A Chinese Baby Party

One of the staff in David's office had a baby a month ago. As maternity leave here is so short, she worked up until the very last minute and, fortunately, gave birth at a weekend.

Her baby girl, Jorvin, is now a month old and to celebrate this fact, she had a traditional baby party, to which we and the other members of the office staff were invited.

Firstly - what gift to take? We asked Siew Mei (who is our source guidance for local cultural and etiquette matters) and she said she didn't know what Agnes wanted, so we should just give money. Well, just giving money is a generally a slightly odd concept to us - gift vouchers, maybe, but not just money. Next problem - if that is the norm, and apparently here it is - then, how much? Eventually everyone from the office plus myself and Siew Mei's friend, Brian, who was also invited, gave an equal amount which was put in an “angpao”, a special “red envelope” – (which was gold!) specially for the purpose of giving financial gifts. This was ceremoniously presented by David (with two hands, of course).

We had our invitation and the address. We checked it on the map. Agnes lives on Hougan Avenue 3. Note, Hougan Ave 3, not to be confused with Hougan Ave 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 7....10 or indeed Hougang St which goes up to 91! (A little more imagination might make navigation easier.) Well, it's a long road, but all housing blocks here have numbers and we found her road and the block no. 25 on the map and set off.

Although there was a bus almost all the way from here, we left a little late so we took the MRT guessing it would be quicker with the just the one change and a short walk at the other end. We arrived in Hougang (the district) and despite a rough sketch that David had copied from the map, we were lost on arrival at one of the many exits from the station not knowing even which direction we were facing! We tried asking people, but either they didn't know or didn't seem to speak sufficient English.

I have to explain that whilst the perception is that everyone speaks English here, the reality is that most do. Almost everyone (locals) also speak either Mandarin, Hokkien (Chinese dialect), Malay, Hindi etc - unfortuntately, we don't.

Here in Hougang we were deep in the "Heartlands". This is the name for areas where the locals live and there isn't a condo block in sight for miles. There is an expanse of the local government housing blocks (HDB's), a few small houses, roads, areas of state owned open grass for recreation and maybe a corner shop or two and various churches, temples, schools and the necessities for everyday living. It's the sort of area that expats wouldn't normally live in and to say we stood out would be something of an understatement. As it was an important event, I'd put on shoes with heels (not sure why, as no-one EVER walks inside a house/apartment with shoes on here anyway, as it would be deeply offensive), smarter clothes and lipstick. The kids were a little smarter and so was David.

We found ourselves walking round in large circles round various housing blocks and saying "ah ha, this is Hougang Central, I've just seen a sign on that bus stop" to get a reply of "but weren't we on that a few minutes ago? Or "was that sign to one of the Hougang Avenues over there? Which one?"
"Ah, a sign to Ave 7. Isn't that near Ave 3?"
"No, not on my map... this just doesn't make sense".

Eventually it did make sense and David spotted a short cut across a grassy area (with a few free range chickens) to the main road beyond between some buildings. We set off, only to find a monsoon drain (the size of a small river) blocking our way. But we were saved from doing a U-turn when we found a plank crossing it. So there we were, the only caucasians for miles (except Brian who was sensibly in a taxi), dressed up, me in high heels and lip stick, balancing one by one across a plank over a monsoon drain amongst the chickens. I did notice a guy watching us from a window looking, possibly, slightly incredulous...he'll be dining out on that description for months!

We did finally arrive and were greeted very warmly by Agnes, her husband Andrew, both their mothers and various other friends and family. I was given Jorvin to hold (which seemed quite an honour, as I didn't notice anyone else except the family doing so) and she didn't cry (thank goodness).

There was a huge spread of food and Adam particularly, who has really taken to the food here, ate heaps. He returned for seconds and possibly even thirds and wisely filled himself up before dessert. I say wisely, because it's simply not what we're familiar with. It was squares of a type of jelly with lumps of strong ginger and some very bright pink and fluorescent green balls. It is really something of an acquired taste which we haven’t yet acquired. It had ice-cubes to keep it cool and Hannah ate those with enthusiasm, which was good because it appeared as if she was really enjoying the dessert!

We had an enjoyable time and Agnes' mother had an equal amount of fun trying to teach us more Mandarin and Malay. I've extended my Mandarin repertoire to three words and on departing we were able to say thank you and goodbye to Andrew's mother (who didn't speak English) in Mandarin - or at least that's what we thought we were saying.

We eventually left - by taxi.

This Friday, the staff have been invited here for dinner, as we want to do it before Brian returns to the UK next week (he is British, but has spent 40 years of his adult life living and working abroad in some very diverse places). Don't know what to cook - plus we have very few saucepans and implements etc at present, adding to the challenge. Do we try something more Asian or do something western and hope they like it? It's a long story but I have to make tiramisu for dessert which will be somewhat different to the local desserts. They will probably describe it rather as we described their dessert. Oh well, if they don't like it, it's all the more for us later!

First Week at School

After moving in and an IKEA delivery or two (see our children put to work below), last Monday brought our "orientation day" at school. All new children and their parents are invited to meet their teacher and spend an hour or so, finding out anything and everthing about the school and their class and it is an opportunity to ask questions. They also get to meet each other and Adam met one new girl and two new boys in his class and Hannah met the two new girls, one of whom she already seems to be becoming good friends with. For the parents, it is an opportunity to meet and swap names and phone numbers too.

On Tuesday it was the first day of term. With Adam and Hannah dressed in their new school uniform, we headed out to the front of our condo to meet the school bus. It arrives around 7.55 - ugh! 5 to 8 sounds so much more civilised. I had originally arranged to go on the school bus with them for the first morning, but when Hannah realised I would be the only mother, she said I was just to wave. We expected a last minute about turn on this decision, but the bus pulled up and they leapt on and waved to us as the bus "auntie" ensured they were strapped in and the bus departed. This was an unexpectedly brave move and we were so impressed!

Yes, those are white shorts that Adam is wearing. I can only assume that whoever thought white shorts was a good idea for infant and junior boys had an army of maids to clean them.

There are 5 other children from this condo of various ages going on the same bus.

At 3.20 (more or less) the bus returns and drops them all off and they arrived back with beaming faces having had a lovely day. They have continued to have a great time all week and, as we don't go to the school and have any opportunity to meet the teachers to ask any little questions etc, every day the children bring home an "communication" book. In this, we can write comments or questions and the teachers write back. Hannah's teacher has given daily feedback this week and thinks that she has made a good and confident start. Adam seems to be doing fine too, and has a teacher who has an excellent reputation amongst the parents. So far, so good.

Hannah has already been invited to two birthday parties, the first of which was after school yesterday (Friday). She had a marvellous time and when I dropped her off, she rushed off with one of her new friends without as much as a glance back at me.

Because of the school buses, we don't get to meet the other parents at the school gate, but there seems to be an active "class mum" for each class who produces a contact list of all parents to help with parties and play dates etc and also organises a few social get togethers so we can all meet up. I met about 4 of the mums from Hannah's class at the party collection time and they all seemed very friendly, plus, I have two coffee mornings to attend next week - it's a tough life!

Well, both children have had their first Mandarin lessons and Hannah, in particular, was excited about hers and told me 3 words that she could remember (1, 2 and dog - an interesting combination, but I'm sure it made more sense in the context of the class!).

Hannah has her first school swimming lesson next week and can't wait, as her swimming has come on beyond belief since arriving here. From a girl who needed armbands and would dip her face in the water but had limited confidence, she can now swim without armbands. She can do a few metres on her back and front, jump in, float and swim underwater. Last Thursday she mastered diving down and doing a handstand on the bottom!

As for us, well, on Wednesday morning after dropping them off at the school bus, we booked a tennis court for an hour. The court nearest our block is in the shade until around 8.55 which is pretty much prefect, but even so early and in the shade, it was surprisingly hot . By the time we finished, I believe I was a fairly unattractive shade of purple. Meanwhile, David had a shower and changed and then headed off to the office and still arrived around 9.40. It seems so expat, tennis before work - but if we have to get up so early for school, we may as well make the most of it!

We're in - but what a week!!!

Got keys on Monday, did inventory.

David spent nearly 3 hours in a "Starhub" shop signing up for local TV, phone, mobile and broadband, and I bought some bits for the apartment.

Moved countless suitcases of stuff from the apartment at Normanton Park to the new place on Tuesday morning. Arrived just in time for stuff shipped by sea: spent hours sorting and trying to find homes for 1,000,001 things in only 1,001 places and then, joy of joys, an evening trip round IKEA (until 10:30 pm with the kids in tow) to buy more homes for more things.

Wednesday: refilled and moved more suitcases from Normanton Park - more sorting and tidying.

Thursday: IKEA delivery arrived and WE MOVED IN!!! More unpacking of yet more re-filled suitcases etc. (I think our luggage and possessions have been breeding over the last few weeks)but great to be "home".

Friday - more sorting out, mostly trying to get the kids bedrooms in some sort of shape and Adam was finally reunited with his train track. What a happy person he was when I said he could lay it out again.

Well, things are still a little chaotic and I forsee a few more trips to IKEA over the next week or two, but the children start school on Tuesday so things should get a little easier, regarding browsing and buying.

It's great here. We have a lovely but compact 3 bedroom apartment with an en-suite bathroom and another shower room. The kids bedrooms are considerably smaller than theirs in the UK, but so far they're happy. We have a smart living/dining room with granite floors and a huge window across one end with panoramic views (from the 25th floor) to the North west. We're very much more suurounded by other buildings here and much more aware of just how many people live packed into this little island! The kitchen is fairly small and not particularly well laid out so the worksurface is the size of a postage stamp.

We also have a "yard". This is a laundry room, but yards don't have windows - just a balcony style, low level wall. I'm delighted to report that our landlords have put in a grill across the opening that can be locked shut as at 25 floors up I wouldn't be too comfortable sorting out the laundry right next to that. We also have a "maid's room" and tiny shower room off the yard which we use for storage. "Maid's room" implies an extra bedroom but it's really little more than a wide corridor between the yard and the maid's tiny loo and shower. All fine if you have a maid and she can sleep standing up!

Outside we have two tennis courts ajacent to a huge, glorious pool, something like a small inland sea surrounded by palm trees and other tropical plants.

Next week, one day, after we see the kids off on the bus at 7.50, we shall book a tennis court at 8am whilst the weather is cooler and play for an hour. David can still be showered, changed and in the office just after 9.30am! It takes 24 minutes from front door to desk by MRT. Now that's the life!

I haven't got photos of our particular unit ready yet, but to take a look at a few pics of a similar, empty one then click on the following link to the property page of a website. The panoramic view is the same as ours (although possibly a few floors higher) although that is only part of our vista!

http://www.expatchoice.com/property_for_rent/district_1-8/queens.htm

Last night we attended a traditional chinese baby party held for a one month old baby, but more on that in a few days time.

Kindred spirits and Joaquin

When we came here in January, whilst on a tour bus/boat (a converted amphibious landing craft), we briefly met another British family who were also on a visit to check out schools etc and were moving here a week before us. We exchanged email addresses and kept in touch during our respective preparations.

Yesterday we visited them in their new home here (they have already moved in, although with rented furniture as they own stuff arrives on Monday). We had a really ejoyable afternoon and it's great to talk to people going through the same experiences and comparing a few notes on what we've discovered, whether it's shopping, food, kids things doctors etc. We also discovered other things in common and they are tennis players too! There will undoubtedly be some family tennis sessions in the future. They have 3 children aged 8, 6 and 4 and all the kids just got on and played brilliantly. It was wonderful for Adam and Hannah to have other children to play with for change too, having only had each other for the lsat 2 weeks. They went on the climbing frame and in the pool. We had couple of very nice freshly squeezed fruit juices and G&Ts, later whilst the kids had tea.

Today, more socialising. Joaquin Orejas from our St Albans tennis club is here for a few days on business. We met up and after a little sight seeing near the business district area, an extraordinary blend of ultra modern glass towers immediately alongside old, traditional "shop houses", we headed up to Little India.

An excellent curry for lunch served on banana leaves followed by a stroll round the markets, shops and a colourful hindu temple. It was great to see a familiar face here and catch up on some news. He and his wife, Lindsay, are looking after two of our larger house plants and a good health report on them was delivered.

Well, the rumbling thunder doesn't seem to be heading this way, so now we're off to the pool to cool off.

Chopsticks, storms and how many hands for money?

The children have both been very adventurous with the food and as a result, have enjoyed all sorts of new things and are willing to give virtually anything a try. However, chopsticks have provided a bigger challenge.

As adults, we've all used chopsticks many times, but for the children they are a newer experience. David's no. 2 in the office, Siew Mei, kindly bought the children chopstick sets where the sticks are shorter and held together by a sort of sprung hinge near the top, making them far more stable and easier to use.

These have been a great hit and for several days, if I asked Hannah what she wanted to eat, she'd say, "something I can eat with chopsticks". As a result, she has eaten pasta, chips, noodles, rice, chicken, fish and even scrambled egg on toast with them. I consider the last quite an achievement and like to think that it says more about her chopstick skills than the way I cook scambled egg.

We're starting to understand the weather here. The verdict is, it's always hot exccept when it's hotter. It rains suddenly and suprisingly unexpectedly and we have rarely had a day without a thunder storm. Some storms have been very dramatic and we've had two HUGE ones which passed right overhead. The biggest and closest lightening feels as if it's going to strike the building and the thunder, which is virtually simultaneous and incredibly loud, can be so continuous as to render any attempts to listen to music, watch TV or make a phone call completely useless. When I concluded that storms were usually an afternoon event, we prompty had two morning ones, no doubt just to keep my on my toes. Apparently Singaporeans rarely leave home without an umbrella.

I got caught out shopping the other day (with the kids). When we arrived, it was slightly cloudy but on leaving the shopping centre with a trolley containing 8 bags of shopping, it was pouring in true monsoon style. I spent about 30 seconds not under cover or under an umbrella whilst I loaded the bags into a taxi and was wetter than if I'd got in the shower fully clothed.

It's quite extraodinary how hard it can rain and our panoramic view of several miles has been reduced to as little as a couple of hundred metres at times.

Something else I'm getting used to - handing something to another person. When money, credit cards and business cards are passed to another person, the process is taken seriously. They are usually offered with two hands and should equally be received with two. I haven't yet remembered to do this even once and keep getting caught out when given change in shops etc.

The giving of business cards (and everyone here seems to have some to give out) can be verging on ceremonial and not only should one be received graciously with two hands but it should also be studied before being put away. I usually remember the last bit and make a point of studying them to help make up for the fact that I hadn't received it properly! David wishes it to be known that this does not apply to him, having had more practice but he still gets it wrong when handing over money. I've seen him!

There are so many small things and we're learning, bit by bit, but there is so far to go! I'm sure half the time we have no idea that we're doing anything wrong and one day in the future we'll look back and start to appreciate the social gaffs we're undoubtedly making!

Of Snowmen & Sandcastles

It was so lovely to hear so many peoples' news and some great snow photos. It seems the UK weather is pretty up and down right now.

Well, whilst in Britain you've all been building snow men and suffering wind chill, we've been building sand castles on the beach and eating ice cream. The kids were desperate to go and whilst it's still school holidays here, I thought I should reward their patience in the shops/offices/banks etc. I've attached a couple of pictures of them on our local tropical beach.

I hope these images of white sand and palm trees in the sun won't make anyone too jealous and you will all still write to us!

Actually, we planned to go this morning and after packing a bag and plastering ourselves with suncream, we all put our shoes on to leave, only to hear a loud crash of thunder and shortly after, the heavens opened. We got out after lunch when the weather cleared and I was glad to make use of the suncream - it's a precious commodity here with regards to Hannah, as she reacts badly to most brands except the Boots own, Soltan. We had to ship mountains of it out here and I can't affort to waste it now as Boots doesn't have branches here!

It' official...

...we are allowed to live here now. Finally David has got his Employment Pass confirmed (and our Dependant Passes) so he can officially work here and we can stay too! More importantly, in the land of shopping, he can be paid! Hurray!!!

This is very fortunate, because as I travel around visiting the various and suprisingly varied shopping centres, I'm starting to note the ones I want to return to. We visited an area called Holland Village yesterday to buy the childrens' school uniforms. It's quite different to the others so far - a little bohemian with lovely clothes, shoes and home furnishing shops. I forsee a number of return visits, so it's a good thing I'll now have some cash. I can't believe how many shops want cash and don't seem to take cards - I even had to buy the school uniforms with cash.

We've almost finalised negotiations for taking up an apartment long term, but I will give more details on that early next week when, all being well, we will have signed the tenancy agreement.

Other big achievement is that for several days I've woken up without new mozzie bits!!! No doubt that means I'll have new ones in the morning now. Unfortunately, it's Hannah's turn and it seems that she's almost as tasty as me. I hate that David clearly tastes disgusting.

School visit and a few settling in experiences

Last Friday afternoon we headed off to the school for the childrens' interviews. All went well, we met the infant and junior heads and they were both lovely. The children saw their class rooms and neither will be the only new children starting in their classes next term. Adam did a great reading and comprehension test and we left having bought the P.E. T-shirts, school hats, swimming costumes and our uniform vouchers to take to the uniform shop.

On the way out, in the lovely courtyard garden by the office, was a large spider's web which contained (arachnaphobes may want to avert their eyes here) a spider with a body almost 2 inches long and legs considerably longer. Apparently its been living there since last August and may become the school mascot!

Term starts 3 weeks yesterday.

Now, some settling in experiences:

Yesterday, having checked which bus to take and after waiting ages for it, the kids and I set off for the shopping centre and supermarket. After going round and carefully selecting the essentials that we needed, we arrived at the check out with a basket of goodies. But then, when the total was given, I handed over my credit card. The cashier looked suprised "You want to pay with this?" she asked, to which I replied "well, yes". She then explained that they didn't take credit cards, just cash! I had insufficient cash, so, on a need to have/cost basis I slowly handed things back until the bill was low enough that I could afford it. Can you imagine - a major supermarket that doesn't take credit cards? What's more, I'm sure they have taken ours before, in that very store. Maybe I just needed to spend a whole lot more. As it will almost certainly become our local, time will tell.

Today, we went to the bank! We just went to collect our cheque books and ATM/Debit cards for our local Singapore Dollar bank account. The account had already been set up from the UK in tandem with a new UK based "Premier" account (which in HSBC marketing-speak means singing/dancing/internationally accessible etc or, in short, EASY). We were there for 3½ hours! Some things defy explanation so I am not even going to try. Suffice to say, Bureaurocracy at its best. But it was worth the wait ... I now finally have enough money to go shopping again!

Now I have to cook some dinner. I met our neighbour here yesterday who clearly thought I was mad when I said I was going to cook supper. Having tried it, I'm starting to understand why. The kitchen, typically, has no aircon/fan and if I open the window for a breeze, it blows the gas out. I'm not sure what is hotter in the end, me or the food. I feel a lot of salads coming on.