Futuristic, self-assured, sleek and spanking new, that is Singapore's skyline for you. The skyscrapers and architectural wonders in this country that is fast consuming its countryside reflect a state of progressive mind. Your date with style begins at Changi Airport. The bumboats still crawl at a snail's pace giving you a chance to see the past and present of Singapore in its buildings. The Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa are fantasies. A walk around Emerald Hill will give you another surprise. A pleasant one, painted in candy colours: the Peranakan shophouses. The nights give you more than just a shimmering skyline. There is a nightlife that is nothing less than chic. Zouk is the hands down winner and is the club to dance away to pulsating music. For those who prefer something quieter and sophisticated, the bars around Emerald Hill and Mohamed Sultan Road are perfect. But for a real taste of Singapore, its history and multi-ethnic culture, take your eyes away from the sky and to the food and shopping districts. The festivals and the local language Singlish are other reminders of its culture. Sift through Peranakan slippers and clutches in Katong, the high end designer stores around Orchard Road, and the chaos in Chinatown, Little India, and Geylang Serai. Electronics and computers come cheap.