I used to be the avid Formula One fan once upon a time in Bombay. Then I moved to the U.S. where the idea of waking up before 9am on a Sunday morning pretty much killed the F1 spirit. I didn’t really miss it. Baseball kept me occupied from April to October and football from September to January. (No wonder February and March were always my least-favourite months, no sports!)
Anyway, this year Singapore debuted on the F1 scene. And how! A road race. A night race. Three collisions. A stalled car. An undetached fuel hose. Pit lane penalties. Bumps. Sparks. A winner who started 15th on the grid! Oh, what a race! And I almost didn’t make it. Yeah, I was incredibly blasé about the race. Didn’t even bother buying tickets. Then good ol’ Murzy showed up with two extra tickets and the party was on. F1 is so much more than a car race. It is a licence to party unabashedly. I can’t remember the last time I stayed up till 5.30am. I can’t remember the last time I came home from a night out and made eggs. It was like Sg had decided to do away with its sterile image for a whole weekend. When we left Clarke Quay at 5am Sunday morning, every eatery on the way home was OPEN and PACKED!
Sg put up a great show. In its own characteristic way it made F1 Uniquely Singapore. Will definitely be back next year.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Almost Nine Months!
It takes 40 weeks for a human to create another of its own species. So in the time it takes to create life, what have I done in Sg?
Well, first and foremost I have made it home. Yes, ladies and gentleman, Singapore is HOME. I like the way my apartment is shaping up and I’m looking forward to my first Diwali here.
Second I have tossed away my immigrant mentality and boldly accepted an expat mentality; just in time for global financial crises which should be reason enough to cut spending and adopt the frugal life of a new immigrant.
Third, I have worked harder than I ever have. At some point in the future I will look at this period of adjustment and be proud of myself.
Fourth, I have travelled to Vietnam and Indonesia. Not as much as I expected but something is better than nothing. In the same time, M has amassed about 200,000 Krisflyer points.
Fifth, I have become a better and more efficient cook. And it’s my number one stress-buster. How? Think chopping vegetables.
Sixth, I have learnt not to drown my plants. Hopefully the three new ones will survive longer than my poor basil plant.
Well, there have been other minor accomplishments but so much more to do (like buy our first house or have a baby!). As the year runs away from us again, I contemplate what the new year will bring (a return to the immigrant mentality for sure!). Top of my list – eat healthier and maintain an exercise regime. I still don’t know how veggie curry and rice will fit into that but constantly being frustrated at not finding clothes that fit well is a motivator as strong as any.
Well, first and foremost I have made it home. Yes, ladies and gentleman, Singapore is HOME. I like the way my apartment is shaping up and I’m looking forward to my first Diwali here.
Second I have tossed away my immigrant mentality and boldly accepted an expat mentality; just in time for global financial crises which should be reason enough to cut spending and adopt the frugal life of a new immigrant.
Third, I have worked harder than I ever have. At some point in the future I will look at this period of adjustment and be proud of myself.
Fourth, I have travelled to Vietnam and Indonesia. Not as much as I expected but something is better than nothing. In the same time, M has amassed about 200,000 Krisflyer points.
Fifth, I have become a better and more efficient cook. And it’s my number one stress-buster. How? Think chopping vegetables.
Sixth, I have learnt not to drown my plants. Hopefully the three new ones will survive longer than my poor basil plant.
Well, there have been other minor accomplishments but so much more to do (like buy our first house or have a baby!). As the year runs away from us again, I contemplate what the new year will bring (a return to the immigrant mentality for sure!). Top of my list – eat healthier and maintain an exercise regime. I still don’t know how veggie curry and rice will fit into that but constantly being frustrated at not finding clothes that fit well is a motivator as strong as any.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Six Months
It’s been a while since my last report from this new place called Singapore that is quickly beginning to feel like home. I have days when I feel uprooted and lost and I’m best avoided on those days. But mostly I feel good. Life is finally beginning to make sense again. My job is beginning to make sense. The roads, the food, the accent, the clothing sizes, the lingo (ok lor may sound like ok lah but there is a world of difference in the meaning), the odd stuff (they blow dry your hair before they cut it) – it’s all beginning to make sense. Phew!
I’m continually amazed at the human capacity to retain memories selectively. When I reflect at the time past I mostly have good memories. Of course, over-writing the memories of the recent past may take some time but I’m sure somewhere in the recesses of my mind the process has already begun.
I’m also amazed at the human capacity to adapt and adopt. Yes, I came to Sg kicking and screaming but once here I have quickly adjusted to my new environment. And now a feeling of always having been here creeping in. And that feels good.
I’m continually amazed at the human capacity to retain memories selectively. When I reflect at the time past I mostly have good memories. Of course, over-writing the memories of the recent past may take some time but I’m sure somewhere in the recesses of my mind the process has already begun.
I’m also amazed at the human capacity to adapt and adopt. Yes, I came to Sg kicking and screaming but once here I have quickly adjusted to my new environment. And now a feeling of always having been here creeping in. And that feels good.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Four Months
It has been four months since I moved to Sg. Four months since I started work. And it has been one roller-coaster ride. Everyone wants to know how I like it here, how I'm adjusting, etc. etc. And I've been maintaining a 'so-far-so-good' attitude.
But last night when I was coming home from a long day at work it hit me. Of all the places in Asia we could have moved to I'm glad/fortunate we moved to Sg. The city is a perfect counterpoint to our absolutely-out-of-control life. There is no chaos. There is a structure for everything. There is guidance provided for every step you take. There is a plan to tackle any and all issues. Everything is well-organized and fairly predictable.
The Bbayite and New Yorker in me may rebel and revolt at this statement but I'm beginning to REALLY like this place.
But last night when I was coming home from a long day at work it hit me. Of all the places in Asia we could have moved to I'm glad/fortunate we moved to Sg. The city is a perfect counterpoint to our absolutely-out-of-control life. There is no chaos. There is a structure for everything. There is guidance provided for every step you take. There is a plan to tackle any and all issues. Everything is well-organized and fairly predictable.
The Bbayite and New Yorker in me may rebel and revolt at this statement but I'm beginning to REALLY like this place.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
One More SQ Story...(Gosh, these are piling up fast!)
Back in December, M suggested I use his abundant miles to buy a business class ticket for my journey from NYC to S'pore. It was a good idea considering it was a long journey (18 hours) and I would be sad and maybe bawling. Surprisingly all 40-odd business class seats were sold out though you could buy as many economy tickets as you wanted.
Today, when M was taking the very same flight from NYC, SQ was looking for volunteers to downgrade from business to economy for S$2000 in cash and a US$100 in-flight voucher! I've never heard of anything like this!
I’m fast becoming a die-hard fan of this airline. Are they publicly traded? Can I own their stock? And when are we flying the A380 to Sydney?
Today, when M was taking the very same flight from NYC, SQ was looking for volunteers to downgrade from business to economy for S$2000 in cash and a US$100 in-flight voucher! I've never heard of anything like this!
I’m fast becoming a die-hard fan of this airline. Are they publicly traded? Can I own their stock? And when are we flying the A380 to Sydney?
Monday, January 7, 2008
Can’t Digest This Donut!
According Time Out Singapore, donuts are the new craze in Sg. There is a donut shop called Donut Factory in the mall adjoining my office. It’s a neat and hip-looking place with a velvet rope and all. At any time of the day people line up for up to an hour to buy the freshly-prepared donuts. One day the line was only 4-5 customers long, so I joined it. I’m sorry to say but the trans-fat loaded, probably frozen at some point, baked God-knows where Dunkin Donuts donut is much better.
This morning a man walked in to the office with three large boxes of Krispy Kremes. My eyes lit up (I don’t know why because KK always makes me sick). Excitedly I asked, “There’s a Krispy Kreme in Sg?”. He laughed out and replied “No, these are from Hong Kong!”. So this person actually got on a plane with three large boxes of Krispy Kremes! Talk about being crazy! And think about the donut ooops!.... brownie points he is going to earn!
This morning a man walked in to the office with three large boxes of Krispy Kremes. My eyes lit up (I don’t know why because KK always makes me sick). Excitedly I asked, “There’s a Krispy Kreme in Sg?”. He laughed out and replied “No, these are from Hong Kong!”. So this person actually got on a plane with three large boxes of Krispy Kremes! Talk about being crazy! And think about the donut ooops!.... brownie points he is going to earn!
Coming Soon - Nach Baliye!
M is making good on his promise to learn dance. We have signed up for 8 weeks of salsa lessons. Yes! Yes! Yes!
And this time the signs are all positive. For starters, the class is NOT in Chelsea. Second, it is on Fridays at 7pm. And third, it is located less than five minutes from M’s office which means he can work till 6.55pm. Although I believe it would be better for him, at least for the first couple of lessons, to down a couple of cocktails between 6pm and 7pm. You know loosen up, dull the pain, etc. etc.
And this time the signs are all positive. For starters, the class is NOT in Chelsea. Second, it is on Fridays at 7pm. And third, it is located less than five minutes from M’s office which means he can work till 6.55pm. Although I believe it would be better for him, at least for the first couple of lessons, to down a couple of cocktails between 6pm and 7pm. You know loosen up, dull the pain, etc. etc.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thought for the Day
The Biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.
- George Bernard Shaw.
- George Bernard Shaw.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Week 4...
…and I feel like I’ve been here forever. No, I still don’t know Sg like the back of my hand or have the MRT map memorized or have a favorite Thai restaurant or special place in the Botanic Gardens. I haven’t even been to the Botanic Gardens! But I feel optimistic.
These days it’s all about accentuating the positive. It rains every day. But the vegetation is lush. It is hot and sticky. But I have easy access to a pool. Work is slow. But I get to go home early and cook. TV is crap. But…but there is no positive to that! I miss my TV! Every show I would like to watch is a season behind. So basically I can’t watch these shows until 2009. There is Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane but no Project Runway. There is Gordon Ramsay but no Ina Garten.
What does Week 5 look like? The husband will be gone all week again! I could reorganize the kitchen or at least make an attempt. Or I could schedule spa treatments. I could try a Hot Yoga class. Or just hit the pool after work. I could explore Fort Canning Park or explore Centrepoint. I should definitely reach out and reconnect with old friends. So much to do! But I have this dirty feeling I’m going to be home watching Hindi TV (my new guilty pleasure) or reading Isaac Asimov (an old love rediscovered).
These days it’s all about accentuating the positive. It rains every day. But the vegetation is lush. It is hot and sticky. But I have easy access to a pool. Work is slow. But I get to go home early and cook. TV is crap. But…but there is no positive to that! I miss my TV! Every show I would like to watch is a season behind. So basically I can’t watch these shows until 2009. There is Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane but no Project Runway. There is Gordon Ramsay but no Ina Garten.
What does Week 5 look like? The husband will be gone all week again! I could reorganize the kitchen or at least make an attempt. Or I could schedule spa treatments. I could try a Hot Yoga class. Or just hit the pool after work. I could explore Fort Canning Park or explore Centrepoint. I should definitely reach out and reconnect with old friends. So much to do! But I have this dirty feeling I’m going to be home watching Hindi TV (my new guilty pleasure) or reading Isaac Asimov (an old love rediscovered).
This is Not a Paid Advertisement
After having flown direct to Bombay twice, I decided to try the direct flight from NYC to Spore.
Flight 21 is the longest SQ flight with a total distance of 9,529 miles completed in 18 hours and 45 minutes.
I had assumed I would have to watch at least four movies and I would be fairly miserable when I landed. Instead I slept for a good 12 hours. And snoozed for another 3. I guess the leg rest, extra soft eye shade and extra thick blanket helped. And by the time I finished watching No Reservations it was time to land!
Fly direct! That is my new mantra. And where you can, fly SQ!
Flight 21 is the longest SQ flight with a total distance of 9,529 miles completed in 18 hours and 45 minutes.
I had assumed I would have to watch at least four movies and I would be fairly miserable when I landed. Instead I slept for a good 12 hours. And snoozed for another 3. I guess the leg rest, extra soft eye shade and extra thick blanket helped. And by the time I finished watching No Reservations it was time to land!
Fly direct! That is my new mantra. And where you can, fly SQ!
Until We Meet Again!
I left NYC on Thursday, December 6, 2007. I had exactly 13 days to pack and move out. How do you pack up 5 years of your life and move out of a country in 13 days? With a lot help from friends. I have to admit that I would not have been able to leave my apartment Thursday night if it hadn’t been for Cousin Meg and the Friendly Neighbor. On what would have been the most difficult night of my life they showed up, took charge and made the evening very very memorable. Thank you!
I didn’t get to have a Farewell NYC tour as I’d hoped. Nor did I get to meet or talk to some very dear friends. But I did have some wonderful moments that I will cherish forever. Walking in snow on the quaint and narrow streets of West Village. Window shopping with Cousin Meg. Churros and baked eggs at Five Points with RF. Early morning coffee and NY Post at the new Europan on 58th and 9 Ave. Knocking on all my neighbors’ doors for a wine bottle opener. And finding no one at home attempting to open the bottle with a Swiss Army Knife and succeeding. Sharing peanut gelato at 7pm on a cold evening at the Chelsea Market. And just walking walking walking all over NYC.
Of course, I will return to visit. I haven’t said goodbye yet.
I didn’t get to have a Farewell NYC tour as I’d hoped. Nor did I get to meet or talk to some very dear friends. But I did have some wonderful moments that I will cherish forever. Walking in snow on the quaint and narrow streets of West Village. Window shopping with Cousin Meg. Churros and baked eggs at Five Points with RF. Early morning coffee and NY Post at the new Europan on 58th and 9 Ave. Knocking on all my neighbors’ doors for a wine bottle opener. And finding no one at home attempting to open the bottle with a Swiss Army Knife and succeeding. Sharing peanut gelato at 7pm on a cold evening at the Chelsea Market. And just walking walking walking all over NYC.
Of course, I will return to visit. I haven’t said goodbye yet.
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