GET OUT OF MY WAY!

I can't take it anymore.  I just can't.  Must...vent...about...this.

Most countries have major problems.  Like drugs.  Like poverty.  Like violent crime.  Singapore has very little of any of this.  (the big "Bringing drugs into this country is punishable by death" sign at the airport might have something to do with that.)  What we do have though, is an entirely other kind of epidemic.  One that was obviously started by locals, but has spread to many expatriates.

PEOPLE DON'T MOVE OVER ON THE SIDEWALKS,

OR IN ANY WALKING SITUATION FOR THAT MATTER.

You can laugh, it may sound funny.  But try walking or running every night for an hour and see how long it's amusing.  At first, I obliged and went off the sidewalk into the grass to avoid a collision.  Then I started getting annoyed and moved to the *very* edge of the sidewalk, risking a shoulder bump.  THEN I went full throttle into not caring if I plowed through someone's shoulder.  Alas, I went off the deep end last night.  I took it to a whole other level.  I started yelling, "MOVE OVER!" every time it was evident that a full scale collision was going to take place.  Did anyone yell back at me?  Who knows, I had my headphones turned up.  I hope so.  To balance this out, I also thanked people who did the right thing, what any person with common sense would do automatically.

Our first visitor, Kara, noticed this problem immediately and by day #2 was also tired of it.  So imagine our complete amusement when she was out for a walk on her own one day and came across a billboard with a public service campaign.  It was called "Get out of the way!".  NO KIDDING, this literally is on the government's agenda.   They used some kind of Angry Birds theme, because people looooove Angry Birds over here.  And Hello Kitty.

So from here on out I am considering myself chief deputy enforcer of the campaign.  I will do my civic duty to convince the people (with my voice or possibly with a horn) that it is NOT appropriate to walk with friends and hog the entire sidewalk.  When you walk and text you must look up once in a while.  Do not walk in the middle with your baby stroller or dog.  You WILL be called out.  Or you will suffer the pain of me knocking you on your ass.

Because I am bigger than all of you.

It's Great to be Back!

"It's great to be back".....that's what I found myself saying throughout the month of July, as the entire family enjoyed some time back "home" in the US after almost five months in Singapore.  Truth is, we might have enjoyed it too much, and now need a vacation from our vacation! 

During the four weeks we were back in the US we had more than 40 visitors spend at least one night at our house in Delaware, and we spent at least one night in three different homes.  It was great to see everyone and we brought back a ton of memories to get us through another year of being away from such good friends and families - but man am I tired!

Our trip to the US began on June 30, boarding the dreaded 20+ hours worth of flights back to JFK (via Frankfurt).  Aside from a few spilled drinks somewhere over Uzbekistan, the flight was uneventful.  The kids did great, enjoying a few movies and several games of multiplayer battleship to pass the time.  Cooper's "you sank my battleship" comments from a couple seats away are among the highlights that make me smile about the flight.

Upon arriving at JFK, we were greeted by the "warm hospitality" of the car rental agency.  Ahh, so great to be back in the US.  Like the scene from Seinfeld, they did a wonderful job of taking my reservation, but weren't as competent in keeping the reservation.  Bottom line, our full-sized SUV rental turned into a Crown Victoria and we pimped our way through Staten Island headed to my parents' home in PA.

The family and friend reunions started right away, spending two great days with my parents before heading to our, now primary US residence, in Fenwick Island, DE.  As anticipated, my parents had more food in their house then could ever be consumed, but we did our best and enjoyed steaks, burgers, fruit, "crab wonderfuls"  (I made up that name just now), and of course.....brownies and all kinds of desserts.   We all enjoyed the pool, played cornhole and generally just relaxed.

Upon arriving at our home in Fenwick Island a couple days later, we were pleased to find everything in great shape.  All of our friends and family who visited the house while we were gone were very gracious about leaving behind the little things that make coming home easier.  Paper towels, toilet paper, a few very nice "thank you" gift cards, and most importantly a clean house.  Actually, I think my favorite find was the single bottle of pumpkin beer in the fridge......I can guess who left that behind.  Honestly - for all of you who visited our place at Bayside, thank you for leaving the home in such great shape and for the very generous "thank you gifts"!

After settling in for about 36 hours, the rotation of guests began.   Both families visited, as did good friends like the Prestiannes, Fidlons, Wingerds, Kochendorfers, Sandersons, Wests, Clarks,  - and of course, the Pattersons were thankfully right across the street. 

We managed to squeeze in a lot of our favorite activities during our time in the US, including Sophia's horse show, informal birthday party for the kids, tennis lessons, a few rounds of golf, time in the SAP office, miniature golf, two days on a boat, lunch at Hooper's, Darius Rucker concert, multiple vet visits (preparing Jessie for her trek to Singapore)....and hours of crabbing on the Bayside dock.  Like I said...I am tired.

By the end of July, we were sad to leave friends, family, and the home we love in Fenwick Island - but also very much ready to return to Singapore.  I have to admit, I had thoughts of being just as happy to stay in the US, head back to the SAP office I had worked in for 10+ years, and pick up life where we left it in March.  However, after four weeks of entertaining, I was so exhausted that the 20+ hour flight back to Singapore was actually something I looked forward to.  The idea of sitting with nothing to do for a full day was delightful - even if it was strapped into a 20 inch wide seat in a giant, flying tin can.

Cooper was clearly ready to return to Singapore and "home" (gotta love how that kid lives in the moment), but Sophia - like me - was a little more reluctant.  Her attitude changed, however, when we picked up Aunt Kara in Conshohocken on our way to JFK.  Several months ago, Kara agreed to have the lucky distinction (or unfortunate role as guinea pig) and will be our first guest in Singapore.  With Kara in the car, Sophia's attitude changed from being upset about leaving friends and family to acting as tour guide preparing Kara for the flight, food, public transportation, etc. 

Unlike our last family trip to JFK in May, this time we arrived nearly four hours before our flight.  Traffic was practically non-existent and we made it in nearly half the time we had estimated.  We took the opportunity to find a comfortable spot at the terminal bar, enjoyed a celebratory drink and a few light snacks.  Cooper slipped into his PJ's (after accidentally spilling his drink on his shorts) and we all got ready for the long flight back "home".

Upon arriving back in Singapore, I have to say it was very comforting to walk through the familiar atmosphere of Changi airport, enjoy the efficiency of Singapore immigration, and eventually walk through the front door of our Singapore home.   Of course, it didn't hurt that we had great weather and swaying palm trees just outside the patio doors.  We were also lucky enough to have a friend's helper check in on our home a few times a week while we were away - making our arrival much less daunting.  The house was clean, air conditioner on (she had turned it back on about an hour before we arrived), and everything in its place.

Now that we're back in Singapore, with Kara in tow, I realize how much I do enjoy it.  My feelings of being content staying in the US have left me, and I realize how great an opportunity this is for our family.  Even Sophia, who was the most reluctant of us all to return, had a smile on her face and was excited to share everything we love about Singapore with Kara. 

So again, I find myself saying "It's great to be back!" - but this time, referring to Singapore.  I do miss our great friends, families, and all the things that we got to enjoy while back in Fenwick Island - but I look forward to all the amazing places we will get to see and experience in the coming 11 months.  In fact, just around the corner is a trip to the Batu Batu resort in Malaysia...can't wait!

Stay tuned - and we'll see you back in the US before you know it!

Could this be any sappier?

This is an uncharacteristically sentimental post, but perfectly timed as I'm leaving to go back to the states tonight.  When we decided to come to Singapore, some people were excited for us, some wanted to come too, and others thought we were completely nuts. We had actively sought out an overseas assignment, so it didn't even occur to us to turn this one down. 

So on April 21 of this year, I took Sophia and Cooper out of school so we could join Jason in Singapore.  They didn't finish the school year, and instead we spent the time exploring Singapore.  It has been the most amazing experience of my life.  Not because I'm in another country, but because I've spent almost every minute of the last 60 days with my kids.  I always knew they were fun but I have been able to appreciate their uniqueness on a whole other level... Cooper's quick wit, Sophia's love of nature, most of all their love and respect for each other.  It has been a gift.  A really, really fun gift.  I have never felt so close to my children.  It helps that they are at an age that it is easy, and honestly, really interesting, to hang out with them, but I have to wonder why a lot of parents don't really seem to want to spend time with their kids anymore.  So many people assume I must be going crazy, being with them so much.  Rest assured, I am in complete control of my sanity.

Alas, when we get home I will be forced to share the kids with the "regular" world again.   I am looking forward to seeing all of our family and lots of friends, but honestly will miss this special time.   At least I can look forward to having them to myself for a 23 hour plane ride home tonight.  Even if I heard them arguing about who gets to sit next to dad.  I guess they are the ones who need a break from me!

 See you in August, Singapore!

Sleeping on the Job

When I was in my early 20's, I worked for a tiny company that sold long distance calling cards (thanks, Dad, for getting me yet another summer job!).  I worked with another girl, Michelle*, as an admin for the owner.  We really had almost nothing to do.  So much so, that we would take turns taking afternoon naps under the desk in an office.  (Remember, I was in my early 20's...I was often "tired" at work).  Luckily, we never got caught, although I'm sure my boss wondered from time to time why I had a weird carpet pattern imprinted on my cheek.

*Side note:  Michelle was the high school best friend of one Ryan Phillippe, actor and former husband of Reese Witherspoon.  While we worked together, she actually went out to LA to visit him.  I think he was on a soap opera at the time.  Random!

That was a long time ago, but this at-work napping practice is alive and well here in Singapore.  Jason took this picture of a guy sleeping in the truck.  The picture I cannot find but truly demonstrates what I'm talking about, is of a whole crew of landscapers napping on the sidewalk in front of our neighborhood, along a very busy road.  When I first saw this, it kind of shocked me.  But like everything else different here, it's just no big deal anymore.  Apparently, when it's your turn to take a break, you just stop, drop and sleep.  So much so, that I had to walk over a guy sleeping in a stairwell on the way up to the doctor's office.  I swear he was snoring.

Unfortunately, we also caught our neighborhood security guard sleeping on the job when we returned late at night from Bali. Jason had to jump out of the cab, reach into the window, and push the gate button unbeknownst to said sleeping guard (who I have now gotten to know, we will call him Mr. H to protect his identity). He's really nice and says "HELLO JENNY!" very loudly when he sees me.  Why he shortened it to Jenny, I don't know but I don't mind for some reason.  And my other favorite guard is named Robin.  It's like a sleepy Villa Delle Rose superhero team.

As far as I'm concerned, I have nothing but the utmost appreciation and a slight bit of nostalgia for catching some shut-eye midday. And I have a feeling it has nothing to do with having too many Tiger Beers the night before. 

Something's "Fishy"

When I started writing this blog several months ago, I never expected to write a story about feet - especially not my own feet.   I'm sure many of you are questioning whether to continue to read this particular post or skip it and check back next week for something less....weird.  Trust me, it's actually a pretty interesting story.

Since watching the Anthony Bourdain show, "The Layover, Singapore", I've wanted to check out one of Singapore's Fish Spas to let these little Doctor Fish do their job and nibble away at my feet.  Yeah, I know that sounds odd and kind of creepy.  There are several of these spas located throughout the city, and though I thought it was an experience unique to Singapore (it's not something I had seen anywhere before) these spas apparently exist all over the world.  In fact, I have seen them in Bali, the Philippines and India since arriving in Asia, and recently found out there's one in Alexandria, Virginia (of all places) for those of you in the US who are interested. 

All the same, it was an experience I wanted to have in Singapore and I was thrilled when Sophia said she wanted to give it a try as well.  For those who know our daughter, you know that getting close to any animal is right up her alley.  But there was something about having tiny fish nibble at your feet that seemed like something she would be opposed to.  I don't know, I just assumed she would view the practice inhumane - or "infish" under the circumstances.  All the same, she was very interested in trying it out, so we did just that during a very enjoyable Father's Day weekend.

We decided to try one of the Kenko Foot Reflexology and Wellness Spas, which can be found in several locations in Singapore.  These are widely considered to offer the best fish spa experience - and quite honestly, reputation was important to me when planning to stick my feet in an aquarium full of hungry, flesh eating fish.  We chose the location at Orchard Central because it had good reviews and we wanted to check out some of the surrounding area for lunch and shopping.

Upon arriving at 12:00 noon, we had the Kenko fish spa and several hundred Garra Rufa (Doctor Fish) all to ourselves.  The room was relatively small, but contained two large fish aquariums, wooden benches, and a small jungle of potted plants to add to the ambiance.  After having our feet washed, Jennifer, Sophia and I slipped on sanitary flip flops and chose a spot on the benches above one of the aquariums - each of us deciding to start with the tank of little fish.  Cooper, far wiser and having no desire to stick his feet into a tank full of fish, sat back and watched. 



"Little Fish"

With little hesitation, Sophia stuck her feet in and we all laughed as the fish swarmed towards her tiny toes.  Jennifer and I followed her lead and soon all three of us were laughing at the tickling sensation as fish nibbled around our feet.  A few minutes later, the sensation changed from a tickle to a massage, and we were offered tea to fully relax and enjoy the experience.  (Jennifer's note:  not really sure I would say it stopped tickling ever!)  But Sophia had other ideas - she was ready to try the big fish, and hopped from the tank with small fish to the tank with larger fish.  

Now, when I say small fish, I'm referring to tiny fish - no bigger than maybe one inch long.  The larger fish on the other hand, ranged from 2 1/2 to 3 inches long and were significantly more active.  Sophia, only slightler more hesitant at this tank, stuck one foot into the water, and again the fish swarmed to her foot.  This time, her foot came right back out and she giggled loudly at the sensation of these larger fish going after her toes.

"Large Fish"

Soon, Jennifer and I tried the larger fish as well - though when I say "try", Jennifer really only had her foot in for about 10 seconds (wimp), while Sophia and I spent several minutes with our feet dangling in the "big fish" tank. (Jennifer's note:  This is accurate if 10 seconds to Jason is ONE second to me....one toe went in and immediately came out!) These larger fish really did up the ante.  Not only were they larger, giving a more noticeable sensation as they rubbed against your skin, but their mouths were significantly bigger and they were more aggressive in pursuing "food".   There were two or three who were obviously bigger than the others and both Sophia and I braced ourselves any time these mammoths swam toward our feet.  After a a few minutes, however, the big fish "treatment" was really nice and became a massage-like sensation. 

We spent the remainder of our treatments hopping back and forth between the two tanks - all the while, Cooper kept us company and even took a few pictures to capture the moment.  After completing the treatment, we washed off, dried off, and were on our way.  I had always considered these treatments to be a gimmicky tourist attraction, but I have to admit that I felt very relaxed and my feet felt much cleaner and refreshed as we walked around the city after Kenko - happy to have experienced one of our "must-do" activities in Singapore.

As we left, we also noticed that the spa offers free Wi-Fi - so don't anyone be surprised if the next time I'm attending a late night work conference call you hear an aquarium filter and the sounds of hundreds of feeding fish on the other end of the line.

The High Price of Alcohol in Singapore

LOOK AT THIS PICTURE!  This is what I'm up against for the next two years!  Do you SEE what brand that is?  No offense to Woodbridge, but S$35.70?  That's the equivalent of $28 US dollars.  For WOODBRIDGE!  I could get a magnum for $11 at home!  Okay, enough with the yelling.

Just yesterday, Mercer released it's 2012 list of most expensive cities in the world to live.  Singapore was ranked 8th.  Compare that to New York City, ranked 33rd.  Now I'm not complaining, as Jason's company treats us well, but sometimes it's just hard to comprehend when you just want to go out for a simple dinner.

A glass of wine at a restaurant costs between S$13-$18, a beer about $12, but then they add something called GST (general service tax).  This is another 7% on all goods and services.  If you can find a bottle of wine at a restaurant for less than S$65, then please call me.  We went to a great pizza place in Holland Village (Da Paolo's Pizza Bar in Chip Bee Gardens, in case you want to know) and our small cheese pizza was $18, the chicken/avocado one was $28.  Cooper's hot dog/fries was $12. 

At least some places do have specials.  Our favorite local Mexican restaurant sells jugs of margaritas, $25 between 1-2pm, $35 between 2-4pm, and then $45 after 4pm.  Now that's motivation for day drinking!  (I know, I know, we have kids and have to be responsible.  Did I mention that we don't have to drive anywhere?**)  The picture to the right depicts probably the best deal we found (no, not the shots).  Three Sol beers for $25.   And who is getting a tray of 25 Apple Lychee shots?  (That "++" you see on the sign is the GST.)

So what can you do to avoid the high price of eating/drinking out here?  You go to the local food courts, called hawker centers!  For a meal and a pounder of Tiger Beer, you're probably going to pay about $7, or around $5US.  I will save more info about hawker centers for another post, there is too much to say about them!

You also listen to the advice of experienced expats to find out where the deals are.  Let's take the "chicken man" for example.  Meat is expensive in general here.  I paid $12 for a pound of ground beef the other day.  But I text the chicken man (I think his real name is Wei, but it's more fun to just call him the chicken man) and he shows up the next day at my house with 13.5lbs of perfectly-trimmed boneless chicken breasts neatly divided two to a bag for S$50 (about $40 US), including tax and delivery.  Awesome!  We eat a lot of chicken.  Last I talked to the chicken man, he was taking a month-long vacation in the Philippines.  Lots of people must love the chicken man!

Now I just have to find the "beef man" and the "seafood man". 

Finally, I want to mention the airport duty-free shops, you know...the ones that almost all of you ignore.  If anyone comes to visit us and does not buy the maximum allotment of alcohol upon exiting the airport, you will not be admitted entrance to our apartment.  You can buy a bottle of wine and a liter of liquor, and it's *significantly* cheaper than in the regular stores here.  (Note to visitors:  Tanqueray and Maker's Mark)

And in case anyone in this country is thinking about drinking and driving, here you go....look closely...you might be caned.  For real.

CHEERS!

**This was meant to be amusing.  Jason and I aren't downing margaritas all day.  No worries, family.

Hot, Hotter and Shopping

Anthony Bourdain - you either love him or you hate him.  I happen to love him, and was so excited to come across an episode of his Travel Channel show, "The Layover", on the subject of Singapore.  Each episode focuses on how much he can do in a city in the short period of time he has on a layover, in this case about 24 hours.  I highly recommend checking it out. 

In the show, a Singaporean states that there are three seasons in Singapore - hot, hotter and shopping.  A truer statement has never been uttered.  You've all heard me go on and on about the extreme heat here, mainly due to the all-consuming 100% humidity.  The lowest temperature ever recorded was right about 70 degrees.  But I'm not complaining.  I will take the heat over the cold anytime.  Surprisingly, it is rarely uncomfortable to eat at the open-air restaurants (of which most are).  This is because they are all equipped with a ton of fans and shade. 

NOTE the "RealFeel" temperature!

In fact, as I sit here drinking a cup of (hot) coffee outside on my balcony at 9:30am, I am very content due to my super high-powered ceiling fan.  Thank you landlord!  My kitchen food might as well be in a maximum security prison - everything is sealed in ziploc bags and Snaplock plastic containers.  (chips and crackers do not fare well here). Mold is not your friend, people.  Anyway, I'm not going to drone on anymore about the weather.  You get it.  I accept it.  Case closed.

On to the shopping season.  I just can't even describe the atmosphere here.  How a country 26 miles wide can sustain the sheer number of highest level luxury brand stores I will *never* understand.  I know that a lot of wealthy people from China come here just to shop, but it is nonetheless mind-boggling. I googled the number of malls in Singapore, and the number 233 came up.  I'm not sure just how accurate that is, but I'm willing to bet it's pretty spot on.   Let's take a look at just how small Singapore is.  The state of Delaware is 1,954 square miles.  In contrast, Singapore is 247 square miles.  So this country has almost one mall per square mile.  Now take into consideration that the western and northern areas of Singapore are way less populated and you can only imagine how close in proximity these malls are.  Many of them are even connected by underground tunnels and MRT stations!

The most famous of the shopping areas is Orchard Road, which I happen to live within walking distance.  Here are some pictures from one of my recent nightly walks.  It was a Monday at around 9pm, and the streets were packed.  It's like Times Square at night, but filled with mainly Prada, Cartier, Chanel and Rolex stores.  At one point, I passed three Prada stores in four blocks, and those are just the signs I can see from the outside of the mall!  Most malls have multiple stores of the same luxury brand.  It's complete insanity.

Ion Mall

Directly across the street from Ion Mall

This country also has got to have the most sports cars per square mile.  Everywhere you turn, there are Ferraris and Lambourghinis.  When we came for our "look see" in January, we were driven by houses that had 6+ of these cars in the driveway.  And almost all the same color! 

Cooper was fascinated - typical male

I have yet to step into any of these stores, and I don't even have a car, much less a cheesy sports car.  I'm more than happy to shop at H&M (and still pay twice as much as I would at home) or just wait until my yearly trip home and stock up.  I'm sure that disqualifies me from applying for the inevitable reality show "Expat Wives: Singapore", but oh well.  I'd rather spend the money on travel.  (my kids will get college scholarships, right?)

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