Whenever I go to a new city, I find you must live there for a while before you can actually say for certain you like it. Visiting is totally different compared to living in a city. I compare it to dating as opposed to living with each other. When you are dating, there are sparks that blind you so you overlook the details. It is not until you get that first place together that you magnifying glass comes out and you really see how things are going to be.
Singapore, up until January 2008, has been my date for the past several years. I've made many visits but I did not stay longer than a month. I had some good times and felt I was ready to make that next step. So earlier this year, I made the move.
I would like to say everything has been perfect but like any new relationship there has been the occasional bump and even all out brawl but I haven't left nor has Singapore. My process here is to post my positives of Singapore because like my mother told me if you don't have anything positive to say keep it to yourself. I will follow her advice for now but wait till she is not looking and I will post my list of things I don't particularly enjoy about Singapore later. So here they are in no particular order but how they came out of my head:
- Making Time to Eat: Singapore is awash with small stalls called "hawker centers" so you are never far from a small, fast cooked meal. Most food is delivered within a few minutes of ordering. It rivals fast food but it is freshly cooked most of the time.
- Family time: Singapore and its people are always busy doing something but no matter what time it is, the people here manage to see their families and eat a meal together.
- Buses, MRT and Taxis: Singapore has one of the best public systems for getting around. There are bus stops everywhere and if your not taking a bus then take the Subway called the MRT. When your in a hurry then a taxi is the next best thing. It is a little more expensive then the first two but well worth the quickness and sometimes the conversation is better than a tour guide, therapist or financial consultant.
- Green Green Green: Singapore is by far one of the Greenest cities I have lived in. I love to drive on the expressways because the trees form a natural tunnel that lets in patches of sky. Some roads are so scenic that I could miss my turn if not for my GPS.
- Driving on the Right Side: At first I really disliked driving here but as time goes by I am getting the hang of it. I think it is easier to use your mirrors while driving from the right. Something about being right eyes dominate helps you see the side mirrors.
- Shopping, Shopping: Singapore has enough malls in such a small city/nation that I don't think I will ever run out of places to go on a hot, humid day. Plus because all the major, high end brands are coveted here, you get exposed to a variety that you don't get in most cities. If you get a chance to visit then check out Vivo City. If you don't get lost, you will be able to tell others all about it.
This is a pretty short list but I will add more as time goes on. I have only just begun the living together stage so I am sure there will be more epifanies in the future. I just know that there is more to Singapore then just the Merlion and F1.
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