I was flying to Singapore for the first time and was very curious about that city. I had read so much about it. How does the city really look like, how is it organised, is it really as clean as described everywhere?
I boarded the plane and looked through my travel guide. There it was written that chewing and importing chewing gums in Singapore is forbidden and is punished with high fines. I swallowed. I was chewing a chewing gum and in my bag was a huge new pack of chewing gums, which I had just bought at the airport. Oh my god, I thought. I turned pale because I need my chewing gums for thinking (I can think better with them) and at the same time I didn’t want to break any laws.
The gloomiest scenarios came to my mind. Would chewing gums be considered as drugs in Singapore and would end up in prison!? Additionally I wouldn’t be able to think clear for weeks, since I am not allowed to use chewing gums!
It is too late to ask someone or to research in the Internet. I was already in the air and without connection. I was fighting with myself. A hard fight. Finally I decided with a heavy heart to dispose all chewing gums in the toilet.
Singapore is a great and fascinating city and has a lot to offer. From a floating ship one can watch the changing city for hours. I will return!
Especially because after my return I was told that it is permitted to import chewing gums for own use. 🙂
Michaela Merz 