I was in Singapore for my coach Hui Hui’s first ever event – a celebration of transformative learning and camaraderie across 26 countries. Everyone was exceptionally friendly, including the bugs from the 26 countries!
Down and out with an infection – I haven’t had one for at least 10 years… and it sure made up for lost time! I had forgotten what it was like…now well on road to recovery.
Singapore has also been a fascinating journey down memory lane, as this tiny Nation holds great significance in our family’s history.
This city-state is where my parents, childhood sweethearts, first met in school. Both were striving to catch up on their education and rebuild their lives after the turmoil of WWII. My mother hailed from Kota Bahru, then Malaya, while my father, a third-generation Singaporean with roots in Fujian, China, resumed high-school. My great uncle was among the founding fathers of Singapore, setting up the banking system for this fledgling nation.
Upon my parent’s marriage, my father was dispatched to Malaya to establish his uncle’s building materials business, and there they remained. Thus, I came to be Malaysian, but at 18, I left for tertiary education and eventually settled in Australia, and now call New Zealand home. Such is our life as part of the Chinese Diaspora, with my father’s extended family scattered across the globe – I have cousins in the UK, EU, Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
My first visit to Singapore was with my parents for their friend’s wedding, a novel experience for a young 4-year-old. Later, as a teenager, I explored the city independently with a friend, and as an adult, I returned numerous times for business. Eventually, the circle completed with several visits alongside my parents for Feng Shui teachings, the most recent being 15 years ago for a Feng Shui Conference where my father was the Founding Chairperson.
Three full days dedicated to Hui Hui’s event was just inspirational. I came in a day early to visit my uncle and set aside a day after to stroll down memory lane.
While Singapore has undergone significant changes, there are cherished places that remain unchanged. The iconic Merlion and the quaint cafes lining the Singapore River have stood the test of time, though the skyline has transformed the view. Reconnecting with these familiar sights was a delight, especially as I wandered along the riverbank in the cool evening breeze with Nicki, my Scottish friend experiencing Singapore for the first time.
Nature held a special place in my parents’ hearts, and they often took me to the Botanical Gardens and the Orchid Garden – orchids being my mother’s favourite flowers.
My last day in Singapore was dedicated to a nature pilgrimage to these beloved gardens. There is a profound harmony that resonates between humanity and nature, and for me connecting with nature here is synonymous with reconnecting with my roots.
As I bid farewell to this beloved city, I carry with me not just memories, but a profound sense of gratitude for the journey that has brought me full circle, back to the heart of where it all began.
Master Boon
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