Finally the long awaited BKK trip was here and we just came back last night. The trip was filled with so much feelings I have to pen them down before it all goes away and before I start to take Singapore for granted again.
It is definitely not the best time to visit BKK now, I would advise all who're planning for a trip there. The political position they are in right now causes a lot of chaos and it made us really paranoid the whole time we were there.
We were lucky to have chosen a hotel away from the rally sites so we felt pretty safe every time we were in our room. But honestly, no one stays in their hotel room (unless for sleeping) on a trip right? We still managed to visit a few shopping places and I am just so grateful for our safety.
During the day, it was pretty safe because the protestants are not out on the streets. It is during the late afternoon when they will slowly gather at rally sites to listen to talks. They would just sit on mattresses or newspapers or stools, eat and drink there and whistle real loudly whenever there's a climax during the talk. All these were strange to me because I grew up in Singapore and never have I been to a country with unstable political situation.
It is very advisable to not go near the rally sites at night because you never know what will happen next. On our first night, we went near one of the rally sites for our dinner. We were too lucky to find ourselves going back safely without anything happening. We merely saw groups of people blocking up roads and giving out food to their fellow protesters...
On the third night, while we were at a night market shopping, we heard a loud explosion sound and we were so curious on what had happened. We obviously have never heard an explosion before and it was really loud. We then saw people walking very quickly away from where the sound came from, heard sirens and saw police cars and ambulances and we took very quick steps back to our hotel immediately.
After checking online websites, we realised it was a grenade explosion and several people have been injured. Again, I'm too thankful we were unhurt.
I'm so glad it was already our last night there when the explosion happened and I couldn't wait to be back home already, where it is all safe and peaceful.
I just wanna say, how many of us actually noticed how safe it is here in Singapore? We probably have always took it for granted. Going night jogging, coming home real late, staying up late at night, nothing will happen to us. Even if something happens, we know the police will take action immediately.
All these are not happening in many countries out there. We are too lucky to have the government protecting us, so many policies and welfare benefiting our safety and health. We are too lucky because we will never find ourselves hearing explosions or the sound of a gunshot here in Singapore. We are always safe and protected.
After this trip, I have learned to cherish Singapore a lot more. For its peacefulness and serenity, for its cleanliness and safety, for its vibrant nightlife, for its culture that I'm so familiar with, for its convenient transportation system, for its safe drinking water, for its food that will never be too dirty to be consumed, for it's the place I grew up in and will never want to leave, because it's my home.
Thank you Singapore. I love you.
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