Utopia

It's clean, it's orderly, and it's harmonious -- that's how I'd describe Singapore. Truly the melting pot of Asia, the former British colony is home to substantial populations of Chinese (Buddhists), Indians (Hindus), Malays (Muslims), and Europeans (Christians). All seem to get along just fine. The city's largest Hindu temple is literally next door to a mosque and a block down the street from a gigantic Buddhist temple. All manage to coexist just fine. We could learn something.


The streets in Singapore are well laid-out. Traffic is managed effectively, largely courtesy of a central business district that requires vehicles to pay to enter (using an electronic toll transponder that all vehicles have installed) during business hours, as well as a plethora of LED signs alerting motorists to traffic congestion on the roads ahead, allowing them to search out alternate routes. The public transit network (bus and subway) is similarly well-planned and efficient, making it easy to get anywhere in the city. Most of the people live in Le Courbousian high-rise apartment complexes arranged around central courtyards. By building up rather than out, the city maintains many areas of greenery in parks and forests, punctuated only by the pink of orchids, Singapore's national flower. Two such examples are Mt. Faber, a tree-covered hill overlooking the city, and Sentosa Island, a beach resort at the southernmost point of the Asian continent.

Above all, capitalism reigns supreme. Be it the central business district or the high-end Orchard Road shopping district or a street market in Chinatown, Singapore's roots as a colonial trading post are clearly evident. But keep in mind, however, that this cleanliness and order comes at the expense of freedom of the press, two-party rule, humane criminal punishments, and small government. Is it a price worth paying?

For pictures of my Singapore trip, click here.