Meeting up almost every other day with family or friends and scoffing feasts of splendour is very much in stark contrast to our regular life in Melbourne where we only eat out on occasion and spend most of our time in our "two person world" (directly translated from Chinese)
This trip back, I became concious of a focused interest I call the 3Fs (food, family, friends).
Sure. Ion Orchard was interesting, but you know what? It's only because it hasn't yet been superceded by the
And it's not just the skyline evolving - the mix of people is changing dramatically too. It's hard not to notice the number of non-traditional Singaporeans around lately. The once fluroscent ah-lian has been replaced by the ultra-gaudy overseas chinese student, the auntie laden with the grocery bags at the bus stop has had her seat taken up by the german lady with the two kids and fake designer handbag.
Even my in-laws have now seen the inclusion of a Malaysian (Congratulations again Roger and Racheal!) and an African.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. After all, in a society which is barely repopulating itself, Singapore has to grow somehow. It's just that every year, with the new malls and attractions, comes a wave of new Singaporeans - while my childhood memories of Singapore become ever distant from the current reality. So I'm glad the 3Fs are still there to maintain my link to the motherland. After all, without family and friends, with whom would we pander to our taste for crab by consuming FIVE* different crab dishes over the past three weeks?
So change all you want Singapore... Carry on with your IONs, Luminas, 313s, IRs and F1s, bring in your new immigrants with their cultural ingredients towards the melting pot. The family, friends AND FOOD! are what truly makes it our spiritual home.
*In case you were wondering, they were Chilli, Pepper, Noodle Soup, 'Golden Sand' and Cold (in that order)
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