Why I wouldn't trade being Singaporean for anything else.

Had a simple steamboat dinner and watched the live streaming of the parade, which I must emphasize, was awesome, because it had no lags or any interruptions.

Now.

Having been away from Singapore for four years and only being back for Summer each time for three months or so, I have somehow built up a sense of patriotism in me - something that I definitely think would not be possible if I had not studied overseas.

I remember not feeling anything special watching the national day parades prior to 2006 - the year that I left for Melbourne. The only thing I looked forward to was the celebration in school, mostly because it was a half-day and we could hang out with friends after that, the performances, and lastly, the sing-a-long session. As for the nation's celebration itself, I only looked forward to the fireworks.

You know the saying, "the best things are taken for granted", "you never realise what you've got until you lose it," and the list goes on. I understood them now. Well, of course I never did lose Singapore. I chose to be away from it. And with that, I came to realise a lot of things. I know how many of us get sick and tired of being in Singapore, because of it being a small country, and we think they are limited things to do. I could come up with a the reasons as to why sometimes  I don't quite fancy staying in Singapore, but I can overlook them because there are is really no quite another place that I can call home.

We may be annoyed with the government policies and of course, the one-weather-only system that we have, but let's face it, there is still much to love about Singapore.

The things that I've greatly missed.

First, the three F's. Family. Food. Friends. No explanation needs to be given here. Being away definitely made me appreciate them even more.

Efficiency. You definitely do not want to know how "fast" things get done here. And don't even let me get started on the health system.

Shops closing times. Bored in Singapore? Let me tell you that there is no night life here unless you can only consider clubbing as your main night activity. That might be able to save you. Other than that - looking to shop at night? Not going to happen, except on Fridays. Looking to just chill out with your friends at cafes (not pubs) till 1 a.m? Not going to happen, either.

Cleanliness. There is a reason why Singapore is a fine city. We complain about it, but think deeply. What is the outcome of it? Are you happy to see spit or litter everywhere?

Safety and Security. With the recent slashings and manslaughter cases, I guess our safety and security are compromised. But it is still without a doubt that our city is one of the safest place to live in.

I took these for granted in the past. And each year, as soon as I touched down in Melbourne in late February, I will start counting down to the summer holidays. There is no way I will get a PR here. Home is still home.

I cannot wait to be back.

Sent from Blackberry Wireless Handheld