Why O Why??

'Why are you guys moving and How did you decide'??

It might seem like ordinary questions to anybody outside of Singapore. But trust me, these are loaded questions. Deciding to quit Singapore is not easy. We've been at this juncture several times before and found it hard to weigh down the cons against the pros.

Singapore is a place where I have been able to be more than a mom, wife and homemaker. And not have to stress about it all too much. I have actually had a life beyond my work, kids and home without having to orchestrate details like baby sitters and care centre schedules. I have been able to thoroughly enjoy watching my two babies grow into their school years, thanks to super efficient housekeepers handling most of the other mundane stuff.I have been able to breathe easy with the assurance that my kids are safe at school, in the playground and even with strangers.

Yes, we've done our share of cribbing about the lack of natural beauty, the 'kiasuness' all around us and the materialistic nature of the entire city.

But yet, we could not get ourselves to leave this place, one that we'd all along considered home.

So, why Finland? "Is'nt it freezing cold out there"? "Do they even speak English"? "How will the kids like it? Better watch out for a huge life style change"!!

For starters, we did not choose Finland. Rather, Finland chose us. It could have been any other country and we would have still jumped at it. This seems like the perfect window to move. Kids are at an age where they are old enough to take care of themselves and maybe even help us out and still young and excited enough to explore a new culture. Not sure how a move like this would work with teenagers.

London or Paris might have been overwhelming right after Singapore. But Finland is a small and safe country. A country that has an interesting history and a rich culture.Added to that, the Finnish school system is excellent and the kids have been lucky to get into the International School at Helsinki where their class is going to be an interesting melting pot (thanks to the zillion embassies around Helsinki!)

As a family, we are at a stage where we are ready for a change. We've done the trek trails in all the Nature Reserves, dreaded shopping trails in most of the Malls, picnics in the various parks and holidays to all the exotic neighbouring countries around Singapore. Now,Lapland beckons. The dream of picture postcard views is very appealing!Traipsing around Europe seems very enticing!

Finnish culture is big on family time and weekend activities are a plenty.With 3 very outdoorsy people in the family, I'm sure to get sucked into a a whole new range of activities that they are already busy planning (read plotting!)Just overhearing them mention the word 'ski school' was enough to get me palpitating!


As Vaibhav is entering his 7th year, the Dad and I are acutely aware that in another few years he's going to be happier to spend time with his friends than his family. We hope to capture the last few years of the kids' childhoods and make the most of it!

So, here's to new possibilities, new friendships, new life experiences!!