Most Internet Marketing gurus talk about the great lifestyle that is possible with web-based businesses. You can work when and where you want. You can “make millions from a hammock on the beach.” That sounds really cool. Interestingly, I was even able to find a list of the top ten beaches with WiFi access. I'm not sure about all this lifestyle stuff. All of the IM guys and gals I know are working 18 hours a day.
I'm personally coming at this Internet Marketing (IM) thing from a different angle. I already have a cool day job that I like as an engineer at a big technology company. One of the really great things about having a day job outside of my Internet Marketing hobby is the potential for exposure to cool stuff. As I mentioned last week, I was in Asia on “day job business.” Last Friday night I was able to go eat at a restaurant in Clarke Quay, Singapore called Jumbo's Seafood.
Clarke Quay is “historical.” It's a riverside quay located within the “Singapore River Planning Area” upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River and world famous Boat Quay. Clarke Quay was named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore's second Governor. (A quay is a structure built parallel to the bank of a waterway for use as a landing place – I did not know that.)
I had a signature dish for the area called Chile Crab. Totally outstanding, and highly recommended. Served best with Tiger Beer (local to Singapore). Tiger beer is nice and crisp with an easy finish. Like all alcohol in Singapore, Tiger Beer is very expensive.
I am told that restaurants all over Singapore have chile crab on their menus and that it is considered one of Singapore's national dishes. The crab that I had was a beautiful whole crab awash in spicy chile sauce. I've eaten food all over the world, and I would put that chile crab up against any seafood anywhere.
This was my first visit to Singapore, and it was not what I expected at all. Most Asian cities that I visit are wonderful in some distinctly Asian way. This city is wonderful in every sense of the word. It is a multicultural city heavily influenced by China and Great Britain. It is clean and safe. There is a ton of shopping and amazing food. The people there are nice, and all the signs are in English (my Mandarin is horrid).
I was able to stay in a wonderful 5-star hotel in the financial district. This got me to dreaming. What if I really hit it big and created a massive online empire? Then I could hang out in Singapore and eat Chili Crab. At that moment — right at the second that I was imagining being bought by Google — my BlackBerry started ringing and there was someone in the U.S. that wanted to complain about the latest crisis at work for $3/minute in international roaming charges.
That brought me back to earth. At least a got a blog post out of it. LOL. I can't wait to go back to Singapore.
Looks like you had an awesome time. These are very nice pics. You should open up a Flickr account if you travel on business often and have the opportunity to take time for pics.
Where’s the pics of the airplanes and the airport!!! Grrrr I need material for my other blog, The Airplane Blog, ya know!!! LOL!!!
Yep — I know. Flickr has been on my ToDo list for some time. thanks for the comment, Garry.
I know, I know. I took airplane pics. There are on my friend’s camera. Will get them out this weekend.
Mark…
Next time you drop over… PLEASE
call me up to join you for the chili crab.
I’m in Singapore and would love to
hang out. Yes, I have a day job
too and my assignments are usually
around Asia and / or Europe.
Please… do not forget me next time
you are in Singapore.
I’d love to meet another fellow
IM’er. 😉
Have a great weekend,
Vern
Vern — That would be great! I cannot wait to come back, and would love to hang out.
Hi Mark,
Great to know that you are in town and love the place. I am a Singaporean and even though I’ve traveled quite a fair bit, I still love the tropical climate, great transport network and growing night life here, very cosmopolitan.
Apart from Chilli Crabs, we have authentic local foods like satay (marinated tender kebabs), laksa (creamy coconuty noodles), barbequed stingray a lots more! I am already salivating..
And have you been to Sentosa yet? It’s one of the very happening off-islands oozing with fun, food and entertainment as well.
btw, are you a FormulaOne Fanatic? Singapore, the little red dot is finally hosting its very first (and the world’s first Asia’s) night racing in Sept 08.
Next time you are in town, let me know.
FI racing is cool, but I am not really much of a fan. I will be sure to drop you a line next time I am there (Dec maybe).
Mark
Sure thing. Looking forward.
first time come here all feel it is nice. actually Singapore food is not so good. if you compare with other city or country food. Singapore food really nothing. if you eat Yangcheng crabs ,you can not like to eat Chile Crab. and Singapore is a boring country. small and hot. People more Ugly than other city. can not compare with Hongkong.
Good Day!
I would like to thank you for sharing this article. I hope to find more updates on your site soon. Once again, thanks and God Bless You.
Dave Dauber