Lost and Awkward

Hi all, Im back, and it feels weird to be back. There are a million and one reasons attributing to this utterly detestable feeling ranging from the differences in scenery to the difference, or should i say lack of characther and poise i see in Singaporeans that make me cringe just walking around parkway. Doesnt help that the school holidays have enabled students to flood the sacred floors of the beloved parkway parade. I guess over time these comparitive thoughts and grieviences will fade in time, but presently, I think im suffering from withdrawal syndromme.

Im any case, its been a great trip and I’ve seen what many have not. Eastern Europe holds a special aura that seamlessly combines its historical culture and the modernisation of the world. My honest opinion, Western Europe is overrated. Even for those who argue for the fashion capitals of the world, there isnt any lack of it in the East, perhaps even more practical and “everyday” fashion. So don’t be a sucker and drool over Paris and Milan, think perhaps Vienna and Budapest, Krakow and Berlin.  There is simply too much to say from the 1000 over pictures that are flooding my image bank and there are too many thoughts in my head that keep me from smiling, but perhaps soemthing interesting about my tour group. 30 people, 2 senior citizens, 5 students and 18 teachers. That leaves 5 adults not in the education line. From this trip i saw the perfect bunch of travellers. Utterly seasoned veterans in the aspect of travel, english educated, and most outstandingly, a completely different mentality and state of mind. It wasnt about wealth and spending power entirely. While a rich person can dive in the maldives or splurge on Louis Vuitton in Paris, it takes a higher thinking to bring yourself to experience the historically rich and panaromic cities of Eastern Europe. The Blue Danube, Prague Castle, Vienna Opera house, and of course the Berlin Wall and Auschwitz. There is something timeless, beautiful and majectic about the experience of living life there. Yet most of the time, these things seem insignificant to the lesser mind. I need to express this notion with the full understanding of my readers that I’ve been to many other parts of the world. But interestingly, not even Turkey or Greece, a common exotic destination for a growing percentage of Singaporeans, attracts the same sort of people as Eastern Europe. Transitting at Instanbul from Vienna to Singapore, i was joined by various other Singapore travellers who visited Turkey. What i saw was large groups of noisy Singaporean teenagers, spoilt rotten enough with money to visit Turkey, and embodying true Singaporean culture with their every gesture. Inconsiderate, noisy, cheena, self gratified, and with parents not too far off their trail. It was quite unbearable to watch and in that monent i found my absolute patriotic faith in my country quite significantly challenged with the dreams of living in Berlin or Vienna, the promise of physical and cultural beauty, and the relief to be free of Singapore’s 3rd world mentality.

I’ve said too much tonight and I am severly fatigued, Many thanks to Jacqueline, Lydia, Glenn, Ming Hui, Caleb, Caleb’s mom, Zaitone, Aunty Siew Chin, Aunt Doreen, Ming Ru, Shirleen, and of course, the one and only Johnny for making this trip the most memorable I have ever had. Hope to see all of you really soon. Another tour perhaps? A long shot, but possible and an idea i hold with great hope.

By the way, i was the 2nd youngest person on the trip at 18 years of age. The youngest was little Shawn,6. So, you basically don’t get spolit Singaporean kids pulled along by their thoughtless loaded parents on this trip. Point Proven.

 

Till soon, Goodnight.