Life's too short. Now or Never!: First weeks in Sing

Just when I started to let go of my habits and expectations such as can't always customize my coffee to a T, concept of deodorant is non-existent (don't worry, I brought 6), and that diet coke here tastes different, in exchange for what I soak in everyday living in foreign countries, which outweigh any of the minor discomforts being outside of the U.S., my mom and aunt decided to pay a visit and brought back all of the familiarities that I've been missing. They've just left for the airport this morning, and boy, do I have the blues. :(

Being in Singapore has been easy, especially after 2 weeks in Shanghai. Everyone speaks English, the MRT rocks, and people here just feel more on the same page. It's quite neat to see the colonial buildings, hear old Asian cab drivers speak perfect English, and explore this cutting edge city. The internet is faster, mobile phone more clear, and the systems here are extremely efficient. The only thing is, it is HOT, 90 degrees with 90% humidity. It feels like Hawaii in its hottest month, ALL THE TIME. The great thing is ac is everywhere and you can walk from building to building without going outside and get to your destination. It is a huge melting pot, yes, you melt from the heat, but I'm referring to the diversity in people here. Because of its location, there are people from all over the world, which means the diversity in food is great, and SO delicious. However, Singapore is surprisingly expensive. Rent is comparable to NYC and everything else costs just as much as California!

What Josh and I have been up to here -

working, processing immigration paperwork, apartment hunting, getting together with friends, exploring different MRT stops, and trying different cuisines.

Here are some photos from mom's visit.

At Long Bar, Raffles Hotel

Enjoying my first ever Singapore Sling

With mom and aunt at Raffles Hotel

Hanging out in Clark Quay

Serving up my Turkish ice-cream. So good, less sweet, a little chewy like mochi, and he does tricks!

Bar named Clinic, wheelchair seats, IV drips drinks, etc.

Dinner at Long Beach in East Coast - pepper crab

First time eating bamboo clam

Local favorite - kaya with toast. Kaya is made of coconut and eggs with consistency like marmalade. It is not too sweet and great with a cup of local coffee (kopi).