singapore

I first visited Singapore in 1977, returning in 1979. I loved that place, although it is so different now. Back then, Chinatown was a little less clean and orderly as the rest of the city. Not really dangerous, but it did have a bit of an edge to it. Seeing scenes from their today, other than the increased number of high rises, what is left of Chinatown almost looks like something out of a Disney Park. Entirely too clean and sterile. I suppose one could be glad that they thought to preserve at least a little slice of what once was, but still this leaves me a little sad.

Singapore is not alone in this, or course. The demise of the Repulse Bay Hotel was also a very sad event for me.

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3052395/remembering-hong-kongs-repulse-bay-hotel-where

Of course, we have these losses in the US as well. I visited Hialeah Racetrack when I was 6 and living in Miami, Florida. Aside from having a display of a Viking long ship, I remember seeing the flamingoes in the center of the track where there was a beautiful pond.

https://brooklynbackstretch.com/2010/01/13/hello-hialeah/

The older I get, the more of these losses I will undoubtedly experience. The replacements never really measure up.

Sorry if any of this bums you out, but please excuse my nostalgia attack.