From Cuba to Singapore: East to West

East in West, West in East

The World has been divided into two blocks , West and East during the Cold War starting in 1945 . Since this period, the West has been associated with democracy, modernity and capitalism, while the East was considered communist, archaic and hostile. The United States and Russia were both fighting to get the most countries under their respective influences. Russia was an ally of Cuba, and because UK colonized Singapore they were under western influence.

Did this play an important role in how they turn out to be?

• Cuba – was colonized by Spain then the US. The US was like the ennemy of the Castro regim and an embargo was imposed for more than 40 years. Cuba allied with the URSS , to fight the US imperialism and influence on them and the region. Share ideology: communism until today.

• SINGAPORE – At the opposite of Cuba, the leader of the country at the time, LEE KUAN YEW says in his Memoires that he didnt really wanted the English to leave the country as fast as they did in 1971. Their presence was reassuring at a security and defense level especially in the region( Konfrontasi, issues with Malaysia, ethnic strikes) . In addition to that the country newly independant didnot have all the skills and education to achieve success. However, the democratic principles of the West were not fully applied by the government as Singapore has always been an autocracy.

Similarities

Both are small islands with a small population. No western values until today

There is a strong emphasis on culture preservation, no freedom of the press ( to a certain extent), one party rule, strict restrictions and rules (cigarette, weed,refusal of democracy etc..)vice squad, high security and safety. They respect and value their customs, cultures, principles and do all they can not to let the western values affect it, strong government intervention.

• Differences in relationship with the United States or West

SNG: Capitalism , adoption of the savoir faire, partenership, but not of their values. English Language adopted as official language, skills, finances, formation . modernity westernization.

Cuba: Proximity with the SOVIETS, communism, expertise from russia in military or political areas, learnt a lot on their own ex: cars, they learnt to adapt, close the country, no freedom , autocratic rule.

TRIPS

2017 Havana, Cuba

2018 Singapore, Singapore

These two trips were the most ‘exotic’ for me. Culturally, ideologically and intelectually. Enriching and I cant wait to go back to see what has changed or not a few years later.

As far as SNG was( 2 days journey from Abidjan), I felt home. It was so technologically advanced , connected that I didnot feel lost or in a remote place. While in Cuba, just less hours away from home (NY at the time), with no internet or mean to withdraw money I felt in a parallel world.

IN Singapore despite 12 hours jetlag with Abidjan, I felt close to home. Communicating with my parents at any given time through sending them pictues, whatsapp and emails was easy.Cuba was really backward in term of internet, technology, info, showers… but refreshing. We rented an Airbnb , in a three bedrooms apartment where we had two bedrooms for us 3 to share in the neigborhood of Vedado. We had a nice host, an old lady. The stay was interesting, we got to see that at some moments during the day water is not available, the equipments and amenities are outdated. It feel like we are living in the past when we see the environment, the landscape, the housing style etc. At the opposite of Singapore that was far ahead in technology and other amnities.

It was easy to exchange, receive, send money in Singapore. In Cuba, after I warn my friends to bring cash they didnot and expected to use their card to withdraw money there. As a consequence, when they both run out of money we had to live on the cash I had. At some point, we had very little left and tried to see if we could find a way to withdraw at a hotel or a bank , or receive from our parents.

ATM Nightmare: it was impossible to withdraw money with our cards, we tried every hotels and atm bank possible. We talked to people working there they said that « it should be working » but nothing. It was always saying that the transaction couldnot be processed. WESTERN nightmare: it was impossible to receive money from our parents. To receive money you have to be cuban, to be receiving from a close family member and explain what they are doing overseas. We had a friend in Cuba, David, he wanted to help but couldnt because our parents and him had to be related.

BRING CASH to CUBA, GUYS! Hopefully it has changed.

AMAZING Cuba was refreshing! The people were so welcoming and warm, the culture vibrant and the history fascinating. It is a worl inside a world.

Singapore was cool, inspiring and maybe too polished. Their history, success economic and multiethnic characteristic are mesmerizing. The innovations and measures taken to keep a peaceful coexistence among different groups, encourage the young to be excellent and assure to always be on point.

Both countries major pro is the security! You can walk alone in peace in SNG at any time or in Cuba without worrying than anyone will attack you or rob you. As a young woman I never was scared once!

Ironically, Singapore