Canterbury to Geylang.

We are now a few weeks into our new life in Singapore.
The area that we are living in, is an interesting place, and very different to Canterbury as you can imagine.  
A few "ladies of the night" on local street corners (and if I get bored I will apply), many many spots to eat, lots of shops and a train station a five minute walk away. Accomodation is above all the shops or in tall complexes dotted around. Quite safe to navigate.  We even have a favourite restaurant already!
We are learning the Singapore way of life very quickly, and Singlish is easy to understand. Everyone is very helpful, and they do not mind being asked questions or directions.  
Philip has his Employment Pass organized, and I will get my Residency pass late this week.  So that will make us locals, including fingerprint ID at the airport.

Our first apt was a little depressing, given that all we could see of the outside world  was a small patch of sky through a ceiling louvre. They are called "shophouses", or "conservation houses" , and as the name suggests, they were old buildings that housed businesses that are now  converted into accommodation, retaining the facade, and quirky interiors. Furnished in a traditional manner as well.
We pleaded our case to the management, that we were not comfortable, so with the support of Philips employer, they moved us to a modern 3 bed, 2 bathroom apt with floor to ceiling windows, a much bigger kitchen, and a view!  It's nice to  have a couch now to sit on instead of a hard day bed.
These are at the rear and above the shophouses, so in the same complex, but new. Security guard on site 24/7.  Spare beds for visitors!I

One of our balconies with a view to the local street.  The roofs with glass tiles belong to the shop house apartment we were first in.

We have an Australian TV channel to catch up local news, as BBC World news is so repetitive. We also brought our Apple TV box with us so can enjoy a movie night on demand. (Or a TV series)

We have now unpacked properly, and are filling up the pantry and fridge. Starting to feel like its our space. 
Family photos out and fresh flowers. 

My challenge in the kitchen is no oven, and no hot water! Apparently normal.
 I have an induction cooktop and a microwave. I have hit my head on the exhaust hood many times as it is quite a bit lower, of course, and clear glass. The kitchen also houses the washer and dryer in a cupboard. 
My challenge will be to see how creative I am with 2 pots and a frypan and no oven. (We did enjoy a Beef and wine casserole the other night with mash!, and eggs, bacon and toast the next day for brekkie). I will let you know what I create.

We have a local supermarket a 5 min walk away, but I have discovered a great one 3 stops away on the train.
Aust beef and pork, Arnotts biscuits, Kraft products, Dilmah tea and most items I  am used to. There tends to be a lot of English products to choose from. Great array of fruit and veg, pasta and fresh fish etc. Beautifully presented. Fresh flowers as well. All varieties of wines and beers, with a good bottle of wine about $25.
Have not found a $2 shop yet though. Must be an Australian thing!

Philip was still quite sick when I arrived , so visited a Dr that his company recommended, which is just down the road. For the cost of $5, he had his consultation and was given a bag of 7 drugs to take.  The Dr dispenses the drugs on the spot. Interesting!
5 days later I was at the same Dr, with the same symptoms, but I had to pay full price of $70 with a bag of 6 drugs. We ran the drug names past our budding family Pharmacist (SIL Tim), and he did not know them......oh dear! There were lots of pretty colors though!
Interestingly, Dr.Tay trained in Melbourne and lived in Hawthorn for 14 years, so after a 5 minute consult, we chatted about Melbourne!
We are pleased to announce that apart from rattling a bit when we walk, we are nearly 100%, just the remnants of a cough now. 
Being sick put Philip on the back foot, as you can imagine.  New job, new country and unwell.  I am very proud of his drive and work ethic. ( I know where my girls get theirs from!)

We have visited KL twice now, as Philips support team is there, but the client is in Singapore.  He has to meet everyone to understand the project and how to move forward with it.
First time we both flew up and back.  The second time I caught the train up and back and Philip flew up and back. It is a 6 hour journey  on the train there and a 7 hour journey back?  Quite pleasant and relaxed. Cost about $20 one way.
I explored KL on my own while Philip was at work.  Seen many interesting sights. One of these was the Royal Palace.

Royal Palace KL

It is quite different to Singapore.  Noisier ( many many more motorbikes, and horn blowing), not as clean, footpaths extremely hard to navigate and you have to be more alert when out and about with personal belongings.  Nearly got cleaned up by a motorbike when crossing the road. The female bike rider got a fright as well.  I don't think there are road rules!
We stayed near the Petronas Towers, which is a magical site at night all gleaming Stainless Steel.  And if you like to shop, it has many levels of all that you could desire. ( not me, but Sasha would have melted)!

Petronas Twin Towers

In Singapore, we have had some fantastic meals out, including lunch the other day in the city, of Wonton soup and Singapore Noodles with pork and chinese broccoli for $5 each.  We skipped the Pig Organ soup, and Chicken Porridge !!

Weather is warm as you would expect, with some heavy showers in the evenings. My short haircut is coping well with the humidity and downpours, as is Philips! 
We are heading into the wet season. This has not stopped us from exploring though.  The train gets us everywhere for about 10 cents a stop, and we have a pass like Myki, which we top up as needed.  We are about 11 stops to Orchard Rd.  No food at the stations or on the train, so squeaky clean.

Philip has a local mobile phone now, and I will get one next week.  
We are on Skype and FaceTime, if anyone wants a chat, just remember we are 3 hours behind.
Annie XX