Personal Essay

Been Feeling Depressed Lately, But Seeing Bali in Singapore Helped

I have been too confined at home and needed a change of scene

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My partner always keeps track of upcoming exhibits at the Flower Dome. He told me that there will be orchids today but the Flower Dome will close for an event involving the US Embassy on Saturday, the 4th of July. Makes sense as it’s USA’s 250th Birthday and I’d like to send my wishes to my American Medium friends.

Orchids Found in Indonesia

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the theme was more Bali than just orchids. It felt like a pretty authentic recreation of Bali within the flower dome, minus the beaches and volcanoes.

Talented artists was commissioned to produce amazing sculptures and give us a glimpse of Bali.

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The Balinese music added to the overall atmosphere, making me reflect on my past trips to Bali.

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First Trip to Bali: Torturous School Field Trip

As a school kid of 17, I probably saw pre-touristy Bali, and I realise how it will never be the same again. I was on my own a lot, got lost even, but the locals were very friendly.

That Geography school field trip was pretty torturous as I went with a bunch of elitist kids (they were only two nice ones – 2 gay boys who were so kind to me). On top of that I fell very ill.

I wouldn’t want to relive that trip for this reason, but I’m fortunate to have had a glimpse of Bali in 1988. The trip was physically demanding and we weren’t warned about how taxing it would be. To make matters worse, I had no concept of sunscreen and ended up terribly sunburned.

Second Trip to Bali: Workshop at the Sheraton Bali

I went again for a work conference at 24, but was mainly confined to the Sheraton. I do recall how warm the Balinese hotel staff were. I’ve never experienced hospitality that warm at that point in my life and I was blown away and deeply moved.

Orchid Extravaganza: 3 July – 10 August 2026

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We were there on day 1 itself and as we entered the dome this is what we saw.

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As we looked down from the top level of the dome these sights greeted us.

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The umbrellas added so much to the Bali feeling.

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I love that they brought back the gongs. Water and gravity add to the magic. The sound was soothing.

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It must have taken months to weave these creations.

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I hope you found this escapade as refreshing as we did. Somehow writing about it helps to cement the experience.

There was just so much to see and learn.

Candi Bentar

A split gateway that I find looks beautifully majestic. Almost like a portal to something magical.

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Meru Tower

A pagoda like shrine central to the Balinese Hindu temple.

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Wayang Kulit

To be honest these shadow puppets scared me as a child. I think it was the dramatic eyes and perhaps just that shadow effect – they seemed so real.

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I hope I managed to bring a part of Southeast Asia to you.

More insight from Robin Ghosh who visited the orchid exhibit last year and who has a father in law who contributed greatly to our plant heritage in Singapore.

[embed]What 6,000 Orchids Taught Me About My Father-in-Law Orchid Extravaganza Revealed Something Specialmedium.com

I am happy to report the Publication now has 1092 followers. And more amazing writers are joining us which thrills me.

I am not part of the Editor Program yet as my Publication wasn’t open to all writers who followed it.

I changed that and it now is.

But I will have to keep the quality and relevance, by rejecting stories using solely AI art or obvious AI. The vibe here is for self shot photography and all human personal essays (non fiction) about your home country or a place that feels like home.

I don’t mind not being part of the program and will carry on like I always have by trying to get your stories published as soon as I’m able.

Just to note that Medium has a limit and writers are only allowed to publish a maximum of 2 stories a day so often the delay may be due to this or just that I’m asleep due to the timezone difference. (I’m at the equator in Singapore)

Here are some recent stories that were impressive starting with two on food culture. I am so deeply indebted to all of you who write way better than I ever could.

Minh

[embed]Thailand Stories Breaking the Fast medium.com

Do Capozucca

[embed]Eggs on Sundays What one euro can’t buymedium.com

Petra Kidd

[embed]Cambridge: A Day Out Where My Life Began Punting seemed so easy when I was young, this trip disproved it!medium.com

Wen Cheng

[embed]China’s Influencer Economy Is Rewriting the Meaning of Travel From “I was here” to “Look at me”: the quiet evolution of modern tourism.medium.com

Ella Read

[embed]The Most Copied Church in the World St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Londonmedium.com

Sondra Singer – Still Vital

[embed]A Chance Encounter While Wandering in Greeley, Colorado Surprise celebrity meeting in a city that is more complex than it first appeared to bemedium.com

Sandra Culver-Evans

[embed]Rainbow Connection Seattle Pride Parade 2026medium.com

Peggy Woods

[embed]The Houston Fire Museum Showcasing History See living quarters, artifacts, photos, and even a place for children to play!medium.com

[embed]Publication Submission Guidelines – Tourist in My Own Country A place for imperfect wonderful humans medium.com