I do not believe in nationality. I do not approve of patriotism and will not posit my loyalties to a concept as abstract as a nation or country. But what we have here is my home, Singapore. The place I was born, the place I grew up and experienced much of my formative years. I love it dearly and will always have it in my heart. Like an old house you used to live in, I'll always be fond of it.Being here in America really puts my thoughts about Singapore into perspective. While I lived there I never realized how important culture was to me and how much it would mean to me in my life. My heritage is in Singapore, in the food the lifestyle the Singlish...
I miss it dearly and someday I will return to it like the prodigal son that went home to his father. Singapore will always be in my heart and I thank her for bringing me up and raising me to be the person I am today.
In America, I still try to recreate the flavours and tastes of Singapore. I only shop at Asian stores and still get excited making chicken curry, chicken rice, fried rice and all the other Singaporean delicacies that have fed me.
Life in Orlando has given me many experiences that I would not have had the opportunity to experience if I stayed in Singapore but I will always know where my home is. They say Singapore is alot like America but I'll tell you from experience and I quote the many many other Singapore-fans I have met here in Orlando that there is still no place like home. As much as you might grow to love wherever you end up living, you will always end up missing our wonderful island.
Most of all, the best part of Singapore for me is the loved ones that I left behind when I came to Orlando. They still drive my emotions despite the remoteness and THEY are what home means to me. I miss them dearly and love them with all my heart.
