The Gardening Suite

I've been thinking how to start this adventure in an easy way. I needed some colors in there, badly, and so my mind found plants being a good option. As a response, I have now allocated about 450 acres of the east wing for building a lush indoors garden, with waterfalls, canopy walks, mushroom and dried leaves - a haven for wildlife. The project is estimated to cost a whopping S$20 and is scheduled to be completed sometime in the year of 2008. It is by far the biggest indoors cubicle gardening project in the Ascade APAC office.

As seen in the pictures, I also found a very amusing newspaper article which I had to put up for inspiration. Ah, these bright green creations shall save me.











A Swede in Singapore, Part 2
To be treated with respect, to feel safe and secure, to have things working and being in order, and to still meet open-minded people with interesting views to share. Perhaps it's still my initial reactions talking (after all, it has only been little more than a month), but I do feel these things, and it's certainly a positive feeling. Many people would say that with more control and more order there will be less innovations and less artistical and esthetical freedom, less creativity - a more static community. I have no idea what the art scene here is like, but if I look at some of the reasons why I decided to leave Sweden, I can say that here I do get away from many of them.

Home is not necessarily one's castle here. I feel that sometimes, it's easier to organize little gatherings. This is surprising to me, considering that Asian cultures put more weight on family matters. Of course I don't have the same close friends, yet, but perhaps with some time; or maybe I will never, unless we speak the same native tounge? Is being able to use all possible nuances of a language necessary to get to know a person that well?

Do I feel restricted here? No.
Do I feel like I get special treatment as a westerner? Sometimes.
Do I feel any resent towards me because of my origin? Yes, but it feels hidden beneath the social structure.

I have found that Singapore, or South East Asia in general, is quite "openly" racist. More so than Sweden, less so than other places. It's not in your face, but it's between the lines and it's behind backs. It seems like there are a lot of presumptions about certain races, depending on where you come from. As if you're expected to think a certain way about others, as if society demands it.

I have been reading quite a lot about future developments in Singapore over the coming 10 years, and man, I am now officially a Future Development Nerd! There is so much going on, with cranes, concrete and guys in yellow helmets everywhere. And they are good at it - really good. The plans for this city are mind boggling. Perhaps not as crazy as Dubai, but still, it is impressive to say the least. It will be fun to live in such an expansive area and it makes me want to stay those 10 years just to see it and live it.

At the same time as I enjoy movement, things happening, the cityscape, I am a person who really enjoy raw nature. At the same time as I want them to build faster, I want them to stop, completely. Don't lay another square meter of asphalt, don't mix another kilo of concrete, and please don't build two new highways. However, I have discovered more and more recycling bins around the city (some close to my home), as well as advertisement for energy efficient housing and promotions for using public transport to save our environment - and that makes me happy.

For some heads-up on Singapore future development, check this very interesting compilation.

Until next time, live well.