My plan was to spend six weeks, traveling from Bombay to Kathmandu by land, employing primarily buses and trains. 
I purchased a flight from NY to Bombay on Singapore Airlines. My knowledge of geography was lacking and I failed to note the circuitous flight. But the price was great and the airline superb. Given the required stopover in Singapore, I decided to stay 3 days.
Singapore in its quest to modernize learned too late that its lovely, old, wooden buildings were precious remnants from its past. All were razed, except for a small area, in its extremely successful campaign. Seeking the historical buildings and local cuisine, I found a small shop and ordered noodle soup. I’d become adept at using chopsticks years before, but these noodles kept slipping back into the bowl. After several futile attempts my belly was growling for action. Fortunately, my plight engendered the aide of a lovely couple sitting nearby. The secret was to place the noodles onto a spoon, using the chopsticks, and eat them from there. (This technique has helped me throughout the years.) We began speaking. They were retired English teachers, and asked if I would like to visit, “People’s Park”. The imposing skyscrapers and abundant cement made the offer enticing-a respite of green- and I gratefully accepted their invitation, but moments later barely contained my disappointment to discover “People’s Park” was a shopping mall! Not a blade of grass was in attendance. The couple’s pride in the economic advancements of their tiny nation was understandable, but the nation’s soul seemed traded in the deal. I was grateful for their pressing appointment and my quick getaway.
I wandered over to Raffles, a hotel, emblematic of the country’s colonial past. It was worth a visit just to sip a signature Singapore Sling in the bar while imagining days of old, even if few vestiges remain. While wandering the grounds I met a traveler who had been to India. Regarding my imminent arrival she said, “When you get sick there…..(offering me some advice I have since forgotten).” And I replied, “You mean, IF I get sick.” But she insisted on “when”. I wasn’t too pleased with her fatalistic outlook; my time in India still lie ahead.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-awareness.
Here’s to new discoveries near and far!
Enjoy the days.