Chinese Carabao part 2: Exploring Chinatown


Back in Singapore for a longer 10-hour transit, I was able to explore Chinatown, this time, via MRT. Taking the train from the airport terminal to Chinatown station cost SGD 2.50. I arrived bright and early after an hour trip and was able to roam around even before some of the stalls opened. Most stall owners give discounts to their first customer of the day and, indeed, I got my first puchase at a discounted price without having to haggle at all!👍

I took the advantage of being an early bird and got this framed calligraphy at a discounted price

Chinatown is also home to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. I also noticed that, apart from being a must-visit for tourists, it is also a must in the field trip itinerary of local school children.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple


I found my way to the hawker center after the stroll, or should I say, after battling the heat of the sun. Dealing with hunger and possible dizziness from the heat in the biggest hawker center at early noon wasn't an easy feat, but is possble to overcome. Circling the area, I found a stall ran by a lovely couple selling kway teow, with a decent number of customers. Our interaction consisted of a smile and a nod. While waiting for my noodles, the lady asked "chili?", I answered "little" and a hand gesture implying "tiny bit" and just a few minutes after, she served my noodles. After finishing it, I returned their plate and thanked them to which she replied with a big and sincere smile!😄


On the way back to the airport, I realized their train system isn't as complicated as I first thought. After learning how to use the ticket machine and which line to transfer to from the ticket attendant, I figured I was just too confident that I can rely on the locals knowing how well their communication skills are that I didn't self study their public transport system that hard.

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