I usually love living abroad – and I especially love living in Singapore. But not now, not today. You see, my sweet father-in-law died in the United States yesterday and we couldn’t go back to say goodbye. Nor can we hold a traditional funeral with everybody under lockdown.
COVID-19 didn’t kill this dear family member of mine, but it has certainly changed the way we mourn him. I suspect there will be many more of these sad stories with people losing loved ones back home, many to the virus or perhaps just other natural deaths. And what if somebody dies here?
In some ways, Flying Home specialises in long-distance grief. For years now, they’ve worked to repatriate people who have died in Singapore so they can return home for burials and funerals with their loved ones. The world’s current situation has changed this to some degree. For example, if a person here dies of COVID-19, they can only be cremated to return home at a later date, and funerals back home are often delayed.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of EL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Say Namaste!
Want to turn an ordinary workout into a transformative experience for body and mind? Roll out the mat and discover the many benefits of yoga and Pilates at these two top studios in Singapore.
5 Road Trips In Western Australia
Looking for a wind-in-the-hair adventure? Head Down Under and hire a car!
Birthday Shopping Fun!
In the lead up to my last birthday (lucky 44), my friends asked what I'd like for a joint present. The answer was easy - a gift voucher for Badger & Fox! That way I could put their kind gestures into something I really wanted rather than them taking a shot in the dark. Here's why, and what I invested in.
Two Is Better Than One
This month is all about celebrating women and their friendships-including that of Cove Collection founders JACQUIE HOURIHANE and EMILY GREALLY. From good friends to successful business partners, this dynamic duo is doing it all-while having tons of fun!
An Unexpected Sanctuary
While tigers aren't native to Africa, it doesn't mean they can't thrive in African habitats. At Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a careful conservation effort is underway to protect this endangered big cat species. EL's LARA SAGE finds out more.
New in Phuket
M Social Phuket is a new hotel located in a trendy corner of Patong that offers easy access to Thailand's gorgeous coastline and is also rolling out some enticing culinary offerings over the next couple of months. We take a look at three of them, below, and run our eye over the wide range of room options.
More than a Meal
Blurring the lines between home kitchen and mini restaurant, this hidden culinary gem is bringing the sun-kissed flavours of the Mediterranean to life in Singapore.
Making Moves
TANVI TRIVEDI touched her first chess piece at the age of four and a half. In the subsequent four-and-a-half years, the Singapore PR has represented the little red dot in numerous chess tournaments and achieved some podium finishes - her most recent being Gold in the Under-8 Girls category at the 15th Penang Heritage Open Challenger in December 2023. Here, she tells us what she loves about chess-plus her parents share a tip for nurturing talent in young ones.
Breaking It Down
Elementary School students running a marathon? Sounds like a big ask! Here's how it's done at the Singapore American School (SAS).
Giving Back
During the year-end festivities of December 2023, the community of Stamford American International School helped to spread some joy to migrant workers in Singapore.