Nutzi Land

Across different cultures, simple things and gestures can hold vastly different meanings and connotations. Between East and West, these encounters can be quite alien. Regardless of the time, this occurs still to this day. Such is the case with Germany's visit to Singapore.

Along the visits of Singapore's renowned Orchard Road district, the sight of Caucasian men is not odd. However, the Caucasian man looming over the locals was hanging out with a more petite Asian girl. That caught the glares of some in the crowd. Unknown to them all, they were the Nations, Germany and Singapore.

"Singapore… why are they staring at us?" asked Germany, "is there a stain on me?"

"No lah, you look fine," Singapore promptly replied, "they all just a bit crazy."

"Anyway, I appreciate it that you are taking me on a tour around your house while our bosses are talking," Germany said, "but… what's that? Someone's getting shot!"

"WHERE!" exclaimed the Singaporean.

Germany rushed across the street, towards the front door of a shopping mall. He promptly grabbed the wrist of a lady in the front, catching the surprise of all.

"Unhand that taser!" Germany yelled.

"Mr Germany, that is not a taser," Singapore explained, "it is a thermometer."

"Thermometer?" the German wondered, "In public?"

The German Nation pried the device from the hands of the lady and quickly took it apart. After a while, his face turned red from embarrassment.

"Uh… yes, it is a thermometer… but why take them in public?" he asked.

"Ever since SARS and bird flu, we can't be too lax on health," Singapore reasoned.

"But having your temperature taken in public against your will… and allowing others to do it… this is mad, to be frank," Germany said, "This will never happen in my house. Nonetheless, the device is very efficient and precise."

"Rules ah," Singapore answered, "my boss only has the best interests for me. I take you somewhere else."

The two Nations managed to get a ride onboard a taxi, travelling through many of the sights around the island-state. Once again, the German man exclaimed again.

"Stop the vehicle!" Germany yelled, "And Singapore, I am shocked that you are colluding with such groups!"

"What's the matter now?" asked Singapore, "the taxi uncle will charge extra for this."

Germany only pointed out towards a certain building, where the distinct "卍" symbol was seen in bold red.

"Relac ah," Singapore remarked, "That is only the Red Swastika School."

"But that insignia is that!" Germany cried, "The Nazis may have infiltrated your government as we speak, but I'm surprised it is here and not… say America or Argentina."

"Germany please lah, the Swastika is a Buddhist symbol of peace," Singapore, "blame that Hitler for ruining its good name."

"But I'm shocked that you allow this symbol to be around," Germany said, "in my house and Austria's, these are illegal along with other Nazi-like behaviours."

"Be more multicultural leh. You should learn from the pro one," Singapore remarked, patting on her chest, "And uncle, continue the drive lah. Other people getting mad liao."

"That did not work out for me," Germany admitted.

Eventually, the 2 Nations returned to Singapore's accommodations. In the front porch of the mansion-like residence, cages were hung and a symphony of chirps filled the airwaves.

"What is all this?" asked Germany.

"Songbirds, some of my pets," Singapore said, "some of their cages can be worth 5 digits, highly durable and all that."

"But why keep so many birds?" inquired Germany.

"They bring me luck, it's all in the fengshui," Singapore replied, "The fengshui guy says this is helpful for economy."

"Birds have an effect on prosperity in general," Germany remarked, "this seems very interesting, yet strange."

Across cultures, only hilarity truly reigns. Regardless, it does help to at least try understanding others.

Author's Notes

Thank you for reading this while I was not present to update. In truth, I did not have writer's block. Instead, I am currently in the Junior College in Singapore and it is a very busy and time-consuming period for me.

This chapter is based on a recent report by Galileo on Singaporean society, with the first and last parts mentioned in the report. The second one was my inclusion based on what an Australian teacher of mine remarked about Red Swastika School. He was not angry or shocked, but found it very unique.