Mindful Traveling in Singapore

We had planned to kick off our first Sunday in Singapore by being big kids at Universal Studios before the world’s largest blockchain conference next week. Shankar has never been to Universal Studios, and I was excited to show him the imitation 1950s Hollywood set, revisit some of my favorite film locations from when I was younger, ride a few roller coasters, and complain about the inevitable overpriced $45 burger. But, as fate would have it, the weather had other plans. Torrential rain forced us to find cover and figure out an alternative plan. Thankfully, we stumbled upon an opportunity to explore Suntec City Centre, the same spot where the Token 2049 conference will be held. With laptops in hand and a flexible attitude, we made our way there by foot, ready for whatever the day would bring.

Suntec City Centre: Shopping Mall Heaven or Hell?

Picture Singapore's Downtown Core, a mix of shopping malls, office towers, and a convention center. Now imagine trying to leave, only to find every exit leading you past another hundred stores. This isn’t an exaggeration. I wish I had a photo of the sign. What began as an exciting exploration of trendy retailers, a modern mix of local and international dining, and even the chance to try Singapore’s first cheese tea (which we passed on with a laugh) quickly turned into an endless labyrinth of over 500 stores. As fun as it was at first, our enthusiasm gave way to exhaustion. The Millenia Walk became the Promenade, which led us to another maze at Marina Centre—and, of course, even more shopping.

All we wanted was to get to The Singapore Flyer, Asia's tallest Ferris wheel. Instead, we found ourselves trapped in what felt like shopping mall purgatory. By the end of it, we were both worn out and over it. I think I speak for us both when I say we don’t want to see another mall for at least two weeks! Fortunately, we took it in stride, with a bit of humor to lighten the mood. After navigating escalators and bridges, we were physically drained but well-fed from some incredible meals, cooled by the air conditioning, and grateful to be out of the rain. All things considered, it wasn’t so bad. We reflected, laughed, and decided the day was still a win.

The Singapore Flyer Fail

After finally making it to the Marina, we went to The Singapore Flyer, starting with the "Time Capsule" exhibit, which took us through Singapore’s history, from its Malaysian roots in the 1200s to its modern-day skyline. It was beautifully interactive, filled with tech-forward displays and curious artifacts. Then, it was time for the main event—the flyer itself.

Here’s where things got tricky. As we ascended, Shankar noticed I wasn’t quite myself. "What’s wrong, Antréa? Afraid of heights?" I tried to downplay it. "I just dislike heights," I muttered, standing stiff. I hadn’t felt true fear of heights in years, so I didn’t expect it to hit me now. I hoped Shankar might hold my hand, maybe even call me his “sweet baby princess” and reassure me that everything was fine. Instead, he enthusiastically pointed out landmarks and said, "This is awesome!" Meanwhile, I was quietly panicking, clinging to whatever mental grip I could find as the flyer rose higher and higher. By the time we reached the peak, I was frustrated—mostly with myself, but I blamed him. I later apologized, realizing it wasn’t his job to manage my emotions, and that I’d failed to use the mindfulness techniques I normally rely on.

The Singapore Flyer Win

On the flip side, I’m proud that I got through the ride without having a full-blown panic attack. That might not sound like much, but for me, it was a real win. For most of the ride, I was having a great time, breathing deeply and focusing on the stunning night skyline, the bay’s lights, and the boats below. It was only when Shankar started talking about emergency ladders and other “helpful” things that I lost my cool. I managed to recover by distracting myself with the interactive iPads inside the capsule, which showcased different views of the city and some fun videos. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.

In the end, the experience wasn’t perfect, but it was meaningful. And what matters is that I was able to observe and acknowledge that it was not perfect. Are you doing this? Can you be honest with yourself? If so, that is what matters most. That is a win you can be proud of.

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