One of the things we enjoyed so much in
London, was the walking tours we did. These were done out of a purchased book, and there were many to choose from. Here, not so much... We did find that on old (10 yrs) Eyewitness city guide book had four walks in it. So Hubby and I decided to try them out.
We were surprised. One of the things about Singapore is that it is constantly getting bigger (they are reclaiming the sea yard by yard each year), and they are modifying what they already have. So to come to the point, the walk took us into an older area of Black and White homes downtown. These, like ours, were built back in the 20s & 30s. But sadly, near half of the sites the tour book pointed out were no longer there. In their place were new, modern villas with the character and charm of a rock. Oh but they screamed STATUS, which is why they were built. Singapore is all about what you have and who you show up with it. Yet, another reason I don't fit in here. I have no status, nor do I want any - thank you very much.
But we did find a few pockets of homes still loving kept (in various state of repair) and I shot some photos to record them, in case they mysteriously disappear soon...
 |
| lived in, but needs my TLC |
 |
| nicely kept |
 |
| chained up and looks abandoned |
 |
| loved the back pool area |
 | | |
| great Asian detail in the transom. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
It breaks my heart to see historic homes disappear. I understand very well that many are too dilapidated to save. But this was definitely a planned moved to "update" an area. People need to realize, once something is destroyed, you don't get the chance to get it back. Yes,you can build a replica, but it will never be the same. Much of the quality craftsmanship is lost, and there are no longer craftsmen who can create these fine works of art.
The tour walked us to an area which I suspected I had been before. Of course, on foot and approaching from another direction, one is never sure. We were taken through the old British army camp area to what was described as Demsey camp "where warehouses abound with vendors selling antiques and oriental carpets at good prices". Rounding a turn, we came into Demsey Hill, the now posh transformed camp, housing high end eateries. I wish I could have seen the warehouses with their pokey wares.
 | | |
| unusually painted army building |
Upon leaving Demsey Hill, heading back to Tanglin Road and the MRT home, we came across a converted church building. Guide book stated it was St Andrews Chapel, but the sign out from read "the White Rabbit restaurant". I
needed a drink at this point. I think it took a little coercing Hubby, both of us knowing it would not be inexpensive, but I felt the need to step in and see if all this transformation was perhaps worth it.
The White Rabbit is lovely inside, simply done with a good preservation of the true existence of the building.
We headed to the bar for some coffees. This gave us a lovely view across the interior space. We ordered our drinks and I noticed (as I do annoyingly) of the lack of cleaning details given. Heck, our table had a dried up raisin and crumbs all over it. At one point the manager came by and asked how we were. For some reason I said "great, but our table was dirty". (You must understand this comes from working in the service industry and keeping my spaces clean - - so why can't others???) After a respite, we went to pay the bill. Turns out they comped us...not sure why....was it the dirty table??? That didn't seem to warrant a free drink. But we were thankful and headed out to the main raod and the transit back north. I think I'd like to come back and sample the food at the White Rabbit. Such a nicely done idea is worth a shot, right??
 |
| view from our chairs. |
