New Life

I am reading Boh Tong's blog.  He is now 3 months old in Japan and beginning to like living there.  I completely understand the feeling.  Initially, it is strange and everything is quite different even though it is nice.  There is this discomfort over the newness.  Over time, life gets into a routine and there are new hobby e.g. vegetable gardening(tomatoes), walks that is very comfortable...no sweats!, work on the house, etc, etc.  Then it is a real pleasure to experience different lifestyle.

I remember I had a hard time adjusting to life in Canada the first time.  The cold is frigid and goes straight into the bones.  Then the long days and enjoyable walks in the evening which is still very bright as the sun sets at 8 pm or later.  The neighbours or their kids will always say hi as it is their custom.  We can always talk to the kids we met during our walkabout and they will answer.  Whereas here, the kids look at you suspiciously or if it is a girl, she will hurry away or scream for her parents.

When we went back the 2nd time, it is so much easier.  We know the system and just ease into the life there easily.  Buy our car, get the insurance, go for weekend trips, fishing, farmer's markets, Home Depot or Canadian to maintain our home...  It is quite comfortable.

The only problem living in Toronto is snow storm and having to go to office.  If we ever go back now, this will not be an issue as I will not be working.

It will be nice to live there during summer and fall and escape back to Singapore in winter.  The only problem is airfare is so much more expensive than anywhere in Asia.