THE MEANING
Going back to my roots
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Most people have an idea of the place where they spent their childhood, but for me, 3 years was spent in a country that I have absolutely no memories of. Thanks to my parents, I've had the opportunity to travel around the world, but I've never returned to the place that made up such a huge chunk of my early life. This is most likely due to the heavy costs of travelling halfway across the world, as evidenced by the airfare costs of $8,367.95. My family has always favoured mass tourism ventures, such as cruises, that are both economically and time efficient. However, this vacation would be the exception; foregoing frugality to bring me back to where I came from.
How will Singapore Make me Feel
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I hope that heading back to Singapore would give me a sense of going home, despite my lack of memories. I feel as if as soon as I get there, and begin to embrace the culture and environment, I'll begin to understand more about myself. I hope to get past the superficial responses, i.e. brushing off the places we visit, and instead create a true emotional reaction. This vacation instantly sets itself apart from any other trip as the destination would truly make a lasting impact on me. Going into the trip, the rest of my family would consider themselves practically locals. In contrast, I am a stranger in a completely new environment. Hopefully, however, this trip will make a legitimate impact and bring me closer to my Singaporean origins.
How will it change me
Throughout my time in Canada, I have always been brought up in a very Westernized environment. Despite my parents immigrating from Hong Kong, they have always been extremely open to Canadian culture. Going back to Singapore, even if just for a week, would let me peer into my past, before I was even Canadian; before I was who I am today. Hopefully, going back to my roots will help me to understand my cultural and racial background beyond that of Canada. Perhaps by exploring and understanding Singapore, it will instil in me their cultural values and principles I had not previously possessed.
FAMILY
Above the changes to myself, this trip is also an opportunity for my family and I to bond in an environment that we haven't visited together in over 16 years. During the time of my birth, it was extremely difficult for my parents to adjust to the setting, especially given the emotional distress at the time. Hence, this trip would not only help my self-improvement but would also bring back the happier memories for my family, bringing us closer together.