Dustin and I really enjoy going on movie dates. There are some obvious differences between the movies in the states and here in Singapore. Some good and some annoying.
Back in the sates we would get dinner and then see a movie (or the other way around depending on the movie times). If we are planning ahead we would buy tickets online, from there we would go to a kiosk and pick them up, but sometimes we just get our tickets from the person in the booth if we are not planning a head. If we don't get dinner and just go to an afternoon movie of course we hit up the snacks, popcorn and drinks of course. In the states, when the movie is getting ready to start there is a reminder to everyone to not talk during the movie and to silence your cellphones.
Dustin and I have been going to movies here, it's become our thing. We love movies and go usually twice a month. Here most movies that have just come out are about six weeks after they come out in the states. I can't tell you what the first movie we saw over here but I can tell you that when we walked up to the ticket booth to get tickets I was excited. The reason is because when we told them what movie the person turned the screen around and asked what seats we would like. Yes, we got to pick our seats! That was just an amazing option to have.
Once going though the first movie, we found that we can also buy tickets online here. The coolest thing out of all is that after you pick your seats and buy the tickets they can either send an email to you that you take up to the ticket booth line that is spacific for online bought tickets or you can have it sent via text to your cellphone. At first I thought that we would have to take it up to the ticket booth but no, they have a scanner in front of the different halls. All you have to do is bring up the text on your phone and put your phone on the scanner and the tickets print out, so no waiting in line!
The think that I have noticed since being here is that the theaters don't have a reminder to be quiet during the movie or to silence cellphones. I found it a little odd but thought nothing of it. During the previews, everyone mummers something and it's usually along the lines of wanting to see the movie when it comes out. I honestly was not bothered by the talking during this time. The think that is the MOST annoying is talking/kids crying/cell phone rings during the movie that you paid to watch. I don't know if it feels the same to you but to me, it's just rude.
I have found that there is a reason why there isn't a reminder before the movie starts, because it's just not a thing they care about here. It seems like everyone is talking, and it's not whispering! It's the most annoying thing because they can be loud, trying to talk over the movie. Honestly if you wanted to talk like that wait till the movie comes out on dvd and rent/buy it and watch it at your house where you can talk all you freaking want. Cellphones have gone off as well while we are watching a movie and it does not vibrate it rings, and does the person go out of the theater to answer it, NO they answer it right there! It's so rude because they are disrupting the movie and being distracting.
I don't know about you all but I get upset when people are talking in the movie are talking on their cellphones. It's just a known no-no because you don't want to disrupt others or frankly miss what is going on in the movie. There has been points where I feel the urge to shush people but I am not sure if it's okay. I have done it once but they ignored me.
So all in all the movie experience has it's pros and cons. I really do hope that the US theaters take a note from Singapore and get the technology for the online ticket scanners via text message and picking seats.
Thanks for reading. I should be putting up a blog about our current visitors tomorrow or so! Take care all!
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
"A Man's Best Friend"
"A Man's Best Friend", when you see this quote or hear it from someone you automatically thing Dog(s). Now not everyone is a dog person or owns a dog but they know what it is like to own a pet. I don't know about you all but our dog Bandit has become our son over the past two and a half years we've had him.
What really inspired me to write about this was our friends Dave and Colleen just lost their German Shepard Sieben whom they have had (Dave mostly) since he was a puppy. Siebes was such a great dog, well behaved and just a big bear of love! Bandit and Siebs went on many a camping trips and chased many tennis balls together with Siebs brother Jack. These three dogs together was great and entertaining! I am truly sad knowing that when we get home Siebs will no longer be there but know he is in a better place now.
Dave said it best, Don't take any time for granted with your best friends and loved ones. He is so spot on with this comment. This is comment is not only for humans but for our pets as well. Pets have a special place in our hearts. Honestly if you are a pet owner you know what I am talking about. Our pets listen to anything we have to say. I know I found myself talking to Bandit when it's just him and me at home (Now I talk to myself here in Singapore and I think Dustin is thinking I am crazy and that I was covering it up by saying I was talking to the dog when I was really talking to myself lol). Our pets are there for us when we need to cry and don't have a human to hold us, they are there to sit in our laps or lay a head on our legs and show that they love us. It is said that our pets are very sensitive and know when a person is depressed, sad, happy or about to (to some) have an epileptic episode.
Pets are loyal. They do something bad, you yell at them and then ten minutes later they are loving you again. When we first got Bandit he was really scared and sad because to him we ripped him out of his home that he had known his whole life and brought him to our house that does not have any other pets. Once he warmed up to us, he has never left our side. He has eaten stuff he should not eat and had accidents in the house (not his fault, Dustin was sleeping and I was late getting off work) he's been a typical dog and has won our hearts over.
You all know being away from home has been hard for us in different areas. The absolute HARDEST thing we have had to deal with is not having our Bandit with us. If you all have been keeping up with the blogs you know that Bandit got really sick and had to have surgery. We were so thankful that Dustin's sister Emily, her roommate Krystal, her boyfriend Justin and our neighbors Jason and Rob were there to help care for him. Knowing that he could have not survived made me miss him even more. Luckily he survived and healed well, but if we would have lost him while we were away, I don't think I would have forgiven myself about being away.
When we heard the loss of Mr.Siebes we took it hard and really truly miss Bandit and can't wait to get home and see him. My fear is that he has forgotten us, but I am staying positive that he has not because when we skype with Emily we ask to see him or she calls him over, we say hello to him and he doesn't make the connection but just seeing him eases our feelings. I have never taken our boy for granted and never will. I can't wait to play ball with him and take him on long walks when we get back.
My heart hurts for our friends who lost their best friend, their son, their Siebes. Nothing will ever replace him and no one will ever forget this wonderful dog. If Dustin and I were home we would be right there with our friends helping them heal the gaping hole in their heart. We know that if the roles were reversed, they'd be there for us. I know they will heal but they will never fully get over the loss of their pup. Dave and Colleen, stay strong and know he will always be missed. It is really tough right now, I am sure but soon the wounds will heal (never completely) and with each passing day you will remember him without being so bummed out compared to right now. We love you guys very much and can't wait to be home with you two!
To all of you out there reading this. If you are a pet owner take five minutes to love on your animals. They love you unconditionally, show them how much you love them. You never know what will happen, live every day to the fullest and love unconditionally. Don't get too upset with your animals when they do bad things, just enough so they won't do it again because trust me, you will laugh at the things they do when time has past. I know Dustin and I still laugh at Bandit when he ate an entire pan of jalapeno corn bread that was resting on the counter, he only ate the middle, not the edges! Yes we were upset, but now we look back on it and laugh, and never leave the kitchen unattended when there is food within Bandit's reach (we usually baby gate the kitchen so he can't get in) Laugh off the animals mistakes and enjoy the ride of being a pet owner. I know we have and when the time comes, I will be a mess but know I will have people there to be by my side. (including friends animals). I know I have said it a lot but I do miss my boy and am lucky to come home to such a sweet and wonderful dog. I can't wait to give him LOTS of hugs when I get home. He may even get to sleep on the bed the week before Dustin gets home, just don't tell Dustin I said that ;)
Bandit boy Camping
RIP Siebes, we love you!
What really inspired me to write about this was our friends Dave and Colleen just lost their German Shepard Sieben whom they have had (Dave mostly) since he was a puppy. Siebes was such a great dog, well behaved and just a big bear of love! Bandit and Siebs went on many a camping trips and chased many tennis balls together with Siebs brother Jack. These three dogs together was great and entertaining! I am truly sad knowing that when we get home Siebs will no longer be there but know he is in a better place now.
Dave said it best, Don't take any time for granted with your best friends and loved ones. He is so spot on with this comment. This is comment is not only for humans but for our pets as well. Pets have a special place in our hearts. Honestly if you are a pet owner you know what I am talking about. Our pets listen to anything we have to say. I know I found myself talking to Bandit when it's just him and me at home (Now I talk to myself here in Singapore and I think Dustin is thinking I am crazy and that I was covering it up by saying I was talking to the dog when I was really talking to myself lol). Our pets are there for us when we need to cry and don't have a human to hold us, they are there to sit in our laps or lay a head on our legs and show that they love us. It is said that our pets are very sensitive and know when a person is depressed, sad, happy or about to (to some) have an epileptic episode.
Pets are loyal. They do something bad, you yell at them and then ten minutes later they are loving you again. When we first got Bandit he was really scared and sad because to him we ripped him out of his home that he had known his whole life and brought him to our house that does not have any other pets. Once he warmed up to us, he has never left our side. He has eaten stuff he should not eat and had accidents in the house (not his fault, Dustin was sleeping and I was late getting off work) he's been a typical dog and has won our hearts over.
You all know being away from home has been hard for us in different areas. The absolute HARDEST thing we have had to deal with is not having our Bandit with us. If you all have been keeping up with the blogs you know that Bandit got really sick and had to have surgery. We were so thankful that Dustin's sister Emily, her roommate Krystal, her boyfriend Justin and our neighbors Jason and Rob were there to help care for him. Knowing that he could have not survived made me miss him even more. Luckily he survived and healed well, but if we would have lost him while we were away, I don't think I would have forgiven myself about being away.
When we heard the loss of Mr.Siebes we took it hard and really truly miss Bandit and can't wait to get home and see him. My fear is that he has forgotten us, but I am staying positive that he has not because when we skype with Emily we ask to see him or she calls him over, we say hello to him and he doesn't make the connection but just seeing him eases our feelings. I have never taken our boy for granted and never will. I can't wait to play ball with him and take him on long walks when we get back.
My heart hurts for our friends who lost their best friend, their son, their Siebes. Nothing will ever replace him and no one will ever forget this wonderful dog. If Dustin and I were home we would be right there with our friends helping them heal the gaping hole in their heart. We know that if the roles were reversed, they'd be there for us. I know they will heal but they will never fully get over the loss of their pup. Dave and Colleen, stay strong and know he will always be missed. It is really tough right now, I am sure but soon the wounds will heal (never completely) and with each passing day you will remember him without being so bummed out compared to right now. We love you guys very much and can't wait to be home with you two!
To all of you out there reading this. If you are a pet owner take five minutes to love on your animals. They love you unconditionally, show them how much you love them. You never know what will happen, live every day to the fullest and love unconditionally. Don't get too upset with your animals when they do bad things, just enough so they won't do it again because trust me, you will laugh at the things they do when time has past. I know Dustin and I still laugh at Bandit when he ate an entire pan of jalapeno corn bread that was resting on the counter, he only ate the middle, not the edges! Yes we were upset, but now we look back on it and laugh, and never leave the kitchen unattended when there is food within Bandit's reach (we usually baby gate the kitchen so he can't get in) Laugh off the animals mistakes and enjoy the ride of being a pet owner. I know we have and when the time comes, I will be a mess but know I will have people there to be by my side. (including friends animals). I know I have said it a lot but I do miss my boy and am lucky to come home to such a sweet and wonderful dog. I can't wait to give him LOTS of hugs when I get home. He may even get to sleep on the bed the week before Dustin gets home, just don't tell Dustin I said that ;)
Bandit boy Camping
RIP Siebes, we love you!
Thursday, 15 March 2012
6 Months already
St. Patrick's day marks our 6 months in Singapore. A lot has gone one in the past six months and I can't believe our adventure here has reached the half way point. It really seems like yesterday that we landed here and started this crazy time.
I look back and realize why (for the most part) the first couple of months were so slow for me. The first couple of weeks were entertaining because I was getting to know the area and learn how to live the city life. But as life slowed back down and we were settling into the life I realized that, in the beginning, I didn't have friends and so I was lonely for the most part because our friends here work during the day and I was not working or volunteering yet. (This by NO means is a pitty party for myself, I am just explaining how I feel/felt because it is about me and adjusting to living here.) Not to mention that the Holidays were approaching and it was the first time I ever spent holidays away from all of my family.
I think that after the holidays was when things started to really speed up around here. We were booking trips and I was really settling into the life around here, making a lot of friends though volunteering and not being shy when our friends (you know who you are) invited me out on nights that Dustin was working, I just accepted that I need to live here like I would live at home and go out with my friends even though Dustin can't make it (That was huge for me too). I have tried and failed at Dragon Boat racing because my shoulders can't take it, but I have made a lot of friends from the team. RDA is also helping with friends and as you all know, I always look forward to Wednesdays because I not only love the kids I work with but the volunteers and our girl catch up time at the polo club after for lunch. I am considering stepping it up to two days a week. I have also started rock climbing again with friends who do that as well and am looking forward to once a week with possibly Rich and Will if the are interested (already climbed with both, looking for a once a week thing)
We are also booked up with visitors from now until we come home for the wedding. We had our first visitor, Jinsoo, in Feb and it was absolutely amazing. I am looking forward to my high school friend Nicole and my college roommate Sara to come in visit in April. Dustin and I are going to Vietnam and we come back two days before Nicole and Sara get here. Dustin's dad is coming to visit us from April 20 to May 2. Now this is no vacation for him, he and Dustin work for the same company and his dad worked out a business trip. I can't wait for him to come visit!
After that in May we are having our Neighbors Rob and Jason come with Jason's friend (now our friend) Matt and we just found out that our friend Todd will be coming out here on business in May as well, such a great surprise and we can't wait for him to come. After them it's my Co-workers the Jen M and Jen F and Jen F's daughter for two weeks, The girls and I are planning on going to bali while they are here so that should be fun. After they leave, a week later my friends the Jacobs (Kara and Gavin) are coming to visit. They will be in Singapore for a week and then they are taking a trip down to Bali. I go home three days before they come back to fly out of Singapore. We are so blessed to have so many people to come out and visit us, it truly is amazing :)
I have a feeling the next six months are going to go by fast (too fast if you ask me now), with visitors, us taking trips in between visitors, our trip home, before we know it October will be here and we will be heading home. I have said it to our friends here, it will definitely be bittersweet to head home. Dustin and I will be excited to continue the life back in the states that we put on hold but we will be missing our Singapore life as well.
Dustin will be coming back to Singapore for work about once a year and I am hoping to save up money every year to make the trip back with him so I can see our wonderful Singapore family. That's just what our friends out here in Singapore have become, family. We have celebrated/will celebrate holidays with them, birthdays with others, house parties, rugby games/celebrations and an engagement (yay Will and Sophie!). With each day that passes I feel so blessed to live the life that we do and to have the opportunity that we have over here.
Thanks so much for reading! Until next time!
I look back and realize why (for the most part) the first couple of months were so slow for me. The first couple of weeks were entertaining because I was getting to know the area and learn how to live the city life. But as life slowed back down and we were settling into the life I realized that, in the beginning, I didn't have friends and so I was lonely for the most part because our friends here work during the day and I was not working or volunteering yet. (This by NO means is a pitty party for myself, I am just explaining how I feel/felt because it is about me and adjusting to living here.) Not to mention that the Holidays were approaching and it was the first time I ever spent holidays away from all of my family.
I think that after the holidays was when things started to really speed up around here. We were booking trips and I was really settling into the life around here, making a lot of friends though volunteering and not being shy when our friends (you know who you are) invited me out on nights that Dustin was working, I just accepted that I need to live here like I would live at home and go out with my friends even though Dustin can't make it (That was huge for me too). I have tried and failed at Dragon Boat racing because my shoulders can't take it, but I have made a lot of friends from the team. RDA is also helping with friends and as you all know, I always look forward to Wednesdays because I not only love the kids I work with but the volunteers and our girl catch up time at the polo club after for lunch. I am considering stepping it up to two days a week. I have also started rock climbing again with friends who do that as well and am looking forward to once a week with possibly Rich and Will if the are interested (already climbed with both, looking for a once a week thing)
We are also booked up with visitors from now until we come home for the wedding. We had our first visitor, Jinsoo, in Feb and it was absolutely amazing. I am looking forward to my high school friend Nicole and my college roommate Sara to come in visit in April. Dustin and I are going to Vietnam and we come back two days before Nicole and Sara get here. Dustin's dad is coming to visit us from April 20 to May 2. Now this is no vacation for him, he and Dustin work for the same company and his dad worked out a business trip. I can't wait for him to come visit!
After that in May we are having our Neighbors Rob and Jason come with Jason's friend (now our friend) Matt and we just found out that our friend Todd will be coming out here on business in May as well, such a great surprise and we can't wait for him to come. After them it's my Co-workers the Jen M and Jen F and Jen F's daughter for two weeks, The girls and I are planning on going to bali while they are here so that should be fun. After they leave, a week later my friends the Jacobs (Kara and Gavin) are coming to visit. They will be in Singapore for a week and then they are taking a trip down to Bali. I go home three days before they come back to fly out of Singapore. We are so blessed to have so many people to come out and visit us, it truly is amazing :)
I have a feeling the next six months are going to go by fast (too fast if you ask me now), with visitors, us taking trips in between visitors, our trip home, before we know it October will be here and we will be heading home. I have said it to our friends here, it will definitely be bittersweet to head home. Dustin and I will be excited to continue the life back in the states that we put on hold but we will be missing our Singapore life as well.
Dustin will be coming back to Singapore for work about once a year and I am hoping to save up money every year to make the trip back with him so I can see our wonderful Singapore family. That's just what our friends out here in Singapore have become, family. We have celebrated/will celebrate holidays with them, birthdays with others, house parties, rugby games/celebrations and an engagement (yay Will and Sophie!). With each day that passes I feel so blessed to live the life that we do and to have the opportunity that we have over here.
Thanks so much for reading! Until next time!
Monday, 12 March 2012
First full session of RDA
As you all know, I have been doing Riding for the Disabled for awhile now. This past 8 weeks have been so wonderful and have gone by way too fast. Being in the special education field back at home I know that the kids can teach you something new every day and make you really appreciate the life you have.I really do look forward to my Wednesdays with the kids and the other volunteers, it's such a great day!
Though the weeks we got the kids to not only learn how to ride a horse but about horses and riding. We saw the kids improve and grow as riders and knew that if the term was longer than 8 weeks we would have been even more impressed with their abilities.
We set up zig zag courses for the kids to learn how to steer with the hopes that by the end of the 8 weeks that they would be able to steer the horse with no side walkers and no leader. Some students didn't get to reach that point but they did reach it to where the side walkers were watching at a distance. We went on trail rides or the Jungle walk, it is shared with the polo club. The kids really do love this walk, and to be honest, so do I. We usually took the short route but the last walk we did was the long one and all of our riders were amazing. Sophie, Kathy and I only had to tell our riders (girl and boy) once how to sit while going up a hill and down a hill.
It wasn't all sunshine and butterflies, we met challenges with both the riders but were able to work them out. Keeping one of our riders focused was a challenge in the beginning, yes a lot of it had to do with the child's disability. Between the three of us we were able to get him to focus more on the tasks at hand than what was going on around him. It was exhausting because we had to constantly say the his name and make sure we had his attention. But with that, at the end this he made great progress.
From what we found out this child was in the program last year and all he did was sit on the horse and was just there along for the ride. Knowing that and seeing how he ended this term was amazing. He knew the different parts of the horse, the different equipment that goes with horseback riding and he also knew how to steer the horse but the student wasn't ready to meet that task with out us and the leader Kathy. I am sure that he would have gotten to that point if the program was a little longer. Just to know how far this he has come made me smile. What also made me smile is on the last day there his parents were there encouraging him and happy to see him on the horse. At the end of the session he ran up and gave us hugs saying thank you to us and said that he would see us next time, such a sweetie that I won't forget.
Our other rider had come very far as well. This girl was not interested in the games or the naming of the different parts of the horses/equipment. All she wanted to do was ride the horse. Her skills were amazing but we did also run into challenges with her as well. When she didn't want to do something and we had her do them she would get upset. We let her know it's because she has to be involved in all of the program, not just the riding part. We did calm her down and got her back on track but it did take some convincing. But at the end she did very well, to the point where she was steering the horse by herself down the path.
It was so amazing considering last year she was in a wheelchair. I will say that her mom was there and her mother was just as determined as her little girl. She was taking pictures and tearing up at the sight. We did get to talk to her because the little girl does not talk and we asked the mom if the little girl was going to talk. The mom answered and said she wasn't sure because the doctors said that the little girl would never walk, and she is walking, this makes you believe that anything is possible.
The last day was nice but sad because we knew they were leaving. At the end the students got their progress card and a picture of them on their horse. They in turn gave us a poster that had every one of them on it with horses in the background. We thanked them and told them we hoped to see them next year. There were tears of sadness, some was because the parents were going back to work and the children wanted to go home with their parents. Some of the kids were crying because they didn't want riding to be over. It was definitely sad for me because it is most likely that I wont be seeing/working with these kids.
We don't realize it but these kids can teach us a lot about life. They are just so sweet and amazing and I know how lucky I am to have been able to work with them. I look at the different challenges they have over come and realize that the tough days that I have, aren't as tough as their tough days could be. They are very inspiring and I know that when I meet challenges ahead in my life, I will think of them and what they had/have to over come and realize that I can handle them.
I do look forward to the next session and what new students we get to meet! :)
Though the weeks we got the kids to not only learn how to ride a horse but about horses and riding. We saw the kids improve and grow as riders and knew that if the term was longer than 8 weeks we would have been even more impressed with their abilities.
We set up zig zag courses for the kids to learn how to steer with the hopes that by the end of the 8 weeks that they would be able to steer the horse with no side walkers and no leader. Some students didn't get to reach that point but they did reach it to where the side walkers were watching at a distance. We went on trail rides or the Jungle walk, it is shared with the polo club. The kids really do love this walk, and to be honest, so do I. We usually took the short route but the last walk we did was the long one and all of our riders were amazing. Sophie, Kathy and I only had to tell our riders (girl and boy) once how to sit while going up a hill and down a hill.
It wasn't all sunshine and butterflies, we met challenges with both the riders but were able to work them out. Keeping one of our riders focused was a challenge in the beginning, yes a lot of it had to do with the child's disability. Between the three of us we were able to get him to focus more on the tasks at hand than what was going on around him. It was exhausting because we had to constantly say the his name and make sure we had his attention. But with that, at the end this he made great progress.
From what we found out this child was in the program last year and all he did was sit on the horse and was just there along for the ride. Knowing that and seeing how he ended this term was amazing. He knew the different parts of the horse, the different equipment that goes with horseback riding and he also knew how to steer the horse but the student wasn't ready to meet that task with out us and the leader Kathy. I am sure that he would have gotten to that point if the program was a little longer. Just to know how far this he has come made me smile. What also made me smile is on the last day there his parents were there encouraging him and happy to see him on the horse. At the end of the session he ran up and gave us hugs saying thank you to us and said that he would see us next time, such a sweetie that I won't forget.
Our other rider had come very far as well. This girl was not interested in the games or the naming of the different parts of the horses/equipment. All she wanted to do was ride the horse. Her skills were amazing but we did also run into challenges with her as well. When she didn't want to do something and we had her do them she would get upset. We let her know it's because she has to be involved in all of the program, not just the riding part. We did calm her down and got her back on track but it did take some convincing. But at the end she did very well, to the point where she was steering the horse by herself down the path.
It was so amazing considering last year she was in a wheelchair. I will say that her mom was there and her mother was just as determined as her little girl. She was taking pictures and tearing up at the sight. We did get to talk to her because the little girl does not talk and we asked the mom if the little girl was going to talk. The mom answered and said she wasn't sure because the doctors said that the little girl would never walk, and she is walking, this makes you believe that anything is possible.
The last day was nice but sad because we knew they were leaving. At the end the students got their progress card and a picture of them on their horse. They in turn gave us a poster that had every one of them on it with horses in the background. We thanked them and told them we hoped to see them next year. There were tears of sadness, some was because the parents were going back to work and the children wanted to go home with their parents. Some of the kids were crying because they didn't want riding to be over. It was definitely sad for me because it is most likely that I wont be seeing/working with these kids.
We don't realize it but these kids can teach us a lot about life. They are just so sweet and amazing and I know how lucky I am to have been able to work with them. I look at the different challenges they have over come and realize that the tough days that I have, aren't as tough as their tough days could be. They are very inspiring and I know that when I meet challenges ahead in my life, I will think of them and what they had/have to over come and realize that I can handle them.
I do look forward to the next session and what new students we get to meet! :)
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Our First Visitor!
A lot of you know that Dustin and I were graced with our first visitor from the US, Dustin's friend Jinsoo. We got an email about a month and a half ago letting us know that he wanted to visit us and of course we said yes. Jinsoo is a guy who has traveled to different places and has the luxury of a great work schedule. He had a layover in Hong Kong so he decided to stay there for four days before he came to visit us.
Of course knowing a person was going to stay with us I went into clean mode. I was so excited I couldn't really hide it. He arrived on a Wednesday and I knew that I wouldn't beat him to the apartment because I had RDA that day, lucky for us Dustin was off of work that day. I had a good bye lunch to attend after my RDA session to say good bye to our RDA mate Kim. She was moving back to the UK with her family and I wanted to thank her for being a wonderful person even though we have only been friends for a short time.
After I left the lunch I got really excited so instead of taking the bus I took a taxi home. Once home I was so excited to see Jinsoo because it was a familiar face in Singapore. We haven't seen him since the beach in Aug. I hurried to the shower and was just excited to go out and show Jinsoo what this City has to offer. The one thing I was appreciative of was that he brought a care package with him, the only thing I asked him to bring was pepto because I have stomach issues with some of the food here. He not only brought that but he brought food that we haven't gotten since we were home. (Yes Sophie, Kathy and Ester, I am going to Tanglen mall this weekend! LOL) I couldn't believe it and was so thankful for the package.
We wanted to show him everything about Singapore. Unfortunately Dustin could not take off work so the days that Dustin was working I tried to play tour guide the best way I knew how. We gave Jinsoo books that we accumulated about Singapore and told him to look though those and see what he wants to visit. We asked what he wanted to eat and he stated, the craziest thing Singapore has to offer. Well Singapore does have some crazy foods, especially at hawker stands so we were up for the challenge.
We took him all over. Him and Dustin walked down Orchard road, we took him to Marina Bay and Marina bay sands sky park (that was the first time we went up to the sky park) and from there we could see all of Singapore, it was beautiful. We walked to a street that was mostly Muslim because he wanted to see a Mosque, he wanted to see if we could hear the call to prayer. Little did we know that we went to the Mosque at the right time, once we got there the call started. It was the first time I heard it in person and was in awe, I thought it was so cool to witness.
I am not going to go day by day with what we did because well that's boring to read. We took him to all the spots, Chinatown, Little India, down town in the Colonial district, Orchard Towers and even the zoo. We wanted him to experience the city how we did (some times).
The food that he ate was interesting. He ordered curry fish head. Yes it is exactly what it sounds like, fish head cooked in curry. We did take away and he didn't get rice so I made some for him. I almost threw up from watching him eat the eye of the fish! It was something I will never try. The next dish I saw him eat was mixed pig organ soup. Yup, he ate a mix of pig organs, from liver to intestine. I can't believe his guts to eat what he did. When him and I went to Chinatown he decided to get frog legs. Now I use to live in Florida when I was younger, so I was familiar with frog legs, I have eaten them before but honestly have no taste for them anymore. He ate pig organ congee, pig brain soup, satay prawn, head and everything! He definitely concord his goal of eating interesting food. He did eat some things that was normal but some times not so much, but when's the next time he is going to be here? I am glad he was eating 'outside of the box'.
We did fun things like wake board, ride bikes on the east coast and him and Dustin did the extreme bungee with Dustin at Clark Quay. He also enjoyed the zoo, I enjoyed the zoo. It was one of the coolest zoos I have ever been too. They believe in natural barriers between you and the animals. The animals were beautiful and we lucked out with the weather. Jinsoo and I went out during the middle of the day and if it is bright and sunny, you are toast if you don't have proper sun protection and water. Thankfully for us it was over cast and we weren't feeling like the sun is pounding on us. But we do know that even though it is over cast we can still get burned by the sun, we are only 50 miles from the equator so I always make sure I have the proper sun protection on.
I am glad that Jinsoo came out here. Yes he did go out on his own on some days and I was kind of thankful for that because I do enjoy my 'me time' which only lasts about an hour or so, then I am ready for some company, call it selfish but I am sure there are some of you out there who enjoy their 'me time' every once in awhile too.
Having Jinsoo here reminded me of home. I don't know what it was but it made me more at ease and made me feel more at home here in Singapore. I do have to say that I have come far since the first month of arriving in Singapore. I think it had to do with the Holidays. But I am enjoying Singapore more and more, and having Jinsoo here really made me realize that. I have made lots of friends here and it makes me realize that it will be bitter sweet when we go home. I will be happy to be home but I will be leaving my Sing family behind. I know that all of us will be keeping in touch and Dustin will be making it back to Singapore for work so I am hoping that we can save up enough money to where I can tag a long with him as well so I can visit our friends.
I am looking forward to our visitors coming up. Trust me there are a lot coming. March is the month where we have a break from visitors. April we are having my high school friend Nicole and college roommate Sarah visiting us for four days (they are visiting Bangkok first) then the day they leave is the day Dustin's dad may be coming to visit us for awhile, yes he will have to work and he's been to Singapore before (D's dad works for the same company D works for) but it will be amazing to have family here. After that in May our neighbors and Matt are coming to visit us for two weeks, My co-workers and friends Jen M, Jen F and Jen F's daughter are coming in June, then Finally my co-worker and friend Kara J and her husband are coming in July, they leave for Bali two days before I leave for home. So needless to say, we are going to be busy and I can't wait to see everyone and introduce them the Singapore I have come to know and love :)
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!
Of course knowing a person was going to stay with us I went into clean mode. I was so excited I couldn't really hide it. He arrived on a Wednesday and I knew that I wouldn't beat him to the apartment because I had RDA that day, lucky for us Dustin was off of work that day. I had a good bye lunch to attend after my RDA session to say good bye to our RDA mate Kim. She was moving back to the UK with her family and I wanted to thank her for being a wonderful person even though we have only been friends for a short time.
After I left the lunch I got really excited so instead of taking the bus I took a taxi home. Once home I was so excited to see Jinsoo because it was a familiar face in Singapore. We haven't seen him since the beach in Aug. I hurried to the shower and was just excited to go out and show Jinsoo what this City has to offer. The one thing I was appreciative of was that he brought a care package with him, the only thing I asked him to bring was pepto because I have stomach issues with some of the food here. He not only brought that but he brought food that we haven't gotten since we were home. (Yes Sophie, Kathy and Ester, I am going to Tanglen mall this weekend! LOL) I couldn't believe it and was so thankful for the package.
We wanted to show him everything about Singapore. Unfortunately Dustin could not take off work so the days that Dustin was working I tried to play tour guide the best way I knew how. We gave Jinsoo books that we accumulated about Singapore and told him to look though those and see what he wants to visit. We asked what he wanted to eat and he stated, the craziest thing Singapore has to offer. Well Singapore does have some crazy foods, especially at hawker stands so we were up for the challenge.
We took him all over. Him and Dustin walked down Orchard road, we took him to Marina Bay and Marina bay sands sky park (that was the first time we went up to the sky park) and from there we could see all of Singapore, it was beautiful. We walked to a street that was mostly Muslim because he wanted to see a Mosque, he wanted to see if we could hear the call to prayer. Little did we know that we went to the Mosque at the right time, once we got there the call started. It was the first time I heard it in person and was in awe, I thought it was so cool to witness.
I am not going to go day by day with what we did because well that's boring to read. We took him to all the spots, Chinatown, Little India, down town in the Colonial district, Orchard Towers and even the zoo. We wanted him to experience the city how we did (some times).
The food that he ate was interesting. He ordered curry fish head. Yes it is exactly what it sounds like, fish head cooked in curry. We did take away and he didn't get rice so I made some for him. I almost threw up from watching him eat the eye of the fish! It was something I will never try. The next dish I saw him eat was mixed pig organ soup. Yup, he ate a mix of pig organs, from liver to intestine. I can't believe his guts to eat what he did. When him and I went to Chinatown he decided to get frog legs. Now I use to live in Florida when I was younger, so I was familiar with frog legs, I have eaten them before but honestly have no taste for them anymore. He ate pig organ congee, pig brain soup, satay prawn, head and everything! He definitely concord his goal of eating interesting food. He did eat some things that was normal but some times not so much, but when's the next time he is going to be here? I am glad he was eating 'outside of the box'.
We did fun things like wake board, ride bikes on the east coast and him and Dustin did the extreme bungee with Dustin at Clark Quay. He also enjoyed the zoo, I enjoyed the zoo. It was one of the coolest zoos I have ever been too. They believe in natural barriers between you and the animals. The animals were beautiful and we lucked out with the weather. Jinsoo and I went out during the middle of the day and if it is bright and sunny, you are toast if you don't have proper sun protection and water. Thankfully for us it was over cast and we weren't feeling like the sun is pounding on us. But we do know that even though it is over cast we can still get burned by the sun, we are only 50 miles from the equator so I always make sure I have the proper sun protection on.
I am glad that Jinsoo came out here. Yes he did go out on his own on some days and I was kind of thankful for that because I do enjoy my 'me time' which only lasts about an hour or so, then I am ready for some company, call it selfish but I am sure there are some of you out there who enjoy their 'me time' every once in awhile too.
Having Jinsoo here reminded me of home. I don't know what it was but it made me more at ease and made me feel more at home here in Singapore. I do have to say that I have come far since the first month of arriving in Singapore. I think it had to do with the Holidays. But I am enjoying Singapore more and more, and having Jinsoo here really made me realize that. I have made lots of friends here and it makes me realize that it will be bitter sweet when we go home. I will be happy to be home but I will be leaving my Sing family behind. I know that all of us will be keeping in touch and Dustin will be making it back to Singapore for work so I am hoping that we can save up enough money to where I can tag a long with him as well so I can visit our friends.
I am looking forward to our visitors coming up. Trust me there are a lot coming. March is the month where we have a break from visitors. April we are having my high school friend Nicole and college roommate Sarah visiting us for four days (they are visiting Bangkok first) then the day they leave is the day Dustin's dad may be coming to visit us for awhile, yes he will have to work and he's been to Singapore before (D's dad works for the same company D works for) but it will be amazing to have family here. After that in May our neighbors and Matt are coming to visit us for two weeks, My co-workers and friends Jen M, Jen F and Jen F's daughter are coming in June, then Finally my co-worker and friend Kara J and her husband are coming in July, they leave for Bali two days before I leave for home. So needless to say, we are going to be busy and I can't wait to see everyone and introduce them the Singapore I have come to know and love :)
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Taste of home in a package
There have been times where Dustin and I really do miss the food back home. As I have stated before, going grocery shopping here is really expensive. When we cook at our apartment we usually cook something that we would normally cook at home, or as close as we can get to it. Just for one dinner and a possibility of one day leftovers it costs well over 50 dollars.
My friend Sophie has told me about a mall around here that does have American things. I am going to take a look but I am just not sure I want to pay twice the amount I normally would just to have the taste of home. We found Craft Mac and Cheese and it's three times more here than it is in home. We shall see when I go there later.
We have been so blessed with packages from our family and friends in the states. I never thought I would miss something as easy as mac and cheese but I do. Things like sausage, bacon and black beans. They do have Johnsonville sausages here but they are almost 10 USD and I find that outrageous, a pack of bacon is 15 USD . Just too much for me to pay, I thought I was sucking it up when I started buying things like cheese here.
Our friend Jinsoo is visiting us (he lives in Rhode Island) and he has given us a taste of home, not just in package form but just a familiar face is warming. After I got back from RDA he said that he had a package for us. We opened it up and there was a load of things from him and our friends. Instant mac and cheese (microwave), marshmallow fluff, cheese wiz, pork rhines, candy corn, jolly ranchers and then we got a new bottle of whiskey that is just now out in the us. I was amazed at all the stuff he brought over with him.
We just got an email from our neighbor about how she wanted to send us some things from home. Her daughter is a girl scout and I have been buying cookies from her since we have lived there. Now I know that is one cookie I can't get here and our neighbor told us she set aside some boxes for us and wanted to send us things. No cans but any dry goods we could think of. She too has lived over seas and knows what it is like to be so far away from everyone at home and away from the comforts that we are so use to. Such a sweet woman whom I do miss a lot.
What I am trying to say is that I am thankful for everyone who has sent us things, there are too many of you to name by name but you know who you are. You have given us comforts to us while we are here for the next 8 months. We did make it though the first couple of months and we are fine with out it but I guess it's all in our minds that if we just get a taste of home we are comforted but we can also miss home a lot more.
I know that packages cost a lot to ship over, this is why I am so surprised that so many have gotten us things that we miss. This is not bashing anyone who has not sent us anything and this is not asking for anything. I am just saying I am surprised because we were not expecting it but yet we have gotten some things from home and we are very thankful.
This trip has made Dustin and I more appreciative of the things we have at home in the US and how cheap things really are compared to other countries. We are thankful for the experience here in Singapore but once we go home, we will not miss how much it costs to have simple things like mac and cheese and beer.
My friend Sophie has told me about a mall around here that does have American things. I am going to take a look but I am just not sure I want to pay twice the amount I normally would just to have the taste of home. We found Craft Mac and Cheese and it's three times more here than it is in home. We shall see when I go there later.
We have been so blessed with packages from our family and friends in the states. I never thought I would miss something as easy as mac and cheese but I do. Things like sausage, bacon and black beans. They do have Johnsonville sausages here but they are almost 10 USD and I find that outrageous, a pack of bacon is 15 USD . Just too much for me to pay, I thought I was sucking it up when I started buying things like cheese here.
Our friend Jinsoo is visiting us (he lives in Rhode Island) and he has given us a taste of home, not just in package form but just a familiar face is warming. After I got back from RDA he said that he had a package for us. We opened it up and there was a load of things from him and our friends. Instant mac and cheese (microwave), marshmallow fluff, cheese wiz, pork rhines, candy corn, jolly ranchers and then we got a new bottle of whiskey that is just now out in the us. I was amazed at all the stuff he brought over with him.
We just got an email from our neighbor about how she wanted to send us some things from home. Her daughter is a girl scout and I have been buying cookies from her since we have lived there. Now I know that is one cookie I can't get here and our neighbor told us she set aside some boxes for us and wanted to send us things. No cans but any dry goods we could think of. She too has lived over seas and knows what it is like to be so far away from everyone at home and away from the comforts that we are so use to. Such a sweet woman whom I do miss a lot.
What I am trying to say is that I am thankful for everyone who has sent us things, there are too many of you to name by name but you know who you are. You have given us comforts to us while we are here for the next 8 months. We did make it though the first couple of months and we are fine with out it but I guess it's all in our minds that if we just get a taste of home we are comforted but we can also miss home a lot more.
I know that packages cost a lot to ship over, this is why I am so surprised that so many have gotten us things that we miss. This is not bashing anyone who has not sent us anything and this is not asking for anything. I am just saying I am surprised because we were not expecting it but yet we have gotten some things from home and we are very thankful.
This trip has made Dustin and I more appreciative of the things we have at home in the US and how cheap things really are compared to other countries. We are thankful for the experience here in Singapore but once we go home, we will not miss how much it costs to have simple things like mac and cheese and beer.
Monday, 13 February 2012
Bali Trip
Bali, a place I thought I would never ever get to see other than pictures. Once we got word of us moving here we definitely wanted to travel around Asia while we were here. We are also treating our trips by ourselves like little honeymoons because that's just what they are. We aren't due to get married until Aug.4 of this year and why not have a couple of honeymoons if we can make it happen? When are we ever going to be able to do something like this again?
Once we got here we were looking for places to visit but knew we couldn't do it until the new year. Dustin's job is very demanding during the holiday season and being in his position he isn't really allowed to take time off. So after a long five months he finally was able to work in two days off of work and we took advantage.
When we first got here we asked all of our friends where the best place to stay in Bali would be. We got all sorts of answers but it really depended on what we wanted. Did we want a non stop go go go attitude or did we just want to relax and enjoy. Of course we picked relaxing and enjoying the lazy atmosphere. Our friend Rich told us that we would not be disappointed with Sanur beach. (This is about an hour away from Seminyak). Boy was Rich right, we were not disappointed.
We decided to book it though an expedia and were pleased with the outcome of the cost that included round trip flights, five star villa, and breakfast every day. It seemed like once we booked the trip it was going to take forever for the time to come but believe it or not, the vacation snuck up on us.
The airline we flew with was Singapore air. The last time we traveled with that airline was when we arrived in Singapore and we were in business class, this time around we were in economy. I will say that we got the same treatment, the seats were just smaller. It was amazing, hot towel on arrival and we got breakfast after the plane took off, and it was FREE (most likely included in the ticket price). The flight was not that long, two and a half hours, enough time for one movie.
Once we got there we had to get on arrival visas, about 20 USD each (we also had to pay to get out of Indonesia as well, about the same price). Now once they rang us up it was in Rupiahs, the receipt said 420 and I was so confused, Dustin was a good fiance and reminded me that it wasn't USD. The currency there was hard to wrap my mind around but toward the end of the trip I got a handle on it. We went though customs and security and Dustin told me that someone would be standing outside with our names on a sign waiting to pick us up. I thought that was the coolest VIP treatment ever and was excited.
Once we got out of the airport there were TONS of people with signs. Apparently we weren't VIP, we were just another visitor in Bali! It's the thought that counts and we didn't have to pay for a cab. It felt like forever but we finally found the guy with our name sign and were on our way to the Villa.
Now when most of us think about Bali we picture what Hollywood has showed us in movies. When we were on our way to the Villa we stopped at a stoplight near the airport and there were two children knocking on the window holding out their hands looking so sad. Dustin was checking his work phone so I just told him not to look out the window. Yes this was sad but we knew that the kids most likely did that on the regular (and they did because on our way back to the airport we saw the same kids).
Driving to the villa I noticed there weren't a lot of stores, nothing flashy except a Cartier store. There were few gas stations, but they were Circle K's so that was familiar. There were little stores along the road with Absolute Vodka bottles filled with something that was not vodka, it was gas for the MILLIONS of scooters and motor bikes that everyone was using for transportation. Once we got to our Villa I was in awe.
This is what I had been picturing. It was so beautiful. We got there and had our bags taken to our villa and got everything squared away at the front desk. We opened our door and just were in amazement. The pool was beautiful, outdoor living area and then the villa was just a huge bed with a bathroom and changing area. The shower was outdoors, which was weird to see but so wonderful to use, so freeing, until a helicopter came over our villa the next day and I was showering (gulp) and that was the only day it did that. The bed was covered in rose peddles and we even had a cake! We unloaded and just enjoyed the room for a bit of time until we decided we should go walk around and see what this town was all about, that and we were out of beer and so was the room service.
One thing we noticed is that there were a lot of dogs just running around the streets. They did have homes but we weren't sure where. I was hesitant at first, especially at night. All the dogs did was bark at us and that was about it. We also noticed that the little mini marts or store fronts were a part of someone's house. It was like the garage was converted into a store that just sold cold drinks, snacks and some sold gas for the motor bikes. You could see the villa's behind the store but not really sure what they looked like.
When we got onto the main road boy was it hard to cross the street. There were no crosswalks and no one stopped for anything. The sidewalks were bumpy and we noticed that we were being beeped at a lot. Just ignoring it we just walked around and noticed the shops and restaurants. We picked up some beer and headed back to the Villa. We got dressed and ready for dinner. We looked up a restaurant my places app and found the Wicked Parrot. According to the google map it was right along the same street of our Villa.
We decided to venture out and check it out. As we were walking it got scary. It was dark, hardly any light and the random dogs were around and to add to that low flying bats! We walked what seemed forever and never found the place and walked out to the main road and realized that we walked really far. The sidewalks were really dangerous, parts of them were falling into huge gaping holes and again, not much light.
We finally made it back to the road that we walked around earlier and settled for Jimmy's bar to eat and have a couple of beers. Beers there were 18,000 dollars which was basically 4 USD and the food was about 30,000. Lets put it this way 50,000 is about 5.50 USD. We both had an Indonesian classic, Megorang which consisted of noodles and spices and bits of chicken. We have had it here in Singapore but it had a Muslum twist on it with different Indian spices. The Indonesian style was SO good, the best I have had yet. We even had some Satay with it which is chicken or beef on a stick grilled over smoldering coals. It was amazing and after about 6 beers and two entrees we spent 20 USD, we were amazed considering Singapore was so expensive, that meal alone in Singapore would cost around 70 USD (because of beer). Once we were done we decided to head back to the villa and get some rest.
The next day we ventured out to the beach. The cool and safe thing the villa offered was that we could leave our room key with the front desk for safe keeping. They also offered a ride to the beach but we just decided to walk. The heat was intense and I was dripping sweat half way there (it was only an eight minute walk) so we stopped for a beer before we headed down. Once we got to the beach I had no words. It was so beautiful. You saw mountains in the distance and clear water. We walked around and took some pictures and then decided to take a dip into the ocean. I feared it was going to be cold but it was not, it was bath water and so clear.
After the beach we went back and showered and enjoyed the pool and reading. We knew we had to find dinner so we decided to ask the front desk about the Wicked Parrot. One of the men knew where it was and we decided to walk there. It was ten minutes and totally on the wrong street than what google maps told us. We had beers and the BEST Satay we have had to date. We were also surprised with a live band, and you know us, we love live bands. So we enjoyed some beers food and music.
One thing I did forget to tell you is that it is the rainy season in Bali but thankfully it only rained at night. So after the band was down and we basically shut the place down (closed at 12p) we noticed it was POURING outside. So we got to stick around until it lightened up. While we did we met the owner and talked with him and the band. We found that the owner had lived in Bali for 40 years, amazing. The rain lightened and we headed back and got some rest.
As a part of the honeymoon package we were able to get a massage and that included a chocolate scrub and a candle lit dinner. We scheduled that and thoroughly enjoyed the two hours and then were looking forward to the dinner. The dinner was wonderful. We chose one western meal and one Indonesian meal. It was fantastic!
We also wanted to do an excursion while we were there. Ever since I have been in Asia I have wanted to ride an elephant, I don't know why, I just wanted to. Dustin looked up some things and found a reasonable price for an elephant safari. What we liked about it is that they would provide transportation, lunch and we got to feed the Elephants. Also the elephants that were there were rescued.
I was so excited. When we got there we ate lunch and then got ready to go for a ride. We noticed that the elephants that were not giving rides were chained in a section in the park, I didn't really like it but again they were rescued so I know they need to learn and something could go wrong if not supervised. The people who were on the elephants guiding them had little hooks and they would tap on the elephants head, I didn't like this at all. Our elephant decided he wanted to stop for some munchies and the person put the hook in it's ear to turn it's head away. I cringed because I didn't want this to happen thinking they were hurting the elephant. That was the only time our elephant decided to relax and have a bite to eat. After riding we got to feed them. Dustin just took pictures so I fed them and loved it. I had my hand flat (like feeding a horse) just in case. I wasn't sure what it would feel like, the trunk was not soft, but I can't really explain the feeling, it was so cool! I really did have a fun time and it was an incredible experience.
The rest of our time was spent by the pool, shopping and going out for dinner. While we were out one day for beers we met up with some Australians who were from Perth. We have friends here in Singapore and they are also from Perth. We all got to talking and drinking and found out that the oldest one was 23. There were two 23 year olds and the rest were 20. Wow did this make us feel old, but it was fun and we were not sober when we went back to the villa, definitely good times.
What we learned in Bali:
The shop owners/workers are very aggressive. They come up to you and say "Hello, want to come into my shop, yes" If you say no they say okay when you come back, maybe tomorrow. Same with massages on the beach, they will not leave you alone. The last day we were there they came up to us on the beach (on beach bar by the ocean) and introduced themselves and wouldn't leave our tables and we didn't want to be rude but damn sometimes you have to be.
We figured out what the honking was all about. Most were taxis, they spelled it taksi, and they would honk at you to see if you needed a ride. There were also freaky vans parked asking if we needed a ride anywhere. One guy was really scary, with a mean face pointing aggressively at us and then motioning for us to get in the van, eek! It was also the scooters honking so the cars knew that there was a small group coming behind them.
The scooters/motor bikes were the main transportation of everyone. To the point where there were more than two people on the scooter. Sometimes there were families of four on there. The dad would be driving, kid standing infront of him, kid sitting behind him and mom on the end. We also saw moms with babies, yes a mom had a baby in a baby sling on her chest, driving down the crazy streets of Bali. The drivers there were crazy. No one stayed in their lane and if you were trying to cross the street, you needed to do it fast. I almost got hit twice, no one slows down!
The dogs that were roaming around the town were most likely owned. They have freedom to run around and always have a home to go back to. This also means that they do their business anywhere. Dustin actually stepped in some business, the way he figured it out was that something was poking him on his foot, nothing came though the flipflop but something was there. He discovered dog business AND a dog tooth in the business, EWWW. Thankfully he scraped off the business on the sidewalk edge and pulled the tooth out, and I had my anti bacteria wipes and he washed his hands after. Yeah nasty. But for the most part the dogs were well behaved, they played with each other and would bark at you but nothing scary.
Everything there to buy was cheap. We got two t-shirts for 10 usd, other gifts for people and I got a cute purse for about 5 usd. The food and beer were also a great price, something we haven't been use to in a while.
The place we went to was very nice, relaxing. No one really bothered us and the people at our villa were so wonderful. It was an experience of a life time. We were so lucky to have had this opportunity and hope to go back before we head back to the states for good. We took tons of pictures and will never forget this wonderful trip. We can not wait for more travel experiences!
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