"Home Sweet Home" Singapore by volarevolare

Singapore Travel Guide: 13,344 reviews and 25,370 photos

Today's the 9th of August -- National Day!

Today we celebrate the 38th year of Independence!

It's a relatively short history we have, but there has been enough incidences in it to teach us something about what's important to ensure the survival and prosperity of the people of our country -- a willingness to accept differences, a commitment to peace, a realisation that it's more of 'us' and 'we' then 'them' and 'they'...

I suppose National Day this year takes a different significance given the recent events in the world around us. It has made me ponder and wonder about my own contribution to my country, as well as my contribution to the world...

I suppose in my own small ways, I can make a difference and contribute... I suppose if I'm able to genuinely be thoughtful and considerate and kind in my actions to another person, perhaps, I've done my small part.

Well, these are some thoughts and I'd like to think more about it...

So, to all Singaporeans here and abroad -- Happy National Day! :)

Some insights to Singapore

A "view"

A view from my flat -- the majority of Singaporeans live in public housing called HDB(Housing Development Board) flats in HDB estates.

I'm Singapore born and bred -- both my parents were born here too. In fact, because Singapore is such a young country, a lot of people are migrants that have settled and taken root here. So it's not surprising that some people have parents or grandparents that were from Malaya or even further away like China and India. That's what makes Singapore so interesting -- it's a melting pot of cultures that we like to emphasize and preserve.

I suppose that the one thing you'd notice in Singapore is the multi-racial community that we are... and so far, it's been pretty peaceful. And I'm really thankful for that.

So how do we try to bridge the gap between the races? Well for one, our society is built on meritocracy and our housing arrangements also encourage interaction with one another. Also, English is our first language with the Mother-Tongue languages taken as a second language by most students in Singapore. This ensures a common language as well as our survival in the competitive world. ;p

However, you'd see that it's not surprising for locals to speak dialects other than their own and how certain words are shared among the cultures and have entered into the daily vernacular.

So when you're here in Singapore do keep your ears open to hear how we speak and you'd be entertained or amused by the different varieties of English that abound... it might seem strange and confusing, but you'd soon get a hang of Singlish and Singapore English.

I'd definitely like to upload some photos of this country... and well, let me go get my camera first! ;p

If you have any suggestions as to what you think would be useful, let me know and I'd try to incorporate it into my page!

Thanks! And have a great day... wherever you are!

What's New!
My pages on Germany! Still work-in-progress... so do come back and take a look! :)
updated: 09 August 2003, Saturday
Weather: Clear skies, sunny

Pros and Cons

Pros:Food on demand whatever time of day!
Cons:You have to travel elsewhere to see mountains...
In a nutshell:Eclectic, Energetic, Evolving...

Last visit to Singapore: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2003
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Reviews (20)

A view from Tanjong Beach, Sentosa - Singapore

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Beautiful and relaxing accomodations in a garden setting. Lots of water pools filled with lotus and lily plants. Free... more travel advice

Nik, Kimmy and Me! Another happy meeting! - Singapore

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One of the places to eat in Singapore is the Sushi Restaurants like Sushi Tei or Sakae Sushi. They're easily found in... more travel advice

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Tea at the cafe with a view of... Things to Do (4)

Tea at the cafe with a view of the pool in Istana Park. more travel advice

Travelogues (5)

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Comments (30)

ullfri49 Jun 17, 2011 at 1:54 PM Report Abuse

Greetings and thanks for interesting insight view about Singapore.
Sininen Mar 7, 2006 at 9:26 AM Report Abuse

Hello Francesca! Singapore looks tempting! Great tips and some lovely photos. Thanks for sharing! Happy birthday from Finland, Sini
bijo69 Oct 2, 2004 at 6:15 AM Report Abuse

Very good info on Singapore!
muddybok Aug 8, 2004 at 10:12 AM Report Abuse

Great tips. My regular spot in Singapore are normally at Sun Tech & some nightspots.
mamasan69 May 31, 2004 at 8:26 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great tips on your city, it looks very nice. Great pictures as well. KJ
Andrei222 Apr 6, 2004 at 8:46 PM Report Abuse

"I am multiple-faceted and I should continue to discover who I am in all these areas. :)"--wow, a very inciteful ending to a statement of deep reflection!
MalenaN Oct 29, 2003 at 12:17 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips and photos! The zoo looks like a nice place, not only for children.
ahcoln Oct 28, 2003 at 9:50 PM Report Abuse

We saw that peacock too and my friend tried to catch it to take a photo with her but she was just too shy...
phil_uk_net Aug 10, 2003 at 3:52 PM Report Abuse

Visiting an HBD estate? That's an interesting suggestion - maybe next time. Wish I'd read your mosquito repellent tip before I visited the night safari. I was doing well with this page until I read your 'Musings' t'log then I got completely lost!!
Amitu Jul 14, 2003 at 11:30 AM Report Abuse

Superb tips-Singapore is high on my wish list-thanks