Tourist to expat

I moved to Singapore from India a year back. My early days were spent feeling wonderfully fresh, like a tourist, mostly in all the museums, on walking tours, and hogging out at the hawker centres. I identified myself more as a long-term visitor and the word “expat” didn’t enter my mind.

But then I started looking for work here. My field of work hires locals and PRS, and, since I’m neither, I didn’t land a job. I realised … I’m an expatriate. And it opened doors to a whole new world: Expat Living! I first noticed the magazine while waiting for an interview, and since April 2018 I’ve been an ardent lover of it. I’m a digital reader and have downloaded some print editions too. I can’t wait to look through to see beautiful images of homes, antique furniture and travel destinations. Being an interior décor enthusiast, I particularly loved the July 2018 edition! The icing on the cake are the City SETTING UP HOME • INTERIOR

DÉCOR • THINGS TO DO Guide and Kids’ Guide publications. The City Guide (better than Lonely Planet!) is my all- time SOS for Singapore “hacks”. I find the schools sections in both the guides is extremely helpful as my child will go to one of those from next year. I’ve also sought many ideas from the “Active & Inspired” section, and the story on “island hopping” has been our companion on enjoyable trips to Kusu and St John’s Islands.

My love for Expat Living has made my thoughts flow long, but kudos to the EL team for such an absorbing publication every month. I look forward to it! – Soumita Bhattacharya