Umbrella Kind of Day

One might think that a reference to 'umbrellas' would involve the subject of 'rain'. Well in Singapura that is a yes and no kind of answer. Umbrellas are just one of those things that you don't leave home without, because here you truly never know what kind of weather is apt to occur through the course of the day. You can be walking out the door with scarcely a cloud in sight and yet you get on the train, an hour later depart to a rain shower.

Of course the most obvious reason to carry an umbrella here is not the infrequency of rain (which can range from a drop here a drop there, a slight drizzle, a light rain, a cloud burst, a downpour to the monsoon we now have 3 feet of water streaming through the gutters). I don't know why you think an umbrella would be necessary for those things; it is the sunshine that you most want to protect yourself from.

A day of sunshine can warrant as many umbrellas out as the day when it is raining so hard you can't see 3 feet in front of you (of course on those kind of days you don't use the umbrella because the wind is blowing so hard that it turns your umbrella inside out and is causing the rain to be horizontal element of nature rather than a vertical and therefore umbrella or not you get wet).


While not directly related to why people use umbrellas on sunshine days, however I have made the correlation to this issue; is that Asians prefer to lighten their skin tone. Yes, if you traverse the globe you will find not only are you on the opposite side of the globe from which you began, but the inverse has occurred in the lotions that appear on grocery store/pharmacy shelves. Rather than there being a myriad of products that help you bronze your skin (so we are talking more than just sun tan lotion), in Asia you have products that "whiten" your skin (that is what it says on the bottles... "for whiter skin"). Granted they do have a moderate share of suntan lotions, but you have to search for those and they are usually on a bottom shelf in an obscure area of the department. It is the lotions with 'skin whiteners' that are eye level, on the end aisle for immediate attention. Asians view darker skin tone as that of being a lower class citizen (the "coolies" that migrated here from other Asian countries to do the menial jobs the upper crust would not consider; or to make a better life for their families - these were the individuals from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos who were uneducated and could almost be considered slave labor); the lighter your skin thus has become an indication of wealth.

Are you scratching your head yet. While recent studies have shown that the beloved 'suntan' can actually be a detriment to ones health - the western world thrives on having the tan. To us the tan is that 'healthy' glow we strive to obtain, and if you appear healthy, then that sends a message. So in combination of using 'skin whitening lotion' (which of course runs the gambit in price and effectiveness just like our beloved skin bronzing lotions do in the United States) they carry umbrellas.

When it is the 'umbrella' for the sake of keeping the sun off, then we aren't talking the pocket umbrellas that compact down so that they will fit in your backpack or purse; the ones that have a diameter of about 18 inches and can barely keep the rain off one person, much less a mother with one, two or more small kids with her; the umbrella that can revert to a piece of abstract art with the first gust of wind. No we are talking the full monty, the large umbrellas that can double as walking sticks; umbrellas that can fit a family of 6 (okay, 4) underneath; umbrellas that when unfurled make it difficult for two people to pass each other on the sidewalk without one person having to step off the sidewalk.

Of course you have all kinds of umbrellas. Solid colored, patterned (Hello Kitty is very popular here - but young girls, older girls, women and even an occasional older man (for reason I won't begin to fathom other than it is an umbrella and he needed one)), artistic designed, theme, and the ever popular mylar coated. Why the mylar, well they no only shade you (when the umbrella is open of course) but they reflect the sun, thereby making it cooler (5-10 degrees) under that umbrella.

Umbrellas and bottles of water are a necessity here in Singapore on any given day. As I prepare to venture out into the city I wonder....
What kind of Umbrella is today?

Singapore Youth Olympic Games

Dear members of the U.S. Media Core

In less than 20 days the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be taking place in Singapore. This is and International Olympic sanctioned event that will include 205 Countries; 3,000 athletes. Key difference between the regular Olympics and the Youth Olympics is that in the regular Olympics it is the sport competitions that are the key focus; the Youth Olympics (only for athletes 14 to 18) have a Culture and Education programme which has equal emphasis to sport. Mrs. Obama, the 2010 YOG isn’t just about sporting events and winning medals; it’s also about being socially responsible!

The Olympic Torch was lit 23 July in Olympia, Greece and begins its journey to a major city in each continent before arriving in Singapore on Aug. 8th, with a relay that will wind through the streets for the following 6 days. Then on 14 August 2010, the flame will light the beginning of the world's inaugural Youth Olympic Games. The Youth Olympic Games is the first new Games the Olympic Movement has created in 80 years.

Throughout the Games, Singapore 2010 aims to involve the youth of the world and inspire them through an integrated sport, culture and education experience, to embrace, embody and express the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Singapore 2010 also hopes to inspire true sportsmanship among youths, and promote understanding and harmony among communities and with other nations.

I am a U.S. citizen, 21 year career educator, professional travel and nature photographer and currently living in Singapore. As an educator and concerned global citizen I have witnessed and observed countless senseless acts of discrimination, negative reinforced behavior and a society that seems bent of finding/reporting the worse of what is occurring in the world. As an educator I have struggled to promote racial/cultural diversity in our schools and community. Myself and my husband are volunteers for the Youth Olympic Games for a variety of reasons, but primarily because this event because of the core elements it promotes: respect, friendship and excellence.

I have been emailing and mailing media outlets throughout the United States to garner attention for this event, because it is such a positive focus of social and personal responsibility; for recognizing that we can be different, that are differences are recognized and accepted - and yet not a reply of any sort to even acknowledge the receipt of this information. I am frustrated to see such a great event being introduced to the world, that revolves around up and coming generations and not receiving any attention. In addition, the inaugural event is being held in Singapore. A city/country that is filled with racial and religious diversity that the core of its existence and growth is built upon respect and acknowledging differences.

I hope you will spend a few minutes to check out the website (www.singapore2010.sg). I would just like people to know about event and what is being attempted by its occurrence.

Sincerely

Joann Loudermilk

American Stereotyping

Washington DC Summit a wonderful concept that National Geographic has put together for students to not only explore our DC area; but also to meet and work with students across the United States and the world.

Staff and Students at Whitley Secondary School in Singapore are slowly being introduced to the program that will take them to NYC and Washington DC next March. They are excited. I am excited (I love the DC Summit program and can't wait to work with students both here in Singapore, but in the United States).

One of the components that I am preparing for is the presentation of this program to perspective corporate sponsors and of course parents of perspective student travelers. The National Geographic program offers such a myriad of opportunties for students, selling the concept is not difficult. I have not been so excited about an educational concept and program in a long time.

However... American television programs that are broadcast in Singapore may present an obstacle of their own in convincing families why they should spend thousands of dollars to the good ol USA. CSI:NY; Bones; NCIS; Criminal Minds; Law and Order:SVU; Law and Order:Criminal Intent --- these are shown every day/night over and over again (not to mention CSI; CSI: Miami; NCIS: LA; Numb3rs; and a multitude of other 'law and order' type shows.

So if this is the prime examples of life in the United States --- explain to me how I tell Singaporean parents that it is a 'good' thing to send their students on a 20+ hour plane trip to spend a week in the heart of CRIME. Even tonight... "Murder She Wrote" - NYC murder and crime.

Recently there was a facebook posting that had dialogue that went something like: 'fake tan, fake boobs, fake fingernails, .... are you sure she was made in China'. I saw this a a bad stereotype of China and more directly Chinese. As I contemplate the image that the shows Singaporeans are viewing and attempting to determine what stereotyping is occuring of those who live in the United States I am aware that this will truly be an eyeopening experience for the students.

I just need to figure out a way to get parents and financial partners to see beyond the 'televised' propaganda (and cross my fingers that is waht it really is).

Chinese Wedding

8 Courses, but only 6 involved the use of chopsticks!!

Mark and I were invited to attend a reception and dinner wedding celebration. I want to clarify this as we did not attend the actual wedding ceremony, nor did we attend the tea ceremony which I am beginning to believe is a much bigger deal than perhaps the wedding ceremony.

At any rate we were seated at the auspicious table number 13 - one needs to remember that for the Chinese 13 is a lucky number.

The reception began at 6:30 pm with dinner 'scheduled' to begin at 7. Of course Singapore time means that beginning at 8 would be good. Am not entirely sure if what we were waiting on was the guests to finish filtering in OR for the bride to finish getting ready. My research (limited at best) as to what we could expect; meant that the bride (and groom) would change clothes 3 times during the course of dinner. The slide show that had been playing during the predinner actually showed her in 6 or 7 dresses and from what I could understand is that from these she picked her 3.

Apparently she first appears in her 'wedding dress'; as the couple enter they (teen boys of the family) lined the aisle to shoot off larger 'poppers'. The added touch was that waiters from the restaurant had buckets of dry ice in champagne buckets that they added water to creating that nice thick fog effect.

The first course (appetizers) were delivered via a Vegas style theater effect. Included was slices of roast suckling pig; jellyfish and octupus; prawns with melon; BBQ pork. It is important to note that dinners at these type of celebrations are served family style. One large platter in the middle with everyone helping themselves.

Our table was set with the utensil of preference with the Chinese...chopsticks!!! Our neighboring table was set with spoon and fork (no knives) - however this was a table of Malay. Now the very nice gentlemen seated to my left offered to get me 'fork and spoon' but being of determined Czech and German bloodlines... I was determined to work the chopsticks. Of course with my first attempts it was quickly becoming obvious that unless something changed that this was going to be a new diet - 'Chop your way to a stick figure'.

To my rescue... my personal chopstick tutor. The gentlemen sitting to my left was kind enough and showed great patience in teaching me how to use these polished round sticks to enjoy my dinner. As the evening progressed I did seem to get better (of course there is great debate as to whether I was learning how to make my fingers work or it was the increased intake of wine that made the greater difference).

After the 4 course, the bride and groom made another appearance down the aisle. This time in the clothing that they wore for the tea ceremony. With this reappearance they cut their wedding cake (which was never actually served); opened the champagne which was poured into a fountain created from champagne glasses; a toast - which had all the single men of all ages from the families to the front to shout good luck wishes 'Gong Xi' numerous times while the women from the families drank the champage; and the tossing of the bridal bouquet.

The festivies seemed to come to a quick end when it was announced that the shuttle that would take people back to the MRT (train) station would be leaving. So there was a quick ushering through a receiving line... and the night was over; for the guests.

It was my understanding that earlier in the week, one of the events they had was the bed tossing and making. On this day toddlers were brought in to the bedroom of the bride and groom. Their task was to jump and tumble on the bed. Purpose you ask? Well if the couple wished to have boys then the toddlers would be only boys; girls then you bring in the female toddlers; and of course should you want both.... then you bring in both to have fun. After they have had their moments of chaos they are ushered out and a grandmother (preferrably one with lots of grandchildren) is brought in to make up the bed. NO one is then allowed in the room or to touch the bed until the bride and groom on their wedding night ( or rather afternoon nap time on the day of the wedding).

There is much I am still unclear about, however it was an interesting event to be invited to attend; my chopstick ablities are greatly improved and most importantly.... I got to drink several glasses of nice red wine that I didn't have to pay for!!! (Remember wine in Singapore is very expensive, so this was the first wine I had since arriving)

Adventures in Hair Cutting

Granted the concept of a 'hair cut' may not sound that exciting... but it was definitely a new experience. For 16 years I had my hair cut by the same person... she understood my hair, as much as someone can understand hair; so going to someone new - it was scary.

Now I had noticed that this one section of an outdoor mall that is nearby had numerous hair salons... but not only was I dealing with finding someone new; well it was also going to be nice if they spoke a decent amount English. What you quickly learn is that if you pause in front of a store/business then you are greeted by a clerk or individual (in this case a stylist) who will point out any and everything about their product or service.

And pausing and looking... and really wanting to remove weight from my head.... I thought, what the heck it is only hair. It grows back and besides mine spends 90% of the time wet (humidity and thick hair... not an ideal combination). So told him that I wanted a wash and cut - $24 Sing dollars (about $16 US).

His name is James; he is Korean; lives in Malaysia; commutes by MRT (train) 90 min. each day to work in Singapore but likes living in Malaysia better (for one it is less expensive). He speaks little English, however, I speak no Korean or Malay so I think that makes us operating on pretty much the same level.

The novelty of their hair cut begins from sitting in the chair. You don't go to a sink to have your hair washed, instead they use the equivalent of plastic mustard and ketchup squeeze bottles to first squeeze shampoo on to your 'dry' hair and then add water, not really a whole lot - and I was thinking a lot of interesting thoughts, like that was just a little water for my hair. However to my amazement a little does go a long way, as he began to work my hair and shampoo, it took little time to have it very lathered up... but that was just the beginning. For the next 10-15 minutes I received a very intensive scalp, temple, neck and shoulder massage. And we are taking neck massage that sends tingles up and down the spine. I had no realization a scalp could be massaged so. IF my hair wash and cut had ended there I would have left a content and happy person. As the lather worked up he would take large handful out and deposit them in a nearby sink...

When it finally came time to rinse we did go to a rinse sink, but with the rinsing came more of the neck and scalp massage; 'relax and let my muscles do the work' --- okay I can do that.

The actually cutting of my hair (which turned out well) was really an anti-climax to the wash. So when I went to pay, I figured... okay I miscommunicated what I wanted and this massage was going to cost me....NOPE it was still $24. I don't know about any of you, but I have never paid that price (so little) for a hair cut much less a massage.

Needless to say, I will be back. James works everyday except Mondays. I believe I have found someone in Singapore to cut my hair.

Buddha's Birthday

One of the interesting aspects of Singapore culture is that with the myriad of cultures and religions existing within a small space (the entire country is about the size of Washington D.C. and a population of 6 million plus) that there are not many days that pass without it coinsiding with a religious observance of some kind. And before you think that you might be able to categorize a religion (i.e. Buddhism) you need to rethink. There are a multitude of variations to the date on which an event is celebrated and how it is celebrated.

Intrigued and curious and ready to learn. I am thrilled that I live within walking distance of some of the largest temples in the city; and an easy bus ride to numerous more. I am constantly greeted by individuals of all ages and walks of life who are willing to answer my questions and talk to me about their religion.

This past weekend an event was taking place around our HDB (apartment complex). It began Friday evening with a seemingly simple carnival type atmosphere. Saturday presented us with a series of events that until this evening we could not explain. Mid afternoon numerous flat bed trucks were lined up in the street, decorated in festive lanterns, lights and flowers. There were several large groups of people in different cultural costumes mingling about (having organized numerous fair parades it did not escape notice that this was the line up for a parade... but the question was why) and while I was not hesitant to ask the luck of my selection were people who were not very fluent in English... and my Chinese (well if they followed the policy of Arizona I should have been driven directly to the airport and told to leave).

The departure time was mid-afternoon. It was later that evening when the real fun began when the parade had made its way back to our HDB in full splendor. Lights on and the groups were no longer riding in the trucks but were now Dragon Dance groups or bands (gongs, drums and pipes) as well as a variety of other individuals who I can only classify as performers.

Was wonderful to watch... but still had no idea as to what was going on. Today, as I accompanied the Singapore Youth Group from Mark's school to rehearsal I asked if anyone knew why such a performance. Evidently it is Buddha's birthday. Okay, so now I knew. Well kind of, but when exactly was when Buddha's birthday because according to my source it could be anytime for a week or so.... but a google search revealed the following:

On what day is Buddha's Birthday? That's simple. Just calculate the first full moon day of the sixth month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which would be the fourth month of the Chinese calendar, except in years in which there's an extra full moon, and then Buddha's birthday falls in the seventh month. Well, except where it starts a week earlier. And in Tibet it's usually a month later. Oh, and in Japan, Buddha's Birthday always is April 8.

Evidently the full moon in May is the 27th; thus these parades and celebrations could occur anyday or all days this week. Which also explains why Mark has no school this Friday. Because in Singapore, religious events by all religions are acknowledged, recognized and celebrated.

Agree to Disagree

Passport to Happiness

In Singapore, on Orchard Road, there exists a sort of musical chair system of events. Currently, and a semi-permanent display row, for the Singapore Youth Olympic Games lines one side of the very wide side walk. May 9th and 10th the ever-changing tent venue held not only displays, booths and a day to evening series of entertainment that focused on the Buddhist religion.

Since the tent is a usual figure in front of this mall complex I guess they decided they need more to attract the attention of people. While certainly not life size, this very large Buddha certainly made you stop.

The square of tables next to the entrance to the tent, where music waifed out into the street, had a large selection of books. Free for the taking - yes Free, books that explained the basic concept of Buddhism; books that were for the advanced learner; books of guidance; books for enlightment; books for children; books for adults; and "Agree to Disagree" conversations on conversion.

For those who know me and for those even more fortunate individuals who have taken classes or workshops from me - you know that I am all about 'perspectives' and how there is definitely more than one and not necessarily a best or better perspective, just different perspectives.

Well I love this book. This 24 page little pamphlet.

The objective of this book is to support Buddhists who are facing proselytism in their workplace, school or even at home, so that they can maintain their stand with compassion and wisdom. The individuals who developed this book (Buddhists) was done to share with fellow Buddhists. "We have no desire or intent to cause any discomfort. We wish to state that the viewpoints in this materal are soley our own. Buddhists, who are just like everyone else, want happiness and do not want suffering. In Singapore, we are able to live well and practise our religions. Towards this end, may Singapore and Singaporeans continue to be safe, prosperous and enjoy a compassionate environment for one and all."

Wow!!! While it may be a guide for young members to the Buddhist religion, assistance for conversations you might find yourself in about your religion ('saying No respectfully') - it is really so much more. And while I am not on a conversion to Buddhism, the teachings are certainly something more of society could benefit to take note of.

The introduction got my attention and my brain immediately began churning about how this could become a promotion for tolerance of all:

"The founders of each religion has as their bsic aim the unity of mankind-to foster harmony, goodwill and understanding among all people of the world.

Like bees gathering honey from different flowers, the wisse one sees only the good in all religions and accepts the essence of the different teachings."

Mark and I were fortunate to have arrived last August in time to hear the Prime Minister's National Day Rally speech. In his speech, which he actually gave 3 times (English, Mandarin Chinese and Malay) he raised his concern regarding the maintenance of religious harmony in Singapore (he was intelligent enough to keep it within the realm of his control, as I believe this is a concern the world community should have). He pointed out that the aggressive pushing of one's religion onto otehrs can prove detrimental to society; imporance of maintaining racial and religious harmony through tolerance and restraint, as well as preserving the common space that all share.

The educator in me (never stop learning) has had her learning button activated and with my newly stocked book shelf I look forward to reading about a religion I know very little about. In addition, I have a temple blocks from my flat with a treasure trove of Monks who are more than willing to discuss philosophy and principals with me. New perspectives.... love it!!!

"According to the Buddha, men are divided amongst themselves because of their strong sense of ego. When this is subdued by seeing the essential emptiness of a being, healthy human realationships will develop. The search for peace and a harmonious way of life therefore begins from within and not from the outside."