Oman/Singapore links

In the Straits Times yesterday and today there is a major feature linking Oman and Singapore. Oman is marking 25 years of diplomatic relations in two ways. The Sultan is sending a traditionally built dhow to Singapore as his gift. It will travel by the old methods of navigation and prevailing winds, no GPS or mod cons. Singapore has 5 months to decide where to display it as it will take that long to arrive. The Omani government will also be helping Singapore to re-develop Muscat Street, parallel to Arab Street and have been coming up with ideas for that. I’m really excited about this…as it further links the two places we have lived in and revisited on this trip.

While Steve was playing golf with some colleagues this morning I went to Holland Village for a potter for old times sake and really enjoyed it. All the Chinese New Year decorations and supplies are around. I asked if I could take a photo of the really famous Chinese food supplier where they have huge queues at the moment….it was clear that I couldn’t but they don’t like to say ,”no” – but that was the answer.

An evening meal with Elizabeth, Winnifred, and Sylvia – three former members of Steve’s team in Singapore – all of whom have now moved on from Shell. Elizabeth was hired by Steve and worked for him in Singapore and then in London and Winnifred and Sylvia were Singaporean based members of his regional team. The meal was uproarious and I suspect we only narrowed avoided being ask to leave because of the noise....