We decided to change our travel plans.It makes more sense rather than travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore for the day, I take advantage of our stop over. So, after arriving in Singapore at 2.00am, David and I hang about, a bit like Tom Hanks in the Terminal before David takes off to KL and I hang around the terminal a bit more trying to keep my eyes open. The trip on the MRT (train) during peak hour is good training for the squishy rides I am sure we will encounter in India.
Knowing the reliably good silk shop in Little Arab Street won’t open until 10.00am, I have more hours to fill. Where else would one go but to the Raffles Hotel. Not to drink – too early , but cruise about and enjoy the beautiful architecture, the tropical gardens and the exclusive shops. I love the warmth and humidity of the tropics, and today I have both in bucket loads.
Next stop Chinatown. My senses take in the beauty of the preserved shopfronts, temples and market stalls as they slowly begin to wake up. I lose myself in little shops selling antique furnishings, household goods and trinkets. The tuneful twitter of delicate birds in decorative cages hanging from the ceiling and the smell of steaming chicken remind me I am thousands of miles from home. I like it.
Navigating through the narrow back lanes of the Islamic community near Little Arab Street it takes all my strength not to stop and explore the many little stalls and cafes selling fabulously aromatic food. I am on a mission to buy silk at a reasonable price. I know it will be cheaper in India and I will hopefully add to my collection there. But I know where I am going, I know how much it will cost and I can post it home from KL.
They welcome me like a regular customer and leave me to choose from the hundred or so colours, I want them all. Can’t. I imagine each colour finished as a scarf. I imagine the colours on different people I know and can’t wait to wear one in bronze and another in dark, dark emerald green. The charcoal will look fabulous and the ink perfect for those who can wear navy, but this will be better. I buy a few other fabrics for an idea I am busy percolating in my brain – think a cross between a scarf and necklace.
They had great linen too. Today I had to be satisfied just touching it…next time!
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| The colour and texture of my day…….. |
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How wonderful, I felt like I could smell the food in the markets and was all excited to dive in and start rummaging through the stalls! Oh you lucky thing you! I bet you found oodles of fabulous silk! Yum! Can’t wait to hear more of your travels, Take care, Sarah
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