Category Archives: customs

Things and places in Singapore that I miss 6-10

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Expat Bostonians

Continuing Friday’s post of things and places I miss in Singapore. Seeing Crazy Rich Asians made me nostalgic for my Singapore. 6. Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre was a huge help to Rhi as we began to identify and work on her … Continue reading →

Posted in Attractions, Culture Shock, customs, Education, Holidays, Leaving Singapore, Pictures, Random Stuff, Shopping, Singapore, Uniquely Singapore, With Kids | Tagged Democrats Abroad, Diwali, expat bostonians, Kaleidoscope Therapy, Lao Shi, little india, mandarin, River Hong Bao | Comments Off

Her mother tongue isn’t Tamil

Posted on October 19, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

***A quick note of explanation before I get into the post. English is the language of instruction in Singapore. However, all students must take a second language–called a Mother Tongue (henceforce I’ll refer to it as MT) language.*** I recently … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, customs, Education, headdesk moments, Identity, Primary 1 registration, Singapore, Third Culture Kids, Uniquely Singapore, With Kids | Tagged biracial children, expat bostonians, gujarati, language learning, mandarin, mother tongue, race based assumptions, Tamil | 4 Comments

How do they say “hello” in your language?

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Expat Bostonians

One of the more awkward questions I’m asked in the US is some variation on “What language do they speak in Singapore?” It’s actually a perfectly understandable question, and something I might ask if I didn’t know much about a … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, customs, Random Stuff, Singapore | Tagged american expat singapore, expat blog, how do they say hello in singapore, language, singapore expat blog, singapore language | 2 Comments

Going to the gym Boston vs Singapore

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Expat Bostonians

In Boston–before I had back surgery–I was a member at an all-women gym called Healthworks. Here in Singapore–after hurting my back this past spring–I am now a member of an all-women gym called Phillip Wain. Today I present you with … Continue reading →

Posted in customs, general places, Random Stuff, Singapore | Tagged Asia, boston, cultural differences, culture shock, fitness, gym, North America, Singapore, spa, us | 1 Comment

Singapore Haze

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Expat Bostonians

Every year around September there are a few weeks of haze. A very slight burning flavor in the air, and a bit of scratchiness in your throat, maybe some itching in the eyes. The sky is overcast, and it’s an … Continue reading →

Posted in customs, general places, Housing, medical, Singapore, Uniquely Singapore | 3 Comments

Expat Wife = Easiest Job in SG?

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Expat Bostonians

The easiest job in Singapore has to be expat wife. The quote above showed up in the @hellofrmsg twitter feed earlier today (a person the account follows, not a specific comment to the account). As I am an expat wife, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, customs, Expat to Expat Advice, Helpers, Housing, Identity, medical, money, Singapore, Third Culture Kids, With Kids | 23 Comments

Diwali and Indian Identity

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Expat Bostonians

We took the girls on the “Small World” ride at Disneyland. Ellie loved the singing and dancing dolls. Europe, America, the North Pole–all great. But as we entered Asia, she practically leapt from her seat, pointing. “INDIA! LIKE ME!” she … Continue reading →

Posted in customs, Holidays, Singapore | 14 Comments

Question Time–Mail related

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Expat Bostonians

I have a question– Does Singpost not forward mail? We have lived in our current apartment for 2 1/2 years and still get mail addressed to a previous resident. I’ve written does not live here and put it back in … Continue reading →

Posted in customs, Expat to Expat Advice, Housing, Random Stuff, Singapore | 2 Comments

Reverse Culture Shock

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Expat Bostonians

After driving on the left side of the road for the past seven or so months, I have had to focus and think hard about being on the right side of the road again. I found myself wailing to anyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Boston, cars/driving, Culture Shock, customs, Expat to Expat Advice, headdesk moments, Identity, money, North America, Pictures, Random Stuff, Singapore, Third Culture Kids, Travel by Continent, Country, US | 21 Comments

Singapore Vs Us–Men and Kids

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Expat Bostonians

It is indisputable that Singaporeans LOVE children. My girls are subject to a near-constant stream of attention and praise (and occasionally getting their photos taken by total strangers). But it isn’t just from women, it’s from men as well. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture Shock, customs, Singapore, With Kids | 8 Comments