Absolute futurism

Just a stone's throw from Singapore, I couldn't not go. I arrive from nearby Malaysia after an intense tour of that beautiful country, and the urge to return to Singapore after 9 years is so strong that I don't let the opportunity slip. Singapore, one of the most modern cities in the world and technologically among the leading ones. An ultramodern city with traces of its Victorian past, huge multi-storey shopping centres, a sea of people and large-engined cars are the first impression. I arrive in the late afternoon at the SHERATON TOWERS, freshen up and head straight out to discover this metropolis. Nine years have passed since my first time in Singapore; the emotion of being back is very strong.

I try to retrace the same streets but I get disoriented; everything here is new and very different, it seems like another place, but I turn the corner, look up and see the famous skyscrapers that distinguish the city of Singapore. In the evening the centre is lively with lots of people, bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours packed to the rafters, but what amazes me and intrigues me are the extraordinary structures shaped like octopuses. On the busiest streets, full of venues and shops, you find these curious mushrooms with an octopus-like top and long tentacles stretching downwards, at the base of the benches and the flower beds full of orchids.

Futuristic structures with bright colours and lights, at first glance they look like mere sculptures, but in reality they are this country's technological innovation: they serve as shelter from the rain during the monsoon season and, fitted with solar panels, they turn solar energy into electricity to create unique light effects and, above all, they emit cool air along the street so that the humidity of this country is more bearable — in short, air conditioners. An ingeniousness that leaves you speechless and shows just how technological and futuristic this country is. Here the night never ends and the fun is continuous. The next day I visit one of the largest orchid growing and production centres in the world. Words aren't enough to describe the beauty of what I see before my eyes. The orchid is Singapore's national flower. The multitude of varieties and colours is of a unique beauty.

Near the growing centre there's a botanical garden with many varieties of flowers and plants, and of course I don't miss this visit either. Singapore has changed a great deal, it has become even more futuristic than 9 years ago, but the old buildings have remained well integrated into the modernity. After flowers and plants I decide to take a boat trip and go all the way to the harbour where "SINGA" stands, the half-lion, half-fish statue, the symbol of good fortune of this city; I get off and continue on foot, taking in the whole panorama: the view of the skyscrapers, the covered stadium, the Victorian-style Raffles Hotel and everything that revolves around this beautiful city.

I warmly recommend a nice tour of this city, easily combined with nearby destinations, as happened to me twice. Discovering new places to visit each time and admiring the innovative growth of this country