The gateway shows no sign that the Istana (presidential palace) is one of the venues of the upcoming Apec 2009 meeting in Singapore, which will be attended by leaders from around the world. But cross the road and you will see these decorative signs in Istana Park.
The welcome signs are everywhere at Suntec City, the other venue.
At the entrance.
Inside the cavernous halls.
You can also see welcome signs outside.
And from across the street.
Greetings near the Fountain of Wealth at Suntec.
Hotel Rendezvous on Bras Basah Road, a short walk from the Istana and the Dhoby Ghaut MRT (subway) station, is one of the hotels recommended for visiting journalists by the Apec organizers. The other hotels recommended are Carlton Hotel, also on Bras Basah Road, Bayview Hotel and Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, on Bencoolen Street, Grand Park City Hall and Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, on Coleman Street, Orchard Hotel, on Orchard Road, and Parkroyal on Beach Road.
This Google Map shows Istana Park, Suntec City, Bras Basah Road, Bencoolen Street, Beach Road, Coleman Street and a bit of Orchard Road.
And, finally, the sponsors, sorry, lead partners --- Microsoft, Fuji Xerox, Cisco, Oracle, Sony, SingTel, Suntec --- who will be able to showcase their products and services to about 15,000 international delegates at Apec 2009. It's a deal!
