FEEL FREE TO GROW, SINGAPORE, JUST DON’T LEAVE BEHIND YOUR SOUL.
Today I want to share with you an excerpt from one of the earliest entries written on my travel journal, which some of you may know that it is a little booklet that I've been using to reflect my thoughts and experiences as I embarked on my year long trip around the world.
I want to remind everyone that I wrote this back in 2015 so lots may have changed, but I promise to do my best to fill in the gaps as I reflect back on my stories and experiences now that I am actually already back from it.
This story is about a country called Singapore, my home away from home where I grew up as a kid, a country where my parents still resides, thus a hub in which I did my final preps before embarking on the journey. Also it is purely my own interpretation of this country, which I'd like to share as part of my contribution to the culture vulture challenge by @eroche.
So here we go :)
FEEL FREE TO GROW, SINGAPORE, JUST DON’T LEAVE BEHIND YOUR SOUL.
This is my 6th day since arriving in Singapore to catch up with my family, or 2 hours left to mark the start of my journey as I wait anxiously for the bus to Thailand. Initially, Singapore wasn’t a destination that was part of my so called worldly discovery, having lived here for over 10 years as a kid, and where my family still resides for close to 30 years – it’s my home away from home and I didn’t expect to learn anything from this country that I didn’t already know. Well, I was wrong. Times have changed, and Singapore continues to amaze me.
I happened to be invited to a beach party at Siloso Beach in Sentosa, an artificial island (think of it like the palm island of Dubai stuffed with theme parks + Vegas), and it was one of those rave parties on the beach where girls wore bikinis without actual access to the beach. Instead, the venue sprayed luminescent paint all over the crowd and lit them up with UV lights making them illuminate like the Na’vis from Avatar.
It was a spectacular event, with lights, music, alcohol, girls, and even better as I was given free VIP tickets by a friend who knew one of the organisers. As soon as we got inside though, I suddenly felt overwhelmed and a little turned off by the sheer scale of this event. I was basically culture shocked, knowing that these parties happen quite often here, so common yet so epic.
The atmosphere was filled with modern illumination technology, fluorescent lights beaming into the sky with EDM pumping endlessly into a sea of sweaty shiny dancing avatars, cream-pied from top to bottom with paint spraying out of gigantic fire hoses. I saw rows of young schoolies drunk off their faces marching in looking like they’re about to enter war with alcohol, all while looking like they're having the best time of their lives. At one point they looked like they were being possessed by some sort of demonic light god… Next minute, I turn my head and I see my friend making out with a random girl covered in paint. What on earth is this place? It sure doesn’t seem like the Singapore that I used to know.
Don’t get me wrong though, I was having a great time at the sheltered VIP sector, drinking heaps of alcohol, dancing and shaking my asalatos all night surrounded by cute girls in their bikinis. But I just couldn’t get over the fact that everything looked so artificial, where people marched in like robots soullessly onto an artificial beach with artificial colours and artificial music (even the rocks on this island is made out of paper mache!). This party was one of those nights that made me feel amazed at how far Singapore had come in just over a decade. The pace of Singapore’s growth is not just fast, it’s exponential. <--- did i just say growth?
I feel nervously excited for what the future holds for Singapore, excited because I can’t wait to see how much more crazier it becomes, but nervous because I feel Singapore is starting to lose it’s soul. Did you know that Singapore’s GDP per capita is one of the highest in the world, and the nation has one the highest percentage of Millionaires in the world, and at the same time Singaporeans are also one of the unhappiest people in the world?
Similar studies all point to the same conclusion, and I was shocked, because I know I wasn’t unhappy living here as a kid, it was quite the opposite. But then I realised – I’m not a Singaporean. I only just lived here.
While growing up I remember hearing lots of complaints from my local Singaporean friends about the government and the PAP (a group who seemingly stands for the people against corruption, by enforcing incorruptibility, thereby corrupting it themselves?), basically things that I chose to ignore as it never applied to me, and I hated politics (I still do), but now I realise that their suffering is partly due to people like me – the expats who are quickly taking over their role, their workforce, their economy, their culture, and perhaps their happiness too.
I mean how can you feel happy when you are only just getting by but at the same time you see many others in the same country earning millions and living the high life? The gap between the rich and poor are not as extreme as countries such as Indonesia, but it is enough for Singapore to be called a nickname “the playground for the rich”.
A glass of beer costed me $18 last night, when I can get a bigger, better, fresher beer in Australia for $7 (or less than $1 in Colombia), while still being paid twice as much. A fresh grad from Britain double’s the salary of my local Singaporean friend even though he’s been working for years, regardless of work ethics or performance. You’d probably have to be 5 times more effective just to be ‘treated’ on par with an expat, who by the way accounts for 30-40% of the total population here.
I know it's ridiculous to judge a nation through such a narrow point of reference, but personally I felt like this beach party was a good representation of the current state of Singapore. Dazzling and amazing with shiny lights and VIP treatment, but in the expense of liberty, consciousness, and nationhood. I think the people here knows it, just that they can’t do much about it. I don’t know what Singapore will become by the time I return, but as the saying goes – “the best way to predict the future, is to create it”
My bus to Thailand leaves in an hour, take care Singapore! 😃
to check out my other #Travel #Life Stories! 
I think the issue there could be one of relative comparison to other people. Singapore is a small country. Typically, you'll compare your self against others. It's just really noticeable if you're in smaller nation. I haven't been to Singapore yet but I believe it might lead to people being really competitive with each other which normally would lead to more stress.
I think you're absolutely spot on there @rockjon, it's highly highly competitive out here, given the small size, yet huge population, and an influx of overseas workers, both underpaid borderline illegal, as well as overpaid feel like king types. As much as I love Singapore, the longer I stay here the more I feel like being consumed into this weird reality, and feel the need to get out :S
@kuenok Singapore is an innovative country ruled by a great man hence their success. I wish I was there with you and enjoy some steem money haha -I agree with your post about what is hapenning in the country however wish them well -thanks for sharing, upped.
Thank you @charles1 yes you're totally right! Such a great man he was, and it's not common to see the whole nation paying homage to it's leader like this! I hope for the best for everyone here, especially those who may not be getting as much spotlight as some others. Thanks a lot for reading and for the support!
you are welcome my buddy, always. And dont forget that I wanna enjoy Singapore (and their girls) with you next time haha
hahaha if you do come to singapore let me know! tho im probably not the best person to intro you to any ladies haha
Ok, will let you know if I visit Singapore..thanks
Thanks for taking part in this months #culturevulture challenge.
This is a very interesting post. What were the aspects that you remember from your childhood, the fond memories?
I remember being at the same exact island 15yrs ago with a few friends when it was just simply an island with a beach and a couple of stores. Being just teenagers, with no phones, no money, we had fun chasing eachother trying to make them fall into the ground traps that we spent the whole day making, cooking instant noodles for dinner using portable stoves, sleeping overnight on the sand after passing out from the whiskeys that was stolen from our home, that sorta stuff remains precious in my memory. I think its different now days, the way teenagers party, sometimes i think they have too much information and grow up too quickly. but i think it's also due to the fact that it's now simply illegal to camp, drink, and cook in public lol
Thanks for starting this @culturevulture project, it's so interesting to hear real stories from ppl all over the world.
I totally got your points @kuenok
If I gotta pick a word, just a word, to describe this country, it's definitely gonna be "convenient"
Not exciting but promising.. a comfort zone where people slowly losing themselves.. a country whereby a major national issue can be subway-breakdown (well, like for real, in Vietnam, unless the train crushes and causes 10 death certs, otherwise it's not gonna make it to any sorts of media~)
Of cos it's a great shit.. a pretty safe and modern city, that else can I ask for.. just that for those romantic dudes who searching for inspirations from a colourful culture , rich history or god-given nature, it's not gonna be a place~
As I, myself, have never been interested in digging of-all-time issue between foreign talent and local rice-bow in this country.. well, it's not because I'm a foreigner living in Singapore, it's because, i find it's pointless:))
As well as Happiness level in this country, sometimes I feel like, having an easy flow of life, make you're clueless about what is "real shit" out there, everyone have their struggles, people here just yet pick a wrong way to cope with it~
Thanks for commenting @applehoang, I feel you. The train breakdown is on the news headlines for days in a row lol
In Singapore it's super safe, everyone speaks english, public transport is excellent, super clean, convenient, food is everywhere, basically it's super comfortable. Understandably, some people will hate me for saying this, but perhaps I feel too comfortable here, and that's probably where my rants come from. To be honest, there's really no reason for anyone to be complaining about Singapore, it's seriously an amazing country. It's very similar to the reason why I quit the job at google.. I've had some people say to me like how they'll break their arms & legs just to get in etc.. but then, would they really? I find that ridiculous, whether it's just another idiom that people say without really meaning or not. I mean how does breaking an arm make one more comfortable. It makes no sense to me lol
Maybe I am, just a weirdo.
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?
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Thank you @booster! Thank you @eroche!