I remember the few foreign magazines that I used to have when I was little – there were a few from Germany and a few from Italiy. There was a title in one of the Italian ones that I have remembered: Vedi Napoli e poi muori. I still have not been to Naples, I leave it for later.

I have, however, found other places in the world that are impressive.

One of them, where I have come back recently, is Singapore.

 

What makes this city special?

 

It is always hot there; to take a break for a few days in the middle of winter and to go to a warm place makes the winter seem much, much more bearable, much shorter (January has always seemed to me a hardly bearable month, too long, too cold, too bleak);

 

It is the safest city in the world (there are no pickpockets, you do not have to worry about your bag being cut open);

 

People are extremely polite.

(It seems that this country has understood very well what it means to take care of the client);

 

They seem more relaxed than the Europeans, which gives you a relaxed state as well (when you remember how some people here in Romania have a daily dark cloud over their head, you feel like running in the opposite direction);

 

What to take with you: light, summer clothes, but also some warm ones – it is always quite cold indoors; something elegant for the evening, as there are beautiful, elegant places where you can relax, eat well, drink some cocktails and admire the city from the top.

 

Best city view:

 

Altitude Gallery & Bar – 63rdfloor, the tallest in the city

 

The National Gallery, the Smoke Mirrors bar

 

Marina Bay Bar – where you can have a look over Marina Gardens (which will indeed leave you breathless)

 

Coolest shops (Orchard Road is a kind of ‘Au bonheur des dames’ – all the great fashion brands can be found here)

 

As you move from one place to another – Uber, Grab (more popular and cheaper than Uber, they have more cars), MTR (the underground train that links all the important places)

 

Estates are extremely expensive; if you are not incredibly rich, do not think of moving there – it is still worth the visit, however.

Georgeta Dendrino