The Afternoon Of Power

Boat Quay is where the denizens of the business district of Singapore come to drink. This is the watering hole for one of the most wealthy enclaves on Earth. Every nook and corner is packed with executives, bankers, dealers, brokers and an assortment of interesting characters-except during the afternoons. After lunch, the place falls silent-relatively-and the tall towers of the banks loom into view. They are always there but the revels of lunch and sundown obscure their palpable potency. During the afternoon lull, one becomes conscious of them and then the true purpose of the place is understood-the quiet, understated exercise
of power.