Daily life in Singapore

Well I am learning how to get around in Singapore. I am taking pottery classes and have to take the train to the Orchard area for the class. Today was my first day to take the trip, alone! Yes, I was a little afraid but gave myself plenty of time in case I got lost. I took the correct trains and although they were crowded, I got off at the right stop. I feel very comfortable and safe here, almost as much as I do back in Texas. It is quite fun to be able to travel anywhere on the island. It is also very inexpensive to travel by train, it was less than 4 Singapore dollars for the round trip. My pottery class is going well, my progress seems so slow but I have now made 5 pieces. Next time I will trim the pieces and glaze them for the final firing. I hope to continue taking this class as I am really enjoying it! Please don't look too closely at the latest work because I have done no trimming on these pieces. This has got to be one of the cleanest places in the world, they clean constantly outside and even seem to have uniformed people cleaning. The landscape here is beautiful and lush no matter where you find yourself on the island.

Well we are acclimating to life in Singapore. We have moved into our condo and we are in the penthouse at Mera Saga on the 8th floor. The condo came unfurnished so I have had such fun getting furniture at reasonable prices. It takes lots of searching on the internet! But we now have all 4 bedrooms furnished and we have a couch and dining table with chairs! We had to literally go to warehouses to find the furniture and then they deliver it to the condo. I have a nice kitchen but the layout here is different than at home, most kitchens are not air conditioned, thank goodness we can have a/c in ours. We live in Holland Village and lots of expats live here. We have everything we need, including Wendy's and Starbucks in walking distance from home. There is a any type of restaurant that you can imagine here as well. There  is a good sized grocery called Cold Storage and 2 pharmacy type stores with lots of OTC products (Watsons and Guardians). Everything here is 3 times more expensive than the states except for the transportation (cabs, buses and MRT-train).  I do miss Walmart! You have to travel down to Orchard road by taxi to find any type of store with kitchenware or bedding supplies, this was the hardest to get! Everything that you buy has to fit in a cab or you carry since we don't have a car here. I walk an average of 5 miles a day here. 

We have experienced the food, which is very tasty (especially the Gelato) but have opted out of trying some things (octopus balls- yuck). Yes, I am sure that some of you out there would probably like them! The local food is primarily Asian type with rice or noodles and meat in a soup style. I am becoming quite accomplished at eating with chopsticks! 

The weather here is always the same, very warm and humid with a chance of rain. Carrying an umbrella is a must or you will get wet! It is quite beautiful to watch a storm roll in and smell the rain coming. And just as quickly the rain is over and the sun comes out again.

I miss everyone back in the states so very much! We have plenty of room here so if anyone wants to travel to Singapore, please come and stay with us! 

Singapore Botanic Garden

I just took a walk to The Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was an amazing adventure. one because I am in this country where I know no one and two because I am walking out here alone! So, I was bored sitting in a hotel room and I am always up for an adventure! Wow, what I encountered was pretty amazing to say the least. yes, I have to admit, I did get lost, but I just kept going until I located a street that was familiar to me. But

it was well worth the extra walking! How could one look at these beautiful things in this garden and NOT believe in God! From the intricate designs of these flowers to the complexity of a butterfly wing, everything here shows the majesty of God. I know that men can make some amazing things (because of what God has provided) but this place is breathtaking! I now know why they call it "A Timeless Tropical Eden". And what you do not hear in these pictures, I cannot start to describe! This is the epitome of peace and tranquility with rushing waters and birds singing everywhere. (Yes, rushing water - I made myself sit here and let my mind realize the sound can be soothing to me, and I cannot tell you how gratifying that was). Oh and did I tell you that there are no bugs! It is very tropical but I have not seen any biting insects yet! And so as I leave the garden, I enter back into the world of hustle and bustle, so I put my headphones on and turn my music up!

Singapore Stuff

So here is my pottery that I have made in my class. No, it is not finished so don't judge it yet! 

I had to go downtown  get my dependent pass from the Ministry of Manpower. This is a picture of the casino that is located downtown. It is amazing from a distance, hopefully we will get to see it up close!

They have malls that are blocks and blocks long! You can travel underground through these malls and never go outside! The food courts are as large as the whole mall in Tyler, pretty amazing! I even found a Pink Pharmacy!

Mera Saga Condo in Singapore

Well we are settling in to the Singapore life. We went yesterday looking for condos to live in and after looking at over 10 locations we found one at Holland Village which is located about 20 minutes from Mike's work by train (MRT). So we put an offer in and they accepted it today! Holland Village is where many Expats live and there are lots of shops and a grocery store and restaurants. The only problem is that the condo comes completely UNFURNISHED so I have to find a way to furnish it! What a challenge for me! Did you know that they have Craigslist Singapore? We will become quite familiar, I am sure! We are on the top floor and the view is beautiful! We have 4 bedrooms so those of you out there who want to travel will have a place to stay! I have attached a few pics of the condo for you to see.

Today we went to church with a group of Christians who are meeting at a YMCA building here and there are about 35 members. It is quite refreshing to see the zeal for God's word that we all should have, it is very uplifting. But, it makes me sad for home and the normalcy of life in Lindale and the people there that I love. We are on quite an adventure and are glad to be together, Mike and I. Every day brings new things and new challenges but as always, I am up for anything!

Living in Singapore

Well we have arrived in Singapore! It was such a long flight- 17 hours from Los Angeles so we literally lost a day. It is Wednesday here and we are 13 hours ahead of those of you in Texas. The weather here is very warm (75 to 85 degrees) and sunny and the people here are very friendly. And they speak English!!! Today I took a walk down Orchard Street and every possible store is here!!! From Louis Vuitton to Coach to Wendy's to McDonald's... Everything is here! But it is all very expensive. I am going to find some gelato at the mall after I go find some lunch! Love to all!

Our New Adventure

Well we are now at the airport getting ready to board on our flight to Singapore. To all of our family and friends who we leave behind, we love you and miss you already! I cannot express with words just how much love we have for everyone but that I am so thankful to be going with Mike. I hope to somehow share this adventure with those who read this through my eyes and if you know me, then you know that it will definitely be an adventure! Reach out and hug someone today and let others know that you love them! Love to all! Evelyn

Home Sweet Home- Lindale

As we get ready to leave Lindale on Monday, I find that the beauty around our home here is much more evident. We have really made changes over the years and love where we live! As we embark on a new adventure, I find it hard to leave the comforts around here without a little sadness. Although this will always be home, we know that for Mike and myself that home is where we are with each other and we embrace this new adventure! +Singapore better get ready because "here we come"!

Carah and Dan 12-15-2012

Carah & Dan Wedding 12-15-2012

What a wonderful day this was for all of us. Carah and Dan were married and began their new lives together. It was an amazing wedding and fun for all who attended. We are so very proud of both of our children and are so happy that Carah has chosen Dan to spend the rest of her life with him.

Seasons in Lindale, Texas

Fall

Summer

Spring

Winter