- Day 10 -

Durians at Geylang

The fabled king of the fruits. The thorned fruit that is either interpreted as very fragrant, or downright smelly. One of the forbidden items to carry in pubic transport. The fruit, where most people love it or hate it. I love it for the record. Haha...

We led the students to one of our famous durian stalls, smack in the Red-light district of Singapore, Geylang. Besides being introduced to our national fruit (as some claim because of the Esplanade), the Canadians were also given the complimentary view of how the issue of local prostitution is like. Geylang was "cleaner" than I thought - no barely-dressed ladies approaching you for "deals", but just dozens of them lining up the streets, standing around as if they are displaying themselves as wares. Nothing explicit. But there are still stereotypical small "brothel" shophouses, complete with dark glass windows, smokey air, red lights and a not-very-attractive lady at the door "on display".

My first trip around that area. It wasn't too bad, but I probably won't be going back anytime soon.