Things are Different Here

As an American going through everyday life in Singapore, I notice some things are different here.  I try to notice them or sometimes even take a photo.  Enjoy!

Sign of the Times -- Under the category “I never thought that a sign was needed”, this is in the pantry (kitchen) of our office.

Hygiene – At the risk of being accused of providing a little too much insight, toilet seat covers in public restrooms don’t exist.  Instead, you get a wall mounted antibacterial dispenser that you spray on some toilet tissue and then wipe.  At first I thought it was to reduce waste, but you still use paper—perhaps a little less, but…..

Public Schools – If you are a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident, you must send you children to public school—private schools are not an option.  Now expats can and do use private schools, but the by requiring residents use public schools means that they are high quality and they are consistent across all neighborhoods.  Note how this is the opposite of what happens in the US.

Under Construction – There is some renovation going on at a building I pass by on my way to the MRT station.  The figure seems genuinely sorry and apologetic for doing their job.  Love it!

Verdant Downtown – This is the view out of our office.  Note the amount of green plant, not just trees and grass at street level, but parks in the sky on the other buildings.  This is not just on one or two, but lots of buildings.  And sometimes there are cutouts for plazas 30 or 40 stories above the ground.  Amazing!