Singapore - Walking Tour and Dinner With Friends September 13
Conservative synagogue - began in early 1900's - supported by a wealthy man from Iraq
Our friends Artie and Lynn
Synagogue interior
Women worship on upper level
We were guided by a Jewish woman with roots in England, USA and other countries. Now, a permanent Singapore resident
Pillow used when a baby is circumcised
We were very fortunate to get a close view of the torahs in the ark
Some of the torahs are very old; and small
The rabbi began his career in Colombia, migrated to Israel and is now in Singapore
There is pretty vegetation throughout the city. The two woman using an umbrella to protect skin from sun is typical of Chinese women
There are a few remaining historical buildings that still have the Jewish star affixed to the structure
This large building tower is used to advertise hi-end vehicles
Like Amazon, Lazada does the same for Singapore - less expensive and faster
Another interesting building - a mosque is next door
A Chabad synagogue
Interior
Quite and elaborate mezuzah - Torah gifted by Netanyahu
Gorgeous stain-glass windows
Hotel (New Years) decoration and more interesting architecture
Our dear friend, Anthony, started our relationship as a business partner twenty-five years ago. Now, after all this time, we have seen their three daughters grow up from small children to professional adults! We try to get together every time we visit Singapore.
Driving through "Little India"
We "dined" at a unique restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating. The owner was given "bad service" several years ago. He purchased the place, renovated the entire facility and offered a different approach to food.
The interior has several small restaurants serving different types of food
Large parties that like beer can get a container with a spigot enabling the people to pour their own beer. The facility also has live entertainment.
Let the feast begin! We started with a bowl of fried, baby squid. There was a definite "crunch" when we "popped" the entire animal into our mouths!
It's a Chinese custom ordering more food than guests can possibly eat
There must have been ten dishes - most quite good. Perhaps, the most interesting dish was a "bamboo clam." The lengthy-sized animal was served on its six inch opened shell.
Chicken wings deep friend in a sauce
Dig in! Notice eating custom: Use chopsticks with spoon, put hand over mouth when chewing
There is a young man in the photo. He is the soon-to-be fiancée of one of the daughters. The young man comes from mainland China. His spoken English is poor, understands a lot. His family is in the re-tread tire business for large commercia trucks. The couple met on the internet!
We consider ourselves part of the family
Anthony and his wife know Arlene loves this special, local pudding. They gifted us with two cups. Yum!
We learned that the young man never met a Caucasian man before this get together. Also, he has never been "hugged" as an adult. We hugged good-bye. He truly enjoyed the experience of "warmth" and "togetherness." Both his parents and Anthony (and his wife) will be meeting in the near future. That indicates marriage is on the horizon. We might be invited to the wedding which will be in China.
In addition, we learned that "hugging" by a non-family member was also foreign to Anthony's wife. She was shocked when we first hugged her. Now, she loves it! Cultural differences!
