Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving
Let me start by saying how much we truly miss all our friends and family and around the holidays it becomes even more apparent. This was our first major holiday since moving to Singapore and since Thanksgiving isn't celebrated here, we weren't planning on anything big this year. In fact, Scott and I were both working. Craig and Christina are away from their family as well and have become our extended family, so we decided to celebrate together and invited one of Scott's co-workers on assignment here from Texas, too. Even though I love cooking, I wasn't going to attempt cooking a turkey. It would have cost a fortune since everything has to be imported and as much as I love leftovers I wasn't looking forward to turkey at every meal for weeks. Not to mention, the small detail that I've never cooked a whole turkey before. Thankfully (pun intended) we found a hotel, The Fullerton, offering a Thanksgiving buffet. Admittedly, I didn't have high hopes that it would come anywhere close to my idea of a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but I was pleasantly surprised. They had a huge spread complete with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and lots of veggies. I would have been content with that alone, but they had everything from steak and lobster to pizza and lasagna. I'm still cautious with eating meats here, but these were cooked the ways I familiar with. However, my favorite was the entire section devoted to desserts (I've gained a sweet tooth) and the free pour beer and wine was a nice touch, as well. All and all it was much better than I expected and we are truly thankful for the friends we have met and all the new experiences while we still miss everyone back home dearly. I can't believe Christmas is less than a month away but not surprisingly we still haven't done our shopping yet. We are planning to get full swing into Christmas mode by getting a tree and decorations this weekend.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Little things...
Scott and I have been kinda lazy bums the last few weekends so I didn't have anything exciting to write about. I figured it was about time I wrote another blog though since even the smallest things here are often very new for me.
One of the new experiences for me is using pubic transportation. This is the first time since I could drive that I haven't had a car readily available and I am known for randomly hopping in the car for a road trip. While I don't miss not having a car as much as I thought, it does cause me to plan ahead a little more. The MRT closes at 12pm so if we are out late (especially on Friday nights) I have to make sure to have some cash handy for a taxi. Most of the cabs take credit cards or nets (their equivalent to debit cards), but I have learned the hard way not all take plastic. Such as the time I had to run around to several ATMs before finally getting the cash to pay the cab driver!
While cabs are usually pretty easy to catch no matter where you are, the one time you really need a cab its almost impossible! Whenever it rains, the cabs vanish. I don't know where they go, but no matter how many numbers you call there never seems to be a cab available. Granted I am sure its because everybody in the country is trying to do the same thing, but its frustrating none the less. Though I did finally figure out what the various signs on the top of the cabs mean. Hired - means don't bother someone else is already in the cab, On-call - someone else beat you to this cab and he is on the way to pick them up, Taxi - my favorite green sign means wave frantically or jump out into the road so you can get a ride.
I want to go back to the rain for a minute. We have been forewarned that it rains regularly here, but it has seriously rained every single Sunday since we got here. Scott and I can not think of a Sunday it hasn't rained. Its normally a quick shower, but there have been all day rain outs, as well. My favorite are the thunderstorms and they are unlike any I have heard before. Its the one time I consistently open my curtains to watch the storm as our city view turns into a white haze.
Finally, my new obsession is Starbucks! I never thought it would happen and especially not here, but it has. They have a curry puff that I am addicted to. Its just a puff pastry stuffed with chicken, potatoes, and curry but I am hooked. I am sure other places on the island have better curry puffs since it seems to be a local favorite, but with my fear of meats I am too chicken to try any other places (no pun intended).
One of the new experiences for me is using pubic transportation. This is the first time since I could drive that I haven't had a car readily available and I am known for randomly hopping in the car for a road trip. While I don't miss not having a car as much as I thought, it does cause me to plan ahead a little more. The MRT closes at 12pm so if we are out late (especially on Friday nights) I have to make sure to have some cash handy for a taxi. Most of the cabs take credit cards or nets (their equivalent to debit cards), but I have learned the hard way not all take plastic. Such as the time I had to run around to several ATMs before finally getting the cash to pay the cab driver!
While cabs are usually pretty easy to catch no matter where you are, the one time you really need a cab its almost impossible! Whenever it rains, the cabs vanish. I don't know where they go, but no matter how many numbers you call there never seems to be a cab available. Granted I am sure its because everybody in the country is trying to do the same thing, but its frustrating none the less. Though I did finally figure out what the various signs on the top of the cabs mean. Hired - means don't bother someone else is already in the cab, On-call - someone else beat you to this cab and he is on the way to pick them up, Taxi - my favorite green sign means wave frantically or jump out into the road so you can get a ride.
I want to go back to the rain for a minute. We have been forewarned that it rains regularly here, but it has seriously rained every single Sunday since we got here. Scott and I can not think of a Sunday it hasn't rained. Its normally a quick shower, but there have been all day rain outs, as well. My favorite are the thunderstorms and they are unlike any I have heard before. Its the one time I consistently open my curtains to watch the storm as our city view turns into a white haze.
Finally, my new obsession is Starbucks! I never thought it would happen and especially not here, but it has. They have a curry puff that I am addicted to. Its just a puff pastry stuffed with chicken, potatoes, and curry but I am hooked. I am sure other places on the island have better curry puffs since it seems to be a local favorite, but with my fear of meats I am too chicken to try any other places (no pun intended).
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Rickshaw
As I mentioned in the previous blog, Scott and I went to Clarke Quay this past weekend but I failed to mention our ride home. I had decided to dress up and wear heels that night but since I practically live in bare feet or flip flops my feet were in a bit of pain. As we were walking back to the MRT station after dinner, we were approached by the Rickshaw drivers. For those of you who don't know, rickshaws are the bikes with a cart pulled either behind it or on the side for passengers. Since my feet were killing me at this point I gladly paid the S$10 dollars for the short ride to the MRT.
From the very beginning it was a unique experience complete with music playing from somewhere beneath the cart we were sitting in. It quickly became more exciting as he turned the rickshaw directly into on-coming traffic! Thankfully we made it across the 3 lane road and turned to at least be moving the same direction as the traffic although you could have easily walked faster than we were moving. Soon he had picked up some speed and he then we made a left turn...away from the MRT station we needed to be at. Scott and I were amused with the ride so decided to just enjoy it. Well, enjoy it as much as I could as I had a death grip on the railing willing the other vehicles not to hit us. He finally made one more turn (again directly into on coming traffic) and annouced the MRT station was right across the street. He was correct though it was the wrong MRT station on the wrong line. We ended up walking twice as far as we even had to change trains and added an extra 4 stops! Though my feet were beyond painful at this point, it was completely worth our traffic dodging scenic rickshaw ride.
Food =) We have a McDonald'd about a block from our house its one of the few "western" places to eat that actually tastes the same (mostly). I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but there is a complete obsession with Chili sauce here much like the US has with ketchup. I have to admit I am becoming addicted as well since it is slightly spicy and I never liked ketchup much anyways. They also offer a curry sauce for the chicken nuggets along with our familiar sweet n sour and barbecue. The menu is much more limited with only 6 meals including a fold-over grilled chicken (looks like chicken in a pita wrap) and there are no pork products. Burger King is the same way serving only turkey bacon and ham. They also offer an "upsize" option that is the equivalent of a medium drink and large fry in the US.
From the very beginning it was a unique experience complete with music playing from somewhere beneath the cart we were sitting in. It quickly became more exciting as he turned the rickshaw directly into on-coming traffic! Thankfully we made it across the 3 lane road and turned to at least be moving the same direction as the traffic although you could have easily walked faster than we were moving. Soon he had picked up some speed and he then we made a left turn...away from the MRT station we needed to be at. Scott and I were amused with the ride so decided to just enjoy it. Well, enjoy it as much as I could as I had a death grip on the railing willing the other vehicles not to hit us. He finally made one more turn (again directly into on coming traffic) and annouced the MRT station was right across the street. He was correct though it was the wrong MRT station on the wrong line. We ended up walking twice as far as we even had to change trains and added an extra 4 stops! Though my feet were beyond painful at this point, it was completely worth our traffic dodging scenic rickshaw ride.
Food =) We have a McDonald'd about a block from our house its one of the few "western" places to eat that actually tastes the same (mostly). I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but there is a complete obsession with Chili sauce here much like the US has with ketchup. I have to admit I am becoming addicted as well since it is slightly spicy and I never liked ketchup much anyways. They also offer a curry sauce for the chicken nuggets along with our familiar sweet n sour and barbecue. The menu is much more limited with only 6 meals including a fold-over grilled chicken (looks like chicken in a pita wrap) and there are no pork products. Burger King is the same way serving only turkey bacon and ham. They also offer an "upsize" option that is the equivalent of a medium drink and large fry in the US.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Markets
Scott and I are both full blown into working again, so we haven't gotten out much the last couple weekends. We spent all last Saturday being complete bums in the apartment which was wonderful. Its Saturday again and we still haven't gone out much, though we did venture down to the local markets by our apartment. Its a different atmosphere and experience than we are used to in the US. We have to go to one store for milk and eggs, a different one for fruit, another one for vegetables, and then make it to the bakery for bread. All of the stores are right in the same area, in fact there are Super Walmarts that take up more space than all the vendors together. Its nice but just a different experience for us. There are some vendors with fresh fish, poultry, and pork (I think) though I haven't attempted to purchase anything from these. First, I don't know how to cook fish and I am not touching it when it still has it head and more importantly eyes. Then the poultry is pretty much the same thing since they sell the whole chicken although there are some cut up parts I couldn't tell you what parts they were cut from. The other I believe is pork again not really sure and I don't think they sell beef down there (not surprising since it isn't common here anyways).
Aside from the food vendors there are numerous other little shops which really makes it a community area. We can get pretty much everything we need down there (aside from the meats because I am still scared!). There are stores with toilet paper and paper towels, another with notebooks and toys, one for movies and cds, and Scott even found workout shorts for S$0.80 a piece. You really can't beat that.... have to save this money to afford going out =P
I already mentioned food but Scott and I went to Clarke Quay last night. I think my favorite restaurant in Singapore is a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Its the closest to American food I have found here. Though I think you can find any ethniticity of food you can think of there... Persian, Indian, Morrocian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Korean, or American (happens to be a Hooters!)
Aside from the food vendors there are numerous other little shops which really makes it a community area. We can get pretty much everything we need down there (aside from the meats because I am still scared!). There are stores with toilet paper and paper towels, another with notebooks and toys, one for movies and cds, and Scott even found workout shorts for S$0.80 a piece. You really can't beat that.... have to save this money to afford going out =P
I already mentioned food but Scott and I went to Clarke Quay last night. I think my favorite restaurant in Singapore is a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Its the closest to American food I have found here. Though I think you can find any ethniticity of food you can think of there... Persian, Indian, Morrocian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Korean, or American (happens to be a Hooters!)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Beating
Scott and I were walking around the local shops right by our apartment today after getting some lunch. Scott got a haircut and I decided to check out the Acupuncture & Massage place. I stopped in and was told a one hour massage was only S$40... which is pretty cheap compared to US prices. So I jumped on the chance for an hour long massage. That was my first mistake. I told them I was having pains in my shoulder and thats were I needed the most work. That was my second mistake.
This tiny little lady proceeded to beat the crap out of my back and shoulders. She was using her elbows and knuckles. At some point she actually climbed onto the table and sat on my back with her knees crushing me. To finish this massage, she had me sit up while she literally beat me with her fists. Needless to say, I am in a little bit of pain at the moment... more than when I went in for the massage. I guess I will know if it worked in a couple days when I either love the lady or hate her. I think will be a little more cautious next time I want a massage.
Food: We went to China Town tonight and I am becoming more and more of a vegetarian. I tried Fried Carrot Cake for the first time tonight which has neither carrots or cake. Its a dinner not a dessert dish, but I couldn't really tell you what was in it. I know it was vegetarian and quite good especially with the extra chili sauce I added. The closest thing I can compare it to is a scrambled omelette with random vegetables (wish I knew what kind) and asian spices topped with green onions. Its a horrible description but something I suggest trying.
This tiny little lady proceeded to beat the crap out of my back and shoulders. She was using her elbows and knuckles. At some point she actually climbed onto the table and sat on my back with her knees crushing me. To finish this massage, she had me sit up while she literally beat me with her fists. Needless to say, I am in a little bit of pain at the moment... more than when I went in for the massage. I guess I will know if it worked in a couple days when I either love the lady or hate her. I think will be a little more cautious next time I want a massage.
Food: We went to China Town tonight and I am becoming more and more of a vegetarian. I tried Fried Carrot Cake for the first time tonight which has neither carrots or cake. Its a dinner not a dessert dish, but I couldn't really tell you what was in it. I know it was vegetarian and quite good especially with the extra chili sauce I added. The closest thing I can compare it to is a scrambled omelette with random vegetables (wish I knew what kind) and asian spices topped with green onions. Its a horrible description but something I suggest trying.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Fish Food
Scott and I attempted to go the Night Safari in Singapore on Saturday night, but we got rained out (surprise, surprise). So, we decided to hang out at the restaurants and gift shops at the entrance to kill sometime before getting another taxi.
We noticed some large fish tanks with people sitting their feet inside, and decided to check it out. They are called Doctor Fish and actually eat the dead skin off... so we decide to try it! We sat down on a bench, put our feet in the water, and the fish immediately latched on. It was the strangest feeling at first, but after a couple seconds you kinda got used to it. The funniest part was how many fish I had on me. Remember, they are attracted to dead skin.... I had so many on my heels you couldn't see my skin!! We had another couple sharing our "pond" and I must of had 80% of the fish on me. I wasn't sure if I should be embarrassed or proud. I decided to go for proud since we had also accumulated a large crowd with people asking to take pictures of my feet. We sat with our feet in the water for 15 min and honestly you could tell a difference when we finally finished. I really did need a pedicure.
Food time: I was craving something sweet at the park, so decided to try the Almond Longan. It was shredded ice with almond flavored jello cubes and longan fruit. It was strange and not sure I would get it again. A lot of the desserts here consist of shredded ice with flavoring or some kind of brightly colored gelatin cubes.
We noticed some large fish tanks with people sitting their feet inside, and decided to check it out. They are called Doctor Fish and actually eat the dead skin off... so we decide to try it! We sat down on a bench, put our feet in the water, and the fish immediately latched on. It was the strangest feeling at first, but after a couple seconds you kinda got used to it. The funniest part was how many fish I had on me. Remember, they are attracted to dead skin.... I had so many on my heels you couldn't see my skin!! We had another couple sharing our "pond" and I must of had 80% of the fish on me. I wasn't sure if I should be embarrassed or proud. I decided to go for proud since we had also accumulated a large crowd with people asking to take pictures of my feet. We sat with our feet in the water for 15 min and honestly you could tell a difference when we finally finished. I really did need a pedicure.
Food time: I was craving something sweet at the park, so decided to try the Almond Longan. It was shredded ice with almond flavored jello cubes and longan fruit. It was strange and not sure I would get it again. A lot of the desserts here consist of shredded ice with flavoring or some kind of brightly colored gelatin cubes.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Apartments
We are finally moving into our new apartment this weekend and I can't wait for several reasons. Although I love Scott dearly the studio apartment we are currently in is entirely too small! Our new place is much larger (anything with more than one room and solid door to the bathroom would seem larger). Scott and I are also ready to actually enjoy Singapore.
I do want to mention the apartments here since we looked at lots before deciding on our new place. It was a little bit of a culture shock to realize most places didn't have ovens or dryers. I hadn't even considered not having an oven, but its not really present in Asian cooking so the apartments didn't have them although most did have a microwave. The fridges are much smaller, as well, but thats fine since I don't have a car to do a big grocery shop anyways. Also, most places didn't have a dryer since they hang their clothes to dry, but they all had washers. Nothing is bad just learning process and adjusting.
Well we move in Saturday though we still have to do more shopping (I can tell you where anything is at IKEA now!) I'm really looking forward to having a weekend off and actually getting to explore Singapore.
Almost forgot... food! I am definitely leaning more and more towards being a vegetarian. The chicken here is all dark meat which I'm not used to and most of the time when we order something its a surprise. I'm trying to order more vegetarian dishes because they don't scare me as much. I finally ordered the red bean milk tea and it actually has beans in it. Its really good though and the beans have an almost chocolate flavor to them. I had an avocado snow which was a green milkshake... good though.
I do want to mention the apartments here since we looked at lots before deciding on our new place. It was a little bit of a culture shock to realize most places didn't have ovens or dryers. I hadn't even considered not having an oven, but its not really present in Asian cooking so the apartments didn't have them although most did have a microwave. The fridges are much smaller, as well, but thats fine since I don't have a car to do a big grocery shop anyways. Also, most places didn't have a dryer since they hang their clothes to dry, but they all had washers. Nothing is bad just learning process and adjusting.
Well we move in Saturday though we still have to do more shopping (I can tell you where anything is at IKEA now!) I'm really looking forward to having a weekend off and actually getting to explore Singapore.
Almost forgot... food! I am definitely leaning more and more towards being a vegetarian. The chicken here is all dark meat which I'm not used to and most of the time when we order something its a surprise. I'm trying to order more vegetarian dishes because they don't scare me as much. I finally ordered the red bean milk tea and it actually has beans in it. Its really good though and the beans have an almost chocolate flavor to them. I had an avocado snow which was a green milkshake... good though.
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