Heide in a Foreign City: Snapshots of Singapore
June 26th, 2009
Even if Mickey Mouse and friends are in Hong Kong, the tallest twin towers are in Malaysia, and many fine beaches are in Indonesia and Thailand, my heart still remains in Singapore.
20 years ago, my family and I were given the privilege to live in the Lion City for a few years. I was 5 years old then and was able to study in some Singapore preparatory and primary schools. I mingled with the little Chinese and Malay people and they said I did blend well.
We lived a big part of our lives there. Adapting to a new culture was quite difficult for us. However, for us kids, since we were at very young ages then, we never really felt the struggle in such foreign land. We were all about playgrounds, French fries, Barbie dolls, and chocolates. We didn’t know that mom and dad were already missing our homeland.
So when a great opportunity came, we returned to the Philippines, went back home, and lived the way we’re supposed to. Singapore became nothing but faded memories as we lived as proud Filipinos in our homeland.
Now, 20 years after, we decided to go back to Singapore, the place we considered our second homeland. Yes, we were tourists this time, but the feeling of residency was still there. Dad, mom, and my 2 older brothers still know the streets and the landmarks and the stores as if they’ve never left them. As for me and my younger sister, it felt like re-discovering a place that feels so familiar to us.
Though a lot of developments and innovations have taken place, Singapore still remains the same – modern and fast-emerging. So if I were to be asked, I’d not only visit it over and over again, but I would choose to actually live there.
Here are 10 reasons why I’d rather live in Singapore than in any other country in Asia:
1. Being a first-world country, everything is modern, up-to-date, and state-of-the-art. Do you know that the Changi Airport is the world’s biggest airport? It has a mall, food court, movie theater, gym and sports facilities, and everything you could ever think of in it. Seriously.
2. Every mode of transport is safe and convenient, including the MRT, buses, and cabs. Do you know that you can travel around and explore the whole of Singapore by just riding its Metropolitan Railway Transit system? Just make sure you have a good sense of direction! :p
3. There are no traffic jams on the road and streets are very safe…even at night! You can go out at night and be assured that you can come home peacefully.
4. Although Singapore English is quite difficult to understand, people are so nice and they would try to help you in any way they can.
5. Singaporeans are well taught of discipline and respect. If you are handicapped, pregnant, a child, or a woman, they will gladly offer their seat to you.
6. Singapore foods are healthy, tasty, and quite affordable. I like mee go reng the best, but I would try just about everything as long as they are not very spicy!
7. The country is not populated and people have a strict sense of space and privacy.
8. Almost the whole of Singapore is a wi-fi hot spot. Bring your laptop or iPhone anywhere, turn it on, and boom! You’re connected to the Internet, just like that!
9. 99% of comfort rooms are sparkling clean. Plus, all cubicles are equipped with a roll of tissue paper. You can literally camp inside! I’m not kidding.
10. The Singapore government and people give much importance to science, technology, history, and nature. You will always have an educational place to visit and an exciting experience to try.
After this recent trip with my family to Singapore, you know what I realized? Whether I’m 5 or 25 (or even 55 perhaps), I will always appreciate living in a beautiful country that makes you realize that you can be up there already and still continue to move farther and farther upwards because dreams – and making them happen – simply have no boundaries!
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