Paris vs. Singapore
As I mentioned last week, I’ve been living around the globe in the 16 months. I don’t mean just travel (although it was a part of it), but to live there. Many has asked me which place I like better and I think I can summarize based on the typical consultant answer: it depends.
I think it really depends on what type of place you like to live in. Paris is what I believe is chaotic (in the best way) while Singapore is on the other side of the spectrum.
Paris
What is so chaotic about Paris? During the course of my masters, Paris had at least two major strike. One lasted for a few months and appears like clockwork every Saturday. It was the famous gilet jaune and it made Saturday commutes a nightmare for quite a few months. The movement was even in many other cities. The second strike was due to Macron’s propose change in pension, and it took many of my classmates 2-3 hours to commute from school to their home everyday. Meanwhile, the chaos causes a lot of inconvenience - it is a great reminder of the power of democracy and the people. I would believe Paris has taught me how to be patient and work around many unforeseeable circumstances - but you have to go in with a great open mind.
A few key things about Paris one should know:
Learn French - or even do your best to speak a few words in French (it will help you so much)
Drink wine - A bottle of okay wine starts at 1 euro in grocery store, and when the price goes up to 5-10 euros you are drinking some good wine
Be patient - People are not the friendliest but they are very genuine and lovely people if you get to know them
Culture it is EVERYWHERE - Art festivals, music party on the streets, fireman parties, you will never be bored
It has all 4 seasons! - This is a major plus for a Canadian
Singapore
It is a very well organized and operationally phenomenal! The city is marvellous and as a person who commutes you can predict exactly when you will arrive. However, when first arrived, I asked many people who lived in Singapore for a long time, and they all gave me a similar answers - it can get boring and does not really have its unique culture. I didn’t understand it until I stayed in Singapore consecutively for 3 weeks writing my thesis. It is an amazing place, the city does so much to make new comers feel welcome and adjust easily for an anyone who never lived in Asia. But here is a disclaimer, it is unlike any other place in Asia. It is a city that went through British imperialism, with complicated political and historical events in the last few decades to make it what it is today.
A few key things about Singapore one should know:
Pace your self on the eating - the variety and choices available in Singapore is unbelievable and I would recommend pacing yourself while eating
Buy your alcohol at the duty free at the airport - other wise be ready for sticker shock everywhere
Everything is on a smaller size here - 20 mins in a car ride is considered long (again, I’m from Canada)
It is HOT 24/7 outside - hot yoga and more
It is COLD indoors - let’s just said they bring a sweater if you sit indoor more than 30 mins
Marina Bay Sands is not the only cool place in town
