Singapore: Five Likes & Dislikes part 1

I am not sure how long I am going to be here. But if I stay over time, it might be interesting to see how these likes and dislikes change. I haven't got under the skin of all the tricky long term stuff like 'finding an apartment', 'trying to set up utilities' or things that are nightmarish in the UK. So for a newbie, here goes:

LIKES

1. Sun! (Most days)

2. Peace. For some reason (and I've stayed in a few types of accommodation in Singapore) there is no mega-bass here. Barking dogs and strange Chinese cymbals, yes. But the disruptive sub-woofer from hi-fi and TV doesn't exist. People are probably more considerate here, and perhaps stone flooring provides better sound insulation than London boards? But I am also told most blocks have managing agents and people complain if there's noise. Thank God! Myself and friends have had to exit from countless, otherwise nice, London homes due to noisy neighbours.

3. Big flora. Things are big in the tropics. Big leaves, big blossoms, big fruits. It's kinda lush. Actually even the fauna is big: birds, frogs and insects have big voices - and butterflies, centipedes and ants can resemble something outsize from one of those 50s horror movies.

4. No mozzies. As a human-flypaper in Asia this is extremely welcome. You might get an occasional bite if you go to the park etc. But generally zilch. This also means you can wear black to go out in eves (hooray!)

5. Safety. Like Japan, and unlike Malaysia, London etc, Singapore is pretty crime-free. You can leave your bag on the seat next to you while eating... and it will still be there when you get the bill. I even walked through the edge of a park to get home last night (something nobody with half a braincell would do in Europe) only to find a few people jogging, and the woman in front of me ambling along relaxedly reading her Kindle.

DISLIKES

1. Rain. OK it's dramatic and wild. But if you get caught in it (even with an umbrella) it is no joke. Fine if you're on hols. Not fine if you're on your way to a business meeting, or lugging 25 grocery bags home. A good umbrella has about 60% effectiveness; the drops are so massive, they bounce back up off the pavement and drench you that way! Forget suede shoes.

And there seems to be a rainstorm most days too.

2. Pace. People walk slowly. It's understandable in the mega-heat outside. But the same applies in air conditioned malls, underground stations etc. If you're trying to get from A to B in a hurry London-style: don't.

3. Bread. For some reason bread smells funky here. Perhaps it's the preservatives? You won't find that luscious 'freshly baked' whiff of European bakeries here.

4. No drinks on transport. At first I wholeheartedly agreed with the strict 'no food or drink' rule. There isn't much joy to be had in sniffing somebody's spleen-burger on your way home, or watching teens get sloshed on vodka (both UK staples). But actually I've almost passed out with dehydration on a couple of occasions here (especially after doing sports). And realised with a little horror that I was not permitted to access the water bottle in my rucksack.

5. Ugliness. Yep the humidity = impossible grooming scenario. Unmanageably frizzy hair and a shiny face is again, fine for hols. Less fine for trying to look professional at work. The locals manage to look perfectly composed (naturally shiny, dead-straight hair helps) but the rest of us... Also going from Uniqlo's 'size S' to 'size L' overnight was a bit unnerving.