Heartlander II

2:00 AM

This post is about my last trip to Singapore, the random stuff that I did.


So the other day when I was at my aunt's place, I went and have a look at Blowingwind, a gay forum that is opened to all, discussing everything that is happening under the Singaporean sun. Saunas, army stories, travelling and hooking up in other foreign lands, etc.. and most of all, erotic stories. The usual. 

Amidst all the piled up of stuff (and sometimes even junk) that you see, sometimes there are gems around.

So the other day I stumbled upon Adam's Stories. Search it up on the forum. It's worth your time reading how it was back in the 50's for Singapore.

Because of the nostalgia that's so appealing to me, the story just got stuck in my head. Then in the story, there's this mention of Gay World, an amusement park way back then. And back then, "gay" has only one meaning instead of two.

So the story just lingered around in my head, making its way back and forth, when suddenly, during a trip to Orchard on a bus, I saw remnants from the past. The Gay World amusement park is certainly no more, but the hotel opposite of it still has its signboard, Gay World Hotel.

That's when I learn Singapore is a city that still has memories from its past. I used to think that Singapore is like ultra developed with all the systematic public transport, cookie cutter HDB flats and malls. Malls, malls and malls.

But it's not going to be there for long. Like what my uncle said, "They're all going down systematically, just like someone trying to erase a bad memory."

Just go read it when you have the time. Then you'll understand the kind of melancholic feeling I have now.



*****


On a happier note, I did went to Abercrombie & Fitch. Well, not exactly happy. More like "oh-so-this-is it" kind of feeling.


Let's just say the interior is like some kind of a men's sauna or spa, with Roman mural influences and Greek statuesque poses. But the dim lighting and pumped up music is just so out from the decor that it made you wonder how come they came up with this concept. 

Oh I know. Gay clubs. Yeah. That's it.

Also, there's this incredibly heavy scent just lingering in the air. Are they trying to sell their latest fragrance? I don't know. But it is a bit annoying when your nose just doesn't agree with you. 

And as usual in all A&F stores, there are handsome staffs all around, tall and muscular. There's even a shirtless greeter on the front door. But all I can say is eye candy is just eye candy. Literally. I am looking at a piece of lollipop but I'm certainly not sucking it.

Anyway, it is a new experience. You certainly will not buy anything, unless you have spare change for a winter jacket that costs SGD1000+. 

Will I go again? Considering the dim lighting, athletic styled clothing and sky high prices, nope. Considering friendly staff who are all very handsome and muscular, still nope. I just don't understand the branding. I'm grown and bred in my university to look past all these advertising stuff and hype, so that's why. Do forgive me if you're a fan of A&F.



*****


Then about the malls in Singapore. It's a bit funny to know that a certain mall can represent a certain group of foreign workers. Like the mall somewhere around the Peninsular that are full of Burmese people, selling Burmese food and Burmese ingredients.

While my aunt and cousins went to have Burger King, I went to have Burmese food with my uncle. He recommended mohinga, which is rice noodles with fish soup. It is a national dish, like pho for the Vietnamese.

I don't know whether it is originally like that or it is suited to last longer, but those noodles are certainly oily to an extent that I feel a bit uncomfortable. Taste wise, it is something that you expect in Burmese cities. A very raw, distinct taste, which I think is due to the condiments like fish sauce and chickpea flour. "Raw" here means unrefined, not "raw" as in uncooked.

It is certainly an eye opener for me, a Burmese national dish. It's not something I'm very fond of, but I am curious to know what's more on a Burmese menu.


That's about it on my Singapore trip. 

You Might Also Like

4 comments