This is not a comprehensive list about how much I love Living in Singapore, rather what immediately comes to mind.
1. Safety- Singapore is safe, I do not have to worry about someone snatching my purse on the MRT, I walk to the grocery store after dark without a thought and we let our children out of our sight in public, which is a big one. Today I went to the boy’s school, Singapore American School (SAS) and saw the student’s bikes in the bike racks. Do you know there was not one Lock on any bike. I love that!
2. Easy to Navigate– I am directionally challenged, I’ll admit it. I stood on train platform in Paris staring at the Metro map and had not a clue. I just waited for my husband to tell me what route we were taking. Not a good thing for someone who likes to believe they are in charge. In Singapore the train Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is easy to figure it out with its color coded lines even a 4th grader can figure it out…I know this because my 4th grader often tells us what route to take. If the MRT is not your thing how about the plentiful taxi cabs where the drivers mostly speak English, and the fares are one of the more reasonable things you will find in Singapore.
3. February- MY friends are complaining on Facebook about the snow and cold and this afternoon I cannon-balled in the pool. Why you ask? Because I can!
4. Expat Friends- I have met some of the loveliest and most interesting people since moving here. I rarely meet an Expat who is not friendly and inclusive. After a week living here I was invited to cocktails with my new neighbors who immediately added me to their group. Everyone seems to remember when they were the newbies on the block and go out of their be kind. Refreshing for sure.
5. Resort or Real Life? I live in a condo with amenities which include an exercise room, sauna, tennis courts, playground and a pool that rivals any resort. I live on the 16th floor and and have a beautiful view of the pool and have a breeze from the balcony that cools my home. Seems like a dream most days.
6. Food- Then grocery store is at times my Singapore nemesis. Let’s be honest groceries are outrageous here. I will post an entire blog about the insanity that is food shopping in Singapore later. However, My entire family loves cherry tomatoes and they are a bit pricey in the U.S. However, honey cherry tomatoes are $1.50 per container. We purchase about 5 packages a week, it’s one of the few bargains here.
7.) International Flavor- My boys attend an American School. Their classes are comprised of students from all backgrounds. I love in casual conversations my children say things like “My friend from Russia….” or I hear them refer to the elevator as “the lift” These cultural experiences can’t be learned in a classroom.
8. Bread- Every corner there is a plethora of bread and pastry shops. For this carb addicted mom that is both dangerous and delightful.
9. Singapore Sushi- Believe it or not I was not a fan of sushi before moving here. I am a convert. the local grocery store makes it fresh every morning and I am there each morning to purchase. Tuna, salmon, cucumber,crab oh my!
10. My Boys- In Singapore I have the luxury of being a work at home mom. I am able to take my boys to the bus stop and pick them up every afternoon.I am the mom who attends the field trips and makes the homemade Halloween costumes and writes while the boys are at school. Being at home is the best thing about moving to Singapore. I feel so fortunate.
Passport Parenting, Singapore 