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A Singaporean expat in Beijing: you can take the girl out of Singapore, but you cannot take the Singapore out of the girl
In my heart of hearts, I believe that our Singaporean national identity is one of multiculturalism – one that is embracive and strengthened by its ability to adapt. As a culture, we cannot afford to build great walls because our economy is intertwined with the world economy. Singapore was founded on the premise of international…
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Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant Beijing: a confused tourist and an amused waiter
I sink my teeth into the first wrap. The flavours are far stronger than what I’m used to. The duck is electrifyingly crispy and fatty, the sauce is tangy and sweet and the condiments are confusing. Midway through my first Peking Duck burrito, my waiter magically shows up with a plastic glove and a pair…
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Days 4 & 5 in Beijing: delays, detours, the National Museum and the Great Wall of China
As a born-and-bred Singaporean, I am no stranger to Chinese culture. But it really is something else to be here and see the vastness of this and to see where Chinese culture was, where it is now – and perhaps where it will one day be.
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Day 3 in Beijing: culture shock, crazy cabbie, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing Street
It’s been years since a place disoriented me so much; since a place truly felt out of this world. Every place I’ve visited in the past three years has had something about it that reminded me of someplace else. But not Beijing. It just feels so… foreign. And I’m someone who hates the use of…
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Day 2 in Hutong, Beijing: Confucius Temple, Imperial Academy, Tibetan Food and Yonghe Lama Temple
I intended to go to the Yougle Lama Temple, but I got seriously lost. No surprises there – my sense of direction is terrible. Imagine Dory from Finding Nemo. Yes. That’s how hopeless I am. I stopped to ask a police officer for help who told me I was walking in the opposite direction. No…
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Day 1 in Beijing: first impressions, the Great Firewall and dumplings
I’ve only been in Beijing a couple of hours, but so far, the whole experience has been a bit overwhelming. I can’t blame anyone but myself. I’m a seasoned traveller, I know – but I’m a terrible holiday planner. I’m the kind of person who likes to make things up as I go along; which…
Twinn Swan 