I took a different kind of tour of Singapore, more like a history lesson. But, a history lesson I enjoyed. My girlfriend and I are cat lovers and this informational tour was geared for us. After we unpacked at our room in one of Singapore Luxury Hotels, we got busy with the learning.

Singapore originally was known as Temasek or the Sea Town, but it was renamed Singapura (Lion City) after a visiting Sumatran Prince, which my girlfriend and I envisioned as very handsome and charming, glimpsed what he thought was a lion, but most likely a tiger, in 1299. Then in the 1800′s, Singapore underwent a period of intense economic growth and was declared a freeport. Today, it’s one of the busiest ports in the entire world and attracts many tourists, such as my girlfriend and me.

As cat enthusiast, we found Singapore is more associated with the Singapura cat rather than the lion or tiger. Although,we thought it probably would be easier to find a lion on Singapore than to find a Singapura. Like that handsome Sumatran Prince when he glimpsed a cat that it must not have been a Singapura nor a lion. But, the island does have a rich history fo feline mascots. There’s Singa, a rather funny happy little lion. Singa is the mascot for the annual Courtesy Campaign; an event that brings Singaporeans together in an ongoing drive to improve their everyday courtesies which will help Singapore be the most welcoming place on earth. The Singa wears a hard-hat and appears on roadwork signs apologizing for any inconvenience while a car drives past the construction site.

Merlion is the oldest mascot in Singapore. Merlion is a lion-headed fish! It guards the river mouth at Merlion Park. The Singapore Tourist Promotional Board also uses the emblem as a seal fo approval on reputable stores. But, my girlfriends favorite was the ‘Kucinta, the Love Cat of Singapore’. Kucinta is better known as the Singapura or as the islanders say: the River Cart or the less attractive name ‘The Drain Cat’. I will let my girlfriend enjoy her Kucinta. But, for me I adore all of them.

When one travels to Singapore, one realizes that a variety of cultures lie just outside the door of their luxury Singapore business hotels.  Most of these experiences are just a train ride away.  Or if those inclined to long walks throughout foreign cities, a slice of Asian life is found on the street corners and sidewalks contained on this tiny island.  One example of the rich heritage and culture of the country is in Little India. This is a neighborhood of Singapore that began years ago, as a designated section of the city, for the immigrants and the Indian workers.  Urban planning, much under the direction of Sir Stanford Raffles, during the 19 Century, had various cultures a bit segregated.  As the various cultures were required to live in the communities and areas that were designated for them.  This is no longer the case, however this is now the center of cultural heritage for those of Indian decent, an area wherein the aspects of culture, and trade are kept alive and are still thriving.

Many visitors on a walking tour of Singapore, begin their path of Little India, just off the train platform of the Exit C.  When one exits here, they will be facing Bukit Timah Road,a street lined with markets and shops that leads one to the center of the sector, the Tekka Market. This is a farmers market, with many options for fresh seafood.  Many of the residents shop here daily, and it is a bustling center of food, goods, and textiles.  Along the streets, one will also find the Masjid Abdul Gafoor mosque. This is a place of worship, with one of the many artistic features being that of a sundial located in the entrance to the building.  And a walk along Campbell Lane, one will experience the visual pleasure of one of the oldest trades in Singapore, the flower shops.  Vendors in the shops weave together garlands of marigolds, jasmine and roses.  These garlands symbolize peace, purity and love.  Many residents visit these shops regularly in order to purchase the garlands in order to make their offerings at the mosques and temples located throughout this sector.

The sculptures that line the banks of the Singapore River are known for the stylistic diversity, illustrating the history of the rise of Singapore from a modest fishing village, to the internationally known business and tourism mecca that the city has become today.  Set with the backdrop of the hustle and bustle, the busy city streets, the sky scrapers and the charming here-and-there boutique hotel, Singapore has the history of the people laid out in bronze and symbolism, right there by the river.

One of the main contributors to this outdoor exhibit is Singaporean sculptor, Chong Fah Cheong.  Chong is well known throughout the country, and the rest of the world as well, for his iconic, often whimsical, portrayals of the lives of those he sculpts.  And while Chong does create abstract works, those along the river are life sized and realistic.  One of the pieces contains five figures, of boys jumping into the river for a swim.  These sculptures have been known to turn heads, as spectators really need a second look to make sure that they are not seeing real people jumping into the river.  This piece illustrates his love for the joy of life, and for the joy the river has provided the people of Singapore throughout the history of the growth of the nation.  His, “People Fishing” illustrates that at one time, every day life was not filled with stress and work.  It serves to remind those who pass by, that simple pleasures of life are so very important.

Another sculptor exhibited along the river walk is Dr. Aw Te Hong.  His piece illustrates the historical interactions between merchants and local tradesman.  It also honors the hard work of those working along the river, loading goods onto boats and carts.  The piece titled “From Chettiars to Financiers” depicts the change of the systems of banks and commerce.  Locals loaning goods, services and finances to each other and then the transition to the big business and financial institutions of modern times.

The abstract pieces along the river include the works of Fernando Botero and Salvador Dali.  Botero’s piece, “Bird” symbolizes joy, the desire for harmony, optimism and peace.  And Dali, his piece is titled “Homage to Newton”.  This is one of Dali’s finest bronzes, and sits just outside the entrance to the Overseas Bank Building.  A ball falls from the hand of the figure, which symbolizes the moment Isaac Newton was inspired by the apple falling from the tree, the discovery of gravity.  His piece is like a skeleton, with an open chest revealing a heart suspended, and an open skull…this signifies how important it is for humans to remain, throughout all that life brings, with an open heart and an open mind.  Necessary not only for discoveries to be made in the natural or the scientific world, but for success in all endeavors.