Nerd Heaven.

I hate race generalizations but Asians are kings of the Nerds. They can’t help it, it’s cultural, education and academic achievement is highly regarded. Little kids are taught to respect learned elders and that education and hard work are next to godliness. Parents push and cajole, mortgage their houses and do everything in there power to make sure little Lim gets a good education.

Singapore is a regulated society. The Administration of the Island is hell bent on ensuring that their country is clean, morally upright, honest and successful. The level of government control would not be tolerated in most ruthlessly capitalistic societies. The people hate the governments intervention in their lives but know that with out it the chaos that dominates most of South East Asia would encroach.

Capitalism is encouraged above all else but where that wont supply the goods the government steps. The transport system is a good example. The road system was heading toward the gridlock that dominates many Asian cities so the government fixed the number of permits for cars – no permit no car. This is tradeable right to own a car. The going rate peaked at S$30k a few years ago but is around S$10k today. The taxis are all government owned and maintained but leased back to the drivers. The meter rates are cheap. The Rail and bus system is extensive and low cost. You just don’t need a car there but if you want one and have the $s you can get one. The end result is the traffic can be heavy but it always moves, even in peak hour.

I don’t think I captured the feel correctly in those paragraphs. It is hard to explain, maybe something like a strict parent with their child’s best interest at heart. The child is resentful but smart enough to know what is good for them. Add a dash of encouragement and I think that covers it.

Anyhow back to the point of this post. It is nerd heaven. Geeks abound. They have complete shopping malls dedicated to computers and consumer electronics. Seriously. In those places you can almost smell the pocket protectors. I only went to Sinlim tower and Funan Mall but there were two others. Admittedly, in the five floors of Funan Mall, there were junk food vendors and several shops selling office furniture (Lease deals on vibrating chairs seemed a popular offering) but there were four floors dedicated to the microchip.

On my previous visits I foolishly stuck to the Orchard/City part of the place and never ventured into the ghettos. They are like sanitised versions of their name sakes crawling with people and soul.

China town was a high light. Little shops abound selling brass Buddas or fabric (you like tee shirt?) and more electronics vendors. Street vendors selling noodles and various animal parts from three wheel carts supporting little boilers and cookers, the chef working away in a vapour cloud and supply boys running in various ingredients.

Likewise Little India was great but with more push. “Excuse me sir”……“where are your from”….”your soccer team will do well in the world cup”… “do you need a suit”…..Enough said.

I must admit that I was very reticent but my partner convinced me to eat native. Noodles, Pig parts and chicken like meat. It was all great and my bowels never suffered. The government regulates and rates all food outlets for hygiene. A & B ok. Not C.

The contrast of the glass towers, street vendors, six star hotels, old men pedalling rickshaws and malls full of computer hardware is something that every nerd must see to fully appreciate Riddley Scotts Blade Runner. And that alone is a very good reason to go there.