Welcome to Singapore Moving to a new country is exciting. There are new sights, sounds, smells and tastes to explore. It can also be bewildering, but it's funny how quickly you become acclimatised. We've recently moved from Dubai to Singapore. I was used to covering my knees and shoulders, cowering from the summer's 50c heat and dusting sand out of everything.
Before that we were in Chicago. And we got used to the wide open spaces, the flat countryside, and dressing to face -30c weather with so many layers that we ended looking like the Michelin Man.
So in summary, we've moved from one of the coldest places on the planet, to one of the hottest, to one of the most humid.
Of course, all this traveling only gives you a snap shot, and you will never get to know a place inside out unless you dig in and grow roots. In our case we go where work takes us, and in the current economic climate you don't always get to make the decision. That said we have been blessed to have the opportunity to explore so extensively. I love seeing somewhere with new eyes. You get a fresh perspective not available to people who have lived there for years. But it's amazing how quickly you become used to a new culture and a new way of life. Before my eyes are covered with the patina of time, here are some observations of Singapore that have made me smile - the quirks of life that make Singapore unique.
You know you've arrived in Singapore when:
Do you have any observations to share? We'd love to hear from you.
For more information on expat life in Singapore, please visit our Expat Suitcase.
Before that we were in Chicago. And we got used to the wide open spaces, the flat countryside, and dressing to face -30c weather with so many layers that we ended looking like the Michelin Man.
So in summary, we've moved from one of the coldest places on the planet, to one of the hottest, to one of the most humid.
Of course, all this traveling only gives you a snap shot, and you will never get to know a place inside out unless you dig in and grow roots. In our case we go where work takes us, and in the current economic climate you don't always get to make the decision. That said we have been blessed to have the opportunity to explore so extensively. I love seeing somewhere with new eyes. You get a fresh perspective not available to people who have lived there for years. But it's amazing how quickly you become used to a new culture and a new way of life. Before my eyes are covered with the patina of time, here are some observations of Singapore that have made me smile - the quirks of life that make Singapore unique.
You know you've arrived in Singapore when:
- You understand the sign "bear feet only" is an instruction to take off your shoes, not a welcoming sign to friendly grizzlies.
- The Mouth Restaurant is a reasonable name for an eating establishment.
- There will always be a random sign to indicate where a queue should start, even if you're not sure what you should queue for. There must be order at all times.
- When you hear that the BKE intersection with the PIE is blocked, or there's a breakdown on the AYE towards the CYE, this makes perfect sense as a traffic report.
- A hawker market is where you can buy some of the best meals in Singapore.
- The Thieves Market is a safe place to shop. In March 2014, Singapore was reported to be the second safest country in the world after Japan.
- You wear shorts to a meeting and think it's ok.
Do you have any observations to share? We'd love to hear from you.
For more information on expat life in Singapore, please visit our Expat Suitcase.
 View from Marina Bay Sands |  Queue here |  Wettest place on the planet? |
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