5 Comments

Sounds like you had a brilliant trip. I remember when I was backpacking (on the cheap) through SE Asia 30 years ago. When we reached Singapore it felt like luxury as there were sit-down toilets and hot water from the shower. We had gotten used to more basic facilities.

Expand full comment

Interesting perspective!

Expand full comment

Hi Vasant, I really enjoyed this one. Perhaps, it has something to do with the fact that I lived for four years in Indonesia (and spent many many days visiting Bali!) and Singapore is my home. I'm not sure about the grumpy part of it. I think they take their efficiency seriously—Indonesians, whom I love as a people, barely try for efficiency and rarely achieve it—and may be the burden of that weighs heavily (grumpily!) on Singaporeans. They're also hopelessly honest and duty-bound and all of this adds to the burden—making them Un-fun? I love Bali/Indonesia for a few days. But if you want a home that serves you (your words), then I'll settle for a bit of grumpiness with a whole lot of consistency (boring, I know). Consistency to do better. Be better. Not quite the island mentality expected by visitors, right?

Expand full comment