Paddling Singapore river

For the first time on last Sunday, Gerald and I paddled along Marina South Park after the Kallang river construction area. That took us into the Singapore river on the side opposite of Marina Promenade and the Esplanade, as seen here


That was possible now that all the commercial small crafts have moved out of Clifford Pier. We cut across the former mooring area outside the pier to reach the viewing gallery of the Merlion, where a perpetual crowd of tourists snapped pictures and enjoyed the breeze.


It was an interesting feeling, to be the object of tourists' stares, and be greeted by the ang-moh restaurant goers dining al fresco along Boat Quay, and even more so to be able to stare back at them and return the gaze. Though I have paddled into the river several times already, it was a novel experience to paddle real close along the busy side of the river, weave in and out of the pillars under Nicoll highway and Cavenaugh bridge, and interact with tourists in this silent way. It made me felt like a tourist in my own watery backyard, how refreshing!