Random thoughts

I like the show 稀游记2 .

When they showed this week's episode on Shangri La, it brought back memories for me where I toured there with my parents.

As for the new countries/places visited in this season such as Argentina (South America), Brazil (South America), Botswana (Africa), Chengdu (China), Switzerland and Ulan Baator (Mongolia), it was so addictive to continue watching all the episodes. Of course, I didn't managed to catch all episodes. It's not the exotic places that makes the show attractive but the Singaporeans featured in these countries.

It gave me insights into the lives of these Singaporeans who have chosen to live, work and even made their careers in these far flung places. Recalled one episode where this teenager went over to Argentina to study in university. He's the 1st Singaporean there and had so many problems with the immigration and university administrative initally. Moreover, the local people don't speak English nor Chinese. Not only coping with studies is difficult, the day-to-day matters must be challenging. Felt that daunting language challenge when Belinda (host) arrived and had to find the guy's home. When asked why he chose such a place to pursue his degree, he's reply is because of his love for dancing. Argentina is famed for Tango. *Admirable*

Another episode on Brazil, a lady actually migrate to Brazil with her husband whom she met on the plane while she was working as a stewardess. She's just 26 years old when she went over to Brazil and has stayed there for 20 years till now. She helped with the family business of running a Chinese restaurant. Though its a family restaurant, she actually helped with all aspects of the business -waitress, wash dishes, cooking, etc. Brazil wasn't very safe, especially at night. Luckily her house was just beside the restaurant. But she didn't go anywhere except these 2 places for the first few years in Brazil. Her longing for Singapore was so evident when you watch the show. I felt that the place really didn't have much entertainment and with safety as a issue, the excitement will definitely wear our very fast and the loneliness and "being so far away from home" feeling must be paramount. How many women will actually follow their husband to somewhere so far? Admire her courage and being able to carry out her duties so faithfully.

Finally, there's this high-achieving architect who gave up his General Manager position to join the China Bear Rescue Centre in Chengdu. Change in the meaning of his work lets him put his skills to make a difference in another part of the world.