The Merlion

Singapore gets its name from the Malay Singapura, meaning "Lion City." Legendarily, the founder met a lion there and was much impressed; though it is more likely that he met a tiger. After all, singa is from the (Indian) Sanskrit singh, suggesting that the Malays of the area had no native word for a lion.

Singapore, at the time, and until the later 19th century, was largely a fishing port, though it is much more of a financial and technical hub these days. To celebrate the lion legend and the fishing history, a statue fountain has been erected of a fish-bodied lion.

Our city journey took us to the famous Merlion Park, which is on a body of water once the mouth of the river, but now a fully enclosed reservoir.

Here are some photos:
(1) The Park and its surrounds

(2) The Merlion fountain and Mini-Me(rlion)


(3) Interesting patterns in architectural and engineering design

Finally, a trip through the Indian quarter before returning to the airport...

Many Indians are Catholics, as witnessed by their magnificent church building in the Indian quarter

Above: The airport sponsors local artists

Left: It was Social Media Month at Singapore Airport.