Singapore - Part Two

At the time that we were in Singapore (just over 2 weeks ago!) , Diwali was just a week away.  In Little India the 

anticipation was palpable.  The streets were filling with shoppers out looking for their holiday

sweets, saris, jewelry.

And decorations!

Is it because we're in Singapore, or because times are changing?  When we were in Mysore four years ago (pictures here), it was all about real flower garlands in massive quantities it seemed, for ornamenting the house.  In 2010, in this part of the world, plastic garlands rule,

and ceramic backlit tchotchkes.  Hey guess you can't stop progress!  (And Mr. Paradis and I did find these somehow fascinating.  Tacky or.....sublime?  Both???????)

The temple located between Serangoon Road (Little India's main thoroughfare see first pic top)
and Farrer Park, where the market below can be found, still has that whimsical, slightly wild feel that many gardens and temples in India have.  Which is reassuring.  There is something about the randomness of the inhabited landscape in India that has a strong appeal for some of us.  Have you been to India?  Do you feel that?   It's surprising, it's jarring, but somehow it keeps you on your toes and your senses in a state of hyper-sensitivity.  It makes you feel really alive.

Although much of Singapore is colorful, something about the India aesthetic seems to mean that a couple extra notes of color sophistication seems to be layered on.

I have to call on that cliche of "kaleidoscopic feast for the senses"

to describe it.  More is definitely more.  And I LOVE IT!

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!!!! 

  (Most of these photos were taken on an I-Phone.  Not bad huh?)