This is where I live

As I sit on the plane bound for Singapore, hearing the buzz of aunty voices, talking about children and the local food. I gazed out into the night sky, dazzling lights on the sweeping runway struck me, now I know that I’ve come back home.

Kids in pyjamas walking around town centres with their parents after dinner, fragrant soft waffles with kaya, red bean or peanut butter at neighbourhood bakeries just makes your taste buds tingle. Walking down a HDB corridor smelling the different smells of curry, incense and durian, “Camping” overnight for national day tickets, this is where I live.

Singapore, where colours do not matter, different races will mingle and have fun together regardless in school or at work. We may be small in land space; however we have big hearts which will welcome you.

What makes us Singaporean? Is it just a piece of paper that says ‘Singaporean’ under ‘Nationality’? Is it our goals and dreams? Is it our culture? Is it the feeling we get deep in our hearts? Whilst we consider those questions, one particular one does stand out; the Singaporean Culture. The Japanese have their festivals and traditions that they follow to the tee. The ancient Mayans have their human sacrifices and Gods to which they pray. The Chinese have festivals and Gods to fit every social part of their daily lives. So what is the Singaporean Culture? It is an amalgamation of all the traditions and beliefs of all the people who have lived and contributed to Singapore, it is the simple act of welcoming all these different traditions, that is, the Singaporean Culture.

Singapore where the food culture is vibrant and thriving, from laksa to rojak to chicken rice, these are just a few of those local delights that makes tourist craving for more. No Singaporean can resist the “calling of food” no matter where we are.

As a teenager living in Singapore, recreation is a must, just a ball and anywhere, everywhere can be transformed into a soccer court. Seeing teenagers like us and kids playing in the void decks and open fields is a common sight.

“Dear passengers, please do not leave your belongings unattended, if you see any suspicious articles, please inform our staff or call 999”, a feminine voice announces. Every morning students and workers throng the MRT station during the rush hour as everyone heads for work or school. Braving the crowd just to get to their destination is a must for all Singaporeans.

Weekends, the time where most shopping malls and beaches are packed, go to orchard road to chill out or shop, or you can go down to east coast park to soak in with the laid back Sunday atmosphere. However busy we are, we still make time for recreation activities, that’s Singaporean.

Singapore, a vibrant young nation with big ambitions, with the fast growing economic developments, Singapore already is an urban city. However, with traditions never gone, and ‘always remembering our roots’. This is where I live, Singapore my homeland, where I belong.