Meaning of home

I am back to Singapore for just a little more than 2 weeks. Home, as Singapore is, the place I was born, grew up, schooled, made friends, and left for my career.

I told many that I am back for the food. The truth is, the moment I touched down, I felt like home. Of course, whenever I am meeting people, except for the very formal ones, there is a meal involved. The food engages everyone in one common activity.

Home is hard to define. Is home the place you sleep over at night, where you grew up, where your parents are, or where your friends are? All these places can be different. So where is home?

I could not exact a simple definition. However, when I was walking down the streets of Singapore, I feel every step to be real. It brings my mind to the moment I was walking. The place felt real. As if all dreams and future plans were put to a pause. This is it, my destination all along.

It was during this time where I really feel like drinking in a cafe for drinking sake. Not because I am waiting for someone, or I am meeting someone, or I need to do some work. It is just the cafe, myself, the coffee, and process of enjoying the process of drinking. The drinking itself.

To me, home is where it feels like home. It feels solid and stable. You could not say you like it or hate it. You may have both feelings, but you feel you have reached the place you should be. I think this is the same feeling why many wanted to fight for access to their home despite it in desolation.

I will leave Singapore again for California in 4 days. But I don't think California will ever feel the same.