After Little India and Arab Street, Singapore Chinatown is my favourite place out of all the places in the Lion City. As I used to say when I was still living there, “If I could afford it, I would live near Singapore Chinatown.”
Vi and I were out for lunch earlier at Singapore Jumbo Seafood (her treat), and then we made our way to Singapore Chinatown for dessert (my treat).
We could go anywhere, but Temple Street has a special meaning. We used to come here to satiate our chicken rice cravings and to celebrate birthdays, not to mention multiple visits during the Lunar New Year and taking our visitors’ friends to check out the bazaars.
I still remember going to Temple Street alone in 2007. I was utterly fascinated by the chopstick shops and the amulets I could buy to better my luck, not to mention endless other small stalls, restaurants, and all other things adding to the chaotic hustle and bustle that is Singapore Chinatown.
This place always has a special meaning to me. I have tried to bring Amma, cousins, and Fafa here. None were as impressed with Singapore Chinatown as I was, but it didn’t matter. This was where I first learned the Chinese tea ceremony, got my first set of chopsticks, and had my first Singapore Chili Crab.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
After the dessert, we decided to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, an iconic sight of Singapore Chinatown, second to the People’s Park Complex building. We roamed around and were utterly fascinated by its rich cultural heritage. On the 4th floor, where you can sit and meditate, she asked, “Shall we?“. I nodded yes. “But won’t you be late for your flight?” “No, I won’t,” I answered.
At that moment, I couldn’t help but think about how I got to spend extra time meditating beside my best friend, the same one I once crumbled to with boy problems. We have changed, for sure, but may these memories of Singapore (many shared in Singapore Chinatown) stay with us forever.
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[…] Singapore Chinatown was lively during the Singapore Lunar New Year Festival celebration. They donned pretty and colourful decorations buzzing with auspicious energy and all sorts of nationality. […]