Rainy Singapore

Another weeks gone by.

I learned a lot this week, both about myself, and Singapore. School is different than Carolina, and I hope to explain whats different in a little bit. I went to Sentosa this weekend. Instead of going to Indonesia, and for that matter trekking to Malaysia, I have just been staying in Singapore. Im itching to see whats out there, and this past week I began to plan my trips.

Im going to be kinda scattered with this post. To start off I want to talk about differences in the education system. I actually had a Professor go on and on about how the US book based learning is a better way to learn. Im not sure yet. To explain, NUS classes usually dont have textbooks. If they do, they are super cheap, like 20 dollars. Because of this, all readings are either posted on IVLE, (UNC's Blackboard)or like an electronic bulletin board, and/or books or essays that I as a student have to find within the library. They have a section in the library that holds most of the recommended books by the Lecturers for all classes. I simply go into the section find the book, and I have it for two hours. So, really I can either copy the section I need, which is how most people do it here, or read the book in two hours. I have chosen to read it.

This may seem like a lot of extra work. I think it is. But the good part about this system is that I get to read a lot of different material, hear a lot of peoples opinions, and gain good research skills.
Along with these weekly readings, we have project research to do. All in all, any future UNC student on this program, be warned of endless reading. I mean you have a week to do it, and its not like you meet three times a week like at home. So, again which one is better?

I came to the conclusion that with this type learning, teachers expect you to write at a more academic and well research manner. Not to say UNC isnt expecting research and good writing, but UNC has students read a few books and then process that information and analyze it. UNC is more concerned about ideas and analysis, while NUS seems to be more about scholarship and support.

Well see if this hold true...

Now I want to talk about some of the ethnic communities within Singapore. I have been told that when the city (at the time) was run by Stamford Raffles (British Colonial Governor), he want to create different ethnic communities. He placed them on different sides of the river. I may be wrong with that, but it goes along those lines. Above me is Bugis! This is the oldest Mosque in Singapore. Therefore, Bugis is the Muslim community. Here in Singapore, most Malay Singaporeans are Muslim, so Malays usually are the ones featured here. Although Indian and Arab Muslims also have shops and live here. There is a street called Arab St. and that marks the beginning of the Kampong Glam. I hope to celebrate Hari Raya here, and when I do, I will post about it!

This is me at Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown
This is Chinatown. I and the guy in the dark blue shirt went in and explored. It was awesome! The Temple is Buddhist, and it was newly constructed.

Finally, Little India...
This is another Hindu Temple. When I went to Little India, it was so packed. There were tons of people there because it was a Sunday. 25% of the 4.5 million people that live in Singapore are migrants. Most on a temporary labor visa. This means that many of the laborers are Indian, Sri Lankan or Bangledeshi. They only have Sundays of, although someones working at every part of the day and night. So, on Sundays everyone comes out for a rest. In India, people say that you usually only see men on the streets. I anticipated this, and it was true. Thousands of men stood together, some holding hands, some with hands around each others necks. These affectionate signs are usually do to the fact that in Indian, mainly Hindu culture, women and men are not allowed to show public affection. Therefore, it is common for men to do this with other men.

I am going to India. Ok, maybe it will be one of those "im going to..." statements, and they actually dont happen. But Im almost 99% sure this will. Im preparing for now, and I cant wait! Its a month away...

Next week, I am suppose to go to Bintan for the day, lets hope it happens and I can report back!