'Going back'

I often make the statement of 'going back to Singapore' back in secondary school days. over the years I still make the statement, only to realize that 'going back' meant quite differently already.

back in those days, this island was very different. there was no explosion of 'imported people' and so it had a unique culture of its own where each foreigner tries their best to adapt to. it was that kind of culture that made me even consider settling down here all over again after graduation. however nowadays I take a different perspective to look at this island country already.

the dynamics of the city, the pace at which developments are taking place, are all starting to go in a direction that I cannot really comprehend anymore. we cannot really blame globalization, since it is helping to built a world without borders. however there are certain essence of a culture that trades off together with the merging of world communities. so much we say about preserving certain bits and pieces, but what are all these when the puzzle can no longer be completed?

perhaps it was the growth in us that changed my thinking, or even the comfort that I am currently enjoying back in home country that made me think differently. probably for those that really know my story, you know that when I say 'going back' it does not only mean the literal meaning anymore.