July 27, 2010
Well I guess this is good-bye, Singapore
On August 2nd, Art and I will be leaving Singapore to embark on a new journey.
It’s hard to believe that I have been living in Singapore for over 7 months. Though I have been in and out, I think I have gotten a pretty good feel for this small Asian country. It’s always hard to say good-bye, but I must admit, there aren’t many things that I am sad to leave behind. Thankfully, facebook and email will serve to help me maintain the friendships that I have made in Singapore.
Top 5 things I will miss about Singapore (other than the people):
1) Being able to wear shorts, tank tops and flip flops everyday: Growing up in cool Vancouver meant that I could only wear shorts and tank tops around 5-8 days a year. It’s also nice change to consistently see the sun more than 3-4 times a week.
2) Roomy kitchen: Art and I were blessed with a spacious +900 square feet apartment. It was nice to have kitchen space. I know we won’t have this luxury when we move to the UK.
3) Herbal drinks galore: Most people rave about Singaporean food. I honestly don’t enjoy it that much. I’m more of a canton food fan. What I AM a fan of is Chinese herbal drinks like luo han guo, barley water, water chestnut and the like. These drinks can be found in most restaurants and hawker centers. Things that make me healthy – I like!
4) Southeast Asia fruits: Mangosteen and durian, need I say more?
5) Cheap taxi fares: Public transit sometimes just cannot do the trick, so we have to take the taxi at times. Thankfully taxi fares are affordable in Singapore.
Top 5 Reasons why I am looking forward to our next adventure, away from Singapore:
1) Heat and humidity: I don’t remember a day when I did not sweat. It’s hot every day. I usually can’t stand 2 feet near Arthur because my dude just emits heat like an oven. This heat meant that playing badminton in our local community gym was like doing hot yoga with badminton poses.
2) Air Conditioning: Often, especially in the afternoon, the only way to stay cool was to hang out in air conditioned buildings. I don’t like recycled air and its also bad for my skin.
3) Thinking inside the box: Singaporeans always have a reason for doing something. That reason though does not have to be logical, efficient or beneficial. As ex-consultants, Art and I have been frustrated many times at restaurant service, administrative processes and the like. If you have read my blog about swimming in Singapore, you will understand some of my frustration.
4) Overpriced western food: Some food is cheap, but anything slightly expat is overpriced. I miss good non-asian bread and cheese. And also affordable alcohol.
5) Singlish: As much as I like Singaporeans as people, I have trouble liking Singlish. It’s a blend of Hokkien and English, with poor grammer. Phrases like “Can can la” and “See you den” just does not settle well with me – sorry to be blunt.
All in all though, I am really glad Art and I experienced Singapore. We’ve befriended really cool people and learned a lot about Asian culture, foods and history. It’s been a great time. We’ll see you later Singapore!
