My parents just got back from Australia, New South Wales not too long ago. Great that they are enjoying their golden years and traveling around the world together. They had quite a handful of oversea trips after their retirement already.
Both of them shared with me their stories about their recent Australia trip. It is fascinating to hear about the cultural differences between Singapore and other nations.
Here are some interesting findings my parents encounter.
1) People
The Australians are very warm-hearted and courteous people. They will greet strangers on the street with a smile lit on their faces; "Good Day Mate". They are very munificent and helpful citizens too. For instance, my uncle was asking one of a passerby for toilet directions. He was so willing to help to the extent that he literally guide my uncle to the nearest toilet which was quite a distant away. These small little help may not be of a big thing, but it really shows how much their people are willing to go an extra mile to help strangers or even to brighten a person's day.
V.S
It is quite rare Singaporeans do that. I am not trying to say Singaporeans are not polite or generous because they do not greet people. It may be due to our conservative environment that we are brought up in or our shy nature. I believed Singaporeans are equally polite and kind hearted but we express in a different manner. I seen many honest, humble and polite people in Singapore and also a fair share of uncouth Singaporeans. We cannot simply write off Singaporeans as unfriendly people because of these minorities.
2) Transportation
They still rely on train conductors; A little backwards in terms of technology as compared to Singapore where we uses EZ-link card. Their payment system based quite a lot on trust. Their payment for the train goes like this:
Train Conductor steps into the train.
Train Conductor: "Who haven pay your tickets, please raise your hand."
I been to Australia once before too. I remembered that their payment for buses are by cash too. They are more carefree, laid back and "slower in pace". Commuters will line up to make cash payment to the bus driver and change will be given back to you. This process can take up a few minutes before the bus starts proceeding on it's journey.
V.S
In Singapore, we have a vast network of transportation. Most part of SG is convenient and accessible. Apart from our frequent SMRT breakdowns (These few days keep breakdown ARGHHHH!) which results in many angry commuters to curse and swear, our public transportation is rather efficient. At the expense of being much faster in pace, sometimes we do get nasty remarks or signs of impatience when we hold up commuters behind us. You may encounter some "death stare" or people behind you making this "TSKKKK" sound. It gets worse if you hold up the peak hour traffic commuters. End of the day, this question arises in my head, "So does technology actually improves our life?"
3) Shops
In NSW, all or most of their shops close at 5pm. Only on Thursday, some of them are open till 9pm.
V.S
In Singapore, most shops close around 9pm or latest 10pm on a daily basis.
4) Food
Food wise; minimum cost per casual meal is about 10-15AUD. Usually a rather large portion is served which can be shared by 2 medium eaters. NSW have very little variety of food, most of it are Western Food which are deep fried and oily. Their staple food seems like French Fries. I wonder how they are able to indulge in such unhealthy food everyday.
The most worth meal my parents had was Golden Rooster (KFC-alike). They have the biggest chicken portion ever. Tender, crispy and finger licking good. Unlike SG KFC, our chicken seems to be abused and underweight.
The most ridiculous meal my parents had was at a Chinese Restaurant.
A. Broccoli with prawns (28AUD)
B. Duck slice (36AUD)
C. Noodle using curry powder seasoning (Forgotten)
They mentioned that the Chinese food was terrible. It was some ordinary shop, so standard of food may be explainable. But, the price of the food is sky high. It is literally day light robbery.
5) Car Park Charges
Apparently, New South Wales seems to have higher charges for parking. My initial assumption was that Australia being a country with abundant land and space, parking should be relatively cheap. Did not seems to be in this case; car park fee is particularly expensive. On average, most places charges around 6AUD per hour. Some of their parking system is also a little different whereby some car park only limit a maximum of 0.5/1/2 hours of parking. If you exceed the time, you will get fine. The highest car park fee my parents happen to see was 50AUD per hour. That is one huge burn in the pocket. Interestingly, they also have "ERP" but my parents are not sure how they actually work.
V.S
Singapore have considerably expensive car park charges too. As long you own a car in Singapore, be prepared to spend and do some damages to your wallet. We have both the gantry payment system and our very own coupon parking system. We have our distinctive "summon" aunties too. Their presence always brings panicky and funny sightings. Suddenly, you will be able to see people rushing to the car park. At some locations (Eg. Coffeeshop, Restaurants), they provide "informants" to spot for "summon" aunties. Hahaha. Quite an adorable way Singaporeans work together hand in hand to fend them off. We are indeed uniquely Singapore.
Nutshell
It is always good to understand and learn other country's culture. You never know when you need these knowledge. As for me, I am very curious and inquisitive. I love to find out and hope to sink into other country's unique culture. I find it awe-inspiring. Besides that, each an every nation have their pros and cons. No country is perfect but every country got their own distinctive culture and lifestyle. Some of it will defines us from others and that is what makes it so special. Like every human beings, we have a purpose in life, a talent and that is where we should specialize and strengthen on it. Work on your strength!
Cheers!
Little Boy
