Tag Archives: culture shock

Orchard Road Christmas Decorations and my thoughts about Crowds

Posted on December 9, 2011 by bookjunkie

There was this changing light that provided entertainment as you’re stuck at the traffic junction. The scene is constantly changing and nothing stays still in Singapore. It’s hard to even stop a while and it seems like if you don’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Singapore Living | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Things you don’t see/hear in Singapore & visitor from Boston, Jim’s Observations (via Expat Bostonians)

Posted on May 30, 2011 by bookjunkie

Fascinating post by Crystal that I had to reblog. I love seeing Singapore, from a different perspective. My friend Jim recently wrote about his trip to Singapore, and he noted that he rarely if ever heard police sirens.  Which got … Continue reading →

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Does the Ugly Singaporean Still Exist?

Posted on February 28, 2011 by bookjunkie

Although expats are criticized for remaining in their own circles, sometimes I can’t blame them because it is hard to meet locals who are willing to be as open to new friendships.  It is much easier for expats to connect … Continue reading →

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Taboo: 14 Things Not to Do in Singapore

Posted on February 10, 2011 by bookjunkie

Just thought I’d share a list of cultural norms that I am used to since I have been corrected as I was growing up. I thought visitors here might find the list useful. I would love to hear about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Society, Singapore Living | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

14 Moments of Culture Shock

Posted on November 25, 2010 by bookjunkie

In my life so far, Culture Shock ranges from mild to extreme.  Television and movies have  reduced the total strangeness and unfamiliarity element, but not everything is captured on screen.  Here are some of my Alice in Wonderland moments: 1. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Society, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Happy Half Birthday And One Month Blog

Posted on November 16, 2010 by bookjunkie

I am quite happy that my anonymous blog, Tiny Island, has survived half a year (and a month) and managed to get 95,000 visits. My average views a day is 453 right now, but I feel that a huge chunk … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging & Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

The Best Thing About Kerala: The People

Posted on August 15, 2010 by bookjunkie

The people of Kerala are so nice and I am not just saying that. Their hospitality was as lovely as flowers. The best way I can think of to describe their warmth and serenity is to compare it with the … Continue reading →

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Culture Shock: Singapore Expat Bloggers Give Great Insights

Posted on July 30, 2010 by bookjunkie

I love reading blogs by expatriates in Singapore. They give me new insights and perspectives.  They also scoop out interesting tidbits I have overlooked. All of the guidebooks and expat guides to moving to Singapore mention a particular local custom. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Culture Shock: Eating with My Fingers

Posted on July 10, 2010 by bookjunkie

My French cousin has adapted well to various Indian cultural things, except that she doesn’t eat with her fingers. Since she was little she has been scolded when she touches food with her fingers as it is considered barbaric and … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

French Girl in a Singapore Household: Culture Shock

Posted on June 14, 2010 by bookjunkie

It’s so cool that I have a French relative, and I am learning so much from her. I was chatting with C the other day and asked her how she adapted so well to living in Singapore. I wanted her … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments