My time in Singapore can be characterized as one of an introduction to new culture and sights unlike anything I have experienced before. As my first time in Asia, my Singapore trip invited me to experience a wide range of new foods, buildings, city layouts, and business environments. While Singapore offered all of these amazing differences, key similarities exist with the United States, primarily being the language spoken. As a native English speaker, being able to read city signs and communicate with the people offered an easy transition into Asia as a language barrier wasn’t present.
My first observation of Singapore comes from the city itself. I come from a small town in Texas, and so living in a massive city for two weeks has been something completely foreign to me, but there are things about that we don’t even have in the United States to enjoy. First, public transportation is so well done here. Owning a car in Singapore is extremely expensive, so most citizens choose to take either the bus or the MRT- the underground subway system. The bus system is effective, with multiple bus routes and bus numbers, there is seldom much waiting time for a bus that can get you to your destination. The MRT is effective, offering multiple lines that go all around the city, with signs that are very easy to follow. My biggest enjoyment of public transportation, however, is the cleanliness. There is no pungent odor at the bus stops, no litter on the ground- this city is very clean.
Another advantage unique to Singapore is their cuisine. The food here is phenomenal. As Singapore is a melting pot of culture, this too extends to the food we eat. Dishes from all over the world are prepared and served all over the city. This is another very apparent difference between US cities and Singapore, the abundance of food stalls and shopping areas are unlike anything I’ve seen. Every new area explored offers new food stalls, new shopping experiences, new sights and smells.
My time in Singapore has felt like a never ending tidal wave. I am exhausted at this point, having traveled over 85 miles on foot, with full days touring the city and business surrounding. Yet I feel as though Singapore still has so much to offer, so much to explore.
