No, I have not become financially rich.
One evening last week, my daughter, partner, and I roamed our town centre in search of supper. Many hawker stands had people waiting for sun down in order to eat (still Ramadan) so we waited as well. We finally settled on Thosah Masala from the energetic Malay guys who make the thosah and prata (flat breads) in front of you and make a foreigner feel at ease when ordering. Turns out thosah is breakfast food and we had to go to another stall to order it special. So we did. We received our orders and drinks (you order drinks from a separate stand), and the total cost for the meal that stuffed all three of us was S$6.50.
Last Saturday after spending a delightful day on Sentosa Island strolling beaches and enjoying luge rides, we decided to go to a movie. My daughter and I had gone to a movie alone the night before and although we couldn't find the theatre we planned on visiting, we found another one. You're not allowed into the theatre until 10 minutes before the show, many people arrive late, the theatre is freezing, and seats are assigned - we ended up in the 2nd row and my neck hasn't been the same since. However, the amount of laughter and hee-haws from the audience during the movie more than made up for the strained neck. We had a ball!
On Saturday night the movie was quite a bit different. There were around 50 seats... ahem... big, cushy, comfy recliners... with a blanket on each one. And a little table with a wine holder for your bottle. And a button to press for service. The three of us got cozy in our seats and giggled until the movie began. We didn't order anything. The tickets were about 4 times the price of a standard movie. A bottle of water was S$6 - almost the same price as supper for all three of us a couple of nights earlier.
It was a grand night and we plan on doing it again. But for now we are going back to rags and have rented a cheap shack on a beach in Bintan, Indonesia for a weekend getaway. Ahhh.....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
The transit system here is excellent. Cars are outrageously expensive, so it's bus, train and taxi for us for now.
The Massive Rapid Train (MRT) is straight forward. Hop on, squish in, usually stand, hop off, possibly walk 5 minutes to transfer train, hop back on... it's relatively fast and you can take advantage of the time to read or figure out your new phone if it's not too squishy. This is the place we get the most stares.
We are definitely in a minority group around here, but there are many minority groups. Singapore is the most diverse place I've been. Expats make up around 25% of the total population. Many Singaporeans' roots are from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, and it's a fairly new independent country. Add Canadians, Americans, Europeans, and Australians to the mix and you have a pretty good picture of the people that live here. It's really fantastic! Several locals have thought we were Australian.
Anyway, staring... Westerners are accustomed to more personal space than Asians. When standing on the train, holding a pole with five others in that vicinity, there is almost always one person right next to me staring into my eyes. And they aren't checking me out because I'm cute! (Especially since I cut my own bangs!!) I'm getting used to it, though, and I try to switch my thought pattern to the fact that I'm giving this person an experience of their own. Orrr... maybe they ARE checking me out because they are wondering who on earth wears these funky, badly cut bangs.
The bus is not as easy as the train. It took an hour to figure out the bus route to my daugther's school - which is only one 10-15 minute bus ride wtih no transfers! The first time I took it, I almost got on the one going in the opposite direction. Driving on the opposite side of the road makes figuring out bus routes counter-intuitive.
Buses can be extended or double decker, have steps in the rear, or just standard - same as other big cities really. One of my first days on the bus alone, I was feeling pretty proud for figuring out the overly complicated bus puzzle. It was going pretty smoothly though and I was near the end of my ride... then I couldn't find the dinger thingy for the next stop! Please let someone else ring the dinger thing. Ding! Yes! They have doorbell looking dingers, while I'm used to the string dinger. So the bus stops and I stand and step away from my seat, while getting a few stares of course... and plop! I fall about a foot south! I'd forgotten that I'd stepped up into the seat. I twisted my ankle but was otherwise fine and did the Bridget Jones walk away... smiling as if it didn't happen.
The taxi is the most efficient form of transport. Of course, it's not a straight forward phone call with the response "right away!" (If you're from Newfoundland you know what I mean.) There are a few ways to get a taxi here...
1) The Singaporean Wave Down. Stand on the side of the road. Do not flounder. Dip your hand towards the ground a couple of times while holding your arm out towards the street. Wait. Repeat. Make sure you are in an area where taxis are allowed to pull over and stop - not sure yet how to find this out. Think positive thoughts - this method could take a while. If taxis are at shift end or on call, they will not stop. It is also possible that when you do get a taxi, they turn down the fare because they don't want to go to that area or they don't know the directions, and, well, of course I don't know the directions (this actually happened only once).
2) The Taxi Stand. This can be pretty fast and easy if there is not a long queue. These taxi stands are located all over the place, especially near shopping areas (which are pretty much everywhere - Singapore is known for shopping). Sometimes there can be a 10-20 minute wait at malls or if a section of the MRT is being serviced. This is how I brought my daugther to and from school for the first week until I graduated to the bus (she now gets the school bus - yipee!).
3) Book a Taxi. When you call to book a taxi, there is an extra fee. There is also an extra fee during peak hours. When you call, you give the address and then wait. The call goes out to the all taxis in that company (there are two taxi companies here) and if/when someone wants to take the fare, they call it in and you get a 4-digit number to remember - the number of the taxi. This is relatively easy, but can be an expensive way to get around if you use it all the time.
So getting around is similar to other places with little differences in the systems. Of course, we also walk and run... yesterday I ran in the rain and it was absolutely awesome.
The Massive Rapid Train (MRT) is straight forward. Hop on, squish in, usually stand, hop off, possibly walk 5 minutes to transfer train, hop back on... it's relatively fast and you can take advantage of the time to read or figure out your new phone if it's not too squishy. This is the place we get the most stares.
We are definitely in a minority group around here, but there are many minority groups. Singapore is the most diverse place I've been. Expats make up around 25% of the total population. Many Singaporeans' roots are from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, and it's a fairly new independent country. Add Canadians, Americans, Europeans, and Australians to the mix and you have a pretty good picture of the people that live here. It's really fantastic! Several locals have thought we were Australian.
Anyway, staring... Westerners are accustomed to more personal space than Asians. When standing on the train, holding a pole with five others in that vicinity, there is almost always one person right next to me staring into my eyes. And they aren't checking me out because I'm cute! (Especially since I cut my own bangs!!) I'm getting used to it, though, and I try to switch my thought pattern to the fact that I'm giving this person an experience of their own. Orrr... maybe they ARE checking me out because they are wondering who on earth wears these funky, badly cut bangs.
The bus is not as easy as the train. It took an hour to figure out the bus route to my daugther's school - which is only one 10-15 minute bus ride wtih no transfers! The first time I took it, I almost got on the one going in the opposite direction. Driving on the opposite side of the road makes figuring out bus routes counter-intuitive.
Buses can be extended or double decker, have steps in the rear, or just standard - same as other big cities really. One of my first days on the bus alone, I was feeling pretty proud for figuring out the overly complicated bus puzzle. It was going pretty smoothly though and I was near the end of my ride... then I couldn't find the dinger thingy for the next stop! Please let someone else ring the dinger thing. Ding! Yes! They have doorbell looking dingers, while I'm used to the string dinger. So the bus stops and I stand and step away from my seat, while getting a few stares of course... and plop! I fall about a foot south! I'd forgotten that I'd stepped up into the seat. I twisted my ankle but was otherwise fine and did the Bridget Jones walk away... smiling as if it didn't happen.
The taxi is the most efficient form of transport. Of course, it's not a straight forward phone call with the response "right away!" (If you're from Newfoundland you know what I mean.) There are a few ways to get a taxi here...
1) The Singaporean Wave Down. Stand on the side of the road. Do not flounder. Dip your hand towards the ground a couple of times while holding your arm out towards the street. Wait. Repeat. Make sure you are in an area where taxis are allowed to pull over and stop - not sure yet how to find this out. Think positive thoughts - this method could take a while. If taxis are at shift end or on call, they will not stop. It is also possible that when you do get a taxi, they turn down the fare because they don't want to go to that area or they don't know the directions, and, well, of course I don't know the directions (this actually happened only once).
2) The Taxi Stand. This can be pretty fast and easy if there is not a long queue. These taxi stands are located all over the place, especially near shopping areas (which are pretty much everywhere - Singapore is known for shopping). Sometimes there can be a 10-20 minute wait at malls or if a section of the MRT is being serviced. This is how I brought my daugther to and from school for the first week until I graduated to the bus (she now gets the school bus - yipee!).
3) Book a Taxi. When you call to book a taxi, there is an extra fee. There is also an extra fee during peak hours. When you call, you give the address and then wait. The call goes out to the all taxis in that company (there are two taxi companies here) and if/when someone wants to take the fare, they call it in and you get a 4-digit number to remember - the number of the taxi. This is relatively easy, but can be an expensive way to get around if you use it all the time.
So getting around is similar to other places with little differences in the systems. Of course, we also walk and run... yesterday I ran in the rain and it was absolutely awesome.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Food Frenzy
One of the first and biggest adaptations when I moved to Singapore was food. I wanted so badly to eat the local options, but my digestive system wasn't as ready as my brain.
I can't pronounce many things I've tried (and mostly enjoyed)... Kway Teow, Bee Hoon, Goteng, Tosah Masala, Tam Yum, Laksa, and so much more. Many foods are served hot with rich sauces and flavours. Eggs are a popular addition to almost all Singaporean dishes. (I even tried to get western food one evening and ordered a club house sandwich - it came with a fried egg on it.) Economic rice is an easy and fairly healthy choice - you get a pile of rice and then select however many veggie or meat/seafood choices you want from about 30. Milo (chocolate milk sort of) and Kopi are probably the most popular beverages. Once I ordered coffee in McDonald's and received Milo. My daughter drinks hot and cold Milo, and we have powdered Milo in our cupboard. It's big here.
I've learned that eating in the hawker stands is part of the reason I feel so full. It's hot outside, and the hawker stands are open to the air and not air conditioned. The people working in each stand must be so hot! We've started to take our supper away and eat from home. This seems to be working better for us.
Of course, the international options here are endless as well. Last weekend, I went to an authentic Indian restaurant. They provide wash basins so you can wash your hands before and after eating. We ordered the set meal, which includes rice and a bunch of curry dips and sauces... all served on a big banana leaf. We ate with our hands... well, actually our hand (right hand of course). After eating about 1/2 of it, I was completely stuffed. We washed our hands, paid our S$9 (for two meals), and off we went. It was delicious.. and we viewed a little cockroach scurrying across the floor as we left the restaurant.
Meals are a critical social event. Families gather around pots of soup with a variety of side dishes - similar to a fondue. The Kopi Tiams are always full. And lunch, or macay, is highly important - you do not miss it. Our property agent even asked if we'd had lunch yet and would have delayed a meeting for us to eat if we hadn't.
My daughter and I have friends that practiced Ramadan. But we've never observed it the way we see it here. Many people go out to eat here - kitchens are often not designed for a lot of cooking and eating in Kopi Tiams is cheap. A couple of times we've been at the Kopi Tiam just before sunset. The place was filled with people sitting with food and drinks on the tables in front of them. They chatted, texted, or read, but they did not eat. At exactly sunset, a voice sang out on the speakers and everyone began to eat - breaking their fast for the day. It's a pretty incredible thing to witness. It was completely natural for everyone there, but it demonstrated great restraint to us.
Last week, we bought our first full basket of groceries. Buying groceries can be such a mindless activity at home... unless you're preparing a new gourmet meal for 20 of course! Buying groceries in a new store in a new country, however, takes some thought. My daughter and I wandered up and down the narrow isles, with others scurrying around us, in search of familiar food with some new additions. Meat is going to be a challenge for us - although we managed to find some skinless boneless chicken breast. We skipped the chicken claws fully skinned and needing a nail clipping.
I also got a bottle of wine at the grocery store so we can officially celebrate settling into our new home - the cheap bottle was S$22 (about Cdn$17). My daughter got pink guava juice.
I can't pronounce many things I've tried (and mostly enjoyed)... Kway Teow, Bee Hoon, Goteng, Tosah Masala, Tam Yum, Laksa, and so much more. Many foods are served hot with rich sauces and flavours. Eggs are a popular addition to almost all Singaporean dishes. (I even tried to get western food one evening and ordered a club house sandwich - it came with a fried egg on it.) Economic rice is an easy and fairly healthy choice - you get a pile of rice and then select however many veggie or meat/seafood choices you want from about 30. Milo (chocolate milk sort of) and Kopi are probably the most popular beverages. Once I ordered coffee in McDonald's and received Milo. My daughter drinks hot and cold Milo, and we have powdered Milo in our cupboard. It's big here.
I've learned that eating in the hawker stands is part of the reason I feel so full. It's hot outside, and the hawker stands are open to the air and not air conditioned. The people working in each stand must be so hot! We've started to take our supper away and eat from home. This seems to be working better for us.
Of course, the international options here are endless as well. Last weekend, I went to an authentic Indian restaurant. They provide wash basins so you can wash your hands before and after eating. We ordered the set meal, which includes rice and a bunch of curry dips and sauces... all served on a big banana leaf. We ate with our hands... well, actually our hand (right hand of course). After eating about 1/2 of it, I was completely stuffed. We washed our hands, paid our S$9 (for two meals), and off we went. It was delicious.. and we viewed a little cockroach scurrying across the floor as we left the restaurant.
Meals are a critical social event. Families gather around pots of soup with a variety of side dishes - similar to a fondue. The Kopi Tiams are always full. And lunch, or macay, is highly important - you do not miss it. Our property agent even asked if we'd had lunch yet and would have delayed a meeting for us to eat if we hadn't.
My daughter and I have friends that practiced Ramadan. But we've never observed it the way we see it here. Many people go out to eat here - kitchens are often not designed for a lot of cooking and eating in Kopi Tiams is cheap. A couple of times we've been at the Kopi Tiam just before sunset. The place was filled with people sitting with food and drinks on the tables in front of them. They chatted, texted, or read, but they did not eat. At exactly sunset, a voice sang out on the speakers and everyone began to eat - breaking their fast for the day. It's a pretty incredible thing to witness. It was completely natural for everyone there, but it demonstrated great restraint to us.
Last week, we bought our first full basket of groceries. Buying groceries can be such a mindless activity at home... unless you're preparing a new gourmet meal for 20 of course! Buying groceries in a new store in a new country, however, takes some thought. My daughter and I wandered up and down the narrow isles, with others scurrying around us, in search of familiar food with some new additions. Meat is going to be a challenge for us - although we managed to find some skinless boneless chicken breast. We skipped the chicken claws fully skinned and needing a nail clipping.
I also got a bottle of wine at the grocery store so we can officially celebrate settling into our new home - the cheap bottle was S$22 (about Cdn$17). My daughter got pink guava juice.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Clothes
Clothes give me a continual stream of thought in Singapore. I'm not one to wear skirts or dresses. I can't find a style that looks nice on me - they look quite awful actually, and forget flattering. But skirts are an excellent item for wearing in a hot, humid climate. So, I'm challenging the neuroplasticity and I've begun to wear skirts. But not without my Body Glide... seriously the best invention ever.
Wearing a skirt is not what monopolizes my clothes thoughts, though. Naturally, you sweat a lot around here. It's hot every day... it's particularly humid. The heat isn't unbearable, though. It also rains almost every day (warm, heavy rainfalls). Since every day brings stickiness and sweat, doing laundry is CONSTANT activity.
Dryers are rarely used in Singapore. Kitchens are typically laid out so there is a clothes drying area. There is most often an opening without a window for air flow. Kitchens are not air conditioned so you keep the door closed. Many apartments have poles protruding from under the windows and clothes are hanging on them. When it's humid out, it can take up to two days for your clothes to dry!
Our kitchen doesn't have those poles outside, but we do have the opening in the wall. (We also have a bomb shelter and a maid's bathroom in our kitchen. Yes, every building that was built post 9-11 has a bomb shelter... not sure how protected we'd be since we live on the 13th floor!) I've started to create standardization processes for the laundry. I'm not sure if this obsession for efficiency is from 9 years of exposure to 'lean' at Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters or from having a bit of engineer in my blood (my brother, partner, and many colleagues will like that one:). But I have these little systems for how to take the dry clothes from the way too high rod and fold them, take the wet clothes from the washer and hang using the clothespins that are conveniently located within reach (I even tend to use the same color pins on each hanger), and then I add more clothes to the washer and have steps to follow for that too. (I'm sure part of this craziness is me missing my alphabetically organized CD collection! ha)
I'm definitely thankful I don't have a job yet while I spend this time organizing and standardizing.... then again these little obsessions might be a result of not using that part of my brain for the last few weeks.
Wearing a skirt is not what monopolizes my clothes thoughts, though. Naturally, you sweat a lot around here. It's hot every day... it's particularly humid. The heat isn't unbearable, though. It also rains almost every day (warm, heavy rainfalls). Since every day brings stickiness and sweat, doing laundry is CONSTANT activity.
Dryers are rarely used in Singapore. Kitchens are typically laid out so there is a clothes drying area. There is most often an opening without a window for air flow. Kitchens are not air conditioned so you keep the door closed. Many apartments have poles protruding from under the windows and clothes are hanging on them. When it's humid out, it can take up to two days for your clothes to dry!
Our kitchen doesn't have those poles outside, but we do have the opening in the wall. (We also have a bomb shelter and a maid's bathroom in our kitchen. Yes, every building that was built post 9-11 has a bomb shelter... not sure how protected we'd be since we live on the 13th floor!) I've started to create standardization processes for the laundry. I'm not sure if this obsession for efficiency is from 9 years of exposure to 'lean' at Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters or from having a bit of engineer in my blood (my brother, partner, and many colleagues will like that one:). But I have these little systems for how to take the dry clothes from the way too high rod and fold them, take the wet clothes from the washer and hang using the clothespins that are conveniently located within reach (I even tend to use the same color pins on each hanger), and then I add more clothes to the washer and have steps to follow for that too. (I'm sure part of this craziness is me missing my alphabetically organized CD collection! ha)
I'm definitely thankful I don't have a job yet while I spend this time organizing and standardizing.... then again these little obsessions might be a result of not using that part of my brain for the last few weeks.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Eat, Love, Pray? No problem.
My friend sent me info on a retreat to Bali that was inspired by the book/movie "Eat, Love, Pray". I'm sure every almost woman over 35ish can relate to it - although I haven't read/seen it yet. The timing of the retreat doesn't work for me, but I'm eating, loving and praying anyway.
Eating
Singaporeans LOVE their food. My digestive system, on the other hand, does not love Singaporean food. We've eaten all kinds of noodles, sauces, veggies, soups, new combinations, and some meats - oh, and eggs are served with everything - raw or cooked. One morning last weekend, I had Indian food for breakfast, and although it was absolutely delicious, it must have contained my entire allowable calories for the day!
You can get all kinds of seafood here - mostly prepared in rich sauces and/or soups, although dried fish is common too. Chili sauce, chilies, and 'spicy' are common. Even McDonald's gives out chili packets. One of the hawker stands in our Town Centre serves frog. I'll wait to try that.
A few days ago, I decided to eat lighter. Why do we take so many photos at times wen we eat so much? I am gaining weight! I started eating granola for breakfast... ohhhmmmm... the smallest things from our 'normal home life' make us feel calmer.
Loving
If you know me, you know I live in the 'love world'. I am loving the moments I'm so lucky to be having and I'm practicing gratitude daily. In addition to that, though, my partner and I have started date night! Yes! Like the movie, but a wee bit less adventurous - so far anyway:) Last Sunday we went to East Coast Park. It was wonderful.
The long stretch of beach and grassy land was peppered with scrumptious smelling restaurants and people spending time with their loved ones. Bike and in-line skate rental shops are open until 10pm, and we went for a 2-hour skate.... it felt good to get physical (and get blisters!). The path is smooth and lit after sun down. Young adults pitch tents along the way and have weekend camp-outs. Meditation groups sit and ring their bell every so often. Hundreds of boats are lined up in the ocean... and of course, green is everywhere. It's a fabulous place to go... to be... to laugh.... to love...
After our skate, with our feet swollen, red, and blistered and our clothes soaked, the guy at the rental shop yelled to another to confirm our rental... he said 'ang mo'... this was the first time I heard us being called 'white man'. Apparently it's common.
Naturally, we had to end our date with food... and we had Turkish food! I had chicken shish - yum!
On our way home we were privy to an annual, local tradition called the Hungry Ghost Ghetan (not sure of the spelling). The Chinese have an old tradition that in the 7th month (lunar), they make offerings to the ghosts (dead), and towards the end of the month, they celebrate with a dinner, auction, and show. Since we've arrived, we've seen many of these offerings around the city - they usually comprise oranges, apples, cakes, flowers, burning incense, and burning paper money. They can be set up lavishly on tables or simply on the edge of sidewalks. The air often smells like burning paper. My question is, "what happens to the offerings when the ghosts don't take them?" Anyway, we were super lucky to have witnessed such an event and we walked home smiling.
We are definitely loving.
Praying
Many religions are practiced here. In our first week here we spent a day exploring China Town and visited three temples - a Mosque, an Indian temple, and a Buddhist temple.
To enter the Mosque, we removed our shoes and wore robes (we had shorts and tank tops on). The practioners were chanting and bowing as we walked around careful not to step on the carpet, as instructed. I read about the history of the Islamic religion and appreciated the differences, although I couldn't agree with all the beliefs. We left feeling calm.
The Indian temple was an entirely different experience. Statues of the many gods and goddesses were lavishly displayed. Alters were arranged. The temple itself was amazingly colorful and intricately designed. We removed our shoes and walked on concrete this time... some of which was exposed to the sun and was too hot to stand on. Each god/goddess had an area in front of it to worship and many had donation boxes. A foot washing station was provided. And some people who followed the faith meditated or prayed or just sat - being. It was a peaceful yet colorful place that felt full of life.
My favorite was the Buddhist temple. Thousands of Buddha statues were placed around the four floor temple. At the entrances you could light incense and pray or meditate. All three of us lit incense and placed it in the burning area, and I sent healing thoughts to the people in my life struggling with illness. I think of them often.
Towards the back of the first floor was a gigantic gold Buddha statue and six or seven monks chanting with meditation symbols. The chanting was incredibly calming. Each floor boasted another fantastical attraction. We witnessed people meditating on pillows, being blessed by a monk, and praying around a prayer wheel (one of the largest in the world). We read the story of Buddha and my daughter and I took a moment to sit together on a bench in the rooftop garden, which was full of lush greenery and flowers and trickling water. It was a peaceful, enriching experience... and I'd like to have that rooftop on my building.
Although we all have differing beliefs and each at varying levels, one commonality is the desire to be connected. That day I felt connected. The last month or so has been hectic and busy with every day full of tasks and appointments and deadlines and to do lists. I'm trying to remember to take a moment each day to get connected to my inner self. It goes a long way when dealing with the challenges presented by an international move.
I think I will begin to investigate the retreats offered in this area of the world. Maybe instead of becoming a CEO I'll become a master yogi:) (Both in my dreams!)
Eating
Singaporeans LOVE their food. My digestive system, on the other hand, does not love Singaporean food. We've eaten all kinds of noodles, sauces, veggies, soups, new combinations, and some meats - oh, and eggs are served with everything - raw or cooked. One morning last weekend, I had Indian food for breakfast, and although it was absolutely delicious, it must have contained my entire allowable calories for the day!
You can get all kinds of seafood here - mostly prepared in rich sauces and/or soups, although dried fish is common too. Chili sauce, chilies, and 'spicy' are common. Even McDonald's gives out chili packets. One of the hawker stands in our Town Centre serves frog. I'll wait to try that.
A few days ago, I decided to eat lighter. Why do we take so many photos at times wen we eat so much? I am gaining weight! I started eating granola for breakfast... ohhhmmmm... the smallest things from our 'normal home life' make us feel calmer.
Loving
If you know me, you know I live in the 'love world'. I am loving the moments I'm so lucky to be having and I'm practicing gratitude daily. In addition to that, though, my partner and I have started date night! Yes! Like the movie, but a wee bit less adventurous - so far anyway:) Last Sunday we went to East Coast Park. It was wonderful.
The long stretch of beach and grassy land was peppered with scrumptious smelling restaurants and people spending time with their loved ones. Bike and in-line skate rental shops are open until 10pm, and we went for a 2-hour skate.... it felt good to get physical (and get blisters!). The path is smooth and lit after sun down. Young adults pitch tents along the way and have weekend camp-outs. Meditation groups sit and ring their bell every so often. Hundreds of boats are lined up in the ocean... and of course, green is everywhere. It's a fabulous place to go... to be... to laugh.... to love...
After our skate, with our feet swollen, red, and blistered and our clothes soaked, the guy at the rental shop yelled to another to confirm our rental... he said 'ang mo'... this was the first time I heard us being called 'white man'. Apparently it's common.
Naturally, we had to end our date with food... and we had Turkish food! I had chicken shish - yum!
On our way home we were privy to an annual, local tradition called the Hungry Ghost Ghetan (not sure of the spelling). The Chinese have an old tradition that in the 7th month (lunar), they make offerings to the ghosts (dead), and towards the end of the month, they celebrate with a dinner, auction, and show. Since we've arrived, we've seen many of these offerings around the city - they usually comprise oranges, apples, cakes, flowers, burning incense, and burning paper money. They can be set up lavishly on tables or simply on the edge of sidewalks. The air often smells like burning paper. My question is, "what happens to the offerings when the ghosts don't take them?" Anyway, we were super lucky to have witnessed such an event and we walked home smiling.
We are definitely loving.
Praying
Many religions are practiced here. In our first week here we spent a day exploring China Town and visited three temples - a Mosque, an Indian temple, and a Buddhist temple.
To enter the Mosque, we removed our shoes and wore robes (we had shorts and tank tops on). The practioners were chanting and bowing as we walked around careful not to step on the carpet, as instructed. I read about the history of the Islamic religion and appreciated the differences, although I couldn't agree with all the beliefs. We left feeling calm.
The Indian temple was an entirely different experience. Statues of the many gods and goddesses were lavishly displayed. Alters were arranged. The temple itself was amazingly colorful and intricately designed. We removed our shoes and walked on concrete this time... some of which was exposed to the sun and was too hot to stand on. Each god/goddess had an area in front of it to worship and many had donation boxes. A foot washing station was provided. And some people who followed the faith meditated or prayed or just sat - being. It was a peaceful yet colorful place that felt full of life.
My favorite was the Buddhist temple. Thousands of Buddha statues were placed around the four floor temple. At the entrances you could light incense and pray or meditate. All three of us lit incense and placed it in the burning area, and I sent healing thoughts to the people in my life struggling with illness. I think of them often.
Towards the back of the first floor was a gigantic gold Buddha statue and six or seven monks chanting with meditation symbols. The chanting was incredibly calming. Each floor boasted another fantastical attraction. We witnessed people meditating on pillows, being blessed by a monk, and praying around a prayer wheel (one of the largest in the world). We read the story of Buddha and my daughter and I took a moment to sit together on a bench in the rooftop garden, which was full of lush greenery and flowers and trickling water. It was a peaceful, enriching experience... and I'd like to have that rooftop on my building.
Although we all have differing beliefs and each at varying levels, one commonality is the desire to be connected. That day I felt connected. The last month or so has been hectic and busy with every day full of tasks and appointments and deadlines and to do lists. I'm trying to remember to take a moment each day to get connected to my inner self. It goes a long way when dealing with the challenges presented by an international move.
I think I will begin to investigate the retreats offered in this area of the world. Maybe instead of becoming a CEO I'll become a master yogi:) (Both in my dreams!)
Ouch! That Feels Good
That Indonesian massage I had a couple of weeks ago was one of those 'the more it hurts, the better it feels' experiences.
On my daughter's first day of school, my partner and I spent a frustrating hour trying to pay her tuition. The credit card was flagged so we had to call VISA. We'd already alerted VISA we'd be using the card internationally for a large purchase, so this was our 2nd call to them. We waited on hold for about 20 minutes. Finally we got a person! After many calls to other VISA centres and banks, the poor campus administrator and my partner got it figured out. The younger and likely less experienced girl that served us first had used the wrong machine! One hour later.. Brittany's school fees - too much.... a missed appointment at the Employment Pass Centre for fingerprinting - approximately $100 in time... the international VISA experience - priceless (well, VISA is like Mastercard, right? :).
After our priceless adventure, we decided to wander.... and we found an Indonesian massage centre! Yay! My neck and back were incredibly sore and my man was craving a foot massage (that's correct, I have not been giving him foot massages!). Unlike at home, where a massage appointment needs to be booked weeks in advance, we had appointments immediately! My partner was led to the reflexology area and I was led up several narrow stairways - all carpeted in deep red with rich tapestries hanging on the walls and statues adorning the dark, solid wood shelves. Soft, meditative instrumental music with the occasional chant played. Upstairs there were massage 'stalls' - each curtained off with a massage table inside. The Indonesian lady left me to prepare, which I did and lay on the table thinking, "I'm in heaven!"
The beginning of the massage was fairly light... getting warmed up. Brutality followed! Gentle mary mother of god (is this a NL expression?).... the massage lady's fiingers and knuckles and heels of her hands, and I swear, her elbows, dug in and found every sore sinew of muscle. She prodded and kneeded every centimeter of my back, getting on top of the table for more force at times. It killed! But it felt so good. I jumped and jittered the whole way through. When she started on my neck I thought I should tell her about my chronic neck problems... but I figured a good, strong massage might help make it better. So I winced through the painful, yet weirdly satisfying, neck rub.
Ahhhh.... over. Feeling good.... like when those bells ring loud forever and ever and when they stop silence is a huge relief and feels so good.
The Indonesian lady left me alone to find my way back... a little dazed, I made only one wrong turn, and I managed to return to the front desk, where they had the most amazing cup of hot ginger tea waiting for me. I lapped it up as I sat in a state of subdued consciousness as I waited for my partner. Ahhhhh.....
Next day... pain! I bought a neck pillow that was too hard and, after 5 sleepless nights, I splurged on a S$97 contoured pillow and managed to get some peaceful sleep.
Sarah (my massage therapist at home), I want you here in Singapore!!
On my daughter's first day of school, my partner and I spent a frustrating hour trying to pay her tuition. The credit card was flagged so we had to call VISA. We'd already alerted VISA we'd be using the card internationally for a large purchase, so this was our 2nd call to them. We waited on hold for about 20 minutes. Finally we got a person! After many calls to other VISA centres and banks, the poor campus administrator and my partner got it figured out. The younger and likely less experienced girl that served us first had used the wrong machine! One hour later.. Brittany's school fees - too much.... a missed appointment at the Employment Pass Centre for fingerprinting - approximately $100 in time... the international VISA experience - priceless (well, VISA is like Mastercard, right? :).
After our priceless adventure, we decided to wander.... and we found an Indonesian massage centre! Yay! My neck and back were incredibly sore and my man was craving a foot massage (that's correct, I have not been giving him foot massages!). Unlike at home, where a massage appointment needs to be booked weeks in advance, we had appointments immediately! My partner was led to the reflexology area and I was led up several narrow stairways - all carpeted in deep red with rich tapestries hanging on the walls and statues adorning the dark, solid wood shelves. Soft, meditative instrumental music with the occasional chant played. Upstairs there were massage 'stalls' - each curtained off with a massage table inside. The Indonesian lady left me to prepare, which I did and lay on the table thinking, "I'm in heaven!"
The beginning of the massage was fairly light... getting warmed up. Brutality followed! Gentle mary mother of god (is this a NL expression?).... the massage lady's fiingers and knuckles and heels of her hands, and I swear, her elbows, dug in and found every sore sinew of muscle. She prodded and kneeded every centimeter of my back, getting on top of the table for more force at times. It killed! But it felt so good. I jumped and jittered the whole way through. When she started on my neck I thought I should tell her about my chronic neck problems... but I figured a good, strong massage might help make it better. So I winced through the painful, yet weirdly satisfying, neck rub.
Ahhhh.... over. Feeling good.... like when those bells ring loud forever and ever and when they stop silence is a huge relief and feels so good.
The Indonesian lady left me alone to find my way back... a little dazed, I made only one wrong turn, and I managed to return to the front desk, where they had the most amazing cup of hot ginger tea waiting for me. I lapped it up as I sat in a state of subdued consciousness as I waited for my partner. Ahhhhh.....
Next day... pain! I bought a neck pillow that was too hard and, after 5 sleepless nights, I splurged on a S$97 contoured pillow and managed to get some peaceful sleep.
Sarah (my massage therapist at home), I want you here in Singapore!!
Peek-a-boo
People go out at night to exercise in Singapore. The city comes alive in a different way. Lights are everywhere... lighting walkways and fitness areas, hanging from trees, and shining over bridges.
Every time we walk to the local Town Centre in the dark (it gets dark around 7 p.m.), we hear the pongs from the tennis courts (located on our condo facility) and splashes from swimmers in the pool, we see the fitness buffs workout in the air conditioned gym (also on our condo facility), and we admire the runners jogging along the streets and walkways and rivers... some finishing with a dip in the pool or a round in the outdoor bootcamp area (yes, on our condo facility). Perfect.
Of course, not unlike other parts of the world, people are watching TV in their living rooms. Being on the 13th floor, I can see into windows. Noooo.... I'm not a peeping Tina! But if you look out your window, you can see into others. Most have 1 or 2 people watching TV or eating dinner. There's a family of 6 or 7 piled onto a huge couch together. There's a couple eating dinner on the floor. And there's a guy standing in his window talking on the phone... eeek! I think he saw me!
I wonder will people watch us as we watch TV, eat our meals, or practice yoga? Yesterday, a whole bunch of furniture arrived, so it's possible now. And so far, we swim a few times a week, I've gone for a run in the dark, yet humid, evening (and went for a dip afterwards - awesome!), and I bought tennis rackets and a yoga mat.
Yep, we're settling in. And maybe I'll sign up for a 1/2 marathon afterall...
Every time we walk to the local Town Centre in the dark (it gets dark around 7 p.m.), we hear the pongs from the tennis courts (located on our condo facility) and splashes from swimmers in the pool, we see the fitness buffs workout in the air conditioned gym (also on our condo facility), and we admire the runners jogging along the streets and walkways and rivers... some finishing with a dip in the pool or a round in the outdoor bootcamp area (yes, on our condo facility). Perfect.
Of course, not unlike other parts of the world, people are watching TV in their living rooms. Being on the 13th floor, I can see into windows. Noooo.... I'm not a peeping Tina! But if you look out your window, you can see into others. Most have 1 or 2 people watching TV or eating dinner. There's a family of 6 or 7 piled onto a huge couch together. There's a couple eating dinner on the floor. And there's a guy standing in his window talking on the phone... eeek! I think he saw me!
I wonder will people watch us as we watch TV, eat our meals, or practice yoga? Yesterday, a whole bunch of furniture arrived, so it's possible now. And so far, we swim a few times a week, I've gone for a run in the dark, yet humid, evening (and went for a dip afterwards - awesome!), and I bought tennis rackets and a yoga mat.
Yep, we're settling in. And maybe I'll sign up for a 1/2 marathon afterall...
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Wonders of the World
Last week, I sat by our beautiful pool in Singapore watching my daughter gracefully glide through the water. I always saw her amazing strength and grace on stage when she danced, and she has all that in the pool too.
One of the reasons we moved to Singapore when we did was to give my teen this worldly experience, to enrich her life and help her grow. The experience of a teen, however, is hugely different than that of a parent/adult. The most important thing for my daughter is fitting in and making friends. Experiencing the culture, seeing everything this part of the world has to offer, trying new foods, traveling to new places... all important but secondary to the significance of social assimilation with other teens her age.
As a parent, I'm trying to make this experience as rich as possible while also understanding a teen's needs. It's easier for me since I'm here with my partner (although I definitely need my own friends!). So what is it that she needs from me anyway? Every day is new, every situation presents something to learn, every action that was mindless in the past is now filled with brain activity. As much as 'acting like Westerners' when in a foreign land makes some cringe (and me too at times), I think this is what I can give to my daughter to help her feel at ease and gradually increase her level of comfort.
Most of our days to date have been completely different, but they are beginning to be somewhat like before... get up, go to school, make sure she has money for lunch, sign up for extra curricular activities, meet the teachers, do homework, and now that we have groceries... cook supper (well, we don't have pots and pans yet:). The fact that there are uniforms, new friends, different class schedules, different food in the cafeteria, and different transportation systems provides the enriching part. The other day she came home from school telling me all about the geography she learned from her friends and she knew a few Korean words. Yesterday, she tried to get away with wearing jeans instead of her uniform to school. So it's the same but different.
My wonderful teenager continuously teaches me... whether it's how to listen better or remind me to take in the present moment. She does this by physically making me do this with her (one night she practically forced me to swim)... but she also does this at times when she's not taking advantage of what is in front of her and I cringe at what she's missing.
We all learn in our own ways on our own time schedules... and who am I to say what she's learning?
My teen has been thrown into the water and needs to learn how to swim on her own. I'm holding her up now, but she needs to swim with strength and grace when I'm not there. I am watching with wonder as she grows and I wonder if I'm the one afraid to let her swim on her own.
One of the reasons we moved to Singapore when we did was to give my teen this worldly experience, to enrich her life and help her grow. The experience of a teen, however, is hugely different than that of a parent/adult. The most important thing for my daughter is fitting in and making friends. Experiencing the culture, seeing everything this part of the world has to offer, trying new foods, traveling to new places... all important but secondary to the significance of social assimilation with other teens her age.
As a parent, I'm trying to make this experience as rich as possible while also understanding a teen's needs. It's easier for me since I'm here with my partner (although I definitely need my own friends!). So what is it that she needs from me anyway? Every day is new, every situation presents something to learn, every action that was mindless in the past is now filled with brain activity. As much as 'acting like Westerners' when in a foreign land makes some cringe (and me too at times), I think this is what I can give to my daughter to help her feel at ease and gradually increase her level of comfort.
Most of our days to date have been completely different, but they are beginning to be somewhat like before... get up, go to school, make sure she has money for lunch, sign up for extra curricular activities, meet the teachers, do homework, and now that we have groceries... cook supper (well, we don't have pots and pans yet:). The fact that there are uniforms, new friends, different class schedules, different food in the cafeteria, and different transportation systems provides the enriching part. The other day she came home from school telling me all about the geography she learned from her friends and she knew a few Korean words. Yesterday, she tried to get away with wearing jeans instead of her uniform to school. So it's the same but different.
My wonderful teenager continuously teaches me... whether it's how to listen better or remind me to take in the present moment. She does this by physically making me do this with her (one night she practically forced me to swim)... but she also does this at times when she's not taking advantage of what is in front of her and I cringe at what she's missing.
We all learn in our own ways on our own time schedules... and who am I to say what she's learning?
My teen has been thrown into the water and needs to learn how to swim on her own. I'm holding her up now, but she needs to swim with strength and grace when I'm not there. I am watching with wonder as she grows and I wonder if I'm the one afraid to let her swim on her own.
Habit Haulover
In order to manage the stresses of all the changes occuring, I've started to simply accept that I need to change some of my habits.
It's incredibly difficult to get a 'coffee to go (a.k.a. take away) with a tiny bit of milk'. It's impossible to find light blend coffee... even at Starbucks. I've been drinking Kopi, but it's full of calories. You can also get Kopi-O (without condensed milk) or Kopi-C (with Carnation milk), neither of which appeal to me. I like my coffee with just a tiny bit of milk... fresh milk... and no sugar.
With all the heavy sauces and Kopi drinking, I'm gaining weight! And I'm walking everywhere and swimming in our pool a few times a week. So, as much as I like the idea of drinking Kopi for less than $1 while reading the Singapore paper at the Kopi Tiam (coffee shop), I have found a compromise to my coffee addiction... ahem... habit.
McDonald's is everywhere here! Each morning I purchase a coffee and a small milk (they don't have milk for coffee - only cream or CoffeeMate). To date, my partner drank the milk after I dribbled a few drops into my coffee. This may not be my long-term solution, but it works right now while I'm in transition.
I had a cup of fabulous ginger tea after an Indonesian massage during our first week here. I tried ordering ginger tea at the hawker stand the next day and got ginger tea... with sugar and some sort of cream. A couple of days ago I ordered Tea-O Ping... iced tea without condensed milk. It was swwweet! Sweet as in sugary sweet... but I drank it anyway.
I'm open to a full habit haulover... by taking baby steps.
It's incredibly difficult to get a 'coffee to go (a.k.a. take away) with a tiny bit of milk'. It's impossible to find light blend coffee... even at Starbucks. I've been drinking Kopi, but it's full of calories. You can also get Kopi-O (without condensed milk) or Kopi-C (with Carnation milk), neither of which appeal to me. I like my coffee with just a tiny bit of milk... fresh milk... and no sugar.
With all the heavy sauces and Kopi drinking, I'm gaining weight! And I'm walking everywhere and swimming in our pool a few times a week. So, as much as I like the idea of drinking Kopi for less than $1 while reading the Singapore paper at the Kopi Tiam (coffee shop), I have found a compromise to my coffee addiction... ahem... habit.
McDonald's is everywhere here! Each morning I purchase a coffee and a small milk (they don't have milk for coffee - only cream or CoffeeMate). To date, my partner drank the milk after I dribbled a few drops into my coffee. This may not be my long-term solution, but it works right now while I'm in transition.
I had a cup of fabulous ginger tea after an Indonesian massage during our first week here. I tried ordering ginger tea at the hawker stand the next day and got ginger tea... with sugar and some sort of cream. A couple of days ago I ordered Tea-O Ping... iced tea without condensed milk. It was swwweet! Sweet as in sugary sweet... but I drank it anyway.
I'm open to a full habit haulover... by taking baby steps.
Neuron Shake
If you want to shake up your neurons and challenge neuroplasticity, sell your house, quit your job, close your business, give away all your belongings, pack a few suitcases, and move to a new country with your teen and partner.
On August 16th, 2010, we moved from Newfoundland Labrador, Canada to Singapore - 10.5 hours in the future, a different culture, different driving rules, and different diet. Surely adding a different language with limited people speaking yours will be like a steroid neuron shake.
I wonder if the experience on the synapses is the same at 40 with a teen in tow as at 25 just out of university with no kids? Obviously, the experiences will be different - less money, less wisdom, no worries about your child's welfare and comfort. But the shock to the brain might be similar.
So the three of us arrived in Singapore two days after departing. The over 30 hour journey was fairly uneventful with us sleeping most of the flight between Toronto and Hong Kong. My partner (who had already lived in Singapore for 3 years) fretted a little when they asked for our passes in Toronto and none of us had them. But our documentation was enough. When we arrived in Singapore, they easily stamped our passports, and we had officially landed. We were fairly disconnected from our other worlds with limited Internet and a 10.5 hour time difference. Mostly though, we were jet lagged and incredibly busy taking care of getting settled.
Within two days, my 16 year old daughter had a medical at the local clinic for her student pass, we ate at the local 'hawker stands', we had my daughter's school orientation, we viewed 10 apartments, and my partner had to visit work and get a few things sorted. By day 5, my daughter started school and we'd been introduced to Singapore culture like an infant being born to the earthly world.
All three of us spent the first six days in a small hotel room while we somewhat ferociously battled jetlag. We woke at 2:30 a.m. the first day and my daughter and I were at the hotel lobby front desk asking for our Internet password at 3:00 a.m., bright eyed and bushy tailed!
We focused on finding our new home immediately. Property agents are used for renting as well as buying here. Our property agent drove us around to 10 apartments in 2 days. Some were awful... dark and dingy and smelly. My daughter's only criteria was that the bathroom was decent. My only criteria was that my daughter was comfortable. We found a great condo and moved in on day six after our arrival.
Living in a fairly empty apartment for a week - we had 2 mattresses and accumulated most of our kitchen and bathroom necessities - we happily wandered from shopping mall to shopping area to shopping street to shopping centre in search of the right furniture (nice but cheap). We spent a small fortune on taxis, but amongst all the neuron vibrations, we managed to travel via train (MRT) and bus as well. We also managed to order most of our furniture... our couch arrived a few days ago!
Although English is the national language of Singapore, it does not mean everyone speaks it clearly and understands it fully. We've been occasionally challenged with explaining directions, but ordering food has been fairly straight forward. Extra conversation is often a challenge... and I've received the wrong order in food at times:)
Crossing the street is still not a natural acivity for me. I continue to not have a clue which way to look for oncoming traffic. I'm getting used to not tipping - most people wil not accept a tip here - and not clearing my own table in restaurants and hawker stands - it's someone's job to do so.
Parts of this city are very similar to other big cities - lots of people hustling and bustling, shopping, hopping into cabs or onto busses and trains. But there is a gentler side to Singapore. Older folks drink Kopi (strong coffee with condensed milk and lots of sugar) and talk and laugh in the hawker stands, grandmas and grandpas care for their grandchildren, service people smile and greet you, taxi drivers help with directions and culture differences (and sometimes provide entertainment!), strangers explain which bus to take...
Amidst all the neuron shaking, there is a sense of calm. With all the differences, it's somewhat like home. Human beings are human beings. I remember my junior high school friend from Portugal writing a poem called "People are the Same" when we were in grade 9. I don't think I understood it back then, but of course I did later in life. Now I relate to it.
Namaste...
On August 16th, 2010, we moved from Newfoundland Labrador, Canada to Singapore - 10.5 hours in the future, a different culture, different driving rules, and different diet. Surely adding a different language with limited people speaking yours will be like a steroid neuron shake.
I wonder if the experience on the synapses is the same at 40 with a teen in tow as at 25 just out of university with no kids? Obviously, the experiences will be different - less money, less wisdom, no worries about your child's welfare and comfort. But the shock to the brain might be similar.
So the three of us arrived in Singapore two days after departing. The over 30 hour journey was fairly uneventful with us sleeping most of the flight between Toronto and Hong Kong. My partner (who had already lived in Singapore for 3 years) fretted a little when they asked for our passes in Toronto and none of us had them. But our documentation was enough. When we arrived in Singapore, they easily stamped our passports, and we had officially landed. We were fairly disconnected from our other worlds with limited Internet and a 10.5 hour time difference. Mostly though, we were jet lagged and incredibly busy taking care of getting settled.
Within two days, my 16 year old daughter had a medical at the local clinic for her student pass, we ate at the local 'hawker stands', we had my daughter's school orientation, we viewed 10 apartments, and my partner had to visit work and get a few things sorted. By day 5, my daughter started school and we'd been introduced to Singapore culture like an infant being born to the earthly world.
All three of us spent the first six days in a small hotel room while we somewhat ferociously battled jetlag. We woke at 2:30 a.m. the first day and my daughter and I were at the hotel lobby front desk asking for our Internet password at 3:00 a.m., bright eyed and bushy tailed!
We focused on finding our new home immediately. Property agents are used for renting as well as buying here. Our property agent drove us around to 10 apartments in 2 days. Some were awful... dark and dingy and smelly. My daughter's only criteria was that the bathroom was decent. My only criteria was that my daughter was comfortable. We found a great condo and moved in on day six after our arrival.
Living in a fairly empty apartment for a week - we had 2 mattresses and accumulated most of our kitchen and bathroom necessities - we happily wandered from shopping mall to shopping area to shopping street to shopping centre in search of the right furniture (nice but cheap). We spent a small fortune on taxis, but amongst all the neuron vibrations, we managed to travel via train (MRT) and bus as well. We also managed to order most of our furniture... our couch arrived a few days ago!
Although English is the national language of Singapore, it does not mean everyone speaks it clearly and understands it fully. We've been occasionally challenged with explaining directions, but ordering food has been fairly straight forward. Extra conversation is often a challenge... and I've received the wrong order in food at times:)
Crossing the street is still not a natural acivity for me. I continue to not have a clue which way to look for oncoming traffic. I'm getting used to not tipping - most people wil not accept a tip here - and not clearing my own table in restaurants and hawker stands - it's someone's job to do so.
Parts of this city are very similar to other big cities - lots of people hustling and bustling, shopping, hopping into cabs or onto busses and trains. But there is a gentler side to Singapore. Older folks drink Kopi (strong coffee with condensed milk and lots of sugar) and talk and laugh in the hawker stands, grandmas and grandpas care for their grandchildren, service people smile and greet you, taxi drivers help with directions and culture differences (and sometimes provide entertainment!), strangers explain which bus to take...
Amidst all the neuron shaking, there is a sense of calm. With all the differences, it's somewhat like home. Human beings are human beings. I remember my junior high school friend from Portugal writing a poem called "People are the Same" when we were in grade 9. I don't think I understood it back then, but of course I did later in life. Now I relate to it.
Namaste...
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