The Changing Alley

Transformation

I know the shots are dark and do not depict anything much but we were told by dad that this used to be 'the changing alley' of the 70s.

Dad related that during school breaks he would pop over the straits and visit this place which was once the embarkation port for many vessels that entered the port of Singapore. The locals could not get the term correctly and called it 'chin cha lee' and it was here that the transaction of goods took place; it being one of the entry points of the island.

Today much has changed. It is no more an embarkation point. It is now an artificial bay created for the leisure of the island. Reclamation efforts has made it possible for the port to be extended further and the only outlet for the waters to join the seas is through the tunnels under the Benjamin Sheare's Bridge ; named after the second President of the island.

Besides the Ferry's Wheel are red lights which light up the bridge and it is under this bridge that the waters of the bay join the seas.

It is also now associated with the One Fullerton water front which is a perfect hangout in the evenings.

The Merlion is a connection to the past - of Parameswara and his founding of the island. He never knew how his landing could culminate in a success story seen today.

One of the latest addition to the island - a vessel on top of buildings. Singapore is manufacturing too fast !





I managed to catch a shot while cruising in the day time... looks as impressive as in the night lights.

The One Fullerton walkway is a scenic gathering place for family outings and also for the young and energetic with its clubs, coffee place and even a river cruise.





Supper for the drunk and wasted? What's your interpretation? Can anything not right happen here?

This looks more acceptable.

Aha... familiness.

The Fullerton hotel is The Hotel I was told. Everyone in the famous list rests here.

Notice that ERP sign? The island has that all over the city especially during weekends. It tells the residents who drive Singapore vehicles to enter with a special pass other wise they will be slapped with a fine. Grace driving dad's Malaysian plated car was frantic whenever we were caught at places with the ERP sign. We ran into several roads with that sign and thought we have had it! How much were we going to pay? How are we going to be charged at the immigration point ?

Clever Sara commented : "Surely there must be some leeway with foreign cars? How does one know about ERP? It is never made known to tourists!"

Grace called cousin Steve and was relieved to find out that foreign cars can move around as much as they require around the island even with ERP warnings with a teeny weeny fine on the pass card at the check point ... S5 sahaja! So it made our day as we went around with light hearts and laughed at local cars ... hehehehe

All around the city, we could see the authorities getting the place ready for the F1 race . Lights were generously lit and barricades all set up for the impending race. Singapore with her F1, casinos and new plans up her sleeves is all out to woo tourists.

It's no wonder Grace thinks it's the place she wants to be in for the next few years though living costs are exorbitant. We also wonder why so many of the older generation are still in the work force. Bored?