Raffles

Modern Singapore was founded by Stamford Raffles in 1819. His name adorns a whole range of streets and buildings and his statue is on Boat Quay. However in addition to his establishment of the colony he was also a keen naturalist.

We decided that the morning should be something not too sweaty so we headed off to the Raffles biodiversity museum at the National University of Singapore which built on his original vision and mapped out the biodiversity of the island over the years. As human habitation increased the biodiversity had done the reverse - so tigers which were present up to the 1930s are long gone, as are a range of other species - but it was well presented and gave a good overview.

Lunch was with my former secretary Zaino who had amongst other things booked our hotel for us so it was good to catch up. It was a relatively upmarket cafe run by the people who run the best French restaurant on the island - and Jean got her lunch for free as there was some plastic in it, though the meal itself was very tasty and she did not complain...

Just chance this afternoon to send some farewell emails. We have lots of good memories of Singapore and lots of good friends and leaving as always will not be easy.

Blogging is likely to be more challenging in Australia so communications may be a little irregular there....