The Wet Market

Today was my first visit to a wet market.  My friend Leigh took me to the Tekka Market in little India.  I am so fortunate to have a friend to introduce me to this amazing place.  Talk about culture, this was a blast of culture all in one location.  

There was so much to see that we walked around for a while just so that I could take it all in and get oriented.  All of the shop owners were very helpful and liked to explain everything.

We entered the market through the food court and the first thing I smelled was curry.  I haven't been the biggest fan of curry, but I think I could learn to like it here.  We weaved our way through the picnic tables and booths of cooked food to enter the grocery type area.  Fruit, vegetables, fish, meat etc.  We started our journey by selecting our vegetables.  There were so many choices and much of which I can't say that I knew what it was.

I ended up with zucchini, yellow zucchini, beets, cucumbers, baby romaine, carrots, baby eggplant, and tomatoes all for less than $20 sing dollars.  Stop 1 complete.

Some other interesting photos:

 Coconut grinding

 Bean sprouts and other stuff 

 Ramen noodles and lots of them!

What's your favorite tofu?  (they call it bean curd here, E likes it!)

So we got our veggies and we headed to the butcher.  We wanted to get some "mince" (ground beef).  Ground beef here is more like minced beef.  They hand grind it that day, so it's very fresh.  It was $10/kg which calculates to $4.55/lb.  Not too bad for here.  Remember pretty much everything is imported.  Leigh navigated us to her favorite butcher.  Word of mouth is the way to find the best place to get your goods.  I think a friend had told her about this man.

Mr. Butcher (next time I'll have to get his name)

Got our red meat, now it was time for fresh fish.  The fish selection is amazing.  This is one thing that is plentiful in Singapore.  Can't say it's cheap, but there is a lot of it and a lot of variety. 

We decided on some red snapper.  Leigh was going to share a recipe with me that she makes often.  The fish was fresh and we watched them fillet it right there!

 Chop, off comes the head!

 Filleting my fish

Funny, they arranged the heads so I could take a photo.  Nice, huh?  Ah, I had to show reality.  Some folks here in Asia love the heads.  They make fish soup or such out of the heads.  I think i will leave mine.  Not really interested in cooking the head. Ha Ha!

So we went on to get our fruit.  I ended up with a bunch of bananas for $1 ( I think the guy liked me) and 7 ripe Singapore mangos for $10.  Delicious!!  Notice there are only 6, I just had to indulge as soon as I got home.  Yummy!

As we walked away from the market I couldn't wait to come back.  There was so much to see and so much to get that you could go again and again and never get the same thing twice.  You have to like fresh items and be somewhat adventurous.  I'll be back.  Maybe next time I can navigate on my own, but it is much more fun to go with someone.  Thanks Leigh for a great day at the market!!

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about the durian fruit.  So the photo below is a pic of the durian fruit.  It is infamous here in Asia, for the smell.  Remember I said in a earlier blog that everything had a fishy smell.  Well, I was wrong, it wasn't fish, it was Durian fruit.  It has a very distinct smell.  They sell the durian as a whole (as seen below) or in packages after the fruit has been cut up.  The scent is strong and to many disgusting.  I have never tried it, but would be willing to try it. (not yet though)  

I'll end with a few Durian facts:

• Widely known and revered in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits", the durian is distinctive for its large size, unique odor, and formidable thorn-covered husk. 
• The fruit can grow as large as 12in long and 6in in diameter, and it typically weighs 2 to 7 lb.
• The odor has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in southeast Asia.
• Native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia,and the Philippines it has been known to the Western world for about 600 years.
• The name durian comes from the Malay word duri (thorn) together with the suffix-an (for building a noun in Malay)
• Southeast Asian folk beliefs, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, consider the durian fruit to have warming properties liable to cause excessive sweating. (Just what you need here!)

Hope you enjoyed my adventures at the wet market!

Singapore Healthcare - efficiency at it's best!

Our 2nd week and my first trip to the Doctor.


I have had a cough since we arrived here in Singapore and it was time to see a doctor.  I think the hubby was tired of me waking him up every night with my extreme "barking".  No joke, my cough sounded like a seal barking.  It was not only annoying, but my chest hurt and my head hurt from coughing so much.  We had already experienced the healthcare system when we took the hubby to the ER when we were here on our house hunting trip, but this would be slightly different.


So, I asked around and found a doctor that was easy to get to from Elliot's school.  I got on the train and it dropped me off at Suntec.  Suntec is a large office complex with 4 towers; shopping etc. on the first 2 floors and offices on the upper floors.  (The hubby's office just so happens to be in Suntec One.)  I walked in the clinic office and explained to them my problem.  They took my passport and had me take a seat in the small, but comfortable waiting area.  The waiting area was tiny actually.  Bench type seating along one wall and 2 doors on the opposite wall for each of the docs working there.  Ten minutes after sitting down I was called to go in to see the doctor.  I told him about my cough and that I had it since I got to Singapore.  After some discussion and him doing a brief assessment, he smiled and said that my condition was very common with Expats.  They call it Sensitive Airway Condition.  More or less, my airways were already compromised when I got on the plane (had a cold when I left) and the different air quality here was irritating my airways.  The more my airways were irritated the more I coughed.  Kind of like temporary asthma.  My cough was worse when I got in a cab or when I was inside of a building.  The only bad thing is that he said my cough could take up to 3 months to get better.  Anyway, 15 minutes later I walked out of the doctor's office with 5 medications in hand.  Medications are dispensed right there in the physician office - convenient!  The total cost of this 25 minutes healthcare visit?  $50  Yep, pretty easy and very cost effective!  And, within an hour of taking my morning medicines I felt considerably better!


Now, I wouldn't be a nurse if I didn't critique this experience a bit.  

• First, the service was the best and the experience was great, but it was interesting that they didn't take my medical history.  They did ask me if I had any allergies, but that was it.  (That is one reason why it didn't take so long.)  I think for some people that could cause some issues.  They didn't ask me if I was on any other medicines nor if I had any other health issues.  Humm, that could be scary!  Luckily, I know enough to read up and understand things.  
• Another interesting thing is that they have different medications here.  Not sure why that is;  that would be an interesting thing to research.  Many of the medications I received aren't prescribed in the US.  I did go home and google my medications to find out more.  At least we have the internet to be able to research.  

Well, all in all my experience was good.  Though, I would caution someone that has existing health issues to be aware of what medications you are prescribed here.  You may have a contraindication that they may not have checked.

A few facts about Singapore's Healthcare System:

• Ranked 6th in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems in the year 2000.
• Has a universal healthcare system that ensures affordable healthcare
• Has "one of the most successful healthcare systems in the world, in terms of both efficiency in financing and the results achieved in community health outcomes," according to an analysis by global consulting firm Watson Wyatt.
• Patients are free to choose providers within the government or private healthcare delivery system and can walk in for a consultation at any private or government clinic.
• Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well qualified doctors and dentists, many trained overseas.

Sounds like we are in a good place!

Till next time, I already have a bunch of other things to tell you about.

The Adjustment Bureau

It's saturday morning and E and I are hanging in our new pad playing in the living room looking out over the Singapore skyline.  The hubby got back late last night and is still asleep from his long week in Hong Kong.  Not much different than most Saturday mornings, except that we have a city view and not a view of our wonderful bird friends back in Charlotte.  Mike and Laura, are you enjoying the birds?  They eat a lot; don't forget to feed them often.

So, it has been a long week it seems.  The week was full of firsts for all of us.  We mastered going to and from school, navigating cabs, shopping for home goods, making new friends, adjusting to this weather, and to the 12 hour time difference.

The week got off to a great start, but by the end of the week it had taken it's toll on our sweet little E.  Being the brave and independent little girl that she is, I was shocked when on Friday morning dropping her off at school, she clung to me.  She had a death grip on me and wouldn't let me go. I tried to explain that I would be back in the afternoon, but she was not going to let me leave that classroom!  She didn't cry; she was just holding on to the one person that was familiar to her in her small life.  Eventually, she did let go and joined her class as they talked about the day of the week and started circle time.  I should have guessed that an event like that was coming when she asked me the night before "Mom, when are we going home?".  I asked in return "you mean to visit Charlotte?"  We discussed the fact that we didn't live in Charlotte any longer and that Singapore was our new home.  I said that we would go back to visit Charlotte and would get to see all of our old friends.

E did make a new friend this week, Cassie.  The two girls hit it off instantly!  We had a playdate yesterday with Cassie and the girls had a ball!  I can't say how thankful I am that she has someone to play with and someone that she likes so well.  I think having new friend will make the transition so much easier.

So, how did I do this first week?  I think pretty well.  Still don't have the sleeping thing down yet.  I still tend to wake up at about 4 or 5 am, but that's not too different from before.  I did venture out on my own to both Ikea and Carrefour (pronounced Car-four).  I enjoyed my Ikea trip as it was familiar!  It was nice to go somewhere that I knew how to navigate.  Yesterday I went to Carrefour.  Carrefour is kind of like Target, yet not as cool.  They have just about everything there:  food, clothes, home goods, small appliances.  The best part is that they deliver if you spend over $100.  So I loaded up and at about 7 pm the front gate buzzed me to let me know my goods had arrived.  Got to love that!  The one thing that I don't know that I will get used to here is that no matter where you go, most stores have a fishy smell.  (Ikea didn't)  Maybe it's just me, but I swear that they do.

So, I can't end my post without another Singapore life tidbit.  This is one I like!

It is customary in Asian homes to remove your shoes before entering.  Our home has a built in shoe closet in the small foyer off the elevator.  So, when we enter we put our shoes in the shoe cabinet.  Smart idea, as it keeps the dirt out of your house.  We also have a shoe rack at our back entrance.  What I haven't figured out is, what if you enter at the front door and leave through the back?  You still need to get your shoes from the cabinet where you put them.  And, you have to remember which cabinet you put your shoes.  Well, either way, I like the tradition.

Our shoe closet

Well friends, keep on reading and know that I love comments!  Comments keep me going and inspire me to think of new and interesting things to blog about.  Enjoy your weekend; I know we will!

Preschool Singapore Style

It is really hard to believe that we have officially been here a week now!  Although, it seems like we have been here much longer.  We have done so much that each day is an accomplishment.


E started school bright and early Monday morning!
We attended an orientation on Friday morning (our 2nd day here) and met her teacher and several of the other students in her class.  I could tell that the Eton house was going to be a great place for our family.  Friday evening we were invited to a "Sundowner" at the school.  I would call it a low key "happy hour" in US terms.  They provided snacks and drinks (yes, some alcohol too).  We met several other parents there and we seemed to congregate with those other newbies.  All of the "new to Singapore" families had their kids with them so we were all hanging out around the playground.  The other parents probably had their kids with a sitter or their live-in help.  We met people from all over the world!  Scotland, US, India, Australia.  It is most definitely a melting pot!


When Monday morning came around E was ready to go.  She hopped out of bed and completely got herself ready.  I was shocked!  She got dressed, brushed her hair (that's a big one), brushed her teeth and everything.  Just a little excited maybe?  Too bad that didn't continue the rest of this week.

E in her new Uniform

So, off to school we went!  We cabbed it the first day (good thing as it was raining) and E jumped right in.  (not surprising)  She was chatting with the others not long after we got there.

Day one of school was a huge success!

The rest of the week I walked E to and from school.  We got our expedite package Monday afternoon thank goodness as the BOB stroller was in there.  What a life saver!  Walking 3/4 of a mile with a 4 year old isn't much fun, especially if you are in a hurry.  

I must say, I really enjoy the walk.  On the way to school we talk about what she likes about school (playing in the kitchen there), what she did the day before, and what she is going to do at school that day.  It's nice to have that time to just chat.  The walk back home for me has been a nice meditative thing. I think about everything and think of things to write here.  I have found it a great way to start my day.  Elliot wants to start riding the bus and I have signed her up (starts in a couple of weeks), but I still think I might walk her 1 or 2 days a week.

So, the walk to school is a beautiful one.  It takes about 15 minutes at a decent pace.  We walk though a nice neighborhood.  Check out one of the houses we pass.  So cool!

Modern Singapore Home (our home isn't quite this big - ha, ha!)

We also pass a really nice playground (Arthur Park).  The city is very clean and they expect everyone to "do their part".  

Got to love these signs!

Isn't he cute! 

Being the pet lover that I am, these signs make me smile every time I pass them!

We make it to school and E joins her class.  Such a good morning.  

The Eton House International School

I will say it is pretty humid out and the walk to school leaves you sticky and hot, but I think I am actually getting used to it.  Just a smidgen.  The benefits of that morning walk far outweigh everything else!

早安

Singapore Life Tidbits

Well, we are on day 6 here in Singapore and we have learned a lot!  I wanted to let everyone know what things are like here and after just a few more weeks I will probably forget my first impressions.  So, here are some things that have been interesting!


Carseats - they don't use them here like they do in the US.  I'm not sure what the law is, but some people don't even use them in their own cars!  We have been cabbing it pretty much everywhere we can't walk and we put in E there without the carseat.  Not sure how you would do it when you have to shop and cab it everywhere.  Lugging a carseat with you everywhere would be next to impossible in some cases.  Several families that we met got a car just so that they could put their kids in carseats.  Not sure if I will get used to this!


Power - Not sure that every place is like ours, but in order to use an outlet you need to power on the outlet.  Every outlet has a power switch.  Strange when you are used to just plugging things in.  I'll need to do some sort of research on why this is.  The power outlets take a different kind of plug here as well.  They also have a different voltage, so even with an adapter any motorized things don't work.  We can charge out computers with an adapter, but can't run a hairdryer.  There are converters, but not  sure how they work or how well.  We don't have any, but could use one!


Drains - This may be a strange one to post, but to me it is fascinating.  So, all of the sinks etc. drain to another drain pipe in the floor of each room.  So for example there is a drain in the floor of the bathroom and the drain from the sink drains to that drain.  When you run water from the sink you can hear it in the drain on the floor.  (not sure I am explaining that well).  The other cool thing is that if you get water on the floor it all drains to the floor drain.  Last night I gave E a bath and she sprayed water all over the floor.  Since the floors are angled just a bit, all of the water drained down the drain.  I just had to clean up a few drops.  Kind of smart if you ask me!


Ovens - From what we are told ovens don't work very well here.  Has something to do with the humidity and the heating element.  Ours was fixed in the first few days and is working great.  They don't have big ovens here either.  Honestly, I'm not sure that some of my baking sheets will even fit in the oven here.  As long as we can make cookies I think we will be fine!  Although right now I am completely envious of my old neighbor Linda's new large double ovens!


Grocery Shopping - This is an interesting experience and I have only really done it once.  First, everything is very expensive!!  For example a box of Newman's Own popcorn is S$8.20 or $6.82 US.  Best to not buy the imported brands for sure!  The other strange thing is the name of the grocery stores.  The main one is called "Cold Storage".  That seems like such an odd name to me although I am sure if someone from here came to the south Harris Teeter and Piggy Wiggly would seem even stranger!  The good thing is that if you buy at least $100 - $150 worth of groceries they will deliver it!  Thank goodness since getting all that in a cab and up 14 stories would be a pain!


Clothing - I am sure that I will have a ton more to talk about here, but the one thing that amazes me is the fact that a lot of people wear jeans here.  In a climate that is constantly hot and humid it seems odd.  Not kidding, we were waiting in the queue (line) for the cab Friday in the middle of the day and at least half of the people were in jeans!  Maybe after our bodies get used to the climate we will be in jeans too.  Although, coming from a girl who typically doesn't sweat; I am sweating here!


No A/C - I am constantly amazing that there are many restaurants and stores that don't have A/C.  Much of the city is open air, meaning that everything is integrated with the outdoors.  In the US south everything is pretty closed off and air conditioned.  Everyone even opens their doors and windows in the cooler parts of the day here.  We tried that one morning, but within an hour I felt like I couldn't breathe and it was hot and stickly.  If you know me I am pretty cold natured, but this wasn't like what I know.  Put yourself at the beach in late August on the southeast coast with all of the doors and windows open.  That is pretty much the same.


Scents - Ok, I like nice smelling things as much as the next guy, but really!  Asians love scents!  I first noticed it on the plane.  I love those Singapore Air girls, not only are they beautiful, but they pay attention to every detail!  Although, they might need to lay off on the perfume.  Several had a lot on and different kinds.  Then as you walk around the city you notice that everyone wears some sort of scent.  I quit wearing perfume several years ago and now any scent about knocks me out.  The thought is that it is so hot here and deodorants don't work.  (That's my hubby's philosophy)  Although, I really doubt that the hubby will start wearing cologne.  Oh yeah, it's not just the perfume/cologne side of things.  There must be a thing about disinfectant here as well.  All of the soaps (hand soap etc)  all have this disinfectant smell.  The halls smell like it and all public places do.  Ok, a year ago I switched to all organic unscented cleaners and I know that clean doesn't have to smell that way.  Guess that philosophy didn't catch on here.  I guess I'll eventually get used to it.


Disclaimer:  These are just my perspective and are not meant to offend anyone.  Please take my comments with a grain of salt if you must.  (I felt that I needed to put this in here for some reason.)


That's pretty much what I see now.  I'll try to remember to post other interesting tidbits if anyone is interested.
Till later!

Moving to the other side of the world

It's hard to believe that two weeks ago we were packing up our stuff to ship over to Singapore.  So many changes in a couple of weeks!  So we did get our Singapore sea shipment off that Tuesday, just hoping that we didn't forget anything major.  Wednesday was the day from Hell I swear.  Not only did they pack the rest of the stuff, but they moved it to our uptown condo all in the same day!  It was an exhausting day.  Amazingly, by Friday we pretty much had mostly everything put away.  Good thing as we had to pack for our trip to Singapore on Tuesday 8/9.


We had 8 pieces of luggage to check on our way to Singapore.  Took some finagling to get all of our bags checked and on their way, but we did it!  Then it was off to Newark and then Singapore on an 18 1/2 hour flight. 

The flight was fairly uneventful.  E passed out as soon as we got on the plane, before we even took off.  She slept for at least 8 hours (yeah!).  Only 10 more hours to go.  The hubby also slept, but me? Oh no, I couldn't seem to get comfortable and the man snoring next to me didn't help.  I am sure that I got some shuteye, but not as much as I probably needed.  Lots of movies and some meals and  we were there.  It was pretty amazing actually that the time went as good as it did.  


Singapore Air is pretty nice!  They customized meals for E and the entire plane is nothing less than business class, so everyone has lots of space.  On demand movies, lots of snacks, and great amenities got us through.


We arrived at Changi International airport just before 6am.  We were pretty tired, but a cup of coffee helped.  We gathered our many bags and hung out for a bit (who is up at 6am?) then took a BIG cab to our new home.  Our agent met us there to get us the keys to our new place.  


By the time we got inside I was feeling the jet lag.  We met our new landlord Able, and I am sure that he thought there was something wrong with me.  (those crazy americans!)  I was so exhausted that I couldn't even focus my eyes.  We got our stuff inside and our agent took Scott to the grocery store.  That afternoon we all took a nap.  The kind of nap where your body doesn't even move because it is so wiped out!


Our agent also arranged for a mattress to be delivered that same day!  He is amazing!  So we ventured out for the first time that evening to get some bed linens and we were set.  By the way, Singapore beds are not the same size as they are here in the US.  They are actually 5 inches shorter here.   (Can't use US linens)  I thought it might be an issue, but it wasn't.  We were pretty comfortable, but I can't wait for my pillow to get here!  E liked her new bed on the sofa.   She slept pretty good until she woke up at about 2am.  It took about 3 days for her to adjust, but I think is adjusted now.


So, we survived and are in our new home!  Now we just need to figure everything else out!

Good Night Singapore!  (The view from our new home!)