Season's greetings from tropical Singapore!

Hi there! Imran here and no this is not just another marketing pitch but rather a brief 'hello' from sunny (and often rainy!) Singapore! 

Greetings from Singapore! Remember me - your friendly host from the Little Red Dot (aka Singapore)! My apologies for crashing unannounced into your inbox. You are on this list as you have either taken a tour with me (earlier this century) or we are connected via LinkedIn. If this intrusion is not to your liking, fair enough, then it is easy to unsubscribe. Simply use the unsubscribe button in the footer of this email. 2021 has been an unusual year to say the least. Despite the arrival of vaccines and a better understanding of the virus, the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated. However, we are slowly but surely moving towards a 'modus vivendi' with the virus; or as is said here in Singapore, becoming a COVID Resilient nation. For tour guides, resiliency is more than just a word. As the travel industry collapsed, guides were forced to rethink tried and tested business models. In Singapore, many opted out of the guiding industry and became Safe Distancing Ambassadors enforcing safe distancing in public places or other roles associated with managing the pandemic, e.g. working at quarantine centers, monitoring entry / exits at malls, etc. Guides remaining in the industry adapted in remarkably creative ways. Many of us (including yours truly!) started offering live virtual tours to a global audience.  In hindsight, it's a wonder we didn't start live virtual tours earlier. Clients sitting at home (anywhere in the world!) using much improved Internet connectivity  – virtual tours were an 'accident' waiting to happen. Sights and sounds of Singapore's Little India: from Hindu temples to UNESCO recognized street food In my case, a virtual tour effectively means I walk around in Singapore's blazing heat and humidity (or rain!) entertaining guests with the city's sights and sounds while guests are ensconced in the comfort of their living room! Not a bad deal I'd say.  Hopefully, 2022 will be a more normal year – whatever that means. For some, I guess greater normalcy means more recreational travel under less strained circumstances. In other words, travel for fun and without the fear of catching COVID-19 in distant exotic locations! Despite Singapore's inherent cautious conservatism (inherent cautious conservatism – how's that for a phrase?) we too are reopening to the world. We hope to welcome you back to our shores in person in 2022! Yes, it has taken a pandemic to force me to get my act together and reach out to my friends. However, I promise to be in regular – but not so regular that I become an irritant – contact from now on. Until then please stay safe ... Merry Christmas and season's greetings from Singapore! Best wishes, Imran December 2021 Singapore: the story of a church, a mosque, a temple & Michelin starred street food in old Chinatown   Though ethnic Chinese comprise almost three quarters of Singapore's population, the city-state is religiously and ethnically diverse, and this live tour along the Street of Harmony, Telok Ayer Street, is a great way to see Singapore's multiculturalism.  Along the route we'll also see a street food hawker center and colorful shophouse architecture. Book now» Singapore's Marina Bay after dark: mythical sea creatures, helixes and casinos   Singapore's Marina Bay reservoir is surrounded by the city's iconic architecture. At night, the area presents a fascinating melange of water surrounded by light, color and lines. This Experience starts at the "Merlion Park" where Singapore's mythical sea creature the Merlion proudly stands and ends in the colonial Civic District. Book now» Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Copyright © 2021 Singapore Locally La, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Singapore Locally La 363 B Sembawang Crescent #03-727 Sun Natura Singapore 752363 Singapore Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.