My first impressions of Singapore are that it is a city of shopping malls.
I hope that this impression will wear off as I get more impressions over the next week.
With a last minute dash to the gate, I just made
it for departure of the flight to Singaporeafter an abundance of distractions in the departure hall
shops.
Bangkok to Singapore is just a two hour flight and, with minimal turbulance, it proved to
be a very comfortable and painless journey.
On arrival in the afternoon, I was advised to reach the home of Serge Beraud, the Aikido instructor of the club who had invited me to train with them. This invitation came about due to
the common link of Japanese shihan, Yamashima sensei, 7th dan Aikikai.
Upon arrival at Serge's house, he welomed me warmly and helped me wash my gi before the
class that evening. I immediately felt comfortable in his house as I noticed a whole array of
guitars lined up in his office.
Just on time before the class, Olga (who kindly accomodates me during my state) arrived, my gi was almost dry and I got the brief opportunity to introduce myself to Serge's wife and daughter.
The group of Serge is a young group of Aikido students from different styles, experience and Aikido backgrounds. After about 6 months, Serge has already accomplished the commendable task of orchestrating those people and forming a synergy of movement, allowing for the Aikido
learning experience to be optimal.
The training was exceptionally instructive during the class, and the social drink afterwards was equally rewarding and satisfying.
I welcomed a good sleep that evening and took a dip in the pool at Olga's residence for
a refreshing wake-up the next day.
The pool at Olga's residence.
Saturday 10th of October
I had the pleasure already to train three times with Serge's group (Thursday evening, Friday evening and Saturday morning). The Saturday morning class was exceptional in that it took place in a part of the park which faces the presidential palace. The participants wear only normal comfortable clothes rather than a gi for the purpose of practicing Aiki-jo/bokken.
Being in public, we could enjoy not only the 7 kumi-jo of Saito sensei, but also the curious and
entertained looks of the onlookers relaxing in the park.
Yesterday (Friday), I had the opportunity to roam around the city in Singapore and explore the areas famous for their markets and shopping (Little India, China Town and the various malls located around the centre) and stroll along the harbour.
Chinatown.
At the harbour.
After the after-training social event, I continued with Olga to a wonderful cafe called Quarubar, in the currently hip area of Dempsey hill, where some of her friends were paying good quality
jazz music.
Dawn Ho, the lead singer of the band, came over and chatted with us during her breaks and gave some advice where I can find a bikram yoga class.
At cafe Quarubar, with Olga and her Jazz friends.
Saturday morning Jo practice in front of the presidential palace.
In the afternoon on Saturday, after a late breakfast with the Aikido gang, I took the opportunity to get away and find out what's outside of Singapore. So, I headed for Malaysia, Johor and beyond. After a 4 hour taxi ride (for just 150 singapore dollars, which is a bargin if you think about it), I arrived at Mersing, the port from which the next day I will embark on the ferry going to the small island of Rawa.
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