Well, first of all I would like to wish all my readers a very happy new year. As I write this post, I complete one full year of my stay in Singapore. As you all know from my previous posts, I didn't exactly have a very auspicious beginning here, but with time I have done reasonably well (considering the fact that I have not contemplated escaping). I still remember the initial months when I was slowly getting used to the different quirks and surprises that Singapore threw at me every now and then and which caught me totally off guard. In order to ensure that this does not happen to any other hapless soul from India (like me), I now proudly present the survivors guide to Singapore - What to do and expect to survive here (based on my own experiences)
- While shopping (especially for groceries) do not attempt to convert the price to Indian currency - Believe me, if you attempt to do this, chances are that you may go to the market and come back empty handed when you see milk @ 90 Rs\L, apples @10 Rs each, yogurt @ 120 Rs\500g (Oh, I think I have said enough. Lets just leave it at that shall we)
- Carry your own water bottle with you (even when you are eating out) - We people are so used to have unlimited glasses of water supplied to us whether eating in a roadside dhaba or a five star hotel, it really comes as a shock here when you literally have to beg for water before they give you one glass rather reluctantly (that too in a relatively posh place, forget about it in the canteens and food courts meant for everyday eating). Also, the fact that Singapore is perpetually hot and humid does not help. So, always make it a point to carry a bottle of water (a little consolation, they do have water dispensers in some of the places but without any glasses and drinking Indian style is not possible) unless you want to land up with dehydration.
- Always carry an umbrella, especially when outdoors - The weather in Singapore is as unpredictable as the elections in India. One moment you have the sun shining in all its glory and suddenly out of nowhere, black clouds materialise and voila you have rains (ably supported by thunderstorms). So, do not leave home without one (and even if you do, there are vending machines here that sell umbrellas, neat) and in fact I think the umbrella + water bottle combo is must when going out in Singapore.
- Cross the roads only at the designated crossing spots - Well, I really don't know what happens when you don't do this ( and I don't have the courage to find out by actually doing it) so to be on the safe side (of the road and the law) look out for the buttons on the traffic lights which turns the crossing light green and let you cross. Also, I haven't seen a single traffic police here since coming (hats off to these people).
- Inform the bus driver that you want to get down , even at a legitimate stop - Believe me, this is absolutely true. If there are no passengers waiting for the bus at a particular stop and no one in the bus wants to get down at that stop, the driver will simply drive by without stopping. So, use the 'STOP' button to let the driver know that you wish to get down.
- Be prepared for shocks and surprises in the kopitiams (food courts) - As some of you know from my previous article, the first culinary delight I had the (mis)fortune to set my eyes here in Singapore was "PIGS ORGAN SOUP" which I think says enough. There are many such visual delights lurking around, so just keep an eye out (and preferably far away). You have been warned.
- Be prepared to have conversations in Singlish, lah - The unofficial official language of Singapore is a curious mix of English, Malay and Mandarin which is at once strange and funny to hear. Maybe you should have a look here to know more and you are ready to speak Singlish lah (wondering about the lah bit, go through the link).
- And last but definitely not the least, be prepared for rampant PDA going on anywhere, anytime and anyplace (even in front of a war memorial !!!) - Well, this needs no further explanation I guess.
That concludes the survivors guide to Singapore. You are now prepared to enjoy Singapore in all its glory without having to worry about the little quirks (which I learnt the hard way). So, hoping to see some of you here soon, ciao.
