As I’ve mentioned before, Singapore is very westernized. Like the states, I can find a Starbucks quicker than I can locate a bathroom. I thought my big cultural exchange had occurred when Warren took me to me out to lunch to the Hawker centres. I was sorely mistaken.
Little India is one of Singapore's most colorful districts spreading out along Serangoon Rd, populated by the descendants of the Indians who arrived in Singapore in the mid 1800’s. This is the Wikipedia definition. According to the Ali definition, Little India is as close to walking the streets of Mumbai as I will get.
I have neither been to India, nor have I been to Mumbai, so my theory is totally scewed. But as an American experiencing Asia for the first time, this was definitely my biggest culture shock. Luckily my friend Tim came a long and helped me navigate.
I knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore when we went out for lunch. I’ve been told that Indians use their hands, but I assumed it was similar fashion to how I use my hands all the time to eat pizza or hamburgers. Indians REALLY use their hands. I couldn’t stop my stare of amazement at an Indian grandmother completely going to town on her meal. It brought a new meaning to finger-lickin’ good.
But I’m not here to criticize their cultural practice. In some ways I wish I could dive into my lunch like she was. It was something cool to see.
Next up we explored Tekka Market. I can’t describe the smell of the market in words, because it’s hard to compare to anything I’ve smelt. Mix a variety of exotic fruits + meat + dried seafood, and the humidity of warm Singapore Sunday, and you might come close.
The best thing to do as a tourist in little India is go souvenir shopping. I shouldn’t reveal my secrets incase my family reads this, but 3 for $10 trinkets is the standard deal throughout the streets. If you want to practice your negotiating skills this is good place to do so as well, although trying to work a deal with Tim standing next you usually doesn’t get you too far. There’s nothing more that screams tourist in Little India than a 6 foot blonde guy.
Next up was the Mustafa Centre. Drawn solely to discover the shopping center from it’s fascinating name, it was much different than any other shopping mall I’ve experienced in Singapore. Most shopping malls resemble any high end Mall of America. Orchard Road shopping has been my favorite so far. Imagine New York’s 5th Avenue on steroids.
But the Mustafa Centre is totally different. First off, they made us check our bags at the entrance. I haven’t experienced this since finals week at the bookstore at school, when apparently the shoplifting skyrockets (I blame the stress).
Within the bustling Mustafa Centre you can find just about everything, ranging from Rolexs and washing machines, to mangoes and shampoo. It is extremely crowded but the cool AC was a good break.
After a good cool down we wandered through the streets again, passing the temples where people were going in and out to pray. I was able to take a few pics of the architecture. It impressed me a great deal, especially the attention to detail.
Getting caught up in the culture I was almost persuaded by a female Indian vendor to get a henna tattoo. Those vendors can be very convincing.
Ali
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