We’ve been in Singapore for three weeks now, and absolutely loving it.
There are obviously lots of things that are different here than back home in the U.S., but I think the picture above says a lot about the differences.
We were walking around parts of Chinatown tonight, and most of the stores were closed due to the Chinese New Year.
The photo above is of one of the bars that were closed, and it’s hard to tell from the picture, but it is a completely open-air bar. There are no doors or windows, the only barriers are the bar stools and tables, which have been moved to block the entrance.
However, there is nothing that is locking the stools and barriers in place. I could have just moved them to the side, and just like that, I’d be in the bar, with complete access to all the liquor on display.
I am fully confident that nothing will happen to that liquor while the bar is closed; that alcohol is as safe as the subways here.
But can you imagine something like this in the U.S.?
My guess is that the liquor and all the other contents of the bar would be gone in 10 minutes.
There’s a lot to be said for feeling safe and knowing that your personal property is protected.
I guess that’s one of the beauties of traveling to other countries. You get to experience different cultures and begin to realize that things don’t have to be the way you have become accustomed to. Sometimes there is a better way…
Borden's Blather 
I have heard things are very strict in Singapore, my friend got told off on the train for having chewing gum in her mouth – or so she said. For the law abiding citizen a good system, a culture of respect for people and property and with a city state you can achieve that; how far people are controlled or able to think for themselves is another matter.
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I have heard the same thing about gum; to me that is something easy to abide by. I think such laws are part of what makes Singapore special; everywhere is so clean and seems to run so well. And the people we have met have all been so wonderful.
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There is nothing more insightful than travelling, no matter the distance. You must see things that your experiences have never contemplated as a possibility. Stay safe, have fun, see it all!
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Thanks, Brad. Yes, traveling is a great opportunity for learning and having new experiences. We are having fun, and feeling very safe here. Hope all is well back in the U.S.!
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Isn’t that refreshing? I wonder if it’s due to strict laws or personal character and ethics. I hope it weighs more heavily on the side of character.how wonderful that you and your family are having this adventure. Happy lunar new year 🧧
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it is refreshing, and I think it’s a little bit of both items you mention, but I’d say it is more the result of character and ethics. We are having a wonderful time, it was fun being here for the Chinese New Year.
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that is so nice to here and what a great opportunity for all of you
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it certainly is!
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I gather even minor laws are strictly enforced (such as litter laws) which tends to encourage respect for them. It also requires enough enforcement officers to monitor them.
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I think people just learn at an early age hear to have respect for the law. I really have not seen much of a police/enforcement officer presence in all of our outings…
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That is mind-blowing. Have you considered writing a post about crime rates in Singapore? I’m also curious if illegal drugs are not commonly used much since so many of America’s crime issues seem tied to that.
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that would make for an interesting post, and I think the penalties for illegal drugs are pretty significant in Singapore, which could explain a reduced crime rate compared to the U.S. (if indeed there is one, which I am going to guess there is)
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Now that is a cultural difference. .. and I bet the criminal justice system ( formal and informal) would be a little less lenient than over here. So now you can also add “International Traveling Blogger” to the resume.
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given all the people we have in jails in the U.S., I’m not sure if it’s a case of the U.S. being more lenient. I think it is more a cultural difference.
“International Traveling Blogger” – you make it sound so glamorous! 🙂
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I think it is much more than strict laws and severe punishment at work that makes Singapore so safe. After all the U.S. has more people behind bars numerically and as a percentage of the population than any country in the world. And as you say, this would not end well in the U.S. I’m sitting in KIX (Osaka International) and was struck by something similar. At 0400 in a pretty deserted airport, a closed convenience store has only flimsy netting keeping people out.
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You are right, it’s more than just laws. It seems to be part of the culture to have mutual respect for each other and their property. Funny that you noticed the same thing! I’m guessing you are in one of the nice lounges at KIX, enjoy!
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The Japan Airlines Sakura lounge is closed until 0700 after my flight to Tokyo Haneda HND and then JFK departed so I was just hanging out in the airport. Now back in the “real world” and a nice lounge at JFK. 🙂
It is a funny coincidence that we noticed the same thing at the same time. I think the average person in Singapore, Japan and other Asian countries may just have a better grasp of basic right and wrong and concepts like karma might play a role. Here many seem to believe that good behavior and decency is for suckers. Do what you want as long as you can get away with it. That seems to be becoming the American way. Sad to say.
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that seems like a reasonable, but disappointing, explanation. Enjoy your time at JFK!
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Didn’t know you were in the neighborhood (of South East Asia, at least… hahahaha). Glad to hear that you are enjoying your travels.
If I recall correctly, discipline and security in Singapore is one of the highest in the world.
Have fun, and take care in your travels.
Have a nice day!
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Yes, we are practically neighbors! 🙂 It certainly feels like one of the safest cities in the world. And I could get used to this climate quite easily! We are looking forward to the rest of our time, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
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I hope you are enjoying Singapore.. Traveling and seeing how other countries operate is the best experience life have to offer. I can’t imagine an open bar in America..Singapore sounds like they really trust there citizens. Can’t wait to here more
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Thanks, LaShawn. I agree about what a learning experience travel can be. It’s certainly been bit by the travel bug! And yes, trust seems to be the key word.
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I was amazed at how safe I felt in Singapore. That method of locking up would not work here either!
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Yes, it is wonderful feeling so safe. Seems like Singapore may be somewhat unique in trusting its citizens so much!
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My aunt was telling me that it’s normal not to lock things in India too which I thought was very interesting. They don’t even lock their front doors.
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it certainly offers a different perspective on things when you learn about other cultures.
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