Dear Singapore

Dear Singapore,

This weekend marked the one year anniversary of my relocation to your jungle metropolis. Although it was not our first meeting, and it was never what you might call "love at first sight", it has been a good relationship so far.

I recently renewed my passport for the third time in my life and I realized that ironically, each time I've renewed that document that seems to be a testament to my life's journey, a new chapter has begun in my existence in this world. I wonder what this chapter will bring. I have decided it doesn't matter because the old cliché rings true; "Life's a journey, not a destination." I hold that close to my heart always, it defines me.

Singapore, although you may not be my true love, you've given me a good home, a great boost to my career, fantastic new friends, more travel memories, lots of material for my book and an easy lifestyle. You've made me laugh, and at times, you've almost made me cry in frustration and you've certainly made me shout in a fury more than once, but overall, the last year has been one I wouldn't change for all the gold in the world.

It has been a journey of self-discovery and metamorphosis that you have provided the backdrop for, as you did once before, twenty years ago. The sights, smells and tastes of the east will stay with me forever should I decide to leave you someday. But I'm not ready to do that just yet, so here's to another year, more or less, only God knows.

Cheers!

Tanya/Tatiana