From pane housys in the area. A good example is the Duxton Hotel at 83 Duxton Road. It com- bines nine shophouses to cre- ate a European style boutique hotel that includes one of the few French restaurants in Singapore. The heritage facade remains unspoiled, and the former living quarters adapt weil as multi-level suites. In ancther pazt of Chinatown, bounded by ross, China and ts, one of the newer restoration projects i some of the y’s oldest struc- tures, including the first known Chinese temple in Singapore and onc of the first free schools in Singapore. But the bulk ef the develop- nignt, a shopping and office complex known as Far East Square, comprises blocks of shophouses united by mod- ern glass accades. The restored temple at 76 Telok Ayer Street is now the Fuk Tak Chi Muscum. Among its contents are a model depicting the area as it appeared in the late 1800s and related artifacts donated by Singaporeans. Singapore’s enthusiasm for recycling, structures has spread throughout the city. In Kampong Glam, the Muslim quarter dominated by the ivory minarets and golden domes of Sultan Mosque, a conservation pro- ject has changed Bussorah Street, which bustles with activity during Muslim festi- vals, into a pedestrian mall, with renovated shophouses on cither side and the mosque at one end. Street level shops provide religious items such as Haji caps, prayer beads, prayer mats and copies of the Koran. © In the Indian sector, a ” ¢luster cf shophouses bound- ed by Serangoon Road Hastings Road, Clive Street and Campbell Lane has been converted into the Little India Arcade. Tucked between stores displaying shimmering silks and glitter- ing gold jewelry are stalls selling vividly coloured flow- ers, woven into garlands used for temple offerings, and The Duxten Hotel has adapted old shophouse interi- ors to create airy ioft style accommodations. aan, a mildly narcotic betel nut concoction used as a diges Still more shophouse con- servation projects are planned or underwa' Singapore is modernizing at an incredible rate and shows no sign of slowing down.- Fortunately, its unique shophouse architecture is being preserved in ways that both residents-and visitors can appreciate and utilize. Information to help plan a trip to Singapore is availabic from the Singapore Tourism Board, 121 King Strect West, Suite 1000, Toronto ON 363-8898, 5752, , Jea prepared and served according to Chinese custom is available at the Tea Chapter, which occupies a former shon- house on Neil Road. ‘epts! it' s Not Too Late To Escape To Tke Sun! Edg emont Office __. 986-2262 Package holidays are still availabie to many destinations in Mexico over the Holiday Season. HUATULCO 7 nts air & hotel froma $1299 pp. (Depart Dec. 24/99) CALL TODAY j ; Ambleside Office 926-8511 Sunday, December 5, 1999 - North Shere News - 33 Photos courtesy Duxton Howel The Duxton Hotel has adapted old shephouse interiors to create an a airy loft style accommodations. Phcto Toni Dabbs le Mr. Lube), Nort VALLEY & COASTAL CRUI oe ideas cer: _ INCLUDES: * Airfare from Vaticouver to San Francisco * 3 nights accommodation in Napa Valley ° Winery tours and tastings in Napa © 3 night cruise from San Francisco to Vancouver # All cransfers Vee ecaebsreeseses April 30 - May 6, 2000. Aboard the ms Westerdam FROM SSID con PER PERSON