Doing something local 'Little by Little'

What better way to get back on the horse, than by talking about something uplifting and positive.

A couple of weekends ago, I had the pleasure of joining The American Association of Singapore and LJE Sports in some local charity work. We were invited by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) to come and share something about American Culture with local disadvantaged children.

Some background:

SIF run a program here that provides opportunities for the international community to share tales, songs and dances from their culture with disadvantaged youths and children in Singapore, to enrich their lives by encouraging the discovery of their talents in the arts through cross-cultural exchanges. The program is called the Arts Connection: Little by Little.

Now given the timing, there were no significant holidays or festivals on the horizon for us to focus on (in terms of breaking out the arts and crafts!) and theatrically we are each a little challenged... so we decided to teach these kids about 2 things every American grows up with; Basketball & chocolate chip cookies!

The kids were given an intro into the sport, then the guys from LJE Sports showed off a few tricks and taught them some key moves. Then came the baking! Can you believe these kids had never eaten cookie dough before!?

What an eye opening experience.

To think before meeting us, these children were AFRAID of sport, many had NEVER played a sport before! They left with smiles from ear to ear, talking about how much fun they had! How amazing to have brought something new into their lives, something positive that encourages hard work, training, team work, health and fitness and above all FUN!

In the kitchen, the children were shocked to discover that we would eat the mixture before cooking it! BUT kept their minds open and... one by one, gave it a go. Everyone took baked cookies home to share with their family :)

  The faces say it all! :)

'Writer's block'... really?

So it has been months since my last post. Tragic.

I guess I have less to say now, given I have been living in Singapore for 1 year (wow time flys!)

Funny though, Singapore is so small... yet I am constantly exploring or experiencing new things. Every corner, every 'suburb', every person has something different and exciting to offer. Singapore really is a beautiful and amazing place.

I take my camera EVERYWHERE I go. Yet I am not sharing my adventures? Apologies!

Truth be told I have just been slack. It is only that fact that friends experiencing the same 'writer's block' have just started back up, so that seems to be the swift kick I needed!

Stay tuned...

Modern day slaves?

So my husband and I have been watching a TV show called Spartacus. The show is rather 'intense', particularly with regard to slavery in all forms - Maids, Prostitutes, Fighters and Gladiators. Sadly, it got me thinking about foreign workers in Singapore...

Singapore is a growing city/country.... whatever it is! There is construction on almost every corner... we are quite literally surrounded by construction! With this endless construction comes a zillion foreign workers - they come from Malaysia, The Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh... they live on site, in poor conditions, they spend months, some years, away from their family and loved ones... the only difference is it is what they choose to do... Reality is they can come here and make more money then they could at home. They do it to support their families. 

Same goes for maids here. It's not like back home where families may have a 'live-in maid' or nanny, who eats what you eat, dresses like you dress, has their own room and most likely a stack of possessions, is 'part of the family'... Oh no...

Here, most maids live in 'quarters' so small that you can't fit a single bed inside... or worse, many are given the apartments bomb shelter! (not kidding, most units have an individual bomb shelter, it was a government initiative post Sept 11). How relaxing it must be to go to sleep every night inside a metal box...

The 'quarters' or bomb shelter, usually have no aircon and no windows... but there is an 'ensuite' with a small basin and a shower over the toilet! Oh, and with no hot water... (I guess if you live without aircon in 30+ degree heat in what could be a steal box, a cold shower is all you need right?... )

Call me crazy, but I still can't get comfortable with this...

I can rationalise and say that I know that these conditions are in fact (in most cases) better than what these ladies would have had back home. Where I come unstuck is, it is not acceptable where I come from AND where most of the expats who have full time maids have come from. So why when people move to where it is not just acceptable but 'normal', do they change their views?

Now, please don't get me wrong. I have No issue with expats having hired help. If you moved to a foreign country and had the opportunity, for a small price, to have someone with you day and night to help with your children, house work, shopping etc, wouldn't you take it too? It's just the quality of living and the treatment of the helpers that disturbs me.

We, like many younger couples (without children) have a lovely Filipino lady (Vicky) who comes to clean our house once a week. Vicky is in her mid 30's and is here with her husband (he works in construction), they live in a HDB (government housing) and share a flat with another couple. Her 2 children, both under the age of 11 are still in the Philippines, they live with her mother and her 10 brother's and sisters AND their children! 31 people in ONE house! She stays here and works hard to send money home, to support her ENTIRE family. She talks to her children most days over the phone, but only gets to go home ONCE a year to visit them. She has been working in Singapore for 7 years...

Reality again is that she is making the equivalent of a mountain of money for her family, something she certainly couldn't do working the rice fields back home (yes, that is what she used to do and what her brother's and sisters still do...). A big sacrifice to be away from everyone, but a huge benefit for her family. Selfless. 

When Vicky arrives each week I always give her a warm greeting, I chat to her as we both poke about doing whatever chores we are doing (I try and keep myself busy with washing, putting clothes away, cooking etc while she is here - I can't sit on my butt whilst someone else does my cleaning....), I ask about her week, her family and her favourite TV shows. I do it because she is a lovely person and I care. Regardless of the fact that we are paying her, I am so grateful for the work she does and I respect and admire her for what she is doing for her family.

Bottom line; regardless of how 'bad' the standard of living might be 'back home'... if Vicky was to live with us I couldn't shove her in our storage room...

S x

White elegance

Mention tanning products or the fact that you enjoy laying in the sun to Singaporean's and don't be surprised by the strange look people will give you.

I can't tell you how many conversations I have had with taxi drivers over hot sunny weather...

Taxi driver - very hot today isn't it? 
Me - Yes isn't it lovely! :) 
Taxi driver - too hot...
Me - I love the sun and the heat, I would rather be hot than cold any day! 
Taxi driver - really? Where you from?  (ah he's onto me, he knows I'm not a local! :p)
Me - Australia
Taxi driver -  ah... (click... It all makes sense now!)

Or over miserable raining weather.... Like earlier this week...

Me - Heavy rain... :(
Taxi driver - yes, jam very bad (like in Aus, when it rains everyone drives like a granny)... Good though, it has been very hot the past few days. Cooler....
Me - I prefer the sun...
Taxi driver - really? Where you from?  (ah he's onto me, he knows I'm not a local! :p)
Me - Australia
Taxi driver -  ah... (click... It all makes sense now!)

Bless them. 

Meanwhile, a 'cool' day is still upward of 28 degrees so...? :p

Here it isn't uncommon to see most people (women in particular) walking around with umbrellas shading themselves on a hot day. A strange thing for an Aussie like me to comprehend... 

I have grown up spending hours out in the sun, whether it be playing sport, walking, shopping, sun-baking at the beach, picnicing... god, any opportunity we get to be outdoors catching a few rays and getting a tan, we're there in a heart beat! From when we were kids, we were pushed to play outside from the second the sun came up, returning home only when the sun was setting and dinner would be on the table! (Yes, this was prior to Playstation, Wii and the Internet BUT in saying that, even now, back home in country towns (and no doubt some cities), kids are still pushed to be outdoors when the weather is 'nice')...

The umbrella thing to me is just odd... I confess I, like most Singaporeans, carry an umbrella on me at all times, but in case of rain! not to shield me from the beautiful sun! Doesn't it make you hotter for starters? That and a little sun is good for you right? Vitamin D baby! :)

The crazy thing to me is it's not really that people are concerned about getting skin cancer (something that is widely acknowledged and a big concern in Australia). It is the fact that they believe white skin to be more attractive! This is reinforced by the rows and rows of whitening products readily available at all supermarkets, hell even convenience stores and markets! Not like the sunscreen and tanning products in our aisles back home! 

Now, each to there own... But really? 

It's not just the Singaporeans though, this seems to be a common Asian mentality - my hubby's parents think along the same lines. Being of South Indian decent, they have (what I consider) BEAUTIFUL dark skin... They don't agree and avoid the sun as much as they can, so as not to get any 'darker'. 

Malaysian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean friends I have here and now i think of it, even back home, are always making comments about how lovely white skin is - they too avoid the sun when they can. 

I remember being in Cambodia last year and Thailand the year before and seeing most people in 40 degree heat in longs sleeves. Our guide in Thailand wore a long sleeve top AND a fleece hoodie over the top! When we asked her 'aren't you hot?! Why are you wearing that? she replied. 'Not really. It is important I keep my skin white, here we believe the whiter the skin, the more beautiful. I am not married yet, so I especially need to take care.'.. WOW! That's if you don't pass out from heat exhaustion first! Talk about taking measures to the extreme!

It makes me sad that these women need to be uncomfortable, in order to make society happy... BUT actually, the fact is they are also making themselves happy... They have the same beliefs. They are doing what they need to do to feel beautiful - like we all do! 

I am sure it is no surprise and you have picked up on the fact that I love a tan. I think everyone looks better with a bit of colour :) I look ill if I don't have colour! (really I do). In winter in Aus, I will get spray tans just to 'feel' good about myself... Before my wedding I even went to the extreme of going to the solarium... (def not something I endorse... But I felt it was necessary, my husband is so dark, I already look like a snowflake next to him!) 

It is so fascinating how different cultures find different things attractive, acceptable, 'normal' and how no matter how many people you talk too, no matter how many opinions you hear, how many 'reasons' you are given as to why they believe as they do, you just can't shake your own beliefs - what you grew up with, what is normal to you and your 'home'. 

Bottom line, I will still chuckle when I pass the whitening products in the supermarket or when I see women out with umbrellas on a sunny day BUT if we were all the same, liked the same things, found the same things attractive, wow... The world would be a pretty boring place! 

S x

Needle in a haystack?

Oh to be bilingual, Singaporean or a PR!... I wonder if even then, job hunting would be any easier? Finding a job here is like trying to find a needle in a haystack!

A giant, discriminatory haystack!

I NEVER thought I would be saying this, but apparently being an Australian seeking employment in Singapore isn't such a great thing....






We Aussie's are allegedly so 'chilled' and 'laid back' that employers here fear we will not be able to cope with the high demand work culture or working hours!





Coming from working in a high demand, high pressure and sometimes downright insane workplace - working anywhere from 9 - 14 hour days... forgive me if I find this a little offensive... not to mention disappointing. From both a personal and professional prospective!

Aside from the apparent work culture differences, 'lack of local experience' seems to be the next key issue. The thing is... if no one will give you a chance, how do you get the local experience?

Regardless, are the mechanics of the job not the same? Doesn't changing jobs in any country or industry involve a learning curve? New job = new company strategies and procedures, new markets, new customers, new products!?

If I am told one more time how 'amazing' my resume is and how 'my years of experience is terrific' but not local so 'don't expect an interview'... I might lose it...

Then we have the dollars... and this is where the real fun starts!

Good news for foreigners being offered a relocation package from home - 45% of expats in Singapore earn more than $200K per year. Considering Singapore has steadily been welcoming about 100,000 expats annually - That's a lot of highly paid professionals!

Sadly for locals the average annual salary is less than $29K! Unfortunately for expats who have relocated over without employment - many positions advertised fall into this category!

Salaries for marketing roles advertised during the past 6 months (all levels) appear to reflect (on average) less than half of what the someone would earn back home in a similar position. Not to mention a serious reduction in employment benefits.

It's strange. It's disappointing. Is it worth it?

Of course, this is why networking and keeping in touch with contacts back home is so important! It might just be one of those connections that lands you in your dream 'expat' position! (Here's hoping!)

I'm ever so lucky that we are currently in a position where I haven't had to 'settle' and can keep looking for a job that ticks most, if not all, the boxes.

Being from the country, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty looking - so for now, the hunt continues!

A hard working Aussie! x

On the deck of a ship, sipping some champas, 57 stories up...

Yes, I finally made it to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for a drink (or three)!

Marina Bay Sands or MBS as it is know to locals (such as myself :P) is one amazing structure.

The multi billion dollar resort features a 2,561-room hotel, a 120,000 sq.m. convention-exhibition centre, a mall (of course!), an Art & Science museum, two Sands Theatres, seven 'celebrity chef' restaurants, two floating pavilions, a casino and an indoor ice rink! The complex is topped by a 340m-long 'ship' which holds a 150m infinity swimming pool, a nightclub and couches for those who want to drink and chill with a serious view! 

Now those of you that know me are aware that I have a reasonably severe fear of heights.... you'll be happy to know that I was 'ok'.  I wasn't keen on venturing to the edge (glass barrier and all...) BUT I managed to 'brave it' and take a few pics :)

Surprisingly, it didn't take me long to relax,  even though you are 'outside' and at that height experiencing a fair breeze, I felt MUCH safer than I did on the likes of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Eiffle Tower! (the two places I was thinking of when we first arrived at the foot of the building!)

There is no cover charge if you plan to have a few drinks AND the drinks are around the same price as other popular bars I have been too, so really it's the perfect spot to start a night out or to take visitors for something a little spesh :)

So... who's coming over for a bevo?

Lion or Dragon?

My Chinese NY extravaganza ended on a high with me FINALLY witnessing the lion dance!

I (sadly) had been referring to the dance as the dragon dance.. only to be corrected by locals and expats that knew better! My bad. After making the mistake twice, I did my research and discovered that I wasn't alone, it is a common misconception...

The traditional Chinese Lion dance, usually performed during festivals and most commonly during Chinese New Year celebrations, involves performers mimicking a lion's movements in a lion costume. However, there IS also a dragon dance! An easy way to tell the difference is that the lion is operated by only two people who are 'inside' the lion. A dragon needs many people, sometimes up to 50! In this dance, the performers can be seen since the dragon is held up on poles.

The Lion's movements go in time with loud drum and symbol beats which can be heard BLOCKS away. The moves resemble those I've seen in top Kung Fu movies, taking inspiration from traditional martial arts.

I loved the cheeky and playful nature of the Lion. Simply put, the dance 'made my NY'!

 Lion acrobatics in China town!

Lion Dance - Lion providing offerings to the gods and people


I also had the pleasure of seeing some of the top floats from the annual Changay Parade - AMAZING!!! Snaps below!

What a month! Love love love the vibe and (as mentioned before) BEAUTIFUL decorations all around the country.

Can't wait til next year! :)

S x

Gong Xi Fa Coi!

Singapore really takes the saying 'paint the town red' literally this time of year!

Every mall, store, government building, monument, hospital, condo, hawker centre... basically EVERYTHING in the country seems to be decked out in vibrant festive style - covered in red lanterns, decals, flowers, gold trinkets and bunnies! It's just beautiful!!!

Yes we have just welcomed the Chinese New Year! and this year is the year of the rabbit.

About 3 weeks ago the decorations started to make appearances and Chinese NY 'nick nacks' became available in stores. I jumped on the bandwagon almost immediately purchasing some lucky bamboo, a money tree and red ties to decorate our existing plants - I figure, it can't do any harm right?

All are flourishing beautifully! My local friends tell me this is a very good sign :)

I'm also super stoked that my Bougainvillea (which looked a tad worse for wear, to say the least, when we returned from our trip home over the Christmas break), is almost in full bloom, just in time for NY. The colours are just so vibrant and 'happy'... sounds crazy, but I'm telling you... the plant gives off a seriously positive vibe!

So, I couldn't welcome the NY without doing a trip to Chinatown to witness the chaos and beauty of the markets...

This is an area that is busy all year round - the markets are nearly always filled with a mix of locals and tourists hunting for a bargain, but wow, Chinese NY really brings out the masses, with additional stalls selling NY specials like nuts, sweets and meat it was insane! Loved it!

.... and to think, this was late in the evening on a weekday, 2 weeks prior to NY's eve!

The countries celebrations go for 15 days so there is still plenty of time to explore and immerse ourselves in the festivities - Chingay Parade and traditional dinner yet to come, very excited!

Doctors visit - An apple a day...

Don't freak out - I'm not going to go into detail about a doctors visit... in fact I am not even sick :)

I ventured to the clinic today simply to obtain a referral letter for a physiotherapist (back and rib issues... not going to bore you with details) - why? because in Singapore, to be able to claim the visit on your private health insurance, you have to have been referred by a GP. Good times.

Anyway, I am super impressed with the service at the 'walk-in' clinic - much faster and more efficient than any I've been to in Sydney (WITH an appointment!).

But that is not why I am blogging...

I'm in the waiting area and sitting next to me are 2 super cute Singaporean kids - aged (max) maybe 7? One is playing games on an iPad, the other is texting (and talking about the fact she is texting) on her iPhone! I look down and there is another iPhone sitting on the seat next to the boy playing on the iPad!

So these CHILDREN (potentially in kindergarten) are sitting on their own, in a waiting room, playing with like $3000 worth of gadgets! They were CLEARLY theirs, complete with funky phone cases and accessories etc...

I am in shock.

Does anyone else think this is crazy? What are these kids going to have when they are teenagers!?
I know Singapore is known for it's rich residents but far out... really?

Call me old fashioned, but at their age, I was SUPER happy with a cardboard box!

Taxi driver confessions...

So after many many crazy taxi rides with even crazier drivers, I thought it's time to put pen to paper and document the top 3 things I have heard/learnt over the last couple of months in the backseat of a cab... I am sure there will be more to come!

#1 (and my personal favourite) - DOGS
Driver: 'Dogs can sense if you have eaten dog before'
Me: 'Really? How?'
Driver: 'They just know'
Me: 'What about cats?'
Driver: 'I'm not sure, I don't eat cats'
Me: 'but you eat dog?'
Driver: 'No I don't eat cats or dogs'
Me: 'So how do you know that dogs can tell if you have eaten dog?'
Driver: 'I just know'
Me: 'Fair enough...'

#2 - YEAH
After some discussion...
Driver: 'Are you Australian?'
Me: 'Yes'
Driver: 'I can tell... you Aussie's say 'yeah' all the time... ' 'You want to go here? 'Yeah'? 'Do you like Singapore?' 'yeah'...
Me: 'Yeah, I guess we do say it a lot...' 

#3 - LITTLE INDIA
Driver: 'Do not go to Little India on a Sunday, you will be swallowed by a sea of black'
Me: 'Sorry?, what do you mean?'
Driver: 'You know Indian people, they all have black skin and hair, the street is full and you will not be able to find your way through the sea of black. Also taxi's will not go there on this day'.
Me: 'Oh of course.... ok...' (In my head: OMG are you serious! Poor choice of words buddy!)

A little 'crowded'

Last night I had my very first 'cinema experience' in Singapore.

Yes, Harry Potter is in town and as a dedicated fan, I couldn't not go on the opening night! :)

I bought our tickets online about 3 days prior and was shocked at how many tickets were available! I was thinking - are these Singaporeans crazy?? this is the last installment people! (I know, I know, not everyone is into Harry Potter.... but everyone should be :P)

Thankfully (and unfortunately) the locals did not disappoint! The cinema was packed, I saw only a few scattered free chairs in a theatre of over 500! Oh yes, I am not exaggerating, this place was bigger than Sydney's IMAX, but with a standard size screen and a slightly tiered floor! Crazy!

As expected, hubby and I went as 'back seat rebels' - always the best seats in the house in Aus! Not so much in Singapore - you are a LONG way from the screen..... Thank god I was lucky enough to have a Singaporean lady sit in front of me! (I'm a short ass, and struggle at the best of times to see the screen!)

Next time we plan to hit up gold class - we figure the cinema will have to be AT least half the size! :P

Plus, who can resist huge couches, good food and wine whilst kicking back watching the latest flicks?

Celebrations & public holidays!

So, Australian's love to promote the fact that Australia is indeed a multicultural society... BUT we don't really celebrate the multiculturalism on a national scale...

Here in Singapore, the nation celebrates key religious festivals by way of a public holiday! AND the whole country seems to get behind them and understand what is being celebrated and why! Brilliant!

Here is a snapshot of the public holidays for next year!

New Year's Day	Saturday 1 January
Chinese New Year (Buddhist)	Thursday 3 February Friday 4 February
Good Friday (Christian)	Friday 22 April
Labour Day	Sunday 1 May
Vesak Day (Buddhist)	Tuesday 17 May
National Day	Tuesday 9 August
Hari Raya Puasa (Muslim)	Tuesday 30 August
Deepavali (Hindu)	Wednesday 26 October
Hari Raya Haji (Muslim)	Sunday 6 November
Christmas Day (Christian)	Sunday 25 December

We recently celebrated Diwali (or Deepavali) - the festival of lights. For Hindus, like my husband and his family, Diwali is the most important festival of the year. When asked, they often refer to this day as their equivalent to New Year.

This year, after completing prayers at home, I headed into Little India to join the street celebrations!

What an atmosphere! I am not exagerating when I say thousands flocked to the area, some shopping for groceries and fresh flower garlands for the gods, others decorating themselves with traditional mehndi, dining out or enjoying a picnic with friends & colleagues.

Though it appeared that most were there to lap up the monumental once a year sales! 

Oh yes, DVD's, CD's, clothing, shoes, carpets, electronics... you name it, it was on sale, and we're talking BIG discounts!

I was told by some locals, for the best deals, to head to the EXPO located opposite the famous 24/hr Mustafa shopping centre. They instructed me to go AFTER 2am for the best bargains. (Yes.. 2am. The EXPO essentially remains open until everything is sold, which is usually around 5am... ) I couldn't last that long, but did go at 11.45pm and left at 1.30am... talk about crazy! I can see how the best bargains are toward the end. Even at that hour (after about 1.00am) some stalls began auctioning off $120 outfits to the highest bidder (for around $15!) - brilliant!

       

            
The EXPO kind of reminded me of Paddy's markets in Sydney, just with 10 times the amount of people, 1/4 of the space and 5 times the heat! Boy was it hot. As you looked around, there wasn't a dry back in the house! Sweat was literally pouring off everyone, though that didn't seem to stop the intensity of the shopping!

Like I said.... Crazy!

I ended up scoring 5 Indian outfits, a much needed bottle of 7UP (it was all they had!) and a CD, all for under $70!

It was such a fabulous experience - can't wait for next year! 

Until then, I look forward to celebrating all the other religious festivals with the Singaporeans!

Little India

Walking the streets of Little India has become (by no real surprise) one of my favourite things to do. I love the people, the culture, the food, the sounds and smells of this district.

My first trip to the amazing place was one to remember... hot, 30+ and humid, the cotton outfit I'd selected to wear (specifically to be comfortable and as cool as possible) was sticking to me, sweat dripping down my back... Serangoon Road, a road I thought I could cover in 15 minutes seemed to never end. (I still haven't covered the entire street, let alone the whole district!) I shopped my heart out, made a few friends (shop keepers that 'took' to me) and had the most amazing masala dosai and chai. I was planning my next trip before I'd even left :P

Shop windows are filled with draped sari's and outfits; their sparkle and colour draw your attention, copious jewelers showcasing rows and rows of yellow gold jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, bargain outlets where you can find just about anything for under $10, beauty salons that offer standard treatments along with henna hair treatments, threading and mehndi.

There are restaurants, music stores, tailors and money exchange outlets. A 7/11 and 24 hour shopping centre! The air smells of spices and incense and the narrow foot paths are filled with local shoppers and tourists (often spilling out onto the street, due to lack of space).

The sound of the latest bollywood tracks or classical favourites follow you where ever you go and then right in the middle of all the chaos, the Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman temple, a beautiful structure that took my breath away.

I haven't yet been lucky enough to travel to India itself, so for me this is as close as I have come - and this taste, only leaves me wanting more.

Food glorious food?

Singapore is like being stuck in a mall that is filled with candy stores, bakeries & fast food outlets...

The temptation of unhealthy food is everywhere and it is SO cheap... it haunts you... Every shopping centre, hokka centre, the streets, the supermarket... and what's more, the majority of locals eat out EVERY day, so the social environment doesn't encourage you to eat well or eat at home!

Or if you do decide to eat at home, you can always order McDonald's or KFC home delivery! 24/7!

What appears to be a local favourite is fried chicken wings. My god, I have never seen so many chicken wings consumed in my life! Everyone here LOVES them! and everywhere here seems to serve them!
Hokka centres, food courts, bars, pubs even IKEA! and what's more, it is considered a 'side dish', so... 6 people are sitting at a table with their actual meal in front of them (rice + something... in HUGE portions) and then, they may have up to 4 plates of fried chicken wings (average 8 per plate) in the middle of the table for everyone to share! OMG!

The Singaporeans are thin, yes, but they can't have good cholesterol levels.. surely!?....

In the supermarket I can't even explain the depth of processed foods, sweet bread, snacks, lollies, chocolate, biscuits, spreads, dairy snacks, local sweets & ice cream... actually... when I really think about it, I'm not sure if there actually is more junk than in Australia, or if it is just the fact that there are less healthy options and the supermarkets are smaller, so it looks like it is filled head to toe with sugar treats, but in fact it's not?

All I know is, I NEVER bought naughty snacks when living in Sydney (I wouldn't even walk in that aisle), but here it is unavoidable! Every aisle is filled with them! I just came back from the supermarket here with Tim Tams, Ritz crackers, sweet biscuits, nutella and BBQ chicken buns! Ridiculous!

I think from now on I am going to attempt to do my shopping online - so as to avoid temptation!

Shopping like a local

When I entered Little India's Tekka wet market for the first time, I was not surprised by the wet floors and interesting aromas coming from the many stalls. I expected this. In fact I expected THAT part to be a whole lot worse... From what some locals had told me, most expats don't tend to shop at the 'wet market's' as "the absence of air conditioning, wet floors, terrible smells and dirty surrounds are not appreciated..." wow... Boy are THOSE expats missing out!

So, I am beginning to sense that the locals (in particular, taxi drivers) have very stereotypical ideas on what expats like and as such, are giving me advise and guidance that encourages me to stay clear of what I am beginning to think are some of  Singapore's most fabulous places!

The smells of the wet market (to me) were welcoming, telling you before you turn a corner what is awaiting you in the next aisle... Tub after tub after tub of fresh vegetables, row after row of juicy colourful fruit, an array of different meat stalls, with everything from Mutton and lamb to chicken and beef, buckets of powdered spices, packets of lentils and other Indian cooking must haves and of course tables and tables filled to the brim with cold ice and fresh seafood.

I came to Little India's market because I needed to get some spices (I figured it would be a good place to start!), it is also the only market in Singapore that is open ALL day - so from around 7am - 9pm. Not all stalls are open all day, but essentially, anything you need, you will be able to get. (Of course - for the freshest produce and the 'pick of the crop' I am told you are best to go EARLY - which for Singaporeans is before 9am, god I love this country!). 

I found the people in the market to be super friendly, though I am still trying to work out if this is just a case of 'white Aussie girl in the middle of a predominantly Indian market' or if that is just how the people are there? Quite frankly, I don't care! Big smiles, everywhere you turn, everyone happy to have a chat (perfect for me! I'm sure those of you who know me are nodding... ), they cut your meat and will even fillet your fish on the spot! (Of course, the guys were quite sad at the fact that I did not wish to keep the fish head...)

Look at the below and tell me you can't SEE the freshness, IMAGINE the smells and want to EXPERIENCE this!

 

 

 

So what did I bring home?

Grapes, mangoes, limes, kiwi fruits, tomatoes, snake beans, snow peas, carrots, chillies, Chinese veges, okra,  potatoes, curry leaves, coriander, spices, gee, flour, lentils... yumo! 

 

In terms of prices, vegetables, meat and spices are cheap - fruit and seafood, not so much BUT they are MUCH cheaper and MUCH fresher that anything you will find in a local supermarket.  

Something new to me, and rather fascinating about Singapore is the fact that almost everything is imported (the country itself is too small to cater to fields and animals), in fact, most meat and dairy comes from Australia! From what I have seen, fruit and veg tends to come mainly from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Thailand, whilst seafood can come from as far as Europe! 

I left Little India Tekka wet market calculating how quickly we would eat the produce I just purchased - so I could plan a return trip ASAP :)

Since this adventure I have found another wet market a little closer to home (Whampoa) though it, like most wet market's in Singapore is only open in the morning from around 8am - 12pm. I will be making a trip very soon!

Here's hoping it too exceeds my expectations!

A trip to the post office...

Today I made my maiden voyage to the Singapore Post Office. Fun times.

To begin with, finding the post office was a challenge! In Singapore, I am told there are minimal post offices, not every district has one, so most people have to travel 'quite far' to their nearest post office. Quite far in Singapore is only around 10 minutes, but still.... :P

So once I found mine, it was an interesting experience to say the least... one that did differ somewhat from the the post office's back home in Australia. I mean.... last time I posted a parcel overseas for instance, I don't recall having to pay for the tape used to seal the box?

Yes, random.

So today I needed to post 1 x letter to Australia, 1 x parcel to Australia and send 1 x local fax... Why am I faxing in today's day and age? Good question! I needed to email or fax forms to the local utilities company (for some reason you can't post the forms to them...?) AND Hubby is in Boston so unable to scan and email them...) - Oh the joy!

I left the post office after around 20 minutes (super quick compared to Sydney!) with 20 envelopes, 10 local stamps, 5 international stamps, a large roll of tape and $45 poorer!

The cost breakdown went like this...
1 local envelope with stamp - .40c
5 International stamps - $5.50
10 local stamps - $1.30
20 blank envelopes - $2.40
Post box (Medium size) - $2.40

(all very reasonable - if not cheap wouldn't you say?)

Sending a local fax (2 pages) - $6.42! (compared to .40c to post!!!)
Sending a 600g parcel to Australia - $25.35 (wowzer! No wonder the box is cheap, they are robbing you on international postage charges!)
Tape (to tape up the box... yes, I'm serious... they taped the box up, handed me the remaining tape on a roll and charged me) - $1.40

Lucky for me there was a lovely gentleman assisting me :) Thank you Singapore for valuing customer service! He outlined the 'cheaper' postal options for me and saved me what could have been hundreds of dollars spent!

Everyone at home. Apologies in advance, presents might become virtual before long...

For now, my only worry is my parcel clearing customs in Australia after paying that much for postage!... The fact that one of the items is made from wood was an afterthought...

*Fingers Crossed!*

A day in the life of... me

My poor hubby spends much of his time flitting about the world on business. I see him rather infrequently (to say the least), so try to make the most of when he is home. Dragging him out and about as well as ensuring we have some quality time at home.

I have been lucky enough to have my husband home for a full week! We have been having a blast, hanging artwork, finding 'homes' for all our bits and bobs, chatting about my adventures... but on Sunday he is off again for 2 weeks! Missing my birthday, Diwali (my husband is Indian, so we celebrate all Indian festivals) AND potentially our anniversary! Oh the joy...

Now. While I can sense you freaking out, I will tell you calmly to relax. This is normal and completely ok. Trust me :)

I stay positive and make the most of it.

I am quite comfortable on my own, in fact, whilst I am a very social person (love being around people, meeting new people... being out and about), I do really enjoy spending time on my own. What's not to love? I only have to please myself, pick up after myself, I can do whatever I like, whenever I like and I can enjoy my own space.... how I like it! (Maybe that's the 'only child' in me talking...)

Take the past few weeks for example....

I have; 
Unpacked our life, furnished and organised our home
Explored several districts in Singapore
(Traveled to Australia and back)
Eaten great food (in the dodgiest of places... including meals with an average cost of $3!)
Searched/applied for jobs online
Had a quiet glass of wine (or 2) whilst watching shows like America's Next Top Model, Keeping up with the Kardashians and Kamora.
Shopped for clothes, food, pantry items and gifts
Been to temple
Been to markets (wet and dry... will explain in more detail another time...)
I have walked, taken the MRT (train) and traveled by taxi (with the some of most hilarious drivers you will ever meet!)
Baked my own bread and cookies
Enjoyed many (you can never have too many...) cups of Earl Grey tea, Jasmine Green tea, bubble tea and Masala Chai *love*
Taken a tonne of photos...
Started a blog...
and met some amazing people - including (but not limited too); Babu - the Indian construction worker from our condo who has offered to take hubby and I to temple, Willy - the coolest 70 year old taxi driver ever and a famous Roti Prata maker who had one of the most friendly faces I think I have ever seen and boy did he make kick ass Roti Prata! Yumo!

Don't get me wrong, whilst living my own personal adventure daily is fun... like anyone, I have moments where I get a little sad, lonely and need some company (interaction is such a fabulous thing!), which is hard, when you don't know anyone - that for me, is the toughest part about being in a new place. Few friends.

I often see people out and about in their groups, socialising and gossiping... and then there is me, on my own. That is tough...

I miss my friends and family. Starting over and finding new friends is going to be hard, finding friends that 'match up' to the ones I have back home is going to be even harder!

Thank god for Skype! The best thing since sliced bread (not the Singapore kind... the bread here is terrible... so bad that I am baking my own!)... With Skype I can chat with everyone, for free! AND I can SEE them! Words can't express how amazing this software is!

My thoughts go out to all the people who have made the leap to move O/S in the past, BEFORE this kind of technology existed. Now THAT would have been tough!

Back on the bright side, I am confident that once I find a pilates studio to join, spend some more time at our condo gym & pool and most importantly, get a job, things will change and I will meet more people.

A day in my shoes will be even more fruitful, so I will have even more adventures to share with hubby when he is in town!

I will eventually have my own circle... yes... :)

People will want to be my friend, won't they?

I'm a likable person... I'm fun... I think....

A place we can call home

We are the kind of people who love our home, we love to sit and chill at home, cook at home (very un-Singaporean..) and entertain at home. What makes you proud of your home and what makes your home 'you' is made up of all the nick-nacks you have acquired over the years, along with some 'signature' items and of course your furniture.

Setting up house is super fun when you have no time or budget restrictions, when you know how much you can expect to pay for things, where to shop and where to find those special pieces that make your place unique and 'you'. For me, unfortunately setting up house in Singapore was more like a project with a deadline. We needed key items to be able to live there, so the clock was ticking!

We made the call to sell our TV unit, lounge and desk before moving to Singapore. We figured, we were due for a change AND not knowing what size or shape our place would be, we were best to buy new pieces to suit once we found a place. We also didn't own a dining table AND we wanted to use our old bed as a guest bed in our spare room (we want people to come and visit us!!), so that, plus all the above items were immediately added to our shopping list. We also desperately needed some storage shelving, to make the most of the extra space (as I have mentioned before, cupboards here... not so spacious..)

I had envisaged (or maybe more appropriately dreamed of) purchasing beautiful Asian inspired pieces - solid dark timber... maybe a bargain antique piece or two... but where to shop? Research told me that there are what sounds like a million antique warehouse stores stocking this kind of furniture in Singapore, but which one do you go to when you're on your own, don't speak Chinese and don't know your way around Singapore..? and more importantly, how do you know if you're getting jipped or not?

After a mammoth online hunt (a rather unsuccessful hunt I might add.. we are just too fussy!) .... Hubby and I made a trip to Ikea and Harvey Norman (ah the familiar!) to suss out what they had on offer. Harvey Norman came through with the goods - a simple solid timber, low bed, at a bargain price. Where we got jipped... the mattress! Wowzer! Yes... we went for the Sealy Posturepedic - King size... but far out! We're talking about the price of a decent second hand car in Aus!

After our success at Harvey's we hit Ikea - and boy did we shop. It was a marathon effort until close at 11pm! (yes they are open DAILY til 11pm). Actually it was the most fun hubby and I have had in ages, running around the self serve area trying to find everything, load our trolley and get to the checkout in time... (classic... that is rather tragic!) We got the key pieces we needed (in the look we wanted), plus we got storage shelving and a heap of little 'must have' bits and pieces (god love Ikea!) and... all at an Ikea price. *Happy days*

If I didn't already have a soft spot for Ikea... I would now - in Singapore they also offer a flat rate for delivery and an assembly/installation service for 6% of the items value! AMAZING!

I also shopped around for linen - another 'OCD' point of mine. Everything has to be just right... the right look, colour, pattern, texture, thread count... anyhow, I found a store where I again cleaned up. It's an Aussie brand that I (as an Aussie) have never heard of... classic. The brand is called 'Aussino'. In a nutshell, good quality Manchester for a good price. I ended up going with something COMPLETELY different to our old set, just to 'change things up a bit', I also invested in some 'Singaporean pieces' - a bolster and body pillow (apparently everyone here has one or two.... and with hubby traveling all the time, I thought why not! I need something to snuggle lol). He got home on Saturday night and loved what I had picked out - Hooray!

Thanks to the handy delivery/assembly men from Ikea and Harvey Norman, along with my stamina and determination (OCD) to unpack :P we're at a point now, where we are almost done... :)

Our once empty apartment, is starting to look like home :)

Though, I am in need of some fun... I am still keen to find one antique piece for our dining area (not a necessity though), so that will give me plenty of time to enjoy the hunt!