Many people from all over the world have traveled within their country or have traveled abroad, but there are some who never, never leave home! In fact, I feel sorry for these people because they never get to experience life outside of their cocoon.
Whether you travel to the next state or somewhere not far from home, you will always find information about that place that will be different from where you live. We see how others live their lives and perhaps we can learn something from our experience.
Traveling abroad to a different country and culture will really broaden your horizons. I will never forget my first trip abroad and it was living in Singapore for a year! What a shock to the system! The first thing that struck me was the heat and the smells of food at the airport. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before and it still has the same effect on me every time I go back there.
The city was so vibrant and alive and the only thing that stood out from the moment I landed was that people were eating out all night. Coming from a western culture, this was completely strange to me. Eating at home was a special treat, while I learned that the best places to eat were on the streets at street vendors. The food was not only fresh but cheap too!
Singapore is a land of many cultures and they all blend together beautifully. The three main cultures are Chinese, Malay and Indian, and each has its own culture and tradition, which is easily displayed throughout the city.
Walk into Chinatown and be struck by the pungent smell of Durian (a fruit) when it’s in season, or the herbs sold in Chinese herb stores, or the smell of chili chicken or crab satays being cooked in one of the hundreds. of street stalls.
The Malay part of the city is where you will find the spicy smell of curry powder wafting through the air and the sound of the “call to prayer” happening five times a day in some really beautiful mosques.
“Little India” is a well-known area in Singapore and the first thing that strikes you is the color. It is not only the vibrant color of the saree that Indian women wear, but also the lavish flower garland displays that adorn most stores. The smell of many different spices greets you as you walk the streets of Little India and it has a very impressive Hindu temple located right in the heart of this area.
Whether you’re traveling to a new vacation destination or moving in, the best way to meet people and get to know your country is to get out there and explore, ask questions, and immerse yourself in all aspects of your life, including customs. and traditions. Being in their country, you must learn to respect their way of life and not impose opinions on them about how you think they should live. Showing mutual respect will ensure that your time there is not only wonderful but educational.