Second home?

I have been in Beijing for almost 2 weeks. The take away from this trip for me is to consider setting up another home outside Singapore. I think when we live in more than 1 country we will not only have more experiences but will learn to be more alert. This may perhaps help to keep dementia a bit further abay.

'Helping' my daughter moved into a friend's vacant apartment involved liasing with the local Chinese to set up facilities like utilities, internet etc. Their heavy BJ accent added to the difficulty in understanding the differences in the way things work. Moving around on my own, using the subway and taking buses, struggling to blend in so as not to be identified as "wai di ren" (foreigner), trying hard to differentiate between body lotion and shower cream (with my limited chinese) keep my mind active all the time. Needless to say one will be forced to learn Chinese to make life easier.

In Singapore, I would just drift into the MRT and instinctively turn right or left without the need to think. You go to the same shop or supermart to get your stuff and know which row and shelf holds the items you need. Life runs like a program within a 'comfort' zone. Most activities do not need much thinking other than new experiences actively sought after, like new jobs etc.

However in a new land, you have to be alert all the time. You wonder who you can trust and who you have to be wary of. You wonder whether the way you respond is impolite and you are observing people all the time. Even watching people in the park, in the streets, in the train set you wondering what their lifestyle is like and what values are most dear or detestable to them. In short it is quite refreshing.

So instead of being holed up in Spore, one can really consider downgrading into a smaller abode as a foothold in Spore and explore what is a good alternative to spend a couple of months a year outside for a breath of "fresh air".

ps. the bigget drawback in BJ is the polluted air. So BJ is not a good second home though the food is so cheap. Watching groups and groups of people practicing their dance, singing, all forms of martial art and exercise as well as just listening to people chat and enjoying the cool air underneath the shaded trees (yes even in summer) is so enjoyable though.