Shifting Perspectives
Posted by Stuart at 09:54 AM on October 10, 2002After the visa fiascos of the past two days, I decided that since I was in Singapore, I might as well enjoy it. The rest of the day yesterday I did exactly that. I met up with my good friend Gary (who I knew from San Francisco) and hung out with him and some of his friends for the rest of the day.
I've been to Singapore a few times now and every time I visit I have a different impression of the small city-nation. The first time I visited was the first time I had ever been to Asia. A combination of jet lag and being in a new location made me think that Singapore was the most exotic place I had ever been. I marveled at all of the languages I heard, the Hindu and Buddhist and Christian temples that I saw, the new food that I ate.
The second time I visited Singapore, I had just spent time in Bangkok. All of a sudden this place seemed boring, quiet, structured, overbearing, repressed. There was nothing exciting or exotic compared to the chaos that is Bangkok.
My third visit (this one) comes after living in Thailand for two months. Now I see Singapore as a very clean, very nice, very relaxing place: most people speak English, public transportation is efficient, prices aren't too high, internet connections are fast, food is tasty, all the buildings are air conditioned, the streets are clean, there aren't any homeless people begging for change or asking me to buy something.
In other words, I've made three trips here and walked away with three different impressions. My mind wanders and spins as I think about my inability to find "truth". I want to be able to say "Singapore is ___." It doesn't matter what goes in the blank as long as something does. But the blank stays empty because it is dependent on my perspective and my perspective is always changing. In a safer, more controlled, more static time in America I could say with certainty, "Life is ___."
But now I can't. New experiences change me and challenge my perspective. And that doesn't even take into account the fact that the world in which I live is transforming and developing even as I try to understand what I am seeing.
Yes of course I remember Kevin. I'm sure I will be back in Singapore sometime soon, so next time I am here I will be sure to look him up. Thanks for the tip!
I would much rather be challenged on my perspective in life, than sit in acceptance of unhappiness and stagnation.
What you are experiencing is so unlike anything you have before. Continue to soak it in, continue to process it all, the answers will come later as you recognize and realize and accept your basis of truth.
Not everything in life is black and white, not everything comes as "this is it, set in concrete and not to be moved." However you can find your rock on which to rest.
Love you!!
I'm not sure there are any answers. At least no one-size-fits-all answers. But yeah, I am sure what I am experiencing now is a phase... a part of the culture shock. I'll keep you updated on how things progress.
Sounds like one of the conversations we had back in high school. Truth is relative and based on perception, not absolute. The thing the helped me most when traveling is to lower my expectations and keep an open mind. Then you won't be disappointed or have a set perspective, letting you soak it all in. Of course, you don't get as much done, but just the fact that you made it to Singapore is an accomplishment in itself. Take pride in the little things that you do. It's not easy ordering from a menu not in English, hailing a taxi, getting directions from someone on the street, and especially having the talent to post in all on the internet. You continue to impress me everyday. Besides, I may end up there one day so I need an insiders point of view! Take care, oh, and hi Beth! Hope you all are doing well.
Wow. I've been talking about this for 15 years now? haha. Even though it's an old topic I am apparently still surprised with it comes up again. Perhaps it is just that it seems to me that so many of the world's problems would be solved if people were able to realize that, as you say, "Truth is relative".
Thanks so much for the tips on fighting culture shock, Eric. You've been doing this for a decade now. As you know I have always admired your global perspective and lifestyle, and I feel like I am following in your footpath.
In any case, I agree that the key is to "lower ... expectations and keep an open mind". For some reason it's often hard for me to do that sometimes. I want the best and I want it now! I am not sure if that is the American in me, or if it is just my personality.
In any case, yes, as always, you are more than welcome to visit or move here anytime :)
Remember Kevin? He lives in Singapore now. He has been there for a while working for IBM. He is actually in Raleigh until the end of the month, but then he is back over there.
He could show you some fabulous places next time you visit for sure!