RE: FEEL FREE TO GROW, SINGAPORE, JUST DON’T LEAVE BEHIND YOUR SOUL.
I get what you mean about the explosive growth yet increasing loss of soul..I'm a Singaporean and am extremely proud of what my nation has accomplished in such a short time (which was possible given the vision, strength, and good decisions of our leaders as well as the size of the nation which is quite easy to oversee when compared to other much larger principalities)..I also miss a lot of the convenience and awesome food after living overseas for a while..
However, I find that many locals back home are rather narrow-minded and prone to complaining about 'issues' without trying to grasp either the bigger picture or different perspectives..many are also rather unexposed to situations faced in other countries in the wider world, choosing to remain in their comfort zones (there are so many in SG) both physically and in the mind and just shooting their mouths or fingers off.
Amongst the younger more educated group, I find an unnerving fixation on corporate ladder climbing and competition resume-related factors..and beyond that the materialistic things...I cannot find myself conforming to such a lifestyle or a mentality because I find little value in such endeavours.
I salute your approach of cutting out of your comfort zones and embarking on your own journey instead. I wish you all the best. Btw, this answered my previous question on whether you were living in SG at the moment or not.
Thanks for sharing your view :)
Hello @foodie.warrior thanks for this awesomely written
articleessaycomment! You definitely won the most heartfelt comment award, and it's really nice to hear the thoughts from an actual Singaporean (<--though it seems like you've been living in Deutschland?). I think the fixation to these materialistic lux are inevitable in Singapore, because we're surrounded by it day after day that it becomes a norm almost, i think it's a mild form of brainwashing and predictive programming for those that live(work) here, many minds infiltrated slowly but surely.. The only outlet I have in Singapore is FOOD! so thank you :)Oh btw to properly answer your earlier question, I wrote this article in Singapore right at the beginning of my 1 year travel, and now 2 yrs later I'm back to singapore again! I should probably do another updated edition to this post :)
Ahh I see :) how time flies doesn't it! Any plans for another big trip ahead?
Yes I'm thinking to do another long solo exploration, this time of my own country Japan which I've been neglecting for so long cos I felt that I know this place, just like how I felt like I knew singapore. But After going outwards to visit the many places I went around in the world, I am starting to realise that there are just as much, or more from looking within. Just like anything else in life! (<-- learnt from freediving)
That's cool! you have so many wonderful experiences in your belt..somehow I feel that most people (me included) tend to neglect their hometowns on the guise that they know all about the city.. The more cities I explore, the more I realise how little I've actually explored my own homeland simply because I always took it for granted..do you feel that way too?
yeah I totally get it, I think travelling really helps open up new perspectives on things, as cliche as it may sound, it's definitely changed me for the better and I now appreciate things thats always around me a lot more
hehe I'm glad to hear that @kuenok :) there's a reason why some stuff are cliche..I like to think it's because a lot of people who've gone down a similar path have felt that way :))
You found a good outlet! :)) FOOD is a great distraction from any form of programming :)
I do live in Deutschland now..and though it has far fewer conveniences than Singapore D= at least the crazy fixations on items are not so rife here..
btw, another great thing about SG other than our food is our location! With our proximity to so many ASEAN nations, you can always head there for a breather anytime you feel like you're suffocating ;)
Yeah smack in the middle of Asia with so many flights going.. EVERWHERE! I do venture out every now and then for a taste of fresh air and clean waters. Food selection wise it's excellent here, but the cost, not so much except the local hawkers :(
hehe stick to the hawker centres, food courts, and coffee shops and your pocket will thank you..then when you crave restaurant level food, find a friend who is a great cook and bring him to Fairprice for a dinner shopping spree ;)
Lucky my Parents are here so I get to still enjoy home cooked food without breaking the bank! (<-- no shame for being old and homed)
hehehe perks of being old and homed ;)) how old are you btw?
Just so i dont disclose my age too easily online, lets just say I was born on the year of the rat :) n yourself?
hahah oo mysterious! Mine is the horse year..