Tomorrow is our last day here in Singapore, and we are all experiencing mixed emotions about leaving for Thailand. We’ve only been here four weeks, but in this short time Singapore has become like a second home to us. We have made some great friends here, like Nadiah and Yong, and it’s hard to believe that we may never see them again. We’ve also had an amazing time and made memories that we will certainly treasure forever.
Nadiah has been a great friend and has provided us with valuable insights into Singaporean life
Reflecting on the last four weeks, I realize how much we’ve learned about Singapore in the short time we’ve been here. Singapore is known for being a sterile, efficient metropolis, and as a result many travelers dismiss it as an uninteresting destination. This perception, we quickly realized, is completely inaccurate. Our program’s unique combination of intensive classes, structured tours, and free time made it easy for us to see beneath the city’s tranquil surface into the heart of Singapore.
Singapore is a city defined by its diversity. It is made up of people from a variety of ethnic groups, most notably Chinese, Malays, and Indians. Singapore also has tremendous religious diversity, with large numbers of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Taoists, and Hindus, among other religions. All of these people live together in harmony on the island, despite their tremendous religious and cultural differences. This makes Singapore a fascinating place to visit, and also provides a model for how diverse states can foster harmony between citizens.
Candles and incense being burned inside a Buddhist temple
A woman in Little India sells flowers, which are commonly used in Hindu ceremonies
The Sultan Mosque on Arab Street serves Singapore's Islamic population, which is made up of Muslims from around the world
Now, however, it is time for us to travel from diverse and cosmopolitan Singapore to another fascinating destination: Thailand. The last month of our lives has been incredibly eye-opening and has given us a greater understanding of the world and our role in it. Thailand will provide us with an even greater challenge and will further facilitate our personal development and the cultural awareness we hope to gain by spending the summer here in Southeast Asia.
Aja cries as she and Hanna say goodbye to Singapore.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
-Steven
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