March 20, 2002
Colonial Rule
About seven years ago I visited Singapore. Then, I was a struggling manager trying to pretend I was somebody and trying to survive an irrational marriage. Jeff the traveler didn't exist, Jeff the misguided pawn was progressing in his life, metaphorically falling down stairs instead of breathing forward and enjoying life's mysteries. My first trip to Asia was a long time ago, now on my third trip, I'm not much different. Yes, I've been able to collect many travel experiences. Yes, I've divorced my glory-days wife. And, yes, I'm much more aware than I was seven years ago. But, I'm still falling down stairs and I'm still caught up in the anxiety collected over my 35 years of existence. Double but, today I'm breathing forward and appreciating my moments here in Singapore.
It didn't start this way. In the last few days I've gone through apprehension, air-travel-induced sleep deprivation, friendship anti-climax, and typical travel angst (or maybe challenge is a better word). Up until now I've really done an excellent job finding ways to be miserable, finding ways to foster my depression instead of finding accepting comfort in my immediate existence. I'm better now (or for now). I'm sitting at the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel here in Singapore. I've been here before and I will be here again someday. The Long Bar in it's perverted historical way is one of my all time favorite places. The last time I was here it left an indelible imprint of colonial destiny on my brain. It provided a historical reference that I focused my long-term interest on. Now, on my second visit, it has lived up to and improved upon my expectations. This unheard of pleasure was a welcome gift as I unspectacularly started my latest travel adventure.
It really is a pleasant place. An English refuge from the humidity. As the late March monsoon rain falls outside, I sit comfortably at a dark wood grained table enjoying my Tiger Beer, Malaysian Satay, and perfect British chips. Sarong-clad boys attend to my drinks as wicker fans oscillate above providing breeze to counter the ill effects of the tropical clime (the air conditioner helps too). I know 19th century colonialism didn't set a very good example, but it did cast an undeniable historic reference and inspire impeccable style that lives on today... I'm glad I stopped by here today. Hopefully this is what I needed.
Main