Singapore | Hello from sunny Singapore!

Back in the days..

Singapore was the first overseas experience I had as a kid. My paternal grandma used to live here with my cousins. My maternal grandparents came here on a regular basis for medical check up and they would always bring me along!

Takashimaya 5th floor, which used to be the kids section, was my heaven. Everytime I came, I got to pick one toy to purchase. I would spent hours learning about each one and had a hard time deciding which one to buy.

Being one hour flight away, Singapore was also the place where I had my high school exchange, summer holiday with friends, and quick getaway with family. I’ve seen this city when Orchard only had a few shopping malls till now, where Sentosa and Marina Bay are fully developed.

To say the least, this city provides a sense of familiarity, accessibility, and safety for me and most Indonesians who come here often.

This exact same reason was also why I decided to choose Hong Kong instead of Singapore to pursue my bachelor degree.. because Singapore is too close to home.

My parents might’ve asked me to go home every other week. No fun! A rebellious 18-year old of me was craving for adventure, away from home.

Meanwhile, today..

Fast forward to 8 years later, when I felt Hong Kong is no longer the right place for me, I was extremely keen to move to Singapore. It’s on top of my list. I was doing whatever in my power to find opportunity in Singapore. Moving to this city is on my prayer almost every night!

Why?

Because of the exact same reason that made me refuse to study in Singapore years ago. Allow me to repeat that again — Singapore gives me a sense of familiarity, accessibility, and safety.

Isn’t it funny how things could shift 180 degrees.. something that you avoided so much now becomes something you desperately longed for?

Yet, I choose to see it as a healthy sign of growing. That I am no longer that same person as I was 8 years ago. That I am learning and unlearning things. That I am proud of the person I’ve become. And really, it’s been a beautiful journey.

In search of a home

Here I am today, sitting in a coffee shop 3 mins away from my house, under the scorching sun of Singapore.. thanking the universe for the helping hands who open the doors that lead me to be here today!

It’s just my first month here but I’m loving every bits of it. The settling down journey is very much enjoyable — from processing the visa, finding a place to stay, starting at the new office and meeting caring people along the way.

I have now gone full circle back to the place where the little kid in me find so much joy and familiarity, where my family will be happily visiting me often, where home is now just a 1-hour flight away, and where the 27-year old me can find a perfect balance of adventure and settling down.

How long will I stay here, I’m not so sure. Can I see myself in a long-term here? I don’t know. But, I do know that I sincerely wish to find a new home here.

Until then, I will try to enjoy the rides.

Figuring life one step of a time,
Mickey