Happy Halloween!

Debby and Pam, 1978

Happy Halloween everyone! This is one of my most favorite pictures, and I'm pretty sure it was my favorite halloween. We were so cute, we got a TON of candy!! What was your favorite costume?

I just got to video chat with Maddy, and Sarah Burke, and they were super excited about halloween. Their sweet little faces were very close to the camera, and I could almost smell the pumpkin seeds they were chomping on! October here is kinda different, as there are no seasons, it's just another pretty, hot month. Hope you all have a fun, safe, time trick or treating!

This past weekend Larry switched from 3rd shift to days, so we had thursday-sunday to do stuff. We went to the Jurong Bird Park, which is about a 25 min subway ride from us. It was soooo cool! it was a nice, sunny day, and of course, super hot. Lar took tons of great shots, and I was able to get a few good ones with the point and shoot. The birds were amazing...so many beautiful colors. We went through an exhibt that was suppose to mimic the rainforest (not hard to do in Sing) and I said to Lar " Hon, don't you think it's weird we haven't seen any snakes or anything in Sing yet?" We did have a run in with a tiny geko that almost caused me to pack my bags, but I was pretty much over that. Not 5 minutes after saying that, I was walking on the path, a few steps behind Larry, who was stopped, shooting pictures. I turned my head and FROZE. I said, well screamed really " Lar, did you see that???" He had walked by a HUGE Lizard...HUGE. I think it was a kimono dragon (sp?) possibly an iguna, either way, it was HUGE, ugly, and staring at us with his beady lizard eyes. It was directly in the path, and I don't know how Lar missed it walking by. Well, in typical Larry fashion, he hunkered down and started taking pictures of it, like an inch away from his face. I was seriously scared. You all know how I love animals, and I'm not easily frightened, but I was frozen from fear. Frozen. I could not move, and I even cried a little. My gallant husband did his best not to laugh at me, and escorted me away from the MONSTER, then went back and took more pictures. Ugh. I'll attach one, so you can see it.
Other highlights were feeding the Lorries....these funny, friendly birds that come right up to you, sit on you, and seem to have elborate conversations with you, and each other. Such a blast. There was even a bride and groom there having a photo shoot, they were sweet, and let me take a picture.
After the bird park, we were pretty whipped, from all the walking, and the heat, so we came back home, had a little nap and some dinner, then I dragged Lar back out to take some night shots he's been wanting. First we went to the Merlion, which is a park, situated on the water ( I finally saw the water in Sing!! woohoo!) It is a huge fountain of....you guessed it, a merlion, half merman, half Lion. Really beautiful, and the park was full of people, walking around, dining, and taking pictures. On friday nights there is also line dancing next to the fountain, so that was fun to watch. Line dancing is huge here, and it's the same kinds of stuff we do in the states, but the steps seem more intricate. They take it very seriously, and some of the dancers were down right good. So, it was a nice night by the water. Then we went to Little India to take pictures of the lights that are all over the streets for Deepavali, which is happening now (Not sure what it is exactly, but it seems to be a big, happy holiday)

Saturday we were pretty whipped from our all day tour of Sing, so we laid low, and did chores and stuff. We decided to go out on saturday night, and do what everyone must do at least once while in Singapore. Go to the Raffles Hotel for Singapore Slings at the Long Bar. It's a pretty, old hotel, in the old tropical, british style. Waving palm frond fans, lots of wicker...it was cool. And there is an unlimited supply pf peanuts, and you throw the shells on the floor. (Lar was in Heaven) The Slings are good....and they get ya on the price cuz it's a touristy thing to do, but it was worth it at least once. Come visit, and we'll go!

Sundays Lar spends on the phone with his family, so I got some stuff done around the house, and went to Ikea (again). I really need to do a whole post just on ikea, and I will do that soon.

So, that's what we've been doing...Lar is going back to Seattle next week for 10 days for work, so I will be winging it on my own. I have plans this Sunday to go to a Tai Chi class with a woman Lar works with, then breakfast and shopping at a wet market ( fruits and veggies), so I'm sure I'll have fun stuff to tell you.

Hope you are all doing good! miss you and love you!
Oh, and congrats to Kate, Amanda, and Chelsea from school, they graduate this week! yay!

Happy, safe Halloween!!
xoxoxo
Pam









THE MONSTER




I was soooo freakin hot and sweaty!!! yuck!






That's not my bra strap showing....it's another tank top, swear!

Breakin' the LAW!!!

Lar, challenging authority again...

Have a great Monday!
xoxo
Pam

Commonly asked questions!

So, many of you have emailed and asked questions regarding Singapore, and how Larry and I are finding it. I'll try to answer them, and if you have anymore, feel free to ask in the comments section and I'll answer those too.

Here goes:

What's the weather like?

Well, it's HOT. Pretty much everyday, all day. This is the rainy season, and it's a little more cloudy than when not in the rainy season, and when it rains, it's a good, strong downpour. But even during the rainy season, it's been really pretty and sunny a lot of the time. Singapore is close to the equator, so it's always tropical. There are no defined seasons, just warm, muggy and usually sunny.

What's the language?

The national language is English. Singapore was under British rule unill the 1960's, so there is still a strong influence. There are many nationalities and cultures however, so most of the locals speak with an accent. The most prevelant is chinese, malay, and indian. Everyone speaks english as well, and all the signage is in english. I've noticed that if someone can't quite understand you, they are very willing and eager to try and get it. I'm still having a hard time understanding people on the phone that call, or even the cab drivers, but it's getting easier. There is also a slang, called Singlish, and it's like this: "Got stapler or not, lend one minute,can?" They also say Lah at the end of a lot of greetings, like "hello-lah". Kinda cool, eh?

What's the food like? Grocery stores?

Food is a BIG deal in Singapore, like shopping, it's the thing to do. Because of the diverse culture, there is every kind of food. Chinese, Japanese, indian, vietnamese, english, american, italian...pretty much everything. I haven't seen a mexican resturant yet, but we did go to a Tapas place the other night that was super yummy. There is fast food here too, Mcdonald's, Burger king, pizza hut, kentucky friend chicken. I haven't been to any of these places, just seems kinda silly when there are sooooo many other cool things to try. Starbuck's is here (of course) and it's pretty popular. Seems like most of the American fast foods are here, except for Taco Bell ( which is probably the only one I would go to, from time to time....ha!)
Hawker stands are big here, they are typicaly a group of resturants, arranged ina a large circle, like a food court. Food here is pretty cheap, and it's mostly Asian, and sometimes indian. My favorite thing from the hawker stands so far is one f the most popular dishes in Singapore. It's called Chicken rice. Sounds boring, but it is super yummy....it's a mound of rice, that is slightly sticky ( not like japanse sticky, just a little bit) and delicately flavored with garlic and chicken broth. It is then topped with a portion of fire roasted chicken, chopped up with a huge, scary looking cleaver. It's topped with green onions, and served with tomatoes and cucumbers, usually. It also comes with a clear chicken broth. You can get a 'set' as it is called for 3.00...which in Singapore standards is pretty cheap. Another favorite Singapore dish is called Chilli crab. Haven't tried it yet, but I've heard it's crazy good, and I'll be sure to give my review when I try it! I also love roti prata, this super yummy indian bread...kinda like a pancake....I'll be right back, I think I need some....
Grocery stores here are called "cold storages". The expat store, close to our house is very nice, and stocks a lot of stuff we are familar with. Larry can get his diet dr. pepper and pickles. It's is pretty expensive though, so we usually go to a store called Giant, once a month and stock up on meat, bread, and basics. Then I go to the expat market for veggies and fruit, and soda for Lar, as needed. Giant reminds me of an Asian Meijers...it's HUGE, and sells everything from car parts to food. It's a lot cheaper.
Some things I've missed so far are vernor's, and pretzels....haha...neither is a known quantity here. I could get a bag of pretzels at the expat store, but it would cost about 9.00. But, lucky girl that I am, Debbie just sent me a big bag, so I'm good for a while, and I will make them last! I wish I would have brought my seasonings too, as many of the things I use aren't available. However, I AM REALLY GLAD I brought my giant salt and pepper grinders from costco that everyone made fun of me for. I love them, and they make me happy!! so there! ha!!

Do you have a Car in Sing?

Nope, Lar and I do not. We walk, take the MRT (subway) or cabs. Driving here is a little dicey, as they drive on the opposite side, and kinda through rules out the window. Motorcyles and scooters are big here, and they shoot up next to you, not taking a whole space. It's a little scary, still taking me some getting use to. Cars are also very, very expensive, and you have to pay for the option of even buying a car. As Singapore is a pretty wealthy country, I've seen some pretty snazzy cars...porche, lamborgini, BMW, are all pretty common. I think I even saw a Lotus espirit. (name that movie)

Are Holidays celebrated?

Yes. Seems like everytime I turn around, and I've only been here a month, there is a holiday being celebrated. With so many cultures and religions, you can imagine. I've heard Christmas is big here, but in a non denominational sense. It's more about commerce and the flash and glitter of the season. Chinese new year is also huge, and I'm really looking forward to checking it out. Halloween is celebrated in the expat neighborhoods, and I'll probably pass out something if we get any little trick or treaters. There are a few kids in our complex, so we'll see.

What's with the No gum chewing law?

One of the weirder laws in Sing is there is no gum chewing. The fine is a few hundred dollars if you are caught, and you can't bring it into the country, nor is it sold. I like to challange authority however, and brought some in my suitcase. It can also be mailed, as Deb sent some, and I had sent some to Lar before I got here. As long as you do it in your own home, and not on the streets, it's fine. And I feel like a real bad ass when I'm at my computer, chomping away.
The laws and rules here are pretty strict, and crime is very low. Drugs are not tolerated, and death is the penalty if you are caught with them. Smoking is allowed, but not in resturants, lines, or the subway. Litering is a big no-no, and the city is very clean.

Do you have a housekeeper?

Um...NO. We could, as it is fairly inexpensive, but it's not mine or Lar's style. Our apartment does have maids quarters, but I can't imagine anyone living in them. The room is tiny and non air conditioned. We use it to store our suitcases, just to give you a perspective. I like to clean and cook, and all that jazz, so I do it all.

What's the t.v like there?

There are many of the american shows on cable, but they seem to be a season behind. Which I actually don't mind, becasue since I was at school most nights I missed a lot of shows. It's been fun getting back in to them a little. Animal shows are big here, as are the discovery channels. There is an Asian food network, but since I doubt I'll be making fish head curry for 12 anytime soon, I don't watch it much. I do miss that....I always had that on in the states!

And finally an answer to the most asked question...

Maybe,possibly, probably, who knows, no promises, and not for a few years. (wink!)


K, I think I answered most of the questions, keep em comin!

Big hugs! miss y'all!
xoxoxoxo!


Eating with my hands!! Indian food....soooo hot and spicy, we LOVE it!


Messy, but super fun!! and no plates, just a banana leaf!


Sangrias at the Tapas resturant...yummo!

Tapas....great place for a date.


Sweets are a BIG deal here...I think I may have wet my pants.....


We showed great restaint and bought one candy bar to share...and it was GOOD!!! ha!

Back in the 313

Yep, It's true...I'm back where I started, in the 313. Well, kinda... our address in Sing is 0313. I find this pretty funny, and Lar points out my '313-ness' often, so it's pretty ironic. The name of our building is the Shangrila...just love that! ha!

Everyone's been asking what kind of place we live in, and for pictures, so here ya go. It's a 3 bedroom apartment, 3 bathrooms, with maids quarters (no, we do not have a maid). It's in a 4 story buliding, in the 'prime' area of Singapore, near the main shopping area ( although pretty much every area is a shoppng area, it seems to be the national pastime) Our complex has a lot of ex-pats, as well as locals. It's pretty swanky, and we know how lucky we are!! There is fantastic pool, workout facilites, common areas, as well as use of the Shangrila hotel's workout room and pool (it's right across the street).

We've spent the last few weeks getting it furnished and put together, as Lar wanted to wait untill I was here to get stuff with me(He wanted me to be sure and write that he was waiting for me, and that he surely could have handled it on his own, so there ya go, my first letter to the editor) We aren't sure how long we will be here, so we've been pretty conservative on what we've gotten. It's mostly from Ikea (they pronounce it eee-key-aah here) and I found a pretty nifty dining set on the singapore craigs list for a steal. My favorite part is the HUGE tub in the bathroom I use, it has jets (Linda!! you'd love it!) and the big kitchen. Lots of cupboard and counter space. The oven is super teeny though, but it's just me and Lar so it's ok. Even if we wanted to spend 95.00 on a turkey for thanksgiving, it probably wouldn't fit! ( yes, it's true, I saw frozen turkeys at the expat grocery store for that much....crazy, huh?) Larry's favorite room is his "Man room". He has a bathroom, shower, tv, computer,all his olympic stuff,and camera equipment, and when he's tired of me, he can close the door and escape. ha! I have an office of sorts too, but it's really the guest room, so come visit, we have a bed for you! But I set up a swell little area for my laptop, pictures of home, Kermit, music, my hair stuff,books...the things that make me happy, it's a nice little nook, and I'm spending a lot of time in here.
We still have a few things we'd like to do, like get some of Larry's photo's blown up and framed for the living room, maybe a rug for the front door, that kinda stuff.
We were walking one day to go do something ( can't remember what) and I said to Lar " I keep waiting to wake up, this is the coolest dream!" He said "Me too!!" ha! so, we're enjoying our first place together, and I'm loving that we get to do the decorating and stuff together, it's been a hoot ( Lar might not agree....).
K, I have a whole list of stuff to blog about, so everyone that's been asking questons and stuff...I promise, all will be answered!
Thanks for all the comments as well!
Smooches!
Pam

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