However, I have been in many cars now, and they all have many decorations inside. Steering Wheel covers, seat covers, seat belt covers, etc. One of my male coworkers has Winnie the Pooh seat covers. I took a picture of one of the seat belt covers.
Saturday 29 October 2011
Cars in Singapore
Having a car in Singapore is very rare, and very expensive. Applying for the papers for a car costs around $10k, and once you get the papers, it costs about another $60k, just for the papers before you buy the car.
However, I have been in many cars now, and they all have many decorations inside. Steering Wheel covers, seat covers, seat belt covers, etc. One of my male coworkers has Winnie the Pooh seat covers. I took a picture of one of the seat belt covers.
However, I have been in many cars now, and they all have many decorations inside. Steering Wheel covers, seat covers, seat belt covers, etc. One of my male coworkers has Winnie the Pooh seat covers. I took a picture of one of the seat belt covers.
Sentosa Island
Sunday, October 23
My coworker Carrie asked me if I wanted to go to the Singapore National Museum and Sentosa Island with her and her daughter (Bernice) today. They picked me up from my apartment, and off we went!
The first stop - the Singapore National Museum. The whole tour was "automated" and the history was based on the the different nationalities that comprise Singapore. Singapore was at one time British, then Chinese, and now it's own country. There are many Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian people here. (Pictures below)
After the museum, Carrie, Bernice and I went to Chinatown for lunch. We went to the Hawker Center in Chinatown. We ate pork pourage, carrot cake and pork dumplings. The pourage was rice with water, and pork. It was very thick, and was not bad. It was a different consistency, but the flavor was good. The carrot cake was an egg dish with potatoes and onions. I didn't see or taste any carrots, but it reminded me of tortilla de patata that we ate often in Spain. It was really good. The fried pork dumplings are exactly like we would eat in the states in a Chinese Restaurant. The only difference is the sauce - it is not soy or sweet, but a "ginger" sauce. We shared everything, and ate everything with chopsticks.
We left Chinatown for Sentosa Island. Singapore consists of 60 islands. Many are not developed, but Sentosa is a tourist island with many touristy things to do. There is a Universal Studios, a casino, many restaurants, beaches, animal exhibits, animal shows, water and lazer show, etc. There is also the biggest candy store I have ever seen here. I thought I was in heaven.... Bernice bought some chocolate, I didn't buy anything, I had to leave, as my will power was being tested. Sentosa is very busy, with a lot to do and see. We went to 2 of the beaches on the island. walked around and went to a bird show. There is also a Garrett's on Sentosa, and I found out there are 12 Garrett's in Singapore! I can't believe I haven't gone yet.... still 2 more months here, so there is time :)
The funniest thing that happened at Sentosa: I was taking a picture of a water fall, when some people asked if I would take a picture. I thought they wanted me to take a picture of their group. Turns out, they wanted to take a picture with me. They were from the Philippines and I wasn't sure if they wanted my picture because I was 2 feet taller then them, had blond hair, or was American. They asked if I was American, and were very excited when I said yes. Then proceeded to ask if they could touch my yellow hair. They were super nice, and very appreciative of me taking a picture with them. It was cute, and very funny :) Carrie was very amused by this.
After Sentosa, Carrie wanted to take me to the grocery store so I could buy a water bottle. She is worried I am not drinking enough water in the office :) So we went to one of the malls to eat. The malls consist of food courts, carry out, fast food as well as fine dining. We ate Thai food, and the meal was really good. We shared chili chicken and pork curry.
After a long day, Carrie and Bernice dropped me off at my apartment. It was a very fun day!
Pictures of the Museum
Pictures of Sentosa
One of the many Singapore Ports
This is for Jen - the most Chewy Frutys I have ever seen!
For Mom :)
My coworker Carrie asked me if I wanted to go to the Singapore National Museum and Sentosa Island with her and her daughter (Bernice) today. They picked me up from my apartment, and off we went!
The first stop - the Singapore National Museum. The whole tour was "automated" and the history was based on the the different nationalities that comprise Singapore. Singapore was at one time British, then Chinese, and now it's own country. There are many Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian people here. (Pictures below)
After the museum, Carrie, Bernice and I went to Chinatown for lunch. We went to the Hawker Center in Chinatown. We ate pork pourage, carrot cake and pork dumplings. The pourage was rice with water, and pork. It was very thick, and was not bad. It was a different consistency, but the flavor was good. The carrot cake was an egg dish with potatoes and onions. I didn't see or taste any carrots, but it reminded me of tortilla de patata that we ate often in Spain. It was really good. The fried pork dumplings are exactly like we would eat in the states in a Chinese Restaurant. The only difference is the sauce - it is not soy or sweet, but a "ginger" sauce. We shared everything, and ate everything with chopsticks.
We left Chinatown for Sentosa Island. Singapore consists of 60 islands. Many are not developed, but Sentosa is a tourist island with many touristy things to do. There is a Universal Studios, a casino, many restaurants, beaches, animal exhibits, animal shows, water and lazer show, etc. There is also the biggest candy store I have ever seen here. I thought I was in heaven.... Bernice bought some chocolate, I didn't buy anything, I had to leave, as my will power was being tested. Sentosa is very busy, with a lot to do and see. We went to 2 of the beaches on the island. walked around and went to a bird show. There is also a Garrett's on Sentosa, and I found out there are 12 Garrett's in Singapore! I can't believe I haven't gone yet.... still 2 more months here, so there is time :)
The funniest thing that happened at Sentosa: I was taking a picture of a water fall, when some people asked if I would take a picture. I thought they wanted me to take a picture of their group. Turns out, they wanted to take a picture with me. They were from the Philippines and I wasn't sure if they wanted my picture because I was 2 feet taller then them, had blond hair, or was American. They asked if I was American, and were very excited when I said yes. Then proceeded to ask if they could touch my yellow hair. They were super nice, and very appreciative of me taking a picture with them. It was cute, and very funny :) Carrie was very amused by this.
After Sentosa, Carrie wanted to take me to the grocery store so I could buy a water bottle. She is worried I am not drinking enough water in the office :) So we went to one of the malls to eat. The malls consist of food courts, carry out, fast food as well as fine dining. We ate Thai food, and the meal was really good. We shared chili chicken and pork curry.
After a long day, Carrie and Bernice dropped me off at my apartment. It was a very fun day!
Pictures of the Museum
One of the many Singapore Ports
The Largest Candy Store I have ever been in.
Universal Studios
Halloween Decorations at Sentosa
Carrie and Bernice
Tiger Tower - for Tony Wedl :)
I didn't realize how tall I was until this picture with my friends from the Phillipines
A bridge on Sentosa from one island to another.
Went to a bird show, where they brought out a huge snake after. Everyone was aloud to touch it at the end of the show, and it is not at all what you would think it would feel like. This is a special "albino" species with rare coloring.
Singpore = Singapura = Lion
Saturday 22 October 2011
Singapore is International
Singapore is the most international place I have ever been. Their shops, their food, everything. I wrote down all of the "American" stores and restaurants I have seen because I think it's interesting.
On a side note, there is literally a McDonald's on every corner, and they are always packed with people.
What have I seen? (No Taco Bell :()
- McDonald's
- Quiznos
- Burger King
- Carl's Jr.
- Long John Silvers
- TGI Fridays
- Chilis
- Applebees
- Tony Roma's
- Garrett's Popcorn (NYC, Chicago, Singapore and Dubai)
- Subway
- Wendy's
- Pizza Hut
- KFC
- Dominos
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Coffee Bean
- The Gap
- Toys R Us
- Forever 21
- 7-11
- Ben & Jerry's
On a side note, there is literally a McDonald's on every corner, and they are always packed with people.
What have I seen? (No Taco Bell :()
- McDonald's
- Quiznos
- Burger King
- Carl's Jr.
- Long John Silvers
- TGI Fridays
- Chilis
- Applebees
- Tony Roma's
- Garrett's Popcorn (NYC, Chicago, Singapore and Dubai)
- Subway
- Wendy's
- Pizza Hut
- KFC
- Dominos
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Starbucks
- Coffee Bean
- The Gap
- Toys R Us
- Forever 21
- 7-11
- Ben & Jerry's
Century Egg = FEAR FACTOR
Tuesday, October 18
My day started out very normal today.... until lunch.
Now that I have been here over a week my coworkers have decided that I should start trying more of the local food. At lunch they bought me a plate of "things to try." Most of the food was pretty good, however I didn't know what most of it was. One thing that I did not like was a fish ball. It was very "fishy" the other was a Century Egg. Is is a black hard boiled egg that was featured on fear factor. They let me try it at the end of my meal, and it actually looks a lot worse then it tastes. When I told them it wasn't that bad their reply was, "oh good, then we can many more things." The next things on their list are: a fish head, "eyes are the best part" and pig tendon soup. I said I wouldn't try either, but I guess they are Singapore favorites, that I must try. I think I will wait a few weeks though!
Other fun facts/observations:
- In Singapore they drive on the other side of the car, and other side of the street. Opposite from America.
- 1 out of 5 people in Singapore are expats
- 5 million people live in Singapore
- There are 10 million tourists per year in Singapore.
- Many Malaysians commute to Singapore for work because the exchange rate is S$1 = 2.40 Malay
- Casinos are new in Singapore and are employing close to 20,000 people.
- Singaporeans have to pay S$100 to enter a casino, visitors can enter for free. The Singapore government doesn't want their people gambling
- 85% of people live in government housing
- Purchasing a car and getting a drivers license in Singapore is very expensive. An entry level car costs around S$100K. The government doesn't want old cars on the street, so every 10 years, you must buy a new car, and reapply for a license.
- Singapore is the #2 exporter of used cars in the world. Japan is #1
- When you are getting married in Singapore, Malaysia, China it is customary that the groom to be give the bride to be's family a monetary gift. The monetary gift starts out at $5000, a normal gift could be close to $15,000. The 2 families get together, bring in a good negotiator, and literally negotiate what the groom to be will give the brides parents. It has to be cash, and handed to the brides parents in one sum the day of the wedding. (I think our grooms in the U.S. need to pick up this custom).
My day started out very normal today.... until lunch.
Now that I have been here over a week my coworkers have decided that I should start trying more of the local food. At lunch they bought me a plate of "things to try." Most of the food was pretty good, however I didn't know what most of it was. One thing that I did not like was a fish ball. It was very "fishy" the other was a Century Egg. Is is a black hard boiled egg that was featured on fear factor. They let me try it at the end of my meal, and it actually looks a lot worse then it tastes. When I told them it wasn't that bad their reply was, "oh good, then we can many more things." The next things on their list are: a fish head, "eyes are the best part" and pig tendon soup. I said I wouldn't try either, but I guess they are Singapore favorites, that I must try. I think I will wait a few weeks though!
Other fun facts/observations:
- In Singapore they drive on the other side of the car, and other side of the street. Opposite from America.
- 1 out of 5 people in Singapore are expats
- 5 million people live in Singapore
- There are 10 million tourists per year in Singapore.
- Many Malaysians commute to Singapore for work because the exchange rate is S$1 = 2.40 Malay
- Casinos are new in Singapore and are employing close to 20,000 people.
- Singaporeans have to pay S$100 to enter a casino, visitors can enter for free. The Singapore government doesn't want their people gambling
- 85% of people live in government housing
- Purchasing a car and getting a drivers license in Singapore is very expensive. An entry level car costs around S$100K. The government doesn't want old cars on the street, so every 10 years, you must buy a new car, and reapply for a license.
- Singapore is the #2 exporter of used cars in the world. Japan is #1
- When you are getting married in Singapore, Malaysia, China it is customary that the groom to be give the bride to be's family a monetary gift. The monetary gift starts out at $5000, a normal gift could be close to $15,000. The 2 families get together, bring in a good negotiator, and literally negotiate what the groom to be will give the brides parents. It has to be cash, and handed to the brides parents in one sum the day of the wedding. (I think our grooms in the U.S. need to pick up this custom).
Dinner with Mary - October 17
Today is Monday.
I found out on Sunday that my friend from college, Mary Steimle, is living in Singapore! She works for Nike and move to Singapore in June as the controller for South East Asia. She will be here until March, then moves to India for 2 months and then possibly Brazil. I feel like I should be blogging for her instead of for me... her life is way more exciting!
We went to a bar called Brewercz. It is a micro brewery that plays the NFL games on Monday nights. They serve very western/American type food. We ordered a pizza, and chicken sandwich with fries to share. The food was good, and it's located in Clark Quay, which is right on the Singapore River. It was so much fun being there with Mary. She is such a great time, and it's awesome to have a friend withing walking distance! So excited :)
I posted pictures below. Clark Quay has great night life every night of the week!
Clark Quay is filled with lights, and music, and these cool "canopy things"
I found out on Sunday that my friend from college, Mary Steimle, is living in Singapore! She works for Nike and move to Singapore in June as the controller for South East Asia. She will be here until March, then moves to India for 2 months and then possibly Brazil. I feel like I should be blogging for her instead of for me... her life is way more exciting!
We went to a bar called Brewercz. It is a micro brewery that plays the NFL games on Monday nights. They serve very western/American type food. We ordered a pizza, and chicken sandwich with fries to share. The food was good, and it's located in Clark Quay, which is right on the Singapore River. It was so much fun being there with Mary. She is such a great time, and it's awesome to have a friend withing walking distance! So excited :)
I posted pictures below. Clark Quay has great night life every night of the week!
Clark Quay is filled with lights, and music, and these cool "canopy things"
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Sunday Delivery
I came home on Sunday to find a special delivery.... flowers and a stuffed animal to keep me company! Thank you Koz... so sweet... had to include pictures for everyone to see :) It put a huge smile on my face, and I love coming home to fresh flowers!
Also included pictures of my apartment.
Also included pictures of my apartment.
My apartment
Family Room
Kitchen
Closet 1
Closet 2
Bathroom
Sunday in Singapore!
First... Happy Birthday Wendy!!
I went to a Lutheran church today at 11 for their contemporary praise service. I walked in, and right away 2 Singaporean ladies came up to me and started talking to me immediately. I then met another lady who is from Kansas and she has lived here with her husband and kids for the past 4 years. Everyone was really nice. I went in for church, and mid service, was introduced to a young Singapore family. The lady was so nice, and kept asking me questions throughout the service! The church was really up lifting, and the people were all so passionate about being there! I took communion, and at the communion rail, the paster asked me my name. At the end of the service, he asked if there were any first time visitors, looked right at me, and said, "let's all welcome Nicole to our church" Everyone turned, and started clapping for me! It was so refreshing to be at a church with real people!
After church, I took a tour of Singapore on a hop on - hop off bus and river boat! It was an awesome tour, and I saw so much including, Little India, Chinatown, Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, and more!
I have included pictures below.
I went to a Lutheran church today at 11 for their contemporary praise service. I walked in, and right away 2 Singaporean ladies came up to me and started talking to me immediately. I then met another lady who is from Kansas and she has lived here with her husband and kids for the past 4 years. Everyone was really nice. I went in for church, and mid service, was introduced to a young Singapore family. The lady was so nice, and kept asking me questions throughout the service! The church was really up lifting, and the people were all so passionate about being there! I took communion, and at the communion rail, the paster asked me my name. At the end of the service, he asked if there were any first time visitors, looked right at me, and said, "let's all welcome Nicole to our church" Everyone turned, and started clapping for me! It was so refreshing to be at a church with real people!
After church, I took a tour of Singapore on a hop on - hop off bus and river boat! It was an awesome tour, and I saw so much including, Little India, Chinatown, Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, and more!
I have included pictures below.
Singapore Flyer is taller then the London Eye
Marina Bay Sands - One of the hotel casino's in Singapore. That is a ship on the top of the hotel with a bar, and infinity pool. The casino is in the basement. Tourists can get into the casino for free, but Singaporeans have to pay S$100 to enter, because their government doesn't want them gambling. The price to go to the top of the ship is S$20.
The art museum is to the left of the hotel.
Financial/Business District (Rockwell is not located here)
Financial/Business District View from the River
Swissotel - the tallest Hotel and building in Singapore with more than 70 floors - This is where Grace stays when she is in Singapore. On a side note, she will be here on Nov. 17 and I can't wait to see her :)
Clarke Quay During the Day.... Also starting the River Portion of the Tour
The Fullerton hotel was originally a hospital, turned into a hotel
Singapore or Singapora means lion.... This was really cool to see in action!
A theatre
Reminded me of the Calatrava
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