Happy Holidays

Well, another year has passed. 2010 brought extraordinary change and amazing experiences. Last year while ringing in the new year in Europe, I never would have thought I'd be spending the next holiday season in Asia. But here I am, shocked that it's already Christmas while stuck in a time warp of eternal July. Despite the constantly hot and humid weather, Singapore does do Christmas well. In true Singapore fashion, which is over and above anything you'd ever expect, the city's malls and public areas have been filled with holiday cheer for two months now. I wanted to give all of you a chance to see what it's like in a city across a few seas from wherever you are.

Singapore is crazy about their malls. And their malls are, well, crazy.



We did some shopping in Chinatown for some fun things to send back to our families. Chinatown is always fairly festive on it's own, so this is standard but still pretty!





The great thing about nice weather is that you can always count on being outside! One weekend we went to a "Carols by Candlelight" concert in Fort Canning Park. We brought some blankets (well, tablecloths) and plenty of food to keep us company.



Finally, we walked down the premier shopping strip in Singapore, Orchard Road. The road is literally about two constant miles of shopping malls. These are some of the highlights along the way!



And this is a picture of our condo decorated for Christmas. I know I haven't posted many pictures of our place, mostly because I'm holding out until I feel it's a bit more complete. Don't worry though, we've been stocking up on furniture and I'll showcase our place sometime soon.



As for me, I'll spending Christmas and New years in Sydney Australia with Nat and some friends that are in the area. It will surely be different than most of you who will enjoy the holidays indoors, eating a lot roasted food while watching football and thinking about braving the cold to hit the slopes or stay put sipping a warm drink. For us, we'll be bbq'ing on the beach, giving the surf board a try, seeing the sights of Sydney, and taking a camper van into the Blue Mountains for some camping.

I hope wherever you are and whatever you do, it will be a memorable and amazing holiday spent with people you love. Happy Holidays and best wishes for an even better 2011!

Oh, and Go Ducks!

Singapore National Day

I feel like Singapore is the Disneyland of the world. Everything you see is meant to be seen; it's nice, clean, efficient, and there for your use and pleasure. Everything else is hidden under trap doors, secret alleyways, and corners of the island where no one goes. This really becomes apparent with special events. Actually, it doesn't even have to be that special. Everything here is a production and it's planned to perfection. Money or resources don't seem to be of any concern and things go up just as fast as they come down. It's amazing how something seems to be going on everywhere you go, and the preparation and length they take to make it happen blows my mind every time.

The National Day celebration was no exception to this. National Day is like the 4th of July, it's Singapore's birthday and this year was Singapore's 45th! To explain a little bit about what I said above, I have been here for over two months, and even though National Day was just two days ago they have been rehearsing and practicing for this event every weekend since I have been here (and probably before). Major road routes have been closed every weekend for parade rehearsal, fighter jets and air force routines were ran in precision on every Saturday, and dress rehearsals and sound tests occured in the stadium erected in the middle of the city every time I go by. Oh, and the entire city is decked out with National Day flags, banners, streamers, signs, and advertisements. It's pretty amazing.




Another thing that amazes me about Singapore is how smoothly everything goes. I asked Nat if she thinks it's because the rules are so strict and the fines and punishments are heavy, or if it's because the people just obey. My Singaporean colleague says that it's just because the people have grown up being used to the way things are. Nat and I couldn't help but image the mayhem that would occur if the same event occurred in a place like London. With that said, there were more police and official personel present than I have seen the entire time I have been here. I didn't find them necessary, but it was kinda cool to see!





The festivities themselves did not dissapoint. Although we didn't have tickets into the stadium area, we still enjoyed walking through the masses of people trying to see everything we could. We eventually found a grassy place to sit with a view of the city and the fireworks show that would close the night. But first was the air force show!





And tanks!





So I'm pretty sure when they planned the fireworks show, someone was drinking a beer and said "dude, it would be way sweet if we lit of fireworks from the tops of all the tallest building in the city during the the fireworks show." So they did it. I feel like everything in Singapore is decided the same way...obscene but somehow it always works.





One thing I find great about Singaporeans is the pride they seem to have in their country. I can't really call it patriotism because I feel like it's almost the same way I feel about my University. It's almost an emotional connection that makes you happy and proud about what you support and where you came from. In the UK they complain about the weather, the NHS, or more weather. In the US we complain about politics, the economy, or the fact that no matter what our country is doing we don't like it. But in Singapore, everyone seems pretty happy. Maybe I'll probably look back at this post a year from now and feel like I'm being pretty ignorant, but for the time being I'm pretty happy to be here and I can see why Singaporeans are proud for their country.

During the next two months, Singapore has two more major events coming up. The first ever Youth Olympic Games (you'd think they were the real olympics based on the exposure and preparation they have here) and a Formula One race. Stay tuned for more about those!

The Singapore Skyline

There is one thing that I never get tired of in this city. Well, I guess there is probably more than one. But the main thing that remains impressive is the city's skyline. Singapore has a downtown area, also known as the Central Business District. It's your typical American-Style downtown district with tall skyscrapers and business people galore. The weird part about it, however, is that the towering buildings and modern feel extend in every direction from the CBD. So much so, that if you have a view from high above, the buildings never seem to end. Most of them that are beyond the CBD are huge housing complexes, as most people in Singapore live in large condo-type complexes.

The nice thing about the CBD is that part of it is bordered by the river. Our office borders the CPD, and it's about a 10 minute walk through the skyscrapers to the river. A few of us in the office have started running after work a couple times a week and it couldn't be a better place for it. The riverfront itself is full of shops, restaurants and the like, but it's also a great place to run as it's an endless trail in either direction. The following pictures are what we see from our normal running route (although they weren't actually taken while I was running).



And these are just some pics of other skyline views I have seen.



Across the river/bay area from the CBD is a brand new complex called Marina Bay. The three huge towers are connected at the top by an impressive platform that looks like a long, flat boat. The entire complex houses a casino on the bottom that is free for foreigners, but Singaporeans have to pay $100 to enter. It's the governments way of making a lot of money off of everyone they can't control. The large platform at the top just opened last week and anyone can go to the top for $20. It apparently has a huge pool, bars, trees, and I'm sure the best view in town. I'll let you know what it's like when I go!



One day after work, we went out for some drinks at a bar around the corner from our office. They had an amazing rooftop bar that apparently ranks in the top 20 in the world!



Finally, Singapore is home to the largest observation wheel in the world. Combine a huge ferris wheel and the space needle and this is what you get. Similar to the London Eye, it moves very slowly and takes about 45 minutes to get all the way around. During your journey, you're in a climate controlled glass capsule that holds around 20 people. The best part is the constant view you have in every direction.

Whoa, three weeks!

So here's the deal. It's been three long weeks since I've posted any blogs. I'm disappointed in myself, especially because I really do have so much to share on here! So I have written some stuff below, but throughout the next week my goal is to post a number of blogs with pictures so you can see everything in more detail...

All of a sudden it's been three weeks in Singapore. Where has the time gone?! I've spent the last three weeks leaving the house (and I use that term loosely since I've stayed in three places so far) before 7am and not getting home until after 10pm. Not even work is consistent since I'm leaving to do things like look for places to live or get my employment pass and visa sorted out. The good news is that we have found a place to live and move in around July 1st!

I'm a bit bummed I haven't written very much. I've had so much to write about and each day has been an adventure on it's own. There are so many times I think of ways to describe what I see, or describe Singapore in general, but I know that most of them will escape me now. Overall, there is no better way to describe Singapore than unique. Every corner brings something unexpected, but at the same time you're somehow not surprised by it.

It's things like food courts. In America, if you go to a food court in a mall, for example, you don't really think great things about it. But here, it's where everyone eats. You are lucky to find a table at any time of day and you get good food for near pocket change.

It's things like going to East Coast Park, a long stretch of paths along the beach east of downtown. At first glance it looks incredible, but then you realize the hundreds of ships just off shore waiting to dock at the world's largest port. The constant line of airplanes that fly above. And the annoyingly strong smell of pollution from all of the above.

It's things like walking into endless amounts of air conditioned malls. The smells of every kind of food constantly filling the air of every street corner. Towering sky scrapers and condos that seem to never end. A growing land mass every year due to man extending the island. Yet at the same time, the little parks and temples amidst the quiet nooks of Chinatown. The ability to take a bus to a nature preserve and trail run with turtles and monkeys. The long promenade along the river with endless views of the skyline. You even see people saving their table by putting their wallet on the table top while they go get their food.

It's a place where convenience is king. Taxi rides are cheap. Maids are common and affordable. You always leave all of your plates and trays on the table where you eat and they clean it for you. Trains are impeccable and pristine compared to any other city. There are more swimming pools per capita than any other place in the world. There are free facilities and showers at parks where exercise is common. There are even plastic carrier bags for take-away drinks. Everything is just easy here. And everything is clean and pleasant as well.

To be honest, I didn't have the highest expectations for Singapore itself. I thought it was going to a good place to have as a base for traveling other places; and I'm sure it will be. But I'm having the time of my life here. Part of it is the friends I am lucky enough to have here already, and part of it is that the city provides a place for us to have an amazing time. Every night we're running along the riverfront with extensive views of the CBD and the spitting merlion. We're exploring a new part of town by foot or riding meters high on the tallest observation wheel in the world. We're sitting by the pool surrounded by palm trees at a condo or viewing the skyline from a rooftop bar. All, of course, while eating food. A lot of food. And a lot of different kinds of food.

Come back soon...

Day 2

My day started with a quick walk to the nearest MRT station to meet Grace, one of my co-workers in the Singapore office. We were also meeting up with our other co-worker Siew Yee, a native Singaporean. We wasted some time in Chinatown while we waited for Siew Yee, and then she took us to a food court to get some traditional Singapore breakfast.

Despite what many of you probably think, apparently the traditional breakfast here is not noodles...although I'm sure you can get that too. The breakfast consists of toast sandwiched with butter and coconut jam and then a bowl of two very runny eggs. It's all served with tea or coffee, and I got the tea which was sweetened and had condensed milk. All very tasty! For dessert, yes dessert, I got a tub of bean curd, which I think is soy and mixed with a sweet syrup all served warm. It was good but I couldn't finish the gigantic tub!

After that, Siew Yee took us to a small museum about Chinatown. It didn't take too long to go through, but it was interesting seeing and reading about how people came to Singapore and how Chinatown came to be. Singapore was originally an area of banishment when the Chinese were driven out of Malaysia. Life was rough and very different from the way it is in Singapore now. After the museum, we eventually made our way to the office where they let me in so I could check it out! It was nice to have a break with some air conditioning and the office itself is really nice. We're still in the process of getting it decorated but I'll get some pictures up as soon as it's all set up.

When we left the office, Grace and I decided to head out to Orchard Road, which is the main shopping district in Singapore. I had heard that it was definitely a place to see. We started by taking a bus to the far end of Orchard Road which is where the Singapore Botanical Gardens are. It's a huge park, free to enter, full of many different kinds of plant life, ponds and open areas. We explored the entire park by foot, which meant I was covered in sweat the whole time. Eventually we got back to the main gates and made our way down Orchard Road. I thought I had seen some fancy malls the day before, but Orchard Road is full of even fancier malls. I was amazed at the sheer number of malls, one after another constantly for a long stretch. It was also very busy, which I assumed were mostly tourists, but apparently it's what the locals do too. Like I said yesterday, Singaporeans like their malls (and their food).

Eventually, we hit the other end of Orchard Road and needed to take a break to get something cold to drink. After hours in the heat, I gulped my ice tea in about 3 seconds. We then decided to see if Siew Yee was available for dinner and took the MRT to meet her. She had a Japanese place in mind and recommended trying a Ramen Bowl, which was full of noodles, pork, greens and half a boiled egg, all in a creamy broth. It was very nice! With all of the eating, especially today, I am learning the art of chopstix more and more each day. You don't have to use them as they always have spoons and forks around, but I like to. And finally, you can't have dinner without dessert, so we found a popular Chinese dessert restaurant where I didn't recognize or know one thing on the menu. I chose Mango Sago & Pomelo. Unfortunately, since everything is so different, I never have any idea what I'm actually eating. Apparently, this is some kind of mango flavored cream with chunks of mango and pomelo, which is similar to grapefruit. It also had small chunks of ice in it along with jelly balls (which might have been the sago?). Regardless, it was very tasty although I wasn't a big fan of the pomelo.

It was definitely another long day, but it was really nice to be able to spend it with some people instead of by myself. Especially with some people who know the city (and the food) so well. I'm really having a great time so far.

You can take a look at the pics HERE

I guess now it's time to work...

Day 1

The pictures say more than the words! Check them out

I woke up this morning to what sounded like a building being bombed and falling to the ground. In reality, it was some thunder. But due to the jet lag and the morning hour, it took me a few minutes to put two and two together...the pouring rain tipped me off. I took my time getting ready and planning my mode of attack. I had heard that about 10 minutes was long enough to be walking around outside due to the humidity, but my close proximity to the Chinatown and Downtown areas made me think I should take advantage of it. I walked through the park directly behind my hotel which spit me into Chinatown. My goal was to find the office, so I weaved my way through the streets of Chinatown finding a number of markets, malls and food centers...which just about sums Singapore up. Of course the architecture was very cool and there were a few temples along the way.

So like I said...markets, malls and food centers....

Markets: Chinatown had a very interesting market in the basement of an open air mall. I saw everything from fresh fruits and veggies, to all kinds of fresh fish, to live eels and frogs. Yes, frogs.

Malls: Singaporeans love their malls. They range from tacky(ish) crowded malls with small stalls and open walls with no a/c to extravagant, better-than-anything-else, humongous, large, everything-you-could-ever-want malls. They have all the main American and British stores. Oh, and are VERY air conditioned.

Food: Basically, it seems like Singaporeans always eat. Everywhere you go there is food. All of the malls seem like they have more food options than department stores. Every street is lined with places to eat with both indoor and outdoor seating. Then the city is filled with Hawker Centers, which are large, open air food courts filled with everything imaginable. If you're hungry, you probably don't have to go more than 1 minute away to have about 50 options. And that's not much of an exaggeration.

I walked many hours today. And in reality, I didn't think it was too bad. It's hot, but not crazy hot. It's just the humidity that's the problem...and the sun is pretty intense. But even if you're sitting outside in the shade, with a slight breeze, it's not too bad. With that said, I was pretty much soaked all day long. I walked through Chinatown and into the Central Business District (downtown for us Americans), and then figured out the MRT (subway transportation system) to the Promenade along the river back towards the CBD (Central Business District).

My impressions of Singapore based on the limited sites I have seen so far is that it is very clean, very modern, and very nice. Everything seems well run and very efficient. I want to start learning Chinese for a couple reasons. Everything is in English, but it's also in Chinese. Also, if two people know Chinese, they will generally speak Chinese, so it would be nice to know what everyone is always saying. With that said, knowing English is definitely good enough. However, being Caucasian definitely makes you stick out. In some ways it's good...I'm taller than pretty much everyone else. It'll be good for concerts! But it also makes me look like an automatic tourist...or at least that's how I feel. I was walking through one of the malls with my new SLR camera around my neck. One of the shop owners immediately targeted me, brought me in his shop, and before I knew it I had a different lens on my camera. I didn't buy it, but Singapore is definitely a great place for cheap electronics so I'm sure I will eventually.

I eventually made my way back to my hotel to cool down before heading back out to grab some dinner and find a grocery store. The grocery store was nice and had far more American items than stores in London did...but I'm getting the idea that it's much much cheaper to eat out than it is to buy food to cook. You can buy a box of cereal for $4-7, but you could eat two meals for that at a hawker center (roughly 2.50pounds or 3.75USD). Speaking of cereals, I'm pretty happy. You can get: Cocoa Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, Cocoa Pebbles, Honey Bunches of Oats, Kashi, and many many more. You can also get Jif Peanut Butter, Graham Crackers, RoldGold Pretzels, Root Beer, and the list goes on. You can also find McDonalds, Burger King, Carls Junior, Dairy Queen, Auntie Annes Pretzels, KFC, Pizza Hut, Nandos, 7-Eleven and probably a lot more I haven't noticed yet.

When I got back to my room after a 15 minute walk carrying a small bag of groceries, I was completely soaked. Probably because the breeze seemed to go away, but regardless it was pretty miserable. I think I'll be taking showers at night for sure.

Ok, that's enough for now. The pictures to this post will show you a lot more than what I described above with descriptions. Click Here!