Member Spotlight

Kelly Harris

By Helena A. Cochrane

Kelly’s cheerful outlook shines among the happy Monday Walking group. She arrived in Singapore from Miami with her husband Justin in mid-winter, endured quarantine-with-dog at home, and got a job, while shaping up for a dazzling return to a family wedding in March. It’s been a pleasure to get acquainted with her and to learn about her resilience.

Kelly and Justin attend a wedding

Did you know much about Singapore’s geography before moving here?

I came to Singapore on holiday with my now-husband in 2013, because we were living in Shanghai China at the time. I’ve done business travel here a few times since then.

What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? What has been the most pleasant surprise?

I have walked throughout the city. I didn’t expect to enjoy exercising outdoors in the humid, hot weather here, but it’s a great way to relieve stress and see the sights. I appreciate the blending and adjacencies of cultures/backgrounds/religions/beliefs across the city. To prioritize my health since arriving, I am devoted to spin classes as well as other cardio/workout routines.

What has been your funniest or worst mishap while living in Singapore?

When our beautiful new sofa arrived here from the US, movers couldn’t fit it in our condo’s lift nor up the stairs. Now, we will likely need to purchase a replacement locally. What a huge disappointment.

What hobby or activity have you finally been able to pursue in Singapore that you had wanted to previously?

I’ve been cooking a lot here, trying out new spices and produce to create adventurous dishes.

What habit(s) make you feel most settled in Singapore?

We have been walking our dog along Robertson Quay some evenings and over weekends. Exploring our neighborhood helps us to feel ‘at home’.

Kelly, Justin and their puppy

If you could ask a Singaporean any question, what would it be?

What can foreigners do to debunk any stereotypes or avoid an uncomfortable welcome to Singapore? How can we make a positive impact while residing here?

Have you or do you volunteer with a group that serves Singaporeans and how has that enhanced your living here?

I’ve volunteered for East Coast Beach Clean-up and Willing Hearts to better the environment and to connect with the community here.

Kelly and Justin at the beach

How do you treat yourself in Singapore? What is your luxury? Was your luxury the same in the US?

Justin and I like to explore new restaurants and bars. We like cocktail mixology and sampling unique drinks. We search for the speakeasy-type establishments that are difficult to find, but super interesting inside.

What do you miss from home that you can’t find in Singapore? How would having that item in Singapore change or improve your experience?

Quality paper towels. Although this isn’t too sustainable, I do miss thick, large, and absorbent paper towels.

Also, missing salad dressings. In the US there are dozens of salad dressing and condiment options. I’ve only come across a few so far, like Olive Garden’s Italian dressing; it’s a treat when I have it.

Have you moved often in your life? Does your apartment/house here feel like home?

Since university graduation, I’ve lived in three places in Los Angeles, two apartments in Shanghai, two places in Savannah, two apartments in NYC, and one house in Miami. I really enjoy living in urban settings, specifically for the convenience of public transit, exhibits, dining and retail options. The duration of our stay in any place dictates whether we decorate, hang artwork, etc. We plan to do this in our current condo soon!

Our day-to-day living here seems to have an easier routine and more stress-free approach than in a city where we’d need a car or own a home. With us currently renting, we no longer dedicate time to maintaining a property, which is a relief. Nor do we have the daily frustrations of driving in traffic during commutes, which adds peace of mind and more time to our day!

Since moving from Philadelphia in 2018, Helena has been active with AWA's Walking with Women, Writers' Group and International Choir as well as with Urban Sketchers of Singapore.