One of the most memorable days in Singapore was a special side trip for sixteen members of the U.S. delegation. Kartini Hidayat, wife of the Indonesian Ambassador and former member of the PPSEAWA-New York Chapter, graciously arranged for the Indonesian Embassy bus to pick us up from the YWCA Fort Canning. The city tour showed the diverse cultures of the Malays, Indian, Peranakan and Chinese heritage. We saw the countless contrasts of the old and cosmopolitan New Asia - Singapore. The tour took us to some exciting shopping areas, visited the famous Merlion statue, and to the historical Fullerton Hotel.
Ambassador Hidayat met us at his office in the Indonesian Embassy and afterwards Kartini welcomed us to their residence for high tea where we were treated to many exotic and delicious dishes. It was the first time I have every tried raspberry apples and yellow jack fruit. In the evening, we experienced seeing nocturnal wildlife on a tram ride and caught the “Creatures of the Night” show at the Night Safari. Another night, the U. S. delegation had a fabulous evening aboard the Imperial Chinese Junk “Cheng Ho” for dinner and entertainment. It was a breathtaking view of the skyline at the mouth of the Singapore River.
I enjoyed the whole conference and especially, the discussion group that I attended. It was a great opportunity to share and learn from PPSEAWA sisters in other countries. They were a powerful group of women interested in “Sharing a Culture of Peace.”