Learnt something new about foreigners in Singapore today. The Russian in ICES who has extra square shoulders and walks by in a whirlwind-style was rather friendly and bought me tea after the symposium today. He's rather familiar with terms such as angmoh and te-oh (black tea), has cycled all around Singapore (literally, from Tuas to Kranji to Changi Village and back down). Learnt from him that the foreign community (caucasians', at least) is pretty lively. People like him are able to enjoy fun-filled and carefree days by virtue of a foreign fondness of sunshine and an entirely far-far-away-from-home-and-therefore-burden-free lifestyle. It's like the what's-her-name's husband in "Ignorance" by Milan Kundera. Eastern Europe was already an escape haven. Not to mention such a convenient spot in Asia where people mind their own business. They don't seem to be disconcerted by the fact that they're past thirty and girlfriends are still back in their homeland. Though to be honest a lot of the girlfriends are here with them. Then it's an elongated, or eternal holiday.

So I realised that I really don't have to be embarrassed for them being in a foreign country, or be embarrassed for the Singaporeans for being hosts to foreigners. It is a difficult life to live if you are embarrassed either way. On top of the fact that you are shy already - because you are a foreigner yourself. So the easiest thing to do is align with the foreigners. Where in Singapore can I find support groups, international societies, clubs that are of my background, experiences, sensitivies? My family hasn't found itself any. Do I need one now?