6:51 PM
Switzerland has been an interesting ride so far. I'm still discovering more new things everyday, and it helps to have an open mind when going about your daily schedule. Perhaps I'm not a person who needs to have reminders of my heritage everywhere, because I find all the ancient architecture very fascinating. How could man be so ingenious to design and build such intricate things with little technological help? It is such a different environment from Singapore, as every stone and brick has a story to tell, having weathered at least 100 years each. You would find small monuments everywhere, even along the streets of your neighbourhood. I have seen some of these while out buying stuff, but its regrettable that I have not had the time to slowly explore each nook and cranny.
I used to want to see Europe so badly, but now that I am here it seems like such a daunting task. History is infused in each small corner, and I wonder how I would even be able to start to scratch the surface of such a rich heritage. Even things that we always associate with modern times and technology actually have huge legacies and interesting stories behind them.
I feel that this is where I envy people who come from old countries, as they are blessed in this sense. Singaporeans do not have the same rich culture and identity like they do, given that we are a nation of immigrants who have yet to become really integrated into one people, no matter what our pledge says.
I guess this is the reason why I don't mind not seeing anything that is distinctly asian in this place - if you want to see asia, go to asia. There you can see the authentic things. Of course I don't deny that I get excited when I see things that remind me of home, who doesn't? Its just not really the point to search for Asia in places that are so quintessentially European, isn't it? I want to be able to enjoy my stay in Europe and explore the sights and sounds that are so different from what I am familiar with, soaking in the atmostphere here. And then, I'll be ready to go home after these 6 months and to all that I love and miss while over here.
Great plan, yeah? Right now, Squishy will remind me of home. :)
Kay Key