NZ Jellys on tour

Read through to the end for our scooter trip into Malaysia, but first let me tell you about our three Dutch relatives (all 50 years plus) who stopped over for one night, two days before they travelled on to visit family in NZ. It was their first time here and the pressure was on to give them a true taste of Singapore in a short time. We decided to keep it simple. Day 1 was MRT to Bugis outdoor street markets (on Queen Street). Aunty Maaike picked out a stunning full length summer dressing gown complete with Chinese dragon on the back for $5. The shopping had begun!

Shortest month of the year? Always. Busy? You betcha. So busy that there will be two blog posts to cover the short month of February. (I know, I know, the excitement is almost too much.) First up, let me tell you about Thaipusam which was early in the month of February. This is an annual Hindu festival observed by devout Tamil communities. I believe this festival has been banned in a number of countries, but is still allowed here in Singapore. In the weeks and days leading up to this lunar calendar event devotees seeking divine help fast and ritually prepare themselves  to carry burdens (kadavis) which may involve great loads carried by spikes and hooks in the skin.

The Year of the Rabbit gave way to the Chinese Year of the Dragon over the weekend (22/23 Jan 2012). The newspapers, movies and decorations on the streets reflect this most important of all Chinese occasions. I won't go into the traditions (gifts of money in even denominations only, not sweeping on New Years day for fear of sweeping away good luck, exchanging oranges and mandarins to name just a few) because this blog isn't intended for the millions out there and there are a million websites that will answer those questions. Although I welcome anyone to drop by, of course; this is written primarily for family and friends. We arrived back in Singapore on the 23rd Jan while many a Chinese house broom lay idle. We returned from our first trip back to New Zealand since moving here. 16 days in Aotearoa... time enough to enjoy meat pies from the dairy, fish and chips on the beach, play golf, ride motorbikes, attend a wedding and a 40th party and catch up with...

It's only proper to honour the Indian Hindu festivities of Deepavali (or Diwali) with a visit to Little India to eat scrummy Indian food.  Deepavali translates to 'row of lights' and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, the celebration of good over evil, of light over darkness. Serangoon Road, Little India 2011 Serangoon Road, the main commercial street of Little India has been lit up for a couple of weeks now and tomorrow is the public holiday of Deepavali. With Indians making up 9.2% of Singapore's population (um, let's see... 9.2% of 5.1 million equals... um... well, lots) I don't imagine there will be a lot of breathing room in Little India tomorrow!

The Chinese culture brings amazing things to daily life in Singapore. Early in the morning, Chinese aunties and uncles (terms of endearment for any senior citizen) are in their local parks practising tai chi or exercising using the all-weather fitness machines that are like brightly coloured playground equipment. Generally speaking, old Chinese people seem a lot fitter than old people in New Zealand!

I guess that's how long it takes before one feels truly settled enough to relax in front of the laptop knowing that the the family are doing OK in this new country. Either that, or I'm not as organised as I'd like to think I am! The kids still have homesick moments (don't we all?) but are fairly settled into the way of things here in Singapore. Their school issued laptops within the last two weeks; change is a constant in our lives.  This city life has taken some getting used to... the only place I've found where I can be truly alone is here in our condo once the kids are at school and hubby is at work.  There are lots of green spaces in Singapore, beautifully kept too, but you're never alone. Maybe that's one of the reasons it's so safe; it's impossible to get up to mischief without being seen. View from our 16th floor condo It would be a crime to recap the last five months in one long, nasty blog, so going with the theme of five, let me ...