A journey from home to humidity.
From Sunderland to Singapore.
Moving from the drizzly, grey skies of Sunderland in the North East of England to the bright, sunny, and humid cityscape of Singapore in South East Asia has been quite the adventure. Imagine trading in your waterproof Hokas and Arcteryx for flip-flops and a never-ending need for air conditioning. This shift has brought a whirlwind of cultural, working, and lifestyle differences, each with its own set of challenges and enjoyment. This experience has opened my eyes to the vastness of the world and the many cultural worlds within it, even as I navigate the bittersweet reality of missing home.
Sunderland, with its rich mining and ship building history and close-knit community, is a world away from the vibrant, fast-paced life of Singapore. In Sunderland, life moves at a leisurely pace, with everyone knowing everyone else’s business, whilst also pretending to not know each other at all. Singapore, on the other hand, is a melting pot of cultures, where you can get lost in a sea of people who are all moving a bit too quickly for you to say hello or excuse me. In Sunderland, you might spend a quiet Sunday at a local pub, enjoying a traditional roast and pretending the weather isn’t as miserable as it is, until you look outside. In Singapore, a Sunday could mean exploring a hawker centre, sampling dishes that you can’t quite pronounce and have no idea what they are. It’s not easy to misunderstand pig trotter soup, which I have not and will not sample, ever.
Sunderland’s temperate climate, with its charmingly unpredictable rain and occasional glimpse of sunshine, is a far cry from Singapore’s relentless heat and humidity. The good old Northern England summer can be littered with grey drizzle and bursts of gleaming sunshine. In one week we can feel like we are in the depths of the Arctic Circle then the next day you could be in the Bahamas for all you know. Dress for all climates if you go out for the day, but Northerners are ‘tough as nails’, so dressing for all climates basically means shorts and t-shirts all day. Sunny? T-shirt off. Snowing? Tshirt on.
Singapore, on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. Imagine stepping out of your door and feeling like you’ve walked into a warm, damp blanket and instantly feel like you've been swimming fully clothed. Every. Single. Day. The tropical climate here means year-round sunshine, but it also means mastering the art of not melting into a puddle of boiling sweat. Commuting and running errands require strategic planning to dodge the midday sun, and air conditioning becomes your best friend. It is very much a common strategy to walk down the high street as close to the opening of retail stores as possible, as to get a life saving gust of air conditioning to help you along the way.
The work culture in Singapore is, shall we say, robotic. In England, there’s a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with a clear separation between professional and personal time. If your boss calls you outside of working hours you can leave them hanging no problem. Singapore, however, seems to believe that sleep is for the weak and weekends are a suggestion rather than a right.
If your boss calls you outside of work, you will answer that call like your life depends on it. As a cardiac radiographer, the shift from the structured, yet sane work environment in Sunderland to the high-pressure, fast-paced medical field in Singapore was significant. Despite the challenges, this experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to work with colleagues from far and wide and introduce Singaporean colleagues to the delightful ‘slang’ language of North East England. When I leave the Radiology Department of Mount Elizabeth Hospital I hope the staff are speaking Mackem for many years to come.
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and this is reflected in the cost of living. If you enjoy good Italian wine, your pockets should be as deep as The Mariana Trench. Housing, transport, and everyday expenses are significantly higher than in Sunderland. While Sunderland offers affordable living and a slower pace of life, Singapore demands a much higher income to maintain a similar lifestyle.
However, the higher cost of living is balanced by the quality of life and the incredible opportunities available in Singapore. The city’s public transportation is efficient and impeccably clean. The back alleys and quiet streets are very safe to wander at night and you can leave your phone on your table whilst you go order your food and it will never disappear (don’t hold me to that, I accept no responsibility).
Moving to Singapore has been a journey of exploration, opening my eyes to the vast world beyond the familiar confines of Sunderland. Even into my mid twenties I was sure I would always live within the surroundings of the North East, happily so as nowhere will ever feel like home. This adventure has allowed me to experience new cultures, cuisines, and ways of life, broadening my horizons and enriching my understanding of the world. YOLO is a phrase I thought was only put onto cheap t-shirts but I now understand it has a deeper meaning. We only get one shot at this life, once it’s gone it’s gone. I actually wrote in my wedding speech that the chance of being alive or so close to zero, they basically are zero. So thank the stardust you get to be alive on this rock and enjoy the world as much as you can, while you can.
However, this exploration comes with its own set of challenges. One of the hardest parts of living abroad is being away from family and friends. Missing birthdays, holidays, and seeing your closest friends have children. Watching them grow up on FaceTime and whatsapp pictures can be hard at times. The sense of missing out on these important moments is a constant companion, a bittersweet reminder of the distance between home and the new world I am exploring.
Moving from Sunderland to Singapore has been a journey of contrasts—cultural, climatic, and professional. It has been an adventure filled with learning and growth, highlighting the beauty of exploration and the challenges that come with it. While the excitement of discovering a new part of the world is incredibly mind blowing, the longing for home and the comfort of familiar faces remains a significant challenge that I feel will be present always.
In the end, this journey is a reminder that life is short, and the world is vast. Embracing the unknown and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to incredible experiences and personal growth. But it also underscores the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the special people in our lives that make us who we are.