aged woman who placed herself strategically at a choke point where I must pass through to get back home everyday. Below are our brief exchanges ontwo separateoccasions, "Sir, spare some change please…" (blank look) "But of course! What can I expect from the Japanese!" She spatted at my direction. "Sir, spare some change please…" (blank look) "Oh, Chinese! They are all the same!" She spatted again at my direction. I'm still looking for an alternative route home...

London's ice cream trucks - Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The sweet ringing from the the localice-creamman has always been one of those things that I looked forward to everyday. I remembered dragging Dad out to get my favorite magnolia vanilla ice-cream whenever I heard the bell. However, my penchant for ice-cream subsided in my teens and the ice-cream man's bell ringing became one of the many background noises. Apparently, Londoners and the millions of tourists the thronged the city are still in love with their ice-cream. Instead of the bicycle that I was familiar with, ice-cream is now served over a small counter on mini trucks, which are strategically parked at all major tourist attractions. For £1, you'll get small scoop of vanilla flavored ice-cream in a biscuit cone. For 20p more you'll have a (equally small) chocolate biscuit thrown in. An affordable summer treat for the kids (and many adults) I would say. What surprises me however, is that its popularity doesn't seem to wane even as the autumn winds set in. Hmm… come to think of that, I do miss the ringing of the ice-cream man's bell.