an account

About 168 hours upon touchdown onto UK soils, there are a few things that I can appreciate about Singapore, already!

1. It doesn't take 2 weeks for a cheque to clear in Singapore. (no wonder someone told me that when I go back to Singapore, I'll realise that everything works at breakneck speed.)
2. Things are (a LOT) cheaper in Singapore.
3. Things are cheaper in Singapore.
4. Things are cheaper in Singapore.

Maybe it's the way the mind deludes itself, you start thinking that a 13-week bus ticket is $77, not £77 (approximately $240). A £16.99 table lamp doesn't sound that unreasonable, a £2.60 sandwich is okay.

Then there is the upside of things.

The people here are a lot more tolerant than caucasians from you-know-where. They are always polite -- these people even thank the bus driver!! Imagine that!

There is a backgate to Thornbank Gardens, my school accommodation, and it closes at a time that wasn't posted anywhere. Today, while I lugged my 4L semi-skimmed milk, olive oil, 2 tubs of frozen lasagne, school file and bag, I hurriedly made my way to the backgate, only to hear some chains. Muttering "fuck" under my breath, I ran to the gate, to see an old man waiting for me.

"I've been waiting for you. I heard you", he said with a huge assuring smile.

Really makes your day.

Men of all ages always give way to you.

Everyone is just super patient, which sometimes makes me feel like I'm the devil, cussing under my breath that the person before me is taking ages.

So yes, it will take them 2 weeks to clear an "international" cheque (which made my 1 hour wait in Singapore for it seem like nothing) and I'm left without a bank account for 3 weeks, or an extra 1 minute to board the bus, but hey, with the cute men walking by, I think I'll just have to live these with sacrifices. :)