On my ride back home from my puja (similar to mass for Christians), I went to the nearest town area to run my errands like buying a new thin cardigan for my new job starting tomorrow, and getting some food for my packed lunch (I have inspected my new work area and the nearest cafeteria is some distance away) for the week. I haven’t decided to pack lunch every single day of the week, but I might do so for a couple of days a week for a start, depending on situation (but not every single day).
Anyway I sidetracked. From my ride on the train to the supermarket followed by the bus back home, it was CROWDED. In the past, during off peak periods like weekends, rides on the public transportation were enjoyable. Places were not as crowded. Unfortunately, the government in my country think that we need to import many many many foreign talents to support our country’s economy. I am not encouraging protectionism, but I think it is plain to see if you visit other countries that citizens will always have the right and privilege for many benefits and public funds (and my country is not a social welfare society anyway. We don’t have minimum wage law and unemployment benefits).
I fully recognise as a normal citizen with no power nor influence, these policies are beyond my control. So putting these aside, I felt sad. I cannot think properly in my own country because it IS TOO CROWDED. You see people everywhere. For a small island we need to cram up to 7 million people. I do not know how others feel, but I am pretty sure by the time I feel I have enough savings, I would like to skip out of this country for a quieter and less crowded environment to retire in.
I reminisced the days when I was overseas in the quiet village where I could walk, breathe and think properly. Here, it is just NOISE, NOISE, NOISE everywhere. But I shall look forward to realising my dream. It may only happen a few decades later, but time passes really fast. That day will definitely come. If you have a wish and it is not too impractical, it can be achieved :)