Part 2: little India....
After a bit of a restless nights sleep, thanks to a German mans snores and late night escapades.

He was making so much noise with out much consideration for anyone else in the dorm, smartly dressing and spraying on swathes of cheap aftershave, fixing himself up in the mirror, and making vain like adjustments to his hair. (It wasn't hard to guess where he was heading)

Especially after he returned in just over an hour, only to fall instantly asleep and to begin snoring deeply.
It was the next morning when I noticed several 'massage' parlours opposite the hostel did it already confirm my suspicions - anyway, each to their own.
As I left the hostel, after my inclusive breakfast again, I could not stop perspiring In the intense, sticky, humidity, this just after I took a long ice cold shower - I knew it would take a while to acclimatise to the heat, but this was seriously hot!
I'd arranged to meet my friend at the metro in China town - She was already waiting, and the heat did not seem to have the same effect on her.
We greeted, and she led me down stairs to the beautifully cool and fully air conditioned metro station, for now I was on auto pilot just following my friend around taking in my unfamiliar surroundings.
We were heading to the Indian quarter and after several stops on the train we arrived - then the moment I feared when we climbed the escalator and the heat hit me like a steam train.
I was slightly distracted from the heat by a group of young indian guys making no attempt to disguise the staring - They were looking at me, up and down, jesting to one another and pointing at me. I just nodded and they smiled back, instantly taking away any tension.
It turns out they where taking a keen interest in my tattoo's, particularly my leg piece - I smiled and we made our way.
The area was modest and colourful with wall to wall shops and wonderfully pungent aromas - a bit of a change from the modernity of central Singapore. It was a cacophony of car horns, bicycle bells and vibrant chatter of its residents. I was taking in the sights, sounds and smell and was trying to immerse myself in the authentic Indian experience.
All the fantastic aromas were making us hungry and we decided to stop for food in one of the many indian cafes - Its modest simple interior didn't put me off and we ordered 'Roti prata'. A delicious indian like pancake flatbread with onions and vegetables inside, accompanied with a spicy curried dip.
Everyone around me was comfortably eating with their fingers, so I obliged and scoffed the lot, eating my friends leftovers too!
The fans didn't really have much of an effect against that insane humidity plus ordering hot curry dip was not the smartest thing I'd done either.
This was easily the closest to the equator that I have ever been in my life and the thought of where I was suddenly hit me again bringing in an instant smile to my face. We then paid the bill and went on our way.
My friend told me that no trip to Little India would be complete without an all night shopping spree at the 24hr
emporium, the Mustafa Centre.
Despite its basic exterior, Mustafa Centre is a treasure trove of household knick knacks, decorative items, trinkets, food stuff, Indian spices, and clothes.
We wandered around taking our time - this place just seemed to go on forever.
But it was an interesting experience, looking at everything on offer.
My friend persuaded me to try on some of the clothes, and after exchanging a bit of banter, I accepted, and slipped into some of the attire. At a glance I looked more like an extra from a Bollywood movie and I was almost tempted to buy it but, quickly regained my senses just in time.
We continued walking and talking for a good hour or so before jumping in a cab towards Marina bay sands, then walking along the bay front just in time for a spectacular water/laser show.
Then strolling further down the water front and across a large bridge till we reached the botanical gardens.
All the modern architecture was a sight to behold especially looking at the business district skyscrapers.
Singapore is perfectly safe to wander at any time of night, with no threat to any tourists male or female. I'd imagined few city's across Asia could boast that.
It was eventually time to head back to the cool air conditioned hostel.

What a thoroughly enjoyable day today was, I loved every minute of my Indian experience and Singapore exploration.
I couldn't help but hope the nuisance sleazy German guy had departed the Hostel, so hopefully Id get some sleep at least - I was in luck.