Bittersweet Singapore: Forty Years Later, Tracing My Roots
Akiko aka. “Aileen”, joyfully reflects on her childhood in 1980s Singapore, where her family lived while her parents served at Youngberg Memorial Hospital, and where she experienced a vibrant, free-spirited upbringing surrounded by jungle adventures, wildlife, and a close-knit community. Returning decades later, she discovers that while many familiar places—like Youngberg Terrace, her school, and nearby landmarks—have transformed into modern developments, meaningful remnants still remain, unexpectedly reconnecting her to those treasured memories. Through stories of carefree exploration, rich cultural experiences, and even her younger self’s quirks and resistance, she embraces how far both she and Singapore have come, ultimately finding a sense of joy, gratitude, and fulfilling closure in revisiting a place that shaped her so deeply.
Singapore: Taking a Zero Day
Singapore—a fast-paced, global city blending East and West with Tokyo-meets-NYC-level energy and prices. Instead of sightseeing, we took a “zero day,” checking into a hotel to rest and reset from the mental fatigue of long-term travel. Sometimes, the best way to experience a city is to slow down and do nothing.