Top 5 Things About Living In Singapore

Singapore being a popular stop over for people when they are travelling the globe, means that we have had lots of Australian friends coming to visit recently. One question I am continuously asked is ,’What is it like  living in another country?’

Answering this question so often has caused me to reflect on what I personally enjoy about living here in Singapore. I have been here for almost 5 months now (wow), so I thought I would share my top 5 things about living in Singapore! 

1.    You are forever sightseeing; even if it isn’t planned: This is number 1 for the obvious reason that it is my favorite thing about living here. Living in Australia my entire life, meant that it was rare where I lived that I would continuously have my eyes opened by my surroundings on a daily basis. I am continuously amazed by the places I bump into here without looking for them. By not knowing where every place or street is means that I am forever exploring.

2.     You become very, very open minded: At uni recently we have been studying how narrow-minded people are the ones that generally get the least out of life.  

If you told me 5 years ago that I would be moving to Singapore in the near future, there is NO way I would believe you. Though, by moving here I have learnt to accept everything that comes my way; good or bad. Its too tiresome to fight against things which are going to happen no matter what. I have learnt to accept my surroundings, different cultures and the fact that life is fast-moving and we are not always in control.  I have escaped the predictable bubble of living the life I assumed I would always be living. It may be daunting but it is an amazing feeling.

3.     Surrounded by people from a range of cultures: Singapore is an extremely multicultural place, which in some respects is similar to Australia, but I have never been the minority.  It is extremely humbling.  Shout out to my uni pals for this one, because in the time period of 5 months, I don’t think I have ever learnt so much.  All my friends are from different parts of the world; India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. Every time I am with them, I learn something new.  Whether it be the correct way to pronounce an Asian word, or learning about religion and culture. People are also always asking me about Australia, the traditions, stereotypes and the slang language. I was absolutely stunned to learn that most of my friends didn’t even know what Easter was! 

You forget how the rest of the world lives when you do not go out and explore it.

4.     Food: I obviously could not forget to include this! I have always been a huge lover of Asian and Indian cuisine, but I hadn’t eaten it very often in Australia, because it is usually pretty pricey to eat out.

So so so many places in Singapore offer DELICIOUS meals for under SG $6. Its insane.  You will usually find food this cheap at Hawker centres where there are a variety of food stalls such as Indonesian, Vietnamese and Indian. I find myself continuously re reading menu’s because its unlike anything I have ever encountered.  Drinks are all usually under SG $2! It is a food lovers heaven, especially for those who do not mind spicy foods and love trying out new things.

5.     Breaking language and cultural barriers: This is linked to my third point.  When I first arrived here, I found it particularly difficult to interact with people who couldn’t speak strong English. Even though English is the first language in Singapore you find that most people speak in Chinese. Over time, (without learning Chinese mind you) I have developed my patience and motivation to learn and be inspired when interacting with those from other cultures. 

You find that people here will respect you so much more if you greet them using their language, speak in Singlish and are patient if they are struggling with their English. 

Hope you enjoyed reading my top 5 things about living in Singapore! Please feel free to follow and comment on any of my posts.