Finally I'm back to reality...Life that's full of fun, loneliness and lust. Back in the United Arab Emirates after 9 days of well, relaxation and headache, heartache and excitement, stereotyping and acceptance.
I would say that I have sinned in Singapore, really! Not the earthly or carnal thing okay but my mouth and thoughts can't stop complaining about how unexpected my experience in this small but progressive city of Singapore.
There were accumulation of good and bad experiences in Uniquely Singapore.
The hype of Singapore was too much for me to bear, that's why for almost half a year, we have been trying to get this sector. But I was too disappointed.
First time I arrived, I was struck by the excellent transport system and urbanization of this city, it's perfect, wide roads, high-rise buildings, mixed of old and new structures, high-end shops and restaurants and rules. Whether you follow it or try to bend it? Then imagine yourself hanging in a rope or shedding huge amount of cash as fine. People are disciplined however the human touch or heart disappeared.
I find Singapore as a snobbish and unwelcoming city. I am not generalizing all Singaporeans who live here but based on my experience, for almost 100 + hours a stayed here, I had a big headache.
People I bumped here were full of stress and angst in their system and they don't smile.
Maybe it's just me?
Because I was raised in an environment that harbor happy thoughts, happy living and giving. Entering any stores or malls, whether a posh or 7-11 stores, they are either not interested or too picky or too protective. It's like they are competing with the customers, Hey! given you are in a position that you own the store or just an SA, give credit to the people coming to your shops, Welcome them, greet them with a smile, if you are not happy that you are servicing us, let's change position and I am more gladly to serve others... or Maybe it's just me.
I hate discrimination...I don't tolerate it that's why I tell them in their face. I went to Louis Vuitton in Raffles Hotel. When we entered, as if a ghost entered the room, the SA are too busy either looking in the computer screen or in their mobile. I asked one SA about the Pochette Cles & see the monogram, damier eben and damier azure. She was faceless, no expression when she gave the items I wanted to check.
And then, I can't help myself, " Miss...It's won't die if you smile" and the she replied " Ohh... " and she forced herself to smile back. Grrrrr....
Anyway, when I went back to the hotel, I passed through Fairmont and the bellman, "Greeted me and Smiled" I raised my voice... "You're the first Singaporean to greet me and smiled geniunely." with all the guests hearing it and they nodded. Well, it's true and he made my day. All the bad experiences I had during my stay was erased by the Indian-Singaporean Bellman named Andan. Who never hesitated to welcome me...
I won't brag anymore...wrinkles...wrinkles...wrinkles
Though I enjoyed McDonald's only--The Indian store manager who returned my Nokia E71 when I left it after breakfast. For the Singapore Tourism Board who mediated the overpriced camera I bought from Bally Photo at Funan, I got back 130 SGD though it should have been 230 SGD. For Breadtalk and Singapore Flyer and the Taxis & MRT.
I just realized that behind the success of everything...we need to keep our soul and heart. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, as long as you have your soul and heart with you, you are indeed a wealthy person.
Maybe it's just me... Acceptance is the key maybe, that they were all raised like that... to be stiff, stressed, competitive, unwelcoming or just human nature... I don't not... It's not me!
So, Should I come back to Singapore... I guess not... Well, the feeling is mutual I guess... Peace... This is just my experience and definitely this varies from people who have visited the Singapore...
Teri Makasi and Xie Xie
for the experience and the journey. I am deeply grateful... Thanks for the LV too!
