Took a cab to Najib’s surprise birthday party at Settler’s Cafe. Having not been there before and being told that it’s at Clarke Quay, I just told the driver to go to Clarke Quay.

Well Clarke Quay is a specific location so the driver questioned us further. Thankfully Kewei did give Juz the address because Settler’s Cafe is not at Clarke Quay but along North Canal Road.

Was told people generally say it’s at Clarke Quay because it’s near the Clarke Quay MRT Station, which actually is at the very edge of the area known as Clarke Quay.

Found out that some of those driving there actually went to Liang Court and couldn’t find the place because that’s where Clarke Quay actually is.

Given the way prominent landmarks are named, it’s interesting to note how different groups of people will associate a place with different location.

One example the cab driver gave was if he is to pick up a teenager asking to go to “City Hall”, he’ll bring him to City Hall MRT Station. If he picks up a man carrying a suitcase in the morning peak hour asking to go “City Hall”, he’d better be brought to THE City Hall, i.e. Parliament House.

So next time, to prevent such misunderstandings, either 1) provide good, detailed directions or 2) just give the address or street name. Drivers usually look it up in the street directory and you won’t be blamed for given the wrong info.

So now, just don’t go the Boon Keng MRT Station to meet a friend at Upper Boon Keng. It’s actually at Kallang MRT.