First Impressions

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Some of you might know and some of you might’ve guessed based on the sappy posts I’ve been writing, that we’ve moved! I’ve been uprooted from the US, which was home for so many years and plonked in Singapore! Talk about a sea of change (see what I did there?)

I’ve never been good with change. Until life itself puts a gun to my head and coerces me to change, will I reluctantly accept it. With tears and drama. With that out of the way, I have finally given in to the fact that we’re here and there’s really nothing I can do about it, although I sorely miss my friends, family and my life in the US.

A week has passed since we got here. Here are some of my first impressions about Singapore.

1. It is hot. All. The. Time. And I don’t mean the nice balmy heat. It is hot as a slap on your cheek. It’s muggy and you sweat. A Lot!  Even two minutes without air conditioning will melt your flesh and bones into a puddle of sweat.

But then, maybe it’s just me. We met our realtor yesterday and she looked pristine in her work clothes, heels and immaculate makeup and hair, not a bead of sweat on her, while I stood next to her, sweating buckets and fighting a losing battle with hair frizz. Not my most confident moment, I’ll admit.

2. Singapore is spotlessly clean. And I mean clean, like my bathtub gets when I’m angry.

3. I saw very few people wearing jeans. Denim and sweat don’t mix..

4. Also not too many women wear heels. Because despite the heat, people usually take public transport and walk a lot. I don’t have my car so I will also need to walk. I’m  going to die here.

5. There are juice vending machines here. Fresh juice, you guys. The machine is packed with oranges. You insert a two dollar bill and it squeezes out fresh juice!! And I don’t know why I’m so excited about it. I don’t even like orange juice!

6. We get asked about our race. A lot. We’re house hunting and one of the first questions most agents ask is our race and nationality and what passport I hold. I’m going to reserve judgement until I know why.

7. The food culture here is insane! Every street corner has a mall with myriad food options and all of them delicious. To quote Elizabeth Gilbert in “Eat, Pray, Love”- “Baby, you’re in big trouble.”

8. It rained here today. This rain is the stuff of romance movies. It’s not shy. It’s an unabashed thundering downpour.

9. And finally, the people – they are some of the sweetest people we’ve met. Or maybe I just have my rose-tinted glasses on.

I connected with a few local writers over Facebook today. Exciting times ahead!

Now if only the house hunt would end soon. I’m getting fed up of living out of a suitcase. Despite all the food options around me, all I need now is a good home cooked meal.