Singapore: One moon, one sun, thousands of wishing spheres

Researchers at the University of Hawaii disclosed this week that the Earth is likely being watched over by not one silvery sentinel, but two. Those of you who have shelved your social lives to read the most anticipated book of the year, Haruki Murakami’s 930 page tome, IQ84, may be feeling a bit on edge after learning this news. If you have yet to check it out, the cagey characters in Murakami’s Orwell-inspired tale (pronounced “Q-teen-eighty-four”) are indeed guided by two moons— one robust and familiar, the other small and sickly green— signifying a sinister parallel universe fraught with psychopathy, compromise, and inexplicable complication. Given the coincidence between our big blue marble and Murakami’s fictional one, perhaps the author’s real genius comes not from his literary prowess, but from his ability to prophesy. After all, how many of us this year have said, “is this for real?” or “what planet am I on?” or even, “stop the world, I want to get off”?

Like some of you, I’ve been preoccupied with figuring out how to escape cosmos A (war, famine, global warming, unemployment, usury, banksters, Newt Gingrich, the Kardashians, and privacy as defined by Facebook) and get to cosmos B (peace, abundance, awareness, fulfillment, jubilee, justice, competence, depth, and privacy as defined by people). This unfortunately left me with little appetite to blog. On a personal level, the Year of the Bunny has been a fast and twisted hop, one that often led me down the rabbit hole and into the unknown- from my first year in Singapore, my first go as a small business owner in the Eastern hemisphere, my first marathon, my first year feeling like a total outsider since the sixth grade and frankly, my first year sensing that nearly everything I’d been taught about the way life is supposed to work belonged in the manure heap (I’ve since concluded that yes, a lot of it was and is crap). So, with 2012 approaching— and taunting our minds with visions of doom thanks to bad movies and ancient rumor mills— I hope that we’ll at least begin to find the tunnel back to a world that’s wiser, saner, and kinder, a world with only one tried and true moon.

Unlike my favorite literary greats (Orwell, Huxley, Shteyngart, Atwood, H.G. Wells and Murakami to name a few), I have little confidence in predicting humanity’s future overall. As a long-time Asia-watcher with fairly strong training in socioeconomics, I am a tad more assured that my insights on opportunities and challenges East of the prime meridian will be worth a bit more than night soil (although an increase in biogas plants puts this assurance at great risk). Hence, in the Year of the Dragon here are eight things you should know:

Warning signs in China

1. If you’re struggling in the West, you can still head East for a fresh start… but it’s going to be more challenging to find a job and a welcome mat.
According to HSBC’s recent Expat Explorer Survey, Southeast Asia is a highly desirable destination for foreigners, with Singapore coming in as the most ideal expat location. Unigroup Worldwide issued a similar study showing a nearly 50% increase in the number of Americans moving to China. As an expat who has returned to Asia for the second time after eight years at home in New York, I can attest that the number of Westerners living and working in East Asia is staggering compared to what the population was here a decade ago. And, it’s no longer just entrepreneurial cowboys, ESL teachers and social misfits venturing to the other side of the world. Technology wizards and fresh MBAs from top-tier schools are clamoring to gain experience, language skills and spouses thousands of miles away from their roots. With this influx comes increasing pushback from the locals, many of whom shun Western values while complaining that foreign talent jeopardizes their own chances at landing good jobs and affordable housing. This is particularly true in developed urban areas- Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, and even Bali. Yes, Asia is an incredible place to live as an expat… but if you’re new here in 2012, expect very stiff competition and fewer smiles.

2. “Help Wanted” ads are still abundant in Asia… if you’re in the right field.
Media and technology companies in Asia are desperate for talent in user experience design, creative and analytics. This could be a promising transition for versatile journalists and English grads, as well as for extroverts who are mathematically inclined. Medical technologists, biomedical engineers and molecular biologists should have an easy time landing good gigs, as will health professionals specializing in elder care. A rapidly increasing awareness about mental health and the expanding foreign population also makes Asia a promising destination for psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers who have secondary language skills under their belts. No college degree? That will be a problem. More than ever, companies and bureaucrats in Asia seek highly educated professionals from recognized universities and are particularly interested in brain gain via returnees, otherwise known in China as ”sea turtles” (海龟, hǎiguī). And, while many of the expats I’ve met here have taken the traditional route working at MNCs and universities, an increasing number are experimenting with their own small businesses, launching social enterprises, and making their mark as artists.

Silkworm cocoons in Beijing: creepy crawlies are promising alternative food sources.

3. Freaky foods and rising food costs overall will be a big problem in 2012. Learn how to grow and prepare your own- no matter where you are.
Remember China’s melamine-tainted milk which sickened an estimated 300,000 babies in 2008 alone? Well, now the Mainland has glow in the dark meat, Japan’s got irradiated baby food, Malaysia’s dealing with e-coli flavored milk, and in Borneo I recently dined on the strangest genetically-modified corn I’d ever seen. Add to this, food poisoning is on the rise worldwide, sending millions to the hospital every single week. On the other hand, food prices have been steadily increasing— at 10% inflation in developing Asian nations at the first half of 2011— and have a very good chance of spiking again next year. More natural disasters makes food shortages another very real risk, as do viruses like bird flu and regional instability. Rather than relying on unknown sources for your nutrition, why not learn how to grow and prepare at least some of your own? Urban farming, locavorism and a return to cooking at home will become hot trends throughout Asia as more people on this side of the planet gain awareness on nutrition and socially-conscious living while being directly impacted by the threat of food insecurity. Additionally, farmers and scientists will continue to experiment with alternative growth methods like hydroponics and unusual food sources like bugs, worms, and tissue-cultured meat.

4. Consciousness about what and how Asia consumes will take center stage.
Consider GIFT founder Chandran Nair’s dire warning about development and supply in East Asia: “If 500 million Chinese people are lifted out of poverty in the next twenty years, what will they do? They want seafood… If 500 million Chinese start consuming one meal of fish like you and I do, the oceans will be empty. There is no technological fix. There is no social network that will fix this problem.” As the whole of East Asia’s economies gradually begin to improve, rapid depletion of resources and other related problems like increased production of methane gas from rising beef demand will become the most pressing global challenge of the decade. But of course, the West cannot just tell the East, “we had our cake. Sorry, you won’t get to eat yours.” Thankfully, more socially responsible diets like veganism and vegetarianism are on the rise. Additionally, less Asian consumers crave wasteful dishes like shark fin soup. In fact, Peninsula Hotels, Asia’s longest running luxury hotel chain, has just taken shark fin off their menus. Will moneyed Singaporeans, Middle East royalty and nouveau riche Chinese stop shopping at the malls just because the Earth is in peril? Probably not… without government intervention…and I don’t think that’s something we should rule out.

Bling and Booze... Western values according to a Malaysian cabbie

5. Beijing is going to have difficulty attracting and retaining global talent because of pollution.  Increasing ire about this issue is expected.
Just a few weeks ago, the US Embassy issued a new warning about Beijing’s air. Air quality no longer hovered in the familiar realm of “poor,” but had instead reached “poisonous” status. Expats from global companies were given gas masks and many just chose to stay home, while locals found themselves blindly wading through the soupy air. I was in Beijing a few months ago and can attest to the validity of these dire warnings; the city no longer feels like a safe place to live, work and raise a family simply because it’s so difficult to breathe. If you must spend time in China’s capital, invest in a good pollution mask and make sure you can telecommute if need be. Better yet, tell the government that you won’t be going to Beijing anymore until it cleans up its act (you may want to add that you’re not talking about quick fixes like cloud seeding…)

6. Massive uprises against corruption will continue in both the East and the West. Ditto with income inequality and corporate greed…expect wide scale protest.
While Occupy Wall Street protesters in America were busy fighting off the paramilitary police and defending themselves from the wrath of mainstream media, millions in East Asia blockaded villages, let loose poisonous snakes in government offices, fired off homemade rockets at barricades and security troops, and set fire to structures of significance- including themselves. In China, Nepal, India, Mongolia, Russia, the Philippines, the Middle East, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and pretty much everywhere else in Asia (except Singapore), people are fed up with oppression and are now willing to put their own lives on the line in order to create a better future. Given that the conditions spawning these protests will remain unchanged barring some alien intervention or massive altered collective consciousness among the 1%, I expect that 2012 will be a year marked by incredible unrest as the majority fights for fairness… and it will be a bloody, ugly fight.

Business as usual at a market in Borneo

7. We’re going to act like it’s the end of the world…
Thanks to Hollywood and mainstream media, our global population is either freaking out or going Zen as we count down to December 21, 2012, otherwise known as “the end of the world,” according to Mayan prophesy. The I-Ching, Asia’s most well-known book of divination and an ancient classic Chinese text, is also said to indicate a similar doomsday date, although neither of these predictions specifically explain what the end of the world would look like. How will this declared expiration date impact our societies and daily lives?  Although I anticipate far less hysteria here in Asia than I do in the West, expect increases in violence, impulsive behavior and anxiety as well as decreases in work productivity on account of the entertainment industry, which is thankfully a lesser provocateur in this neck of the woods.

8. … and that might not be such a bad idea. 
While I don’t advocate selling all of your personal belongings and living in the woods, it’s no secret that humanity has reached a boiling point. We’ll be forced to make massive changes in the near future if we wish to ensure our survival. Asia represents 4 billion people- nearly 60 percent of the global population- and is home to the fastest growing economies in the world. As the West struggles to stay afloat, Asia’s people are hard at work building families, cities, armies, companies, and innovations that will greatly influence the international community over the next decade. With 7 billion bodies on the planet, rapidly depleting finite resources and a majority of people unhappy and hungering for change— not stuff— 2012 could be our last ditch effort. Think of it as a time not only for reflection and alterations in our daily habits, but as a season of fearlessness and unrestrained creativity to build a new and better society for all. What can we accomplish in 364 days… and counting?

I wish you all a wonderful holiday and an auspicious, brave New Year. Thanks for reading!

given we have already altered our environment in ways that may be viewed as unethical by universalist ETI, it may be prudent to avoid sending any message that shows evidence of our negative environmental impact. The chemical composition of Earth’s atmosphere over recent time may be a poor choice for a message because it would show a rapid accumulation of carbon dioxide from human activity. Likewise, any message that indicates widespread loss of biodiversity or rapid rates of expansion may be dangerous if received by such universalist ETI. On the other hand, advanced ETI may already know about our rapid environmental impact by listening to leaked electromagnetic signals or observing changes in Earth’s spectral signature. In this case, it might be prudent for any message we send to avoid denying our environmental impact so as to avoid the ETI catching us in a lie.

Ironically, reports of UFO activity in China have caught the attention of global news outlets this month, from an “unusual cloud”  in Chongqing resulting in the shutdown of Jiangbei International Airport to a super colossal sphere of light seen from Shanghai to Beijing. Even a few days ago- after cheering on Joe Biden’s caravan as it sped through Jianguomen- I gazed up at the night sky to witness two multi-colored triangular shapes hovering overhead. “Military intelligence? Spy technology? Alien armchair politicians? A sale at Uniqlo?” I pondered. “Just a few kites,” I was told. Still, I wonder… After spending the past week in Beijing, unable to run outside or breathe through my nose or open my eyes all the way without crying, I suspect that- given this scenario analysis is correct and ETIs do in fact exist (and we’d be arrogant to think that they don’t)- China will be their first stop on Earth once they figure out how to navigate through the dull gray scourge that blankets it. Disclaimer: I had not been back to Beijing since Nov. 2002- not since that fateful day when I’d abruptly decided to leave my home in Shandong for my home in New York. Beijing is not China to me. Beijing is the headliner for horror stories- the black jails and bird flu and that unknown incident in a famous square. And on a personal level, Beijing is a dream derailed and a relationship soured; I’d stayed South ever since. My return was thus laced with a small dose of PTSD and my expectations- save for a trek on the Great Wall- were quite low.

And so, I should not have been surprised when- after going through immigration at Beijing Capital Airport, past all the signs reminding me that I too am an alien, and emerging into the dusk- I instantly felt a grip on my lungs. All the air quality index tweets and blog photos of pollution stew could not have prepared me for this. Was I having a panic attack? Were past memories triggering a physical meltdown? Nope. Just a concoction of oxides, compounds and particulates asphyxiating my life force, suppressing the most important activity we humans do every single second of every day. Breathe. This simple oversight- never mind all of the other issues that China now contends with- makes mention of China as a “developed country” laughable. Thankfully, as an alien, I have the option of leaving when I want to, when my body breaks down and demands clean air. The vast majority of the residents of Beijing- the children especially- do not. A city can have all of the Bugatti dealerships and Gucci stores it desires, but if it cannot provide its populace with clean air to breathe and safe food to eat, then its leaders aren’t doing such a great job.

This brings me back to the ETIs. As a guilt-ridden American expat in Asia, I have generally tried to be sensitive about openly criticizing a government which is not my own. And yet, when an issue directly impacts the future of this planet- a planet that we have to share whether or not we agree with each others views- that issue (severe pollution and global warming in this case) becomes collective business independent of politics, citizenship or race. The NASA scenario analysis goes on to state:

“Humanity may just now be entering the period in which its rapid civilizational expansion could be detected by an ETI because our expansion is changing the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, via greenhouse gas emissions, which therefore changes the spectral signature of the Earth. While it is difficult to estimate the likelihood of this scenario, it should at a minimum give us pause as we evaluate our expansive tendencies.

Instead of waiting for an intergalactic savior or foe to intervene, perhaps it is time to take a good, hard look at what development and nationalism actually mean in the face of a planet that we all rely on for the continuance of our own species. That said, if a UFO does decide to make an appearance on the ground anytime soon, my official bet is on Beijing… the roads are wide and Tiananmen would make a great landing field.

Do you think that the global community has a right to put more pressure on China for its environmental situation? Where do the boundaries lie? If aliens did invade our planet and threaten to destroy us if we did not clean up our act, would we? Have your say in the comments section.

In the capital cities of the two most influential nations in the world, this type of production is a true favorite. Political theatre at its finest, there are the enigmatic and omnipotent villains, intensely blamed and yet never clearly defined. The rising action, with all its twists and turns, will have you transfixed right up to the climax, which clings to the precipice of misfortune or maybe, just maybe, redemption. And then, of course, there is the Great Denouement- what we often refer to as reality- of lives and livelihoods lost, of angered voices stilled. As much as the performance may suck us in, these tragedies are never about us- or our families, our health, our jobs, our safety, our bank accounts, our futures. And whether the stage is in Beijing or Washington, you can’t guarantee that we as the ticket holding audience will get our money’s worth. But, before you fill your bags with tomatoes, let’s clear up something: these actors, like any actor, are not evil aliens from a distant fiery planet. They are human beings. And like most human beings, they have good intentions based on a narrow and self-interested lens.

Say you’re an American spectator in China. After paying close attention to the actors, one of the first traits you may notice is that they almost never admit to their mistakes, even if that mistake has cost hundreds of lives. An admission of error would mean loss of face and confirmation of failure, which would be a sin against the parents and teachers who fully believed that their little stars would grow up to be the best in the world. One can assume then that those who rise to the top of the billing as government officials are the ones who have been pushed the most, who have trained the hardest, and who understand well what an incredible burden it is to be perfect all the time. For a character study, I recommend scanning the comment sections of articles pertaining to Amy Chua’s book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, where you will find a fair number of high-achieving Chinese who convey that they are psychically wounded and unable to forge true bonds.

Similarly, a Chinese ticket-holder in America might notice how aggressive and flamboyant the actors are, placing style over substance much of the time. “Why does everyone need to be so individualistic?” the Chinese viewer may wonder. Just as perfection in the Chinese family is valued, many American tots are weaned on tough love and power from a very young age, with the struggle to be seen and heard commencing upon exit from the womb. The stage is distinctly USA, where divorce rates hover around 50 percent, child abuse is rampant, and drug and alcohol addiction seem to be the norm. But, no one needs to write a book on the outcomes of American-style parenting- the tabloids and headlines do a fine job already. Did you hear the news that Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan are partying together again? And how many shootings in the US was there this week?

So, what if the roles were reversed? What if the troupe in D.C. had to address the high-speed bullet train collision (if the US actually had a high-speed bullet train) while those in Beijing tackled the debt debates (if China actually had these financial problems)? My guess is that China would never allow a potential default, instead collectively deciding behind closed doors to raise the debt ceiling far before the issue ever became public enough to impact national confidence. As for a train crash scenario in the US, it would have been handled in a manner that conveyed sensitivity and investigative thoroughness while fully acknowledging public grief. China and America have a lot to learn from one another.

We all grow out of childhood, but the personalities constructed during these impressionable years and the masks we wear thereafter are really what shape the “system” that we all tend to point our fingers at. And so, as I’ve watched the tear-jerkers in Beijing and Washington this month, I’ve focused not on the systemic problems themselves, but on the people behind them.
I watched Speaker of the House, John Boehner- the second eldest in a blue-collar family of eleven children who had to work his butt off from a very young age in order to make something of himself- tell his fellow conservatives, “get your ass in line!” I watched President Obama- a precocious third-culture kid from an intellectual, single-parent home- plead for assistance from his supporters. And then, I “watched” the officials from Beijing as they expressed calm power from behind a wall of faceless authority- behavior ingrained in the culture far before the Forbidden Palace was conceived. From this, I’ve concluded that the finale of any tragedy like the two I’m referring to are not dependent on what we the audience wants, but what they- the actors- are capable of showing us.

When the curtain falls, we are all just people. From a psychological standpoint, this means that our personality traits are pretty predictive by the time we’re out of diapers and have quit sucking our thumbs. Philosophically, it could also mean that, no matter what our station in life, we operate with our own interests in mind. Thankfully, humanity cannot be distilled down to simple philosophical and psychological perspectives. Our species is far too valuable, complex, and evolving. When we begin to design systems that serve humankind by internalizing the common bonds between all of us and appreciating what we can learn from one another, we will be on the right track. For the time being, maybe we should get to know the children we once were by playing nice, showing kindness, and opening ourselves up once again to all the wonders and possibilities of our world and each other.

View of Athens from the Acropolis

Athens is not the crumbling slum you’d expect in a country on the brink of economic collapse. Most of the residential buildings appear to be occupied and well-preserved save for the graffiti that scars nearly every flat surface. Historical monuments like the Parthenon could use some tender loving care, but they still manage to attract thousands of tourists each day. The main roads are in relatively good shape and, in terms of cleanliness, the subway system in Athens puts New York City’s to shame. And of course, there are the tavernas- the true cultural attractions of Greece- which continue to lure in customers with their salads, saganaki, and spinach pies. It’s true- you have not experienced the sweet and juicy brilliance of a tomato until you’ve tried one in Greece. By outward appearances alone, it is difficult to understand Greece’s new reality as a country with a $435 billion debt and no viable long-term plan to dig itself out of a very large hole.

A shop in Plaka, Athens

“The protests usually start around 6pm every evening,” a waitress informed me. “Tuesday and Wednesday will be the big ones; the weekend is pretty quiet.” And big they were, injuring dozens of demonstrators and police officers while Wall Street rallied on the Greek austerity vote. Activities on the Saturday prior were comparatively uneventful. A group of frustrated twenty-somethings juggled, danced and napped in a protest camp of around fifty tents pitched smack-dab in the center of Syntagma Square. Posters and banners decorated the walls surrounding the Square, deriding the usual suspects- the IMF, Goldman Sachs, the EU, the USA, capitalism, war, and bigotry. Two dozen or so demonstrators dressed in black robes and white face masks silently assembled in front of Parliament while armed guards coolly kept watch. Angry middle-aged professionals, curious tourists and jumpy teens collected around the staircase opposite Parliament, all seemingly waiting for, well… something. A life-sized doll tethered from a noose was dragged out momentarily to the side of the street while beer and flag vendors twiddled their thumbs. Yes, there was frustration in the air, but if you ask Greek locals exactly why their country is in such a pickle and who they’re pointing the finger at, you’re likely to get an array of answers.

Protesters in Syntagma Square

My generation, Gen Y, seems to blame globalization, crony capitalism, and resulting income disparity. Graffiti bearing slogans like “no war but class war” and “fuck progress, free everyone” represents this view. “We’ve got the solution, revolution” one banner reads; another bears a logo associated with the cyber-activist group, Anonymous. Red anarchy symbols peppered throughout the city are hard to miss. As in the rest of the world, the thirty-five and under set in Greece are beginning to seriously question the systems that shaped their parents lives. “These kids are really angry because they are smart and hard-working and yet they have no jobs,” a longtime Greek expat from Malawi informs me. “They go to school to become doctors and lawyers and engineers, and then they graduate in an economy that has no work for them. We don’t need anymore doctors or lawyers or engineers. We need plumbers. These kids won’t accept this.”

Protest banners in Syntagma Square

A taxi driver in his forties sees things differently. “Our politicians are in the black market business,” he explains. “We buy our electricity from Bulgaria now. This highway we’re on was built by the Germans- they split the profits with our government. Too many of our politicians are piranhas. Once they start eating, they don’t stop.”
”But they’ll have to listen to the people if they’re all protesting in the streets,” I say.
”Piranhas don’t have ears,” he answers. “Do you know how much the Special Olympics cost us to host this week? 100 million Euro. We are broke and these piranhas pay 100 million Euro anyway. Too many people in this country don’t want to work. They don’t want to drive a taxi like me. They just want to relax.”
Another local gentleman in his sixties has a different take. “Our Prime Minister Papandreou went to school in Stockholm. Now he thinks he can run Greece like Sweden is run. But we are Greeks. Our culture is very different. We must have our own way of doing things, not try to copy other countries.”

Poster in front of Parliament

And then there are the voices at the fringe, big enough and loud enough and uncomfortable enough not to be ignored. Some of them believe that it is the foreigners who have ruined their country; the target du jour are the Arabs who have fled to Athens in search of a better life. But, to the hate groups who have planted roots in the city, anyone of a race or religion not their own is viewed with contempt. My husband and I should know. As we walked across Syntagma Square in search of caffeine, three young men dressed head to toe in black crossed our path. “Sieg Heil,” one spat when we made eye contact. Down the street, in front of the University of Athens, a small protest camp of Afghan refugees were assembled in a few weather-beaten tents, sharing their story through a collage of grotesque images from the war. One poster read: “Why have NATO forces been unable, for years now, to defeat the terrorism of the Taliban? It seems clear that this is not their actual goal. The sufferings of our country are ignored by most everyone. To return would mean death for most of us.” After eight months of trying, they persist in their appeal for political asylum. They’ve even gone on a hunger strike and physically sewed their mouths shut. While these measures might seem extreme, I could not begin to imagine what their journey was like just to get out of Afghanistan… and what it would mean to have to go back.

Afghan political asylum protest camp in Athens

“What do you think will happen to Greece?” I asked nearly everyone I came in contact with throughout the duration of my trip. “They will default within the next few months,” was the predominant answer from non-Greek friends and acquaintances. A Cretan offered this ultimatum: “There are 11 million Greek people; 6 million are in Athens. Here in Kriti we have the sun, we grow our own vegetables, we fish, we share with our neighbors… no matter what, we will always survive. Our people in Athens need to come back to the countryside. If they don’t leave the city, they will die.” No matter what future measures are taken to prevent default and its aftermath, Greece has an incredible struggle ahead of it. The country- while one of the most fertile and breathtaking in the world- is deeply uncompetitive, its people unwilling to accept the dog-eat-dog world of globalization and free trade. But perhaps, in the long run- and as long as they can hold onto most of their land- they will be better off. How many nations are left that honor their soil, their seas, their families and their traditions like Greece does? How many people on Earth are left who can rely solely on a small patch of land and the kindness of neighbors for sustenance?

Stay human.

On my last day in Athens, I passed a man wearing a T-shirt which read, “Stay Human,” and I could not help but think that this is the solution not only for Greece, but for all of us.

Thanks for reading. I’d love your take on the future of Greece, as well as your opinions on what being human means in a world that seems to be making us less so. Have at it in the comments section.

While “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is certainly still relevant today, when dirty politicians and scandalous headlines seem to be the norm in America, I did not expect to wake up this morning to yet more examples of Western media manipulation around an event that should instead be resoundingly celebrated. I’m referring to the release of Ai Weiwei, the Chinese artist and activist who has been held in detention for eleven weeks after he was netted by China along with other outspoken individuals during a period of potential civil unrest. The crime that led to Ai’s arrest depends on who you choose to believe. The Chinese government cites tax evasion, which Ai has apparently confessed to. The rest of the world would probably argue with this charge and claim instead that Ai was perceived as a threat to China’s security and stability, especially during a time of intense protest across the globe. I generally tend to give China the benefit of the doubt, but I’ve got to agree with the rest of the world on this one… 

 

As I pored over media coverage of this small and perhaps temporary victory- Ai Weiwei is still being investigated- I noticed that the language used to describe the event was less than positive. In fact, it was a bit similar to the tone of coverage surrounding another controversial figure, Julian Assange, following his release from jail.  On the eve of Ai’s release, The Wall Street Journal ran a story entitled, “US Museum Directors to Ai Weiwei: Drop Dead” which alleged that the art world had collectively turned its back on Ai and vilified the Association of Art Directors (AAMD); their members have actually actively supported Ai since the beginning. Unsurprisingly, outrage over the paper’s erroneous story ensued; the Wall Street Journal has recently scrubbed the article from its website. The BBC and others have since downplayed emotional reactions to the end of Ai’s detainment, referring to it as a “muted” and “guarded welcome,” while other outlets like The Daily Mail have instead chosen to focus on Ai’s “tax evasion confession.” No matter what specific treatment mainstream media outlets have given to this story, one thing is clear: very few are actually highlighting the real scoop, the one about a highly nervous government, its increasing clampdown on freedom of expression and heightened internet censorship, and all of the so-called dissidents that are still missing or behind bars.  

 

We live in an age where the public exploration of painful yet necessary truths is increasingly scarce, one where opinion is far too often shaped by dollar signs. Mainstream media will always have politicians and advertisers to answer to- I understand that. But, they also have a large responsibility in where our collective society is headed and… we’re in trouble here, folks. Between too-big-to-fail multinationals, increasing public sector corruption, and government systems that rank money over humanity, things are not looking good. Journalists- many of whom enter the profession as seekers of justice and champions of the unheard masses- can either insist on unbiased truth-telling no matter what or prostrate to the companies they work for while sacrificing their own integrity. Let’s not forget that some people’s lives depend on the former and that, in the end, we all have to live on this planet together. Welcome home to Ai Weiwei, and thanks for reading.

1. If you haven’t done so already, consider registering with your embassy. You can easily do this online. The U.S. Department of State offers a free service, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to aid in assisting Americans abroad in the event of an emergency. It also provides travel warnings and travel alerts. Most other countries offer similar programs.

2. Create an easily accessible document listing important emergency numbers. I recommend listing five direct contacts, with at least one in your home country and one in the country that you’re currently residing in. Include their email addresses and home addresses, if possible. Also list local emergency numbers for ambulance, fire and police as well as the phone number for your country’s embassy. Email yourself a copy of this information, create an emergency file on your hard drive, and print out two copies to keep in your home and workplace. Downloading this information to an encrypted thumb drive isn’t a bad idea either (see #6).

3. Create a document containing emergency medical information and, if applicable, share it with your spouse. This document should include the names and phone numbers of your regular physician and dentist, any medical conditions and drug/food allergies you may have, your insurance information (if any), and your blood type. You may also wish to indicate whether or not you’re an organ donor. As this information can be very personal, you may just wish to share it with your family via an encrypted file kept on your desktop or thumb drive, and/or on a piece of paper stored in a safe place.

4. Assuming that you have a strong partnership, you probably want to share other important information with your spouse and/or children, including your social security number, your passport number and your banking number. This is a very personal decision and one that should never be taken lightly. In other words, if you’ve only been dating for a few weeks, you might want to rethink this level of openness.

5. Step Five is very important and often overlooked because we assume that our mobile phones and internet connections will work in any situation. WRONG. In case of a disaster which compromises communication lines, establish at least THREE meeting places to convene with your loved ones. The first place should be your home. I recommend that the second place be approximately 5-10 miles away from your home, and the third place be 15+ miles away. Workplaces, airports, embassies, and sports arenas are good alternative venues to list. Be sure to discuss a meeting plan with all of your family members.

6. I highly recommend creating an encrypted thumb drive containing your emergency medical information, emergency contact numbers, and other important information like your social security number, banking numbers, and passport number. Be sure to store this in a safe place and only share your password with the few people you’d trust your life with.

7. Pack an emergency “GO BAG” for each of your family members. A durable but lightweight backpack or duffle bag with an identification tag is sufficient. Items should include:

• Important prescription medications and OTC drugs like ibuprofen and antibacterial cream
• First aid supplies, including bandages, gauze, alcohol swabs, scissors and burn relief  cream, Epi-pens and cotton balls
• Non-perishable food items and a large thermos of water. Recommendations call for a gallon of water per day, but you need to be able to carry your bag, so… I’d personally go with a reusable thermos. Don’t forget a can opener.
• A flashlight and a battery-powered hand crank radio for emergency reports. Be sure those batteries are good!
• Matches and a lighter
• Water purification tablets
• Duct tape
• Extra batteries for both the flashlight and the radio…
• A charger for your cell phone, a backup battery and, if possible, an extra cell phone
• At least one full change of clothes, a blanket and some comfortable shoes
• A whistle and, if legal in your area, some pepper spray
• Copies of important documents kept in a waterproof envelope. Be sure to include copies of your passport, your driver’s license, proof of residence, and your birth certificate
• Pictures of your family
• Plastic garbage bags, ziploc bags and a roll of toilet paper
• Notebook and pens
• If you’re female, don’t forget sanitary napkins or tampons
• A small box of hand and foot warmers
• A face mask, like the N95 mask. There’s still some debate over whether or not it really protects against viruses, but I’d include it
• Local map and compass
• Cold, hard cash in ziploc bags. I personally recommend carrying at least $200 in US currency, $200 Euro, and $300 in the currency of the country you’re residing in. An activated extra credit card and travelers checks are also handy to have. However, in an emergency, cash is king.
• If you have a beloved pet, be sure to pack a few cans of pet food and some extra water, as well as any essential medications
• A good luck charm. Maybe it’s a life-changing book or a family trinket or a framed photo that reminds you of the best day of your life. Whatever it is, it should have special importance to you

8. In addition to the GO BAG, an at-home emergency kit is essential. Items should include all of the above. High-calorie food items like peanut butter and at least a few gallons of water per person is a smart idea. Walkie-talkies, a strong multi-tool with a blade and pliers, ponchos, a thick towel, and a spare set of keys are also items to consider including. You can organize the contents of this kit in a durable bag or a Rubbermaid tub and store it in an easy-to-access place like a front hall closet or under the bed. What’s most important is that it’s filled and up-to-date and that every member of your family knows where it is.

9. If you haven’t had the highly uncomfortable “worst-case scenario” conversation with your partner or closest loved one and a lawyer, you might want to consider just getting it over with now. The conversation and agreements should include a living will (organ donation, what happens if you become incapacitated, etc.), life insurance information, and preferences for burial/funeral. This is a difficult talk to have, but for anyone with a family, it’s also a very important one. For an easy three-step approach, chat about the basics, visit with a lawyer to create a living will, and place the rest of the information on an encrypted thumb drive (don’t forget to share the password and consult with your lawyer).

10. Learn about survival. Some of us have already had to apply our survival skills in one way or another, whether because of a life-threatening accident or illness, homelessness, violence,
or a particularly difficult life challenge. Survival training of any type- whether a self-defense course, outdoor survival school, endurance training, sea survival, or emergency rescue- are extremely helpful in boosting both your knowledge and your confidence. In addition to manuals on first aid and edible plants, two books I highly recommend reading are The Survivor’s Club and Man’s Search for Meaning. Finally, beyond the classes, sticky situations and trips to the emergency room, if there’s anything I’ve learned about survival, it’s that faith is the enemy of despair. Believe in something.

”Ultimately, what defines a survivor is the talent for making the most of life, however much remains.” – Ben Sherwood

As I write this post following several months of consciously avoiding expressing what has been on my mind, a government shutdown looms in America which may result in the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees and the closing of national parks, museums and offices providing valuable public services. The social and economic toll of this shutdown will be widely felt. Tens of thousands of federal workers and service providers may not receive their paychecks during this time. Popular destinations like the Grand Canyon and the Smithsonian will be empty at the height of the tourist season. And, if you tally up the federal workers and private sector employees who will be directly impacted, we’re talking about a million lives- and salaries- being put on hold indefinitely. Simultaneous to this fiasco, the U.S. is spending $4 million a day on the war in Libya- add that to the more than $1 trillion in military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. And yes, America may be closed but the wars will still go on.

If you are an American or you read the news, I do not have to tell you how bad the situation has become. You probably already know that nearly 25 percent of children in the US today live below the poverty line. And, I’m sure you realize that the jobs data isn’t quite right and that actually, one in six Americans are under- or unemployed. You’re likely aware that homelessness is rising at an alarming rate, that millions can no longer afford a roof over their heads and that massive numbers of students are graduating college with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and no job prospects in sight. It’s all extremely depressing news, particularly since there are few solutions on the table and the federal government doesn’t seem to give a damn. After all, they’re too busy bickering with each other while entertaining their deep-pocketed friends on the golf course. Perhaps you feel that I’m being cynical but I’d say it’s a pretty fair assessment.

Since I launched this blog, I’ve tried to highlight positive aspects, ideas and solutions in the majority of my posts. And, I’ll forever encourage people to seek out new experiences, learn new languages, experience different cultures, and see the world. After all, that’s why I began writing here in the first place- to share my insights as an adult “trans-culture kid” who has spent a chunk of the last decade living in and learning about East Asia. However, I am first and foremost an American with deeply-rooted sentiments about my homeland, due in part to the political and military narratives in my own family tree and the persistent childhood dream that I would one day be President (as well as a poet, veterinarian and hairdresser). Therefore, I am keenly aware that the bonds I have to the land of the free and home of the brave (right?) are, in many ways, unbreakable. With that stated, I’m going to offer a little advice to those of you who are in a tough transitional period that seems like it does not have an ending in a country that is being decimated by incompetence, greed, petty politics and the resulting apathy. As I type this, I am specifically thinking of many young people who cannot afford higher education in America or who cannot find a job in their field or who are about to lose the roof over their heads. So, here’s my actionable two cents: either become a REAL catalyst of change and devote yourself to helping your homeland and its citizens OR leave for a while. Get out. For many, this situation is kind of like being confronted by the bully on the playground all over again. You can fight, or you can walk away.

So, you can move to another country. Learn a new language. If you have a degree or a valuable skill that’s going to waste, find a place that could use your expertise. If you can’t afford college in the U.S., look at some of the great programs abroad in countries like Singapore or Australia or, heck, China. Go teach English somewhere. Lawyer or M.A. out of work? Many companies overseas would be happy to have you. Volunteer for a year or two with an NGO. Entrepreneurial? Find out which countries are entrepreneur-friendly and in need of your type of business. Or, just load up a backpack and travel. You can trek the world for next to nothing if you’re willing to get your hands dirty along the way. I recently met a guy from New York in Singapore en route to Poland by land who was doing just this. Incredible. Life-altering. While you’re abroad, you’ll have the rare and precious opportunity to show new friends that Americans aren’t all reality television stars or Wall St. crooks or gun-toting gangsters. You may even be able, in a very small but meaningful way, to repair some of the damage caused by endless, brutal wars. If this sounds like the option for you- learning and living in another land for a while- there is always a way. However, if you’d prefer or need to stick things out at home, the best thing you could possibly do is fully embrace the power of voice and choice that comprises the unique American spirit. After all, it is your country.

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”
– Thomas Jefferson

We all have insecurities- every single one of us. They tend to creep up at the worst possible times and they thrive on undermining the reality of what we’re actually made of. The more we believe that they’re tangible truths, the more they become a part of us. I’ve been glued to the Amy Chua Tiger Mommy saga that’s unfolded over the past two weeks, not so much because I’m interested in her parenting wisdom (I’m so not), but more because I’ve appreciated reading the hundreds of comments from brave people who are wrestling with insecurities on behalf of some less-than-ideal child rearing techniques. Believe me, I get it. Having people that you literally and figuratively look up to call you “stupid” or “worthless” will breed entire families of “insecurity rats” that chew on your spirit and piss on your dreams (Mrs. Chua, I would advise that you get your daughters into therapy. Seriously). I’ve managed to exterminate most of mine, but there are still a few resilient ones sneaking around, like the fat guy who dines on “Harvard.” Strange, right?

If you haven’t tuned in to the commenters who’ve responded to Tiger Mom, I will tell you that there are many financially successful adults, Chinese and otherwise, plagued by debilitating anxieties which were seeded from the idea that they must, individually, be THE BEST. Sound familiar? Remember America, THE BEST country in the world? You wouldn’t know it from the recent headlines detailing record-high unemployment, rampant corruption, decaying infrastructure and not-so-subtle suggestions that the U.S. may just be #2 now. In fact, a recent poll conducted by Pew Research Center shows that 47 percent of Americans believe that China is now the top economic power (compared with 41 percent who believe that America still holds the number one spot). How odd! As this ludicrous contest persists- #1 or else!- America’s been doing some pretty weird things, like investing in weapons instead of education and continuing to focus on old models like Big Oil instead of embracing new frontiers like greentech. The recent headlines are even more bizarre, whether it’s Rush Limbaugh’s shameful and ridiculing impersonation of the Chinese language or the press’s constant reference to the US-China  “competitive relationship” and a “potential cold war.” Can we attribute some of this American weirdness to insecurity? I think so.

So, when should we collectively agree that there’s really no such thing as “THE BEST?” When can we as human beings be allowed to focus on our personal potential instead of holding ourselves up to some impossible ideal or worse, promoting the idea that parents should deprive their children of their own unique power in order to become “powerful” by narrow and nebulous societal standards? And, when can America stop fretting about China’s rise and start focusing instead on what the U.S. is uniquely skilled at while supporting its millions of talented citizens in their own endeavors? Americans are super creative! They’re really bold! They think BIG! And, a lot of them really do want to make the world a better place! But, forget THE BEST. Screw #1. It’s a myth and the more we buy into it, the more we end up looking like “jerks” or “dummies” or “losers” or all the other things that gnawing voice of insecurity tells us we are. SHINE. Be the awesomeness that YOU are instead of focusing on the other guy. Forget the rats. Now, would someone mind passing this advice along to Congress before their meeting with President Hu tomorrow?

Play Lah!

The White Tiger feeding at Singapore Zoo

1. Just landed? Head directly to Terminal 3 at Changi International Airport and let the fun begin with a glide down Singapore’s tallest slide, T3!

2. If the T3 slide wasn’t high enough for you, catch a bird’s eye view of the Lion City on the Singapore Flyer, the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world at 165 meters. That’s 42 stories, folks!

3. No appetite? Maybe watching a few big cats eat lunch will inspire your appetite. Put the Siberian Tiger feeding at Singapore Zoo on the very top of your list- seeing these gorgeous creatures in action (and at the most humane zoo I’ve ever come across) is nothing short of extraordinary.

4. Don’t leave yet! After a day at the zoo, stick around for the Night Safari and mingle with some beautiful beasts, including a family of gigantic flying squirrels. Be sure to catch the ‘Creatures of the Night’ show, where you’ll meet some very talented- and environmentally conscious- critters.

5. Yes, it’s ultra-touristy, but Sentosa Island has more to offer than Universal Studios alone. Mingle with expats and locals at Siloso Beach Club, cruise the island on a rental bike, or dangle your feet over the jungle canopy as you scream your way down a zip wire.

6. Take a trip back in time to the better side of childhood with a visit to the Mint Museum of Toys, displaying many thousands of past playthings from more than forty countries within its five stories. When you’re finished being nostalgic, chill out by the side of the road for a while… big boy (and girl) toys abound in Singapore. Maserati, Lamborghini, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari…

Eat Lah!

Singapore’s signature dish: Chicken Rice

7. Time to wake up Singapore-style with some Kaya Toast, poached eggs, and Kopi C (strong coffee with evaporated milk) at a local kopitiam. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a good local chain with locations sprinkled throughout the city. Just be sure to take your heart pills first-this is not a breakfast of champions.

8. Attention meat lovers: a taste of two popular Singaporean snacks- barbecued bacon (Bak Kwa) and pork floss- will send you straight to pig heaven. Head directly to the original source- Kim Hock Guan at 150 South Bridge Road in Chinatown, which has been churning out these piggy delights since 1905.

9. No dumplings for you!—unless you wait in line very nicely at the always-packed Qun Zhong Eating House in Tanjong Pagar. The juicy steamed meat buns are a crowd favorite and the beloved owner of the establishment may just remind you of a certain Seinfeld character.

10. Grab a table outside and tuck in to one of Singapore’s most popular dishes, chili crab, at the ultra-lively No Signboard Seafood in the “red-light district” of Geylang. Yes, the view may be a tad bit seedy, but the chili crab, lobster tang hoon and garlic prawns are all top-notch.

11. A confession: when I moved to Singapore, I stopped eating meat. BUT, I can assure you that it had nothing to do with the delicious aforementioned dishes, most of which I’d tried during my initial trip here. If you’re thinking about going veg, Singapore may just be the easiest place in the world to do so. In fact, there’s an entire food mall for vegetarians- Fortune Centre at 190 Middle Road. Make a beeline to New Green Pasture Café on the third floor and order the soba noodle salad. I’m officially addicted. Thanks to gregorylent for introducing me to this hidden gem!

12. Chicken rice is the Singapore staple dish and a trip to the Lion City would not be complete without digging into a plate. For the meaty version, head to Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice in East Coast. For the non-meat version, the vegetarian stall at Maxwell Food Court in Chinatown has you covered.

13. Experience a taste of Singapore’s past at my personal pick for Nyonya cuisine, Kim Choo’s Kitchen on East Coast Road. Reserve a table upstairs and be sure to save room for the most comforting dessert on the planet- yam paste. Yummmmmm….

Party Lah!

Singapore Sling, Raffles Hotel

14. When I was a bartender in college, I used to cringe at these two words: “Singapore Sling.” While bartenders in the West may fumble and fret at the request for one, Raffles Hotel- birthplace of this potent and fruity concoction- has you covered. For teetotalers, they even have a tasty non-alcoholic version.

15. Singapore’s not an illusion- just magical. For some additional enchantment, head directly to Bar 84 in the Gallery Hotel. This upscale lounge is a place to see and be seen while enjoying some brilliant tricks performed tableside by a Japanese magician. And Presto! The cat’s out of the bag…

16. In the mood to chill? Pull up a chair and people-watch while indulging in some shisha and mint tea at one of the many hookah bars lining Arab Street. Calls to prayer from the local mosque mingle with techno-pop remixes pumped from the surrounding establishments, adding to the intrigue.

17. An opulent bar in a foreboding office building straight out of an Ayn Rand novel. A temperature-controlled glass vault filled to the ceiling with fine wines from around the world. A beautiful woman- a fairy- floating overhead with your drink of choice. Could this be a gentleman’s dream? Actually, it’s just your average night at the lounge in Parkview Square, otherwise known as the “batman building.” New Yorkers especially will appreciate this place.

18. Miss home? Want to connect with other expats and travelers from around the globe while enjoying a tasty bowl of pasta, a decent espresso or a proper martini? The dozens of restaurants, bars and assorted other hangouts that make up Club Street will meet your needs. Take the long route on foot through Ann Siang Hill and start your evening with a drink on the rooftop of PS. Café.

19. A list on partying in the Lion City would not be complete without mentioning Clarke Quay, the most popular nightlife destination in Singapore. Straight out of Truman Show, this place is the Disneyworld of good, clean adult intoxication. Wave to the camera! I admit, I’m not a fan, but it’s still a “must see.”

Learn Lah!

Haw Par Villa- aka “The Tiger Balm theme park”

20. Japanese chain Kinokuniya is the Godzilla of all book outfitters; tiny Singapore’s version is no exception. Lovers of art, architecture, graphic design, Japanese language and Manga may find themselves lost in paradise here. If I go bankrupt in Singapore, Kinokuniya is to blame! A truly dangerous place for readers- proceed with caution.

21. Conjure up the curious kid inside of you at the Singapore Science Centre, a hands-on museum that offers interactive shows and lots of activities to keep the children entertained. Grownup-friendly, too!

22. One of the weirdest theme parks on Earth, Haw Par Villa, (aka “The Tiger Balm Museum”) will keep you in line for the rest of your life. Built by the developers of Tiger Balm, it showcases approximately 150 dioramas depicting scenes from hell according to Chinese mythology. Are you at risk for having your eyes gouged out? Could you be eaten by dogs? Find out here. Just… don’t bring the young ones.

23. I have heard it said that, without art, a country has no culture and no future. For a peek inside Singapore’s burgeoning art scene, pay a visit to the Singapore Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary works.

24. For a glimpse at a more sustainable and beautiful tomorrow, explore the Singapore National Public Library, a clear leader in the green building movement and a model for Singapore’s environmental leadership potential.

25. Want to learn how to cook authentic Chinese cuisine in an old Kampung House on the enchanting island of Palau Ubin? Sounds like a delicious plan to me! Cookery Magic has been getting incredible reviews throughout the globe, but this new offering takes the cake!

26. Here’s one that I haven’t tried yet but am dying to do: a tour of Palau Semakau, a landfill which has been transformed into a pristine ecological sanctuary that houses coral reefs, various flora and rare wildlife. I am convinced that Singapore will be a major global leader in a greener and cleaner future; Palau Semakau seems like a perfect place to learn about how they’re doing it and where the inspiration comes from.

Explore Lah!

Baby Macaques at MacRitchie Reservoir

27. Too much time shopping, eating and drinking to your heart’s content? Escape the air-conditioning, bright lights and baubles and get back to nature with a twenty minute cab ride from the city center to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where you’ll find lots of playful monkeys, colorful birds and interesting insects. You may even spot a flying lemur! Wear your hiking boots and bring lots of water; exploring this place is a workout.

28. I’m almost tempted to leave this one off the list because I want it for myself and the few others who know about it, but I like my readers, so I’m willing to share this hidden gem. Just a fifteen minute ferry ride from the city is the island of Palau Ubin, a nearly untouched sanctuary for animals and humans that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped fifty years back in time. From the kampung houses dotting the coastline to the mangrove forests and miles of trails through fields of flowers, this place is bliss for nature-lovers. Rent a bicycle at the ferry terminal and prepare to spend the entire day cycling around. Beware of wild boar… and of the nagging yearning to build a hut in the woods and live there for eternity.

29. Almost every Sunday evening you can find me in the middle of all the action- Little India! Exploring this part of the city on foot is a must, especially on a Sunday, when many of the foreign workers from India mingle, eat, and catch Bollywood movies outdoors. Duck into Kamala Vilas for some excellent vegetarian food, pick up a few Bollywood DVDs, or just take it all in with the scent of jasmine swirling around you. You’ll find yourself wondering if you’re still in the same country.

30. I hope you like heights, because the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir is not to be missed. An hour-long hike through the nature reserve will get you there. Hold on to your sports drink; the monkeys at MacRitchie are a feisty bunch.

31. Get a lesson in history and architecture as you explore the shop houses in Tanjong Pagar, just next to Chinatown. These ornate pastel buildings may remind you a bit of New Orleans while the cafes and restaurants hidden within them are a bit Paris, a bit New York. Or maybe it’s all just Singapore…

32. Lose yourself in the sweet songs of Golden-Breasted Starlets, Weavers, Turacaos, Parrots and hundreds of other species of birds at Jurong Bird Park. Bring your camera- this is a great place to brush up on your nature photography skills.

33. Rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the world, ghost stories abound in Singapore. From the Old Ford Motor Factory to the Dairy Farm House and Changi Beach, legendary spirits have inspired many a book, movie and freaky tale to scare Singaporeans and visitors alike. But, you’re not afraid of a little ghost, are you? Take a tour with Singapore Paranormal Investigators- they might just change your mind.

Shop Lah!

Ion Shopping Center, Orchard Road

34. Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Dior, Vertu and dozens of other luxury retailers await you at Orchard Road, the shopping mecca of Asia. Empty your bank account or just window shop but remember, if you have to ask… you can’t afford it.

35. Looking for a bargain? Then spend a few evening hours perusing cheap wares at the Bugis Junction Shops. From $10 T-shirts to $5 sunglasses and a wide assortment of inexpensive kicks, you may just have enough money left over to buy that handbag on Orchard. My public service announcement: you get what you pay for.

36. One of my absolute favorite finds in Singapore, Sifr Aromatics on 27 Arab Street will keep you smelling fresh and one-of-a-kind for months to come. This gem of a perfume shop will prepare an alcohol-free signature scent just for you. Chat with Johari Kazura, the extremely knowledgeable and friendly owner- he knows his stuff. After all, his family’s been in the business for over 70 years!

37. While you’re on Arab street, spend some time checking out the local boutiques surrounding Haji Lane and Muscat Street, many of which feature cutting-edge fashions from local designers. For trend-setting women with limited funds, this is the place to go.

38. Technology geeks delight- Singapore pampers you with two gigantic shopping centers devoted entirely to electronics. Funan DigitalLife Mall is Asia’s IT destination for all of your high-end computer and gaming needs. Bargain hunters should spend some time at the gigantic Sim Lim Square, Singapore’s largest IT shopping mall. Be sure to comparison shop!

39. Looking for a few souvenirs to bring home to jealous friends and family members? Maybe an antique to commemorate your trip? Want to invest in a  custom-tailored suit? Then Chinatown is the place to go. When you’re finished emptying your wallet, grab a massage at one of the many budget spas in the area.

Pray Lah!

Jasmine Flower Temple Offerings, Little India

40. Meditate your worries away in the rooftop garden of the four story Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Chinatown or find a seat in the main hall, where monks chant throughout the afternoon. This relatively new temple boasts an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts.

41. Need a bit of guidance in meditation? Can’t seem to still your mind? Try a class at the Kadampa Meditation Centre, which follows Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Great for newbies and devotees alike.

42. Find solace in the quiet beauty of Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, the biggest (and most beautiful, in my opinion) cathedral in Singapore. Services are held in several languages every Sunday throughout the day.

43. Follow the sounds of a call to prayer wafting from the oldest mosque in Singapore, Masjid Sultan on North Bridge Road in the Arab Quarter. As a highly important center of the Islamic community, a visit to this impressive structure is not to be missed. Appropriate dress is required.

44. String some Jasmine flower temple offerings around your wrist before exploring the intensely-hued Hindu temples dotting the streets of Little India. My pick: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, constructed in the Tamil-style for the Hindu goddess, Kali.

45. Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Feel better yet? Some say that the best spiritual path is through laughter. Be happy, promote peace and share your joy at a Laughter Yoga Club! Wait… what’s so funny?

Relax Lah!

Foot care at a traditional fish spa

46. Find serenity through intimate conversation and a pot of traditional Chinese tea at Yixing Xuan Teahouse in Tanjong Pagar, which is also a tea shop and tea art centre.  Tea appreciation expert Vincent Low also offers tea art demonstration workshops at the Centre.

47. I’ll admit, having your feet munched on by hundreds of tiny fish isn’t exactly relaxing, but some people swear by it. Take the plunge- or just dip your toes in- at a reputable Fish Spa in Singapore. One word of advice: read up on this practice before you go. There are ample warnings about potential infections. That said, I did it… and I’m still alive, so… Nibble, nibble!

48. Realign your body and spirit with the very popular pastime of Chinese Traditional Massage. Outlets can be found on just about every major street in Singapore. My pick is Jin Jing Chinese Physician on Neil Road. More medicinal than spa, but they get the job done right. Ask for Annie or Xiao Bai.

49. What is more heavenly than blue skies and orchids? A stroll through the Mandai Orchid Garden, which houses over 200 types of orchids, will rejuvenate your soul and melt away the troubles of the day. Guided tours are available.

50. Completely worn out but still haven’t seen much of Singapore? Wake up early, jump on a Double Decker Bus, and tour the entire country on the cheap in just a few hours. Disembark wherever your heart leads you- you never know what hidden treasure you may find.

Whew! I’m pretty sure this is one of the longest blog posts ever written, but I hope it inspires you to give Singapore at least a few days of your time on your next trip to Asia. Or, if you live here already, to get out and explore all this country has to offer! If you have any favorites that I’ve missed, be sure to share them in the comments section. As always, thank you for reading!

Santa Cruz Church, Chinatown, Manila

Hope in Manila is electric, trickling into the daily prayers of millions of Catholic believers, firing up the protesters and journalists who demand a less corrupt government, sustaining the thousands of educated overseas Filipino workers who quietly leave their families each year in search of a more promising economic future. “Hope” as a word, however, is largely unspoken- Pinoys often “do” before they “dream.” Take, for example, my niece Kate who recently completed her training as a nurse- just in the nick of time. “The government shut down a lot of the nursing schools,” she tells me. She then explains that it will cost her 30,000 Pesos (about $680 USD) to secure a six month internship if she’s lucky enough to get a placement at a local hospital. Then maybe she’ll have the chance to get hired. Nursing is not her dream career, she acknowledges, but it’s the most practical one. Kate is in her early twenties, around the same age as the other nieces and nephews I met on this trip- all sharp, ambitious and educated. Finding employment is tough, however. There is little opportunity for good jobs in Manila, I am told, even for the brightest stars. “Some of the professors here just create a lot of radicals,” a cab driver informs me. When I ask him to explain what he means, he points to a row of steel barricades and a tangled pile of barbed wire. “When people protest now… they throw pipe bombs.” I want to ask him if he thinks all the protest might be due in part to the fact that unemployment has left a lot of people in Manila with too much time on their hands, but my thoughts trail off to a row of squatter houses as we cross a bridge into Chinatown.

A sign of protest: "Job Security"

Everyone tells me that the squatter communities- the slums- have decreased significantly over the past decade. Sure, there are still a lot of homeless kids playing and panhandling in the streets, but more are being taken care of now by aid groups, churches and the government. The rows of shacks piled a few stories high remain an unavoidable sight in metro Manila, but many of the squatters have been relocated to the countryside or moved into government-subsidized housing, which the families can own outright after fifteen years of occupancy, according to our cab driver. Remittances from the approximately 9 million overseas Filipinos have made a world of difference to the country, adding about $16 billion to the economy in 2009. Poverty and prosperity now live side by side as gated premium condominiums pop up all over the city and luxury vehicles idle behind jeepneys in Manila’s notorious traffic jams. “The only thing that’s become worse is the pollution,” my husband informs me. “Other than that, things have improved.” Our cab driver disagrees. “The crime is worse today,” he says, adding “Marcos ruled with an iron fist.” Maybe he’s right, or maybe not. Our drivers always made sure that our car doors were locked, armed policemen are highly visible throughout the city, and we were required to go through a security check each time we returned to our hotel. Tourism is also up, despite warnings from Western governments and the recent bus hijack in Manila that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.

A village in Pasig

My husband is counting his blessings- blessings that were not at all apparent when he left Ermita twenty years ago. And yet, someday he wants to invest in the Philippines, to create jobs in the Philippines, to make Manila a regular destination and maybe even a second home, he says. Before we leave, we pick up a few brochures for apartment units in the upscale district of Makati and speak with a real estate agent. While buying property in Manila isn’t currently practical for us, the seed is now planted to maybe consider the option someday. Our last hour in Manila is spent browsing the glittering new storefronts like Bally, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Global luxury retailers seem to have caught a whiff of promise, too.  Our trip to the Philippines is yet another piece of the story that brought us back to East Asia. And it’s the communal, electric hope rippling through this part of the world that may keep us here over the long term. Manila’s certainly preparing, and dreaming big.