The year is 2100 – 

Towers of oscillating and reflective panels borrow from the marina’s shimmering water below to create the illusion of an infinite skyline.

Steel branches race over the water, twisting in a helix formation to assemble a grand walkway.

Massive electric trees fill the darkened sky with a symphony of light – a miraculous display of human achievement.

Just kidding – the year is 2017 and I’m talking about Singapore.

This futuristic utopia is made even more impressive in that just this month, Singaporeans are celebrating their country’s 52nd birthday.  #OneNationTogether can be found everywhere throughout the country, from Singapore’s Youth Olympic Park to any of their dozens of metro stations.  Singapore stands in testament to what can be accomplished when all races and cultures – in their case Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Eurasian – live and work together in harmony.

Highlights of our short time here include sightseeing in Singapore’s 182 acre botanic garden (I’m sure my grandparents appreciate this), checking out the dazzling Gardens by the Bay at sunset, and bar hopping in Chinatown.  I would have stayed longer if a damned cocktail didn’t cost S$20.

Overall, I loved Singapore.  My bank account did not.  Still 10/10.