Visiting SG soon--what should I prepare myself for as an obese American?

[x9200]

Not mean at all lah, just factually correct. At least for a majority of the commenting in public concerning Angmohs (and such). For the obesity issue, I don't really think anybody would even bother especially if the OP is 109kg only.

But I wonder another thing, being fat used to be a status symbol and in Singapore people still great you with "have you eaten yet?" so actually being fat and from the US (not sure if the OP is an Angmoh) could be seen as something even positive. Or this is already a past thing?

[earthfriendly]

You are correct. During my mom's generation, who is in her 80's. They have gone thru poverty. And they suffered from hunger during WWII. But I don't think it holds thru anymore since my generation. They wanna be slim as it is associated with being attractive. Exposure to the media and pop culture. As for myself, I do not define beauty in only one way i.e. physical. Beauty can come in many forms, shapes and sizes

[sundaymorningstaple]

EF, if you caucasian and don't speak any of the other three languages, then it's the whole island! lol

[NZinSG]

Rule of thumb - if you can fit inside an economy airline seat, then you won't have a 'problem' in many countries.

Bus seats and train seats aren't that wide, so if you're shy about rubbing shoulers or worried about making others uncomfortable, then just stand.

As for comments from others - I had two shop assistants comment about me (made comments such as joking if I was travelling here and if I freak any whores) right in front of me at the front counter- I understand Mandarin a little, I felt like telling them to freak off. Instead I simply told them I speak mandarin and walked away.

[bgd]

You might find the heat a little uncomfortable, but then so do most of the locals it seems.