Walk Along Wonderful Waterloo Street - Campers, Catholics, Cyclists, Dancers, Jews, and Cheap Chinese Food

So much to see and do here, something to interest everyone. 

Start from Bras Basah MRT station. A glass roof lets in light.

Upstairs, across the street is the Singapore Art Museum.

Even without going inside, you are treated to the view of a large sculpture.

A little further along the street is the wonderful old synagogue building.

High security here. But plenty to admire from outside.

Should you want kosher food, an Orthodox Sabbath or festival meal or to attend a service, phone them or write in advance. Security is tight.

Singapore has a second synagogue. The story goes that, like the Disraeli family in London, the VIP Jewish member had a difference of opinion. He built himself another synagogue next to his house around the corner and up the hill. (I first heard about this in the History Museum. I was also involved with  Friends of the Museum who had a research group, so I researched the Jewish community and went on a tour of the synagogues and saw the mikvah or ritual bath which has to have access to running water. if you are interested read up the history.

If you are just passing by admiring the building, notice the six-point star, known to Jews as the star of David and to Moslems as the shield of Solomon. If you want to brush up your Hebrew, use Duolingo. 

Look at this colourful building with its yellow, red, green and white and the exquisite rooftops. Plus some restful arches. You are now in the dance and drama area.

. . The sign at 51 Waterloo Street tells you that you can contact the Ballet Academy. How about the EV Dance or the Musicademy? If you don't have a guitar or never learned to play, there a A Cappella Society (singing without musical accompaniment). The Curious Thoughts Academy, or the Serendipity Centre. The Private Museum Ltd. The Campers' Corner Outdoor - outfitters  a regular shop.

If you want a quick way to recognize a Catholic church, they have the traditional, elaborate crucifixion with the body on the cross. Protestants simplify, with a bare cross.

Beside the church is the Catholic Centre containing an eating place.

Buildings alongside house the theatre and dance schools.

Next a camping shop. Backpacks, waist packs, hats, everything you need for your trip. 

If you are out of cash there's a pawn shop.

Then upstairs in an old-fashioned shopping centre with galleries, bicycle rental.

 Beyond this is a large hawker centre, outdoor and open to the air at the sides food court. The chicken rice stall has a good reputation and had a long queue. However, I wanted to eat with friends, so instead I ordered chicken with Indian bread, a paratha. My friend Susan told me that if I wanted to eat chicken rice, with less of a queue (Americans say line-up) I should come back midweek, not at a weekend.

Getting There
My route map on my phone tried to send me to another Waterloo street in east Singapore. Make sure you look for a specific building with a postcode, or the nearby MRT station.

Useful Websites
hellobicycle.com.sg
camperscorner.com.sg
visitsingapore.com
singaporeair.com

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.