Durian

The most surprising event that I had in Singapore was met my old friend JL, who is now already a banker-in-training.

We had not planned for anything of that day. It was all the instant ideas that directed us. Therefore, soon after we had a breakfast in 11, we went to the eastern part of the country to get a taste of durian.

Though I quite like durian, I did not manage to go to the famous durian street to pick up the king of fruits until that day. We took the MRT to reach the street. Coming out from the station, the strong odour of it rushed into your nose and stimulated your nervous system. For us the lovers of durians, it was a pleasurable experience. But for those who hated it, I am sure they felt like they went into a poorly-cleaned toilets.

The shops along the street was structurally located. They did not appear in a cluster but were situated in the corner of the crossroad. Perhaps it would boost the sales, and at the same time, spread the odour evenly so the lovers and the haters would know where the street is!

The price of the durians really varies. I had expected it would be around $15-$20 per one. I was right--that was the price of the most inferior one. The most expensive one could be in thousands dollars. I wonder if there would be someone who could afford it.

But then JL told me: some freaks really would do it, for they really love it.

Finally he made an analogy. Durians were just like Prostitutes. It was not pleasant to appear in public. Lovers were obsessed of it and could pay generously. Haters could not hold a second and turned away. Essentially, after eating it, the taste could hardly be washed away in days, or months.

Therefore, Singapore was brilliant to put the durian street just next to the street where prostitutes mainly situates.