Raffles hotel in Singapore
Hallvard Tangeraas wrote:
I'm going to Singapore soon (been there once before and loved it) and was wondering about the legendary Raffles hotel. What's the deal about this hotel: why is it so famous? I've heard that one of the "must do" type of things while in Singapore is to go visit the hotel (apparently even if you don't stay there) and take a drink called "the Singapore sling". What is it, and is it expensive? Is the hotel's bar open to the public? The 'old' Raffles was a delightful visit into Singapore's beautiful architectural history. Many famous people stayed there over the years, being greeted by name by the turbaned Sikh doorman (one of whom is still opening doors there today.) But the 'new' Raffles, built around the old one, is just another luxury hotel, quite like any other. It was made even more famous during the 80's when T.V.'s Bruce Boxlightner starred in the series "Bring 'Em Back Alive," an adventure story about Frank Buck (a famous collector of animals for circuses) who lived at the Raffles while collecting in Malaysia. In each episode he would be seen with the Sultan of Jahore, ( Jahore is a Malaysian state just across the straits from Singapore,) discussing the next damsel to be saved. There are many rumors and legends about the creation of the Singapore Sling. Some credit it's invention by the barman in the Raffles, while others say that it actually came from a bar down the street and was 'imported' into the Raffles Long Bar. In any event, if you like sweet gin and brandy mixed with club soda, you might enjoy one yourself. What remains an interesting event is 'High Tea' at the Raffles in their outdoor garden. While ridiculously overpriced, with mediocre food, this was the epitome of social gathering during Singapore's past days of the Raj. If you are in S'pore and want to taste a bit of history while relaxing in style, drop in for a while. It's certainly different from McDonalds. :o) Steve Kramer Chiang Mai, Thailand http://www.photoenvisions.com -- "The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new horizons, but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust |
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