Fatum, when I read your post, I wanted to cry. I can identify
with so many of the emotions you described.
The saddest thing is that a lot of friends you might have been
close to once upon a time won't even have time for you, or it's a
huge mobilisation exercise of sorts just to set up a meeting.
I look at the huge, throbbing monster of a crowd in Orchard Rd at
all times of the day and I ask myself, "Did I use to be part of
them? Facing this massive sea of people day in and day out?"
I guess I prefer to be
a solitary mermaid perched on my own cliff singing sad songs about
my missing sailor lovers. 
OK, anyways, back to reality...
The shopping's good, the food's good, and the friends or what's
left of the friends, definitely make the entire trip
memorable.
All said, I don't think I can live here anymore. I have grown to
love the wide open spaces in Australia. I love the diversity as
well, and I definitely love my cozy li'l pad. 
I cannot imagine myself moving back to work here and live here
anymore. It's much too stressful, way too crowded, darn too hot,
and for all that effort, I'll be paid crap.
So now, before I settle down for sure, I feel like some amoeba,
suspended in my little fluid world.
