A Tourist’s Perspective

February 24, 2007 Leave a comment

 
The feeling of homecoming is a very sweet one. I am unable to describe the kind of feeling every time I step into the Arrival Hall at Changi Airport. It just feel so good – cos I know there are many loved ones waiting for me on the other side of the glass wall.
 
This is my happiest home trip. The last 8 days were superb. I spent a great deal of time with my family and friends – every day is a unique and meaningful one. Somehow this trip, I balanced my time very well – spending good quality time with my loved ones. House-visiting at Juli’s and Sam’s, durian-feasting with Kal and Meijie, sand-sun-&-sea with Tracy, river-dinning with Randy-Richard-Gang, soul searching with Joanne, market-updates with Hovman & Francis and house-preview with Jimmy.  (Oh yes, free gifts from Gareth).

Snapping around like a tourist, I roamed the city with lots of "wows and ooohs". There is always something new to see in Singapore. New sporty Comfort cabs, gigantic Ferris-wheel at Marina, new hypermart at Tampines (IKEA, Giant, Courts), water stadium at Marina etc. Did a couple of "firsts" with Bobo and Elkan. (boat ride, new monorail to Sentosa)

 

While traveling on the ECP, I took a picture of our Singapore skyline. For the 1st time, I started to realise how small we are. Our city-scape is growing but just not dynamic enough. Good thing we have the "durian landmark". To live up and fulfill our promise as one "uniquely state", I feel there are a lot more we can do to realise that vision. Come on, light up our skyline, put up more gigantic plasma, create a future-state, show the world something new. What’s there to fear, Singapore? We just got to catch up fast, I am tired of us being trend-followers.



Despite all these disappointments, we have a fertile land. A land of talents and opportunities. We have good system, trustworthy governments and down-to-earth labour force. We still have so much space to grow….we just need to add more life into these void. Bring more "wows and ooohs" back into our garden city. Yes, I have more faith in Singapore than before. Why? I saw weaknesses that can be translated into opportunities.

We are still a notable dragon of Asia.


Filed under Jo's Thoughts

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