Marina Bay Sands hotel (yes, that's a boat on top) :)
The "Merlion" (half mermaid/half lion), the symbol of Singapore
Bumboat Ride
A floating Louis Vitton!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Exploring Sing
We're having fun being tourists in our new city. With the kids in school all week, we're enjoying our weekends getting out and exploring Singapore. A few weeks ago we took a bumboat ride on the Singapore river which provided great views of this modern city!
Fave Things
So, the sea shipment is scheduled to arrive at my condo on the morning of Thursday, October 3rd!!! YAY!!
The rental furniture company couldn't pick up the furniture until later in the day on Thursday, so we've decided to have them come the day before and we will treat ourselves to a nice night at the Shangri La just up the street!
While you all know I have loathed the rental furniture, I have come across a few good finds that have helped to ease the pain :)
The rental furniture company couldn't pick up the furniture until later in the day on Thursday, so we've decided to have them come the day before and we will treat ourselves to a nice night at the Shangri La just up the street!
While you all know I have loathed the rental furniture, I have come across a few good finds that have helped to ease the pain :)
New kilim rugs for my long hallway, bought at a local shop, but made in India
Some new colorful latte mugs from a fun Aussie store called TYPO
Of course, pretty chopsticks & fun Chinese coasters
A fun teacup, but since I'm not a tea drinker, will prob turn into a decoration :)
Lifesaver! Espresso maker!
Large Ikea chopping board that latches onto counter. Not sure if they have in US, but I love it, especially with these white counters that show everything!
Fun Chinese slippers
Cute noodle bowls from my friend Lara!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Africa Trip
Nate's new role as the strategic marketing guy for John Deere Asia also includes the subsaharan continent of Africa, where he has employees in the southern and eastern parts of this region. As much as Nate has traveled, he had never been to Africa. Lucky for him, he made his first trip there a few weeks ago and loved it!
He met some JD guys in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to meet with dealers and customers in this area. He said it looked just like he imagined, vast and beautiful, with lots of cool animals! They even drove 4 hours into the bush (1 way) to meet with a large customer. He said it was the most remote place he had ever been!
Most of the farming in this area is done by the Maasai tribes who still own a lot of this land. You have maybe seen pictures of these tribespeople, many with stretched earlobes, multiple piercings and wearing colorful, almost flannel-like sarongs.
You can read more about the Maasai people here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai_people), their tribal history and culture is fascinating!
Africa is definitely an emerging market for Deere, where a lot of the farming is still done by hand. Nate's job is to help mechanize these farmers by providing low cost equipment to them, based on the regions specific needs. There is a great opportunity here and a great chance to help these farmers produce more food, make more profit and raise more people up from poverty. Love it!
He met some JD guys in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to meet with dealers and customers in this area. He said it looked just like he imagined, vast and beautiful, with lots of cool animals! They even drove 4 hours into the bush (1 way) to meet with a large customer. He said it was the most remote place he had ever been!
Most of the farming in this area is done by the Maasai tribes who still own a lot of this land. You have maybe seen pictures of these tribespeople, many with stretched earlobes, multiple piercings and wearing colorful, almost flannel-like sarongs.
You can read more about the Maasai people here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai_people), their tribal history and culture is fascinating!
Africa is definitely an emerging market for Deere, where a lot of the farming is still done by hand. Nate's job is to help mechanize these farmers by providing low cost equipment to them, based on the regions specific needs. There is a great opportunity here and a great chance to help these farmers produce more food, make more profit and raise more people up from poverty. Love it!
Nate & some local JD employees
Meeting with some Maasai farmers
The village
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Help
One of the questions I am most asked upon arriving in Singapore is "So, have you gotten a Helper yet????"
A helper in Singapore is basically a maid/nanny/dog-walker/cook/errand runner and anything else that you want your "help" to do. The helpers or maids are typically Fillapina or Indonesian who come here on work visas to help the ex-pat families and wealthy Singaporeans. Their contracts are typically 2 years and they stay in Singapore for varying amounts of time, based on their family and financial situation back home.
The helpers come to Singapore, Hong Kong, and other large multi-national cities in Asia to work and all of the money they make is sent back to their family in their home country. They have no expenses, because you are responsible for them (buying food, toiletries, etc). The price tag is unbelievably cheap for the amount of work that can be entailed. Monthly salaries are about $500, with most working 6 days a week (all day), with Sundays and public holidays off.
The price tag seems unreasonably low, but apparently that money goes a long way in their home country and being a Helper in another country is actually a very good gig.
A helper in Singapore is basically a maid/nanny/dog-walker/cook/errand runner and anything else that you want your "help" to do. The helpers or maids are typically Fillapina or Indonesian who come here on work visas to help the ex-pat families and wealthy Singaporeans. Their contracts are typically 2 years and they stay in Singapore for varying amounts of time, based on their family and financial situation back home.
The helpers come to Singapore, Hong Kong, and other large multi-national cities in Asia to work and all of the money they make is sent back to their family in their home country. They have no expenses, because you are responsible for them (buying food, toiletries, etc). The price tag is unbelievably cheap for the amount of work that can be entailed. Monthly salaries are about $500, with most working 6 days a week (all day), with Sundays and public holidays off.
The price tag seems unreasonably low, but apparently that money goes a long way in their home country and being a Helper in another country is actually a very good gig.
So, did I mention that your helper MUST live with you??
Under Singapore law, every condo must be equipped with a bomb shelter/safe room. This is the anal Singaporean gov't wanting their citizens safe in case of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc. I guess over time though, these bomb shelters have gotten another identity in that is where your maid "lives."
The bomb shelters are small reinforced rooms, with about enough room for a twin bed, with no ac or ventilation for that matter. They are typically located in the 2nd kitchen or wet kitchen as they are called here. It's the back room that also includes the laundry area, garbage shoot, back entrance and a small maids bathroom (toiliet, sink, shower combo).
EVERYONE here has a helper!!! It would be considered very odd if we didn't get one. The price tag is cheap and obviously having the extra set of hands around is helpful, especially because most husbands work and travel a lot. For most families that I know, the helper basically runs the household--cleans the condo daily, does all laundry/ironing, cooks every meal and babysits the kids when needed. (For example, am the only mom who gets my own kids on/off the bus at our condo, every other child has their helper there), crazy to me!
It is also difficult to get a reliable, regular cleaning service here or to find babysitters, because everyone has the live-in's who clean and the kids who are of babysitting age may live far away and also have a lot of school responsibilities. You are almost forced to get a live-in maid if you want any help at all. If you do find a cleaning service, that alone will cost you way more than your helper's salary each month.
After putting both kids in school full-time, I was really convinced that I did not need the help. What was I going to do all day? I am used to being the "Help" myself! I would love a cleaner and a babysitter, but I'm not needing anyone full-time?? And, I will always put my own kids on the bus :)
Additionally, I am quite hung up on having someone living with us, in a small condo, in a very small room. I think it could be awkward. They are taught to mind their own business and kind of disappear, but still. Everyone says though, you'll get over it quickly :)
I have always ran my own household and have never had much help, so am perplexed by this decision. It's the norm, so affordable and so helpful....people think I'm crazy that I haven't hired one already! Apparently, it is life changing!!!!!
So, I go back and forth, but for now the helper saga is "to-be-continued." A friend of mine here (a fellow Iowan) just found out they're moving back to the states in December and she is looking to find a good home for her helper that has been with them for 3 years. So, we shall see.......!!!!! Maybe it's a sign!! ;)
Under Singapore law, every condo must be equipped with a bomb shelter/safe room. This is the anal Singaporean gov't wanting their citizens safe in case of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc. I guess over time though, these bomb shelters have gotten another identity in that is where your maid "lives."
The bomb shelters are small reinforced rooms, with about enough room for a twin bed, with no ac or ventilation for that matter. They are typically located in the 2nd kitchen or wet kitchen as they are called here. It's the back room that also includes the laundry area, garbage shoot, back entrance and a small maids bathroom (toiliet, sink, shower combo).
EVERYONE here has a helper!!! It would be considered very odd if we didn't get one. The price tag is cheap and obviously having the extra set of hands around is helpful, especially because most husbands work and travel a lot. For most families that I know, the helper basically runs the household--cleans the condo daily, does all laundry/ironing, cooks every meal and babysits the kids when needed. (For example, am the only mom who gets my own kids on/off the bus at our condo, every other child has their helper there), crazy to me!
It is also difficult to get a reliable, regular cleaning service here or to find babysitters, because everyone has the live-in's who clean and the kids who are of babysitting age may live far away and also have a lot of school responsibilities. You are almost forced to get a live-in maid if you want any help at all. If you do find a cleaning service, that alone will cost you way more than your helper's salary each month.
After putting both kids in school full-time, I was really convinced that I did not need the help. What was I going to do all day? I am used to being the "Help" myself! I would love a cleaner and a babysitter, but I'm not needing anyone full-time?? And, I will always put my own kids on the bus :)
Additionally, I am quite hung up on having someone living with us, in a small condo, in a very small room. I think it could be awkward. They are taught to mind their own business and kind of disappear, but still. Everyone says though, you'll get over it quickly :)
I have always ran my own household and have never had much help, so am perplexed by this decision. It's the norm, so affordable and so helpful....people think I'm crazy that I haven't hired one already! Apparently, it is life changing!!!!!
So, I go back and forth, but for now the helper saga is "to-be-continued." A friend of mine here (a fellow Iowan) just found out they're moving back to the states in December and she is looking to find a good home for her helper that has been with them for 3 years. So, we shall see.......!!!!! Maybe it's a sign!! ;)
Dollar Store
Imagine my surprise when I came across this store!! A $ store--well here it's a $2 store (told you everything in Singapore is at least double the price)! So excited to find all of similar dollar store finds that I would get in the US--cheap crafts, cleaning supplies, trinket-y toys, gift wrap, hair accessories, etc. While all of the packaging is in Japanese, I have no problem identifying all of the tchotchkes (yes, that's how it is spelled :)) Even scored some Halloween decorations--a totally random find--but I'll take it!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Bye Bye 1525
Well, we finally closed on the house. 1525 SE Bell Drive is no longer ours :(
I was so much more emotional about leaving it than I ever thought I would be. Next to my childhood home, I lived it that house the longest, 6 years. It's really a part of me, especially because it is the home that I brought both of my kids home too and the only place that my kids have ever called home. We really planted some roots in Waukee, in the neighborhood, community, etc. We were fortunate to have met so many great people along the way, with whom we will be life long friends.
Making the decision to leave a great life behind, to move across the world, was not an easy one. Nate's philosophy is all about "moving forward," (well, we sure moved alright :0). A move to Singapore definitely gives us new experiences, opportunities and really changes the 'history' of our family. I think you also have to take great opportunities when they knock, because you just never know if you will ever get another chance.
So while it was tough leaving our comfort zone and family and friends behind, we truly believe this is where we need to be right now. The amazing work experience for Nate, a top-notch education for the kids, along with the cultural experiences and travel opportunities, kind of made the decision a "no brainer" but even so, it is was definitely not the easy decision.
I am thankful that Nate works for a company that allows us these unique opportunities and really consider it a "once in a lifetime" type of thing! I can only hope that we look back on this experience a few years from now and feel the same way we did about having lived in Germany, that for all of the ups and downs, the wild ride was SO worth it!
So, home for us is no longer a big house, with a big yard, on a quiet street in Iowa-- it's a condo in the tropics, on a busy street, in the middle of one of the most densely populated cities on the planet :) It may not look or feel like the home we've always known, but as I tell the kids, "home is wherever WE are!"
I was so much more emotional about leaving it than I ever thought I would be. Next to my childhood home, I lived it that house the longest, 6 years. It's really a part of me, especially because it is the home that I brought both of my kids home too and the only place that my kids have ever called home. We really planted some roots in Waukee, in the neighborhood, community, etc. We were fortunate to have met so many great people along the way, with whom we will be life long friends.
Making the decision to leave a great life behind, to move across the world, was not an easy one. Nate's philosophy is all about "moving forward," (well, we sure moved alright :0). A move to Singapore definitely gives us new experiences, opportunities and really changes the 'history' of our family. I think you also have to take great opportunities when they knock, because you just never know if you will ever get another chance.
So while it was tough leaving our comfort zone and family and friends behind, we truly believe this is where we need to be right now. The amazing work experience for Nate, a top-notch education for the kids, along with the cultural experiences and travel opportunities, kind of made the decision a "no brainer" but even so, it is was definitely not the easy decision.
I am thankful that Nate works for a company that allows us these unique opportunities and really consider it a "once in a lifetime" type of thing! I can only hope that we look back on this experience a few years from now and feel the same way we did about having lived in Germany, that for all of the ups and downs, the wild ride was SO worth it!
So, home for us is no longer a big house, with a big yard, on a quiet street in Iowa-- it's a condo in the tropics, on a busy street, in the middle of one of the most densely populated cities on the planet :) It may not look or feel like the home we've always known, but as I tell the kids, "home is wherever WE are!"
House Bound
I think this is the first day since the move that I have not left the condo! Having a lazy day here at home and loving it!!!
It's amazing what can be accomplished in a short time when the house is quiet :) Filled out the kids scholastic books orders (yes, have those here too!), did a few loads of laundry, some blogging, got my calendar up to date, typed up the agenda for the room parent coffee that I'm hosting on Thursday and am doing some major trip planning for our October trip to Thailand. How is it already 2:30?? Wishing you a productive Tuesday as well!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Shop Around the Corner
We discovered this great little local grocer just around the corner from us. It is tiny, open-air, with really bad lighting, but has lots of little essentials stocked on it's shelves. I even saw a can of Campbell's soup next to some asian noodles :) While I might not be doing my grocery shopping there, they have a great little cooler of ice cream snacks that the kids love!
Jammies, scooters & ice cream :)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival
We finally ventured over to Chinatown for the first time last weekend. The Mid-Autumn Chinese Festival was just kicking off and used that as our excuse to explore this awesome part of town.
The Mid-Autumn festival is one of the biggest celebrated in China, as well as other neighboring nations where there is a large Chinese population. Singapore is 75% ethnic Chinese, so the festivals here are huge and this one in particular has been taking place in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years!!
The festival is also known as the Moon Festival, because this is the time of the year that the moon is the roundest and brightest. The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with the changes of the seasons and agricultural production. So, to thank the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offer a sacrifice to the moon on mid-autumn days.
Nowadays, this annual celebration includes dragon and lion dances, lighting of lanterns, fireworks and indulging in moon cakes (a pastry made with a sweet filling made of red bean or lotus plant, with a salted duck egg yolk on top). We didn't stay for all of the festivities as everything began after dark, but we did enjoy some good shopping, food and explored one of the Buddhist temples. That was a first for me and it was impressive!
Singapore is so cosmopolitan and in many ways western. It's not dubbed "Asia Light" for nothing :) Chinatown represents the history of most Singaporeans, whose ancestors arrived in bumboats from China hundreds of years ago. This area shows a much more raw, authentic and historic side of Singapore and I just loved it! So happy to not see a Starbucks or Chanel in sight!!!
The Mid-Autumn festival is one of the biggest celebrated in China, as well as other neighboring nations where there is a large Chinese population. Singapore is 75% ethnic Chinese, so the festivals here are huge and this one in particular has been taking place in Chinese culture for over 3,000 years!!
The festival is also known as the Moon Festival, because this is the time of the year that the moon is the roundest and brightest. The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with the changes of the seasons and agricultural production. So, to thank the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offer a sacrifice to the moon on mid-autumn days.
Nowadays, this annual celebration includes dragon and lion dances, lighting of lanterns, fireworks and indulging in moon cakes (a pastry made with a sweet filling made of red bean or lotus plant, with a salted duck egg yolk on top). We didn't stay for all of the festivities as everything began after dark, but we did enjoy some good shopping, food and explored one of the Buddhist temples. That was a first for me and it was impressive!
Singapore is so cosmopolitan and in many ways western. It's not dubbed "Asia Light" for nothing :) Chinatown represents the history of most Singaporeans, whose ancestors arrived in bumboats from China hundreds of years ago. This area shows a much more raw, authentic and historic side of Singapore and I just loved it! So happy to not see a Starbucks or Chanel in sight!!!
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