Editor's Letter: August/September 09

It's kind of dusty in here right now, with MSR being left idle for such a long time frame. *Cough* As I commence penning this letter, I realized that it has been almost two months since somebody took care of things here. For those who are wondering, I've left Singapore for Oslo, Norway since the beginning of August. Life has been hectic ever since. Finally finding an intimate leisure time span of say 15 to 20 minutes to compose a post, I thought that it might be more appropriate to begin with the Editor's Letter that I failed miserably to update in August.

If I have to pick one word to describe Oslo, it will undoubtedly be "costly". Oslo stands among the top most expensive cities in the world. Let's begin with some fundamental familiar comparisons. In Singapore, a regular Burger King meal will set you back at approximately 6 to 7 Singapore Dollars. In Oslo, the same will start from 20 Singapore Dollars. Public toilet entry fee in Singapore will probably be charged at 10 or 20 SGD cents, and it's 2.50 SGD for the same in Oslo. It's not shocking to find me in a rather passively (I'm trying hard not to show it on the exterior) devastated state during the initial days here, especially with the extreme cold climate that I have to learn to live with. Mornings are usually below 10 degree Celsius. The cruel chilling wind remained every one's top public enemy, as they seriously get into your bones to send them tingling in cold.

Now you might have already sensed it, my complaining in the above is probably one of the obvious exporting qualities of Singapore. Well guess what, it's not. When we talk to people about Singapore, most of them seriously own no idea at all where (or what) is Singapore. A Russian once mentioned that she has always conceived Singapore to be a very cold region. A French kept on insisting that Singapore's one of the provinces in Japan (probably because I look oriental as well as their unexplained passion for Japonais). As for the well-informed travellers, the first thing that comes to mind when the word "Singapore" enters into conversation is Singapore Airlines ("Oh! You're from Singapore? Did you fly Singapore Airlines?"). Surprisingly genuine it remains to be, Singapore Airlines is actually the unrivalled marketing icon of Singapore that promotes it to members of the World.

It's interesting to be a traveller, because you really get to enjoy an in-depth view of the World and how the World views you. One of the true beauty in a country that you visit lies in its people. The people you may meet during your travels can add on to a better trip, although sadly this is often missed out by most where they usually focus on scenic views, attraction sites, fun activities, local gastronomy and shopping. On the side note, I have travelled to quite a few destinations in Europe and still find travel plans under my drawer unrealized.

Let's see if I can get any of the places well into proper agenda in future posts to come.

Till the next time, my dear readers.