Going round in circles

When we fist came to Singapore on our relocation visit and started looking at possible apartments, I always asked the agent taking us round about the proximity of whichever apartment we were looking at to the nearest MRT station.  Singapore has a wonderful public transport system, with the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system providing underground transport to much of the island.  She told us, then laughed, as she explained that Ang Mos always asked this question, but ended up taking taxis almost everywhere.  

I like to think I have been something of an exception to the rule, although it is fair to say that relatively few western foreigners take the MRT.  Just recently, as part of my quest for getting to know Singapore better, I used the Circle line for the first time.  The Circle line - a bit of a misnomer as it is not actually a circle at the moment - is the newest of all the MRT lines, with almost 30 stations, including the wonderfully named one-north, Dakota, MacPherson and Labrador Park.  The stations are absolutely beautiful.  if you live in London, think how you felt when you first saw the new Canary Wharf station, multiply that sense of wonder and you have my reaction to the stations on the Circle line.  The photo on the right shows Stadium station, which serves the Singapore Indoor Stadium - the Wembley arena of Singapore and the one below shows the artwork which is a feature of all the new stations, part of the Art in Transit programme.   

The new stations are true temples of modernity and absolutely worth a visit outside of peak hours so that you can give them the attention they deserve.  Another favourite of mine is Bras Basah, which is the deepest of the MRT stations at an impressive 35 metres below ground with a 41 metre long escalator.  The lovely thing about this station is the reflective pool of water which forms a skylight to allow light in.   My sister, the lovely Alison is due to visit soon with my niece, the equally lovely Claudia and a tour of the Circle line stations is on my list of things to do while they  are here.  Perhaps not quite as much fun as the new Transformers ride at Universal Studios on Sentosa, but I guess we will just do both.  Perhaps we could align our Circle line visits with mealtimes and find the best restaurants in the vicinity of the stations for breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for a truly Singaporean experience.  Watch this space.......