Q & A with 'experienced' answers

We've been here for almost three months! That is incredible and so hard to believe. And we have learned a great deal in that short(?) amount of time. So here's an update to the Q&A (original post here) I posted before we moved to Singapore . . .

Q) Where is Singapore?

A) Smack in the middle of Southeast Asia - you can actually see Malaysia at the north side and the lights of Indonesia from our windows at night.

Q) What type of political system do they have?

A) There's a President, who seems cool after seeing his photo every where and watching him on the National Day broadcasts. There are ministries for EVERYTHING: Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Communication, you name it.

Q) What language do most people speak?

A) We've heard it all. The signs are mostly in English and thankfully the train announcements and signs are in English. But we hear Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, along with French, German, I even heard Finnish. There are so many different people here from all parts of the world.

Q) Are their special limits to women like dress code?

A) I haven't really noticed sexism here as much as I've noticed racism and religious beliefs. Woman dress according to their religion and tradition.

Q) Are there nice beach areas with snorkeling and diving?

A) East Coast Park has a nice open water area that Ross swam in for a triathlon recently and a nice beach area for Sandcastles. Sentosa is also known for beach front activities. There probably is snorkeling and diving but we still haven't found that.

Q) Beach bungalow or city high-rise?

A) We picked a mix of both! We live in a condo that's fairly low for high-rises, in a quieter neighborhood tucked a little out of the way from East Coast park. I love it! Easy access to shopping and the train, lovely amenities and the best part, making friends from just a few floors over.

Q) How bad is the pollution?

A) The pollution is not an issue. Even during the 'haze', it was nothing compared to the wildfires of Oregon. And there's often a rain storm or breeze that keeps the air moving.

Q) How does the cost of living compare to here?

A) The short answer is that everything costs at least double what we are used to at the store. Real Estate, schooling and cars are ridiculously expensive. Part of the adjustment has also been moving from a small sleepy town with not much to do to a big big city with lots going on. Having a life and shopping costs money.

Q) How much acid rain do they get per year?

A) I sure hope it's not acid rain because I often get caught without an umbrella and I love feeling the warm rain on my skin.

Q) I'd love to know more about holidays celebrated there.

A) National Day was fun! I love all the decorations that people put up to celebrate the country's birthday. And now that we are in Chinese Mid-Autumn celebration, Chinatown is decked out in fabulous colorful flower lanterns. I love that there always seems to be something for someone to celebrate and the pride that everyone takes in their holidays.

Q) I'd love to know what the schools and education is like!

A) Oh schools! How different that has been for us than what we anticipated. Foreigners are not allowed to attend local schools without approval from the Ministry of Education and that's a process. Locals are not allowed to attend international schools. We ended up putting Cade in the Canadian International School closer to us. He started this week so we'll see how it goes. He loves the quick bus ride and I'm excited about the variety of things he gets to experience.

Q) If I was a local, born and raised, what might I do for hobbies/entertainment?

A) It's all about food here. Have you eaten? Would you like to eat? Let's eat. They also like to celebrate holidays.

Q) Is there a vast difference between in the city and other areas?

A) There are definitely distinct parts of town and it's great that you can have all these different experiences within a short amount of travel time. Want to be a beach bum, go to East Coast Park and rent a bike. Want high-end shopping but more local, go to Orchard. Want high-end shopping but total tourist, go to Marina Bay Sands. Want the resort life, go to Sentosa. All these areas feel so separate but realistically, they all run into one. My favorite area to explore right now is Bugis on the edge of Chinatown, Clark Quay and the Arts District. It's where the National Central Library is located.

Q) Is Ross going to get caned?

A) Saying prayers that this doesn't happen. So far, knock on wood, he's been ok.

Q) What kind of animals can you find there in the wild?

A) We see tons of dogs, cats, birds, butterflies and lizards roaming around. The zoo and safari are awesome! But we liked the aquarium even better. We still need to go to the bird park.

Q) Why is gum outlawed?

A) The buying and selling of gum is illegal here and I have only heard you can buy it from the pharmacy. There are mixed reports on if it's illegal to chew gum. I've had two or three pieces since moving here but I'm very careful to chew with my mouth closed and dispose of it properly. I don't want to get 'Stomped'.

Q Is there a type of alcohol/drink they are recognized for and a must try for visitors?

A) All the tourists and expats say you have to have at least one Singapore Sling. But it's an expensive drink. I liked it though. The local 'Tiger Beer' has become a regular, especially the Radler with lemon in it. But alcohol is extremely expensive here so sometimes it's not even worth it to bother. Everyone drinks kopi (instead of coffee), milo or sjora, and lots of tea.

I know it's been quiet on the blogging scene from me. Can't believe how quick time flies by! Comment with your questions and I'll try to get them answered. Sending love from this part of the world.