Farewell, and See You Soon

Bye Mum; bye bro; bye Dad. By this time, you should be at the airport, checked-in and waiting for the departure of your flight. It was a real treat having all of you here in Sweden with me, a real treat.

Singaporean women often say that Singaporean men are tied to their mothers' apron strings, but while I'm not reliant on my mother for anything now, I appreciate spending time with her and my family. If that means being tied to the apron strings, then I'm guilty. But in my opinion, being tied only means that you have no means to survive without that person. It's not a crime to be close to your family, and I'm not embarrassed to say that I'm close to my mum and bro. Perhaps those women who condemn men for being close to their mothers should reflect and think if they would like such a relationship with their sons in future.

I digress.

My last meal with my family in Sweden yesterday was great. While I would not be raving about the standard of the food back in Singapore (Amazing Thai in Uppsala, Sweden. Very reasonably priced. Huge portions. Food is generally rather tasty, but their Pad Thai is not up to standard. Not even for a street-side stall in Bangkok.), somehow it tasted so much better than any meal I had before. Perhaps it's the company. Perhaps it's the conversation. Perhaps it's just me.

I'm going to miss them. Home is not what you make of the place you are staying. It is where your family is, and where your heart lies. No wonder those who live away from home always love it when they are able to return, even a short time and the weather notwithstanding.

I should be glad that C and J will be returning to Uppsala in a weeks' time before they leave for home and JY, YX and his girlfriend will be coming in June. Friends from home are always good to have.

Bye Mum; bye bro; bye Dad. Have a safe flight home. Thanks for everything! And I'll see you soon!