There is a lot going on in the Telok Ayer Green Landing Site Park in Singapore. On a recent bus ride I "landed" in the area of Singapore that was originally the first point of arrival to Singapore for many Chinese immigrants in the early 1800's. The site was originally a sandy beach.
The very small but picturesque park was built to preserve this historical location. There are bronze statues depicting life in those times as well as a pond and seating for people to enjoy their lunch al fresco.
On one end of the park some very enterprising entrepreneurs set up a bicycle repair business under an umbrella. Business is brisk. Many delivery people and others that need their bikes for work, get tires replaced and other minor repairs done here to keep them on the road.
The little park is bordered on one side by the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre. The historic shrine was built in 1830 to honor of the Chulia Indian Muslims of southern India who were merchants and money lenders.
On the opposite side of the park is the culturally important, Thian Hock Keng Temple.
It was built on the site where the original Hokkien, Chinese settlers gave thanks to the goddess of the sea, Ma Zu Po, for giving them safe passage to Singapore. It's construction was completed in 1842.
As I left the quaint park, I walked through a covered, but open air, shopping area on Upper Nankin Street that had a couple of interesting bronze statues of Chinese settlers. I then came upon a small coffee house called Good Morning Nanyang Cafe. The owner, a cat lover, offered me a delicious over easy egg which I gobbled up with glee!
Just before jumping on my bus home, I noticed a sign for the Speakers Corner. I may have to research that for a future trip to this wonderful area of Singapore.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.