What exactly is an expat?
Expat is short for expatriate.
Wikipedia says that we are people who are either, "temporarily or permanently in a country and culture other than that of their upbringing and/or legal residence."
In Singapore there is an astounding number of us. I haven't been able to locate exact statistical data but rumor has it that we are close to 1 million.... I have trouble with that number because it would seem to me that if we were 1/4 the population then somewhere...SOMEWHERE...I could surely find an outfit that fits my western body!
I am a tall woman - about 5ft 9 1/2" and bounce between a size 10 and a size 12 (the latter is winning the battle lately).But honestly, I have never had to ask for an XXL garment in my life ... except for here. I can walk into a store on any given day and receive the very honest greeting, "Hello ma'am, nothing for you here, lah".
Wikipedia says that we are people who are either, "temporarily or permanently in a country and culture other than that of their upbringing and/or legal residence."
In Singapore there is an astounding number of us. I haven't been able to locate exact statistical data but rumor has it that we are close to 1 million.... I have trouble with that number because it would seem to me that if we were 1/4 the population then somewhere...SOMEWHERE...I could surely find an outfit that fits my western body!
I am a tall woman - about 5ft 9 1/2" and bounce between a size 10 and a size 12 (the latter is winning the battle lately).But honestly, I have never had to ask for an XXL garment in my life ... except for here. I can walk into a store on any given day and receive the very honest greeting, "Hello ma'am, nothing for you here, lah".
I can laugh about it now but initially a comment like that sparked a bit of righteous indignation. I realize that these tiny little shop girls with 12 year-old figures are only trying to save me time. Perhaps I should thank them the next time I hear it.
posted by Christine at 9:30 AM
