Singapore, according to its Father - Lee Kuan Yew:
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Rupee Room
Ingredients for a great night out in Singapore:
1. A double decker bus.
2. Free drinks on said bus.
3. Wild new friends from India.
4. Going to local club, 'The Ruppee Room' with new friends.
5. Raging to Indian Bollywood music.
Ingredients for a slightly-less-great night out in Singapore:
1. Paying $13 for a movie ticket to 'Final Destination 3D'.
2. Wishing you had flushed the $13 down a toliet instead.
1. A double decker bus.
2. Free drinks on said bus.
3. Wild new friends from India.
4. Going to local club, 'The Ruppee Room' with new friends.
5. Raging to Indian Bollywood music.
Ingredients for a slightly-less-great night out in Singapore:
1. Paying $13 for a movie ticket to 'Final Destination 3D'.
2. Wishing you had flushed the $13 down a toliet instead.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Malaysia + Indonesia
A Couple Trips So Far...
I can’t believe that my one month anniversary of arriving in Asia is just around the corner! It seems like just yesterday that I was getting locked in bathrooms, sleeping in airports, and wandering the streets of the Arab district in search of my hostel.
During August, I have been fortunate enough to have already fit in 2 weekends of travelling since having settled into life at SMU on exchange...
My first trip away from “home” was to Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. This was a phenomenal opportunity to get to know my roommates better. We has a little trouble getting there and back (including being stuck in the middle of nowhere at midnight, cabbing half-way to Malaysia, overbooked buses, a run-away bus, and random holes/flaps in the bus floor when we did finally manage to get our seats). That said, the trip was a good opportunity for us to come together and overcome Malaysia’s ‘challenges’ as a group. KL was a really cool city – we got to see the world famous Patronus Towers, the Batu Caves Hindu shrine, KL Chinatown, exciting live bands, and my personal favourite – the trendy, fresh Sky Bar. Sky Bar is a lounge on one of the top floors at the Shangri La’s Traders Hotel in KL, which features an indoor pool. The hotel is located across the way from the Patronus Towers which are spectacularly lit up until midnight. The phenomenal view definitely made paying for one an expensive beer worthwhile.
Our second trip away from Singapore was to Bintan – a costal Indonesian island. One Canadian dollar is worth 9,220 Indonesian Rupiahs, so it was quite difficult to repress the urge to open up my wallet and make-it-rain. Our trip to Bintan was a much needed relaxing weekend away. After organizing classes, school, our apartment, routines, and such, we all appreciated a weekend to just sit on the beach. We ended up staying at the “Shady Shack” which definitely lived up to its name.
Lobo and his wife run this beach “resort” that featured a couple creaky thatched-roof shacks on the side of their private beach. Lobo’s family made us hearty meals every day, as well as a bon-fire on the beach for our last night in town. I would recommend Shady Shack to anyone who doesn’t mind finding snakes in their shower, cockroaches in their bed, mosquitoes on their pillows, or rabid attacking monkeys on a walk through the neighbourhood. In truth, the Shady Shack turned out to be a great experience for a couple of University students looking to rough it a couple nights in turn for a chance to sit on a nice beach, read a couple textbooks and listen to music. O – and I also got a chance to test out my underwater camera; check out some pics...
I think the most interesting thing about leaving Singapore has been how excited I have been to come back after a couple weekends away :)
I can’t believe that my one month anniversary of arriving in Asia is just around the corner! It seems like just yesterday that I was getting locked in bathrooms, sleeping in airports, and wandering the streets of the Arab district in search of my hostel.
During August, I have been fortunate enough to have already fit in 2 weekends of travelling since having settled into life at SMU on exchange...
My first trip away from “home” was to Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. This was a phenomenal opportunity to get to know my roommates better. We has a little trouble getting there and back (including being stuck in the middle of nowhere at midnight, cabbing half-way to Malaysia, overbooked buses, a run-away bus, and random holes/flaps in the bus floor when we did finally manage to get our seats). That said, the trip was a good opportunity for us to come together and overcome Malaysia’s ‘challenges’ as a group. KL was a really cool city – we got to see the world famous Patronus Towers, the Batu Caves Hindu shrine, KL Chinatown, exciting live bands, and my personal favourite – the trendy, fresh Sky Bar. Sky Bar is a lounge on one of the top floors at the Shangri La’s Traders Hotel in KL, which features an indoor pool. The hotel is located across the way from the Patronus Towers which are spectacularly lit up until midnight. The phenomenal view definitely made paying for one an expensive beer worthwhile.
Our second trip away from Singapore was to Bintan – a costal Indonesian island. One Canadian dollar is worth 9,220 Indonesian Rupiahs, so it was quite difficult to repress the urge to open up my wallet and make-it-rain. Our trip to Bintan was a much needed relaxing weekend away. After organizing classes, school, our apartment, routines, and such, we all appreciated a weekend to just sit on the beach. We ended up staying at the “Shady Shack” which definitely lived up to its name.
Lobo and his wife run this beach “resort” that featured a couple creaky thatched-roof shacks on the side of their private beach. Lobo’s family made us hearty meals every day, as well as a bon-fire on the beach for our last night in town. I would recommend Shady Shack to anyone who doesn’t mind finding snakes in their shower, cockroaches in their bed, mosquitoes on their pillows, or rabid attacking monkeys on a walk through the neighbourhood. In truth, the Shady Shack turned out to be a great experience for a couple of University students looking to rough it a couple nights in turn for a chance to sit on a nice beach, read a couple textbooks and listen to music. O – and I also got a chance to test out my underwater camera; check out some pics...
I think the most interesting thing about leaving Singapore has been how excited I have been to come back after a couple weekends away :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Drink for Thought
Just a little food (or drink, rather) for thought...
Singapore is only 10km2 in size; with few natural resources, their government relies on innoviation and creativity to provide fresh drinking water to its citizens.
This is a very interesting video on fresh water in Singapore.
Too often, we Canadians take our vast natural resources (especially our fresh water) for granted!
Singapore is only 10km2 in size; with few natural resources, their government relies on innoviation and creativity to provide fresh drinking water to its citizens.
This is a very interesting video on fresh water in Singapore.
Too often, we Canadians take our vast natural resources (especially our fresh water) for granted!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Singapore!
Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!
On August 9th, 2009, Singapore, the tiny red dot in South East Asia celebrated its 44th Birthday.
In commemoration of this important day (marking the tiny isle’s emancipation from Malaysian rule), the Straits Times invited its readers to submit 44 reasons for their love of Singapore.
As explained by Editor Susan Long,
“There is no end of rational reasons of course and we can all reel them off: the unbeatable Changi Airport touch-down, our new megawatt Orchard Road, clockwork public transport system, reassuringly low crime, well-run government, National Service-forged camaraderie and subsidised school fees.
Then there are near and dear reasons like the 24/7 smorgasbord of food available, the comfort of kopi-o on Sunday mornings in Crocs sandals, eccentric neighbourhood buskers, the evocative appeal of Singlish and affectionate community cats that sidle up for pats.
We have our idiosyncrasies as well, endearing obsessions with campaigns, durians, queues, acronyms, and giving French names to the oddest of things. If they make us look a bit eccentric to outsiders, hey, what do they know?”
On August 9th, I found myself in the midst of discovering many of Singapore’s quirky concepts, facts, and details for the first time. I didn’t know a whole lot about the deep history of this place, but what I did know what that I had found a safe, adventurous, interesting, welcoming, and comfortable home away from home in less than a week’s time.
Now for some interesting things I learned on Singapore Day: the Singaporean Flag and Coat of Arms explained...
• White color – purity and virtue
• Red color – brotherhood and equality
• Crescent moon – young nation rising
• 5 stars – 5 national ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality
Finally, this is a video from the fireworks celebration (courtesy of my American roommate Danny Chapman). At the end of the video there is footage of this little kid running around in squeaky shoes – all the rage in Singapore. I will be getting myself a pair shortly.
On August 9th, 2009, Singapore, the tiny red dot in South East Asia celebrated its 44th Birthday.
In commemoration of this important day (marking the tiny isle’s emancipation from Malaysian rule), the Straits Times invited its readers to submit 44 reasons for their love of Singapore.
As explained by Editor Susan Long,
“There is no end of rational reasons of course and we can all reel them off: the unbeatable Changi Airport touch-down, our new megawatt Orchard Road, clockwork public transport system, reassuringly low crime, well-run government, National Service-forged camaraderie and subsidised school fees.
Then there are near and dear reasons like the 24/7 smorgasbord of food available, the comfort of kopi-o on Sunday mornings in Crocs sandals, eccentric neighbourhood buskers, the evocative appeal of Singlish and affectionate community cats that sidle up for pats.
We have our idiosyncrasies as well, endearing obsessions with campaigns, durians, queues, acronyms, and giving French names to the oddest of things. If they make us look a bit eccentric to outsiders, hey, what do they know?”
On August 9th, I found myself in the midst of discovering many of Singapore’s quirky concepts, facts, and details for the first time. I didn’t know a whole lot about the deep history of this place, but what I did know what that I had found a safe, adventurous, interesting, welcoming, and comfortable home away from home in less than a week’s time.
Now for some interesting things I learned on Singapore Day: the Singaporean Flag and Coat of Arms explained...
• White color – purity and virtue
• Red color – brotherhood and equality
• Crescent moon – young nation rising
• 5 stars – 5 national ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality
Finally, this is a video from the fireworks celebration (courtesy of my American roommate Danny Chapman). At the end of the video there is footage of this little kid running around in squeaky shoes – all the rage in Singapore. I will be getting myself a pair shortly.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Happy Journey Starts Like That
13/08/09
In Singapore, getting around is very easy. With the MRT and bus system, every corner of the city is accessible within a couple quick stops. That said, apparently many Singaporeans need help understanding proper conduct when using these transportation services.
Luckily, the Singaporean government has released an informative video on this matter! The clip starring local comedian, Phua Chu Kang, plays continuously on flat screen televisions throughout the underground subways.
Please note the bling and rain boots...baller.
Remember: A happy journey starts like that-La!
Thomas
In Singapore, getting around is very easy. With the MRT and bus system, every corner of the city is accessible within a couple quick stops. That said, apparently many Singaporeans need help understanding proper conduct when using these transportation services.
Luckily, the Singaporean government has released an informative video on this matter! The clip starring local comedian, Phua Chu Kang, plays continuously on flat screen televisions throughout the underground subways.
Please note the bling and rain boots...baller.
Remember: A happy journey starts like that-La!
Thomas
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
In The Beginning
12/08/09 (Singaporean time)
Today marks one week since I left Vancouver for Asia – it feels like some much longer! My time here has felt like a sweet dream – obviously filled with its fair share of bumps and notably hilarious experiences.
Funny story (If you already haven’t heard from our dear friend Ale)...
I arrived in Singapore at 1am (after a 12 hr flight to Korea, 3 hr layover, and 6 hr flight to Singapore) and decided that I was okay with being “that guy” who shows up at the hostel at 3am wanting to check in. Unfortunately the MRT (subway) was closed until morning and the taxis only took Sing dollars. I had no Sing dollars. Stressful.
As an alternative, I decided to create and makeshift bed with my bags and pack it in for the night. Before hitting the sack, however, I needed to use the washroom so I headed for the men’s room with my bag-stacked bugee. In signature Thomas fashion, I proceeded to get locked in (because of a broken door handle) and waited 10min until I heard someone wheeling my luggage away. Quickly, I pushed the emergency button and the whole airport’s alarm system started sounding. I was bombarded by security. Embarrassing.
Now for some good news – I have an apartment! Together with Braydon, Jay (Victoria), Sam (New York), Danny (Chicago), Chelsea (Atlanta), and Mary (Paris) we found a cozy three bedroom apartment a couple minutes away from the MRT system, shopping centre, grocery store, and bus stops. On Sunday night we threw a housewarming party and had 29 of our fellow exchange students over as guests. For some reason “Who has the hat?” doesn’t seem to translate that well...
That’s all for now!
Thomas
Today marks one week since I left Vancouver for Asia – it feels like some much longer! My time here has felt like a sweet dream – obviously filled with its fair share of bumps and notably hilarious experiences.
Funny story (If you already haven’t heard from our dear friend Ale)...
I arrived in Singapore at 1am (after a 12 hr flight to Korea, 3 hr layover, and 6 hr flight to Singapore) and decided that I was okay with being “that guy” who shows up at the hostel at 3am wanting to check in. Unfortunately the MRT (subway) was closed until morning and the taxis only took Sing dollars. I had no Sing dollars. Stressful.
As an alternative, I decided to create and makeshift bed with my bags and pack it in for the night. Before hitting the sack, however, I needed to use the washroom so I headed for the men’s room with my bag-stacked bugee. In signature Thomas fashion, I proceeded to get locked in (because of a broken door handle) and waited 10min until I heard someone wheeling my luggage away. Quickly, I pushed the emergency button and the whole airport’s alarm system started sounding. I was bombarded by security. Embarrassing.
Now for some good news – I have an apartment! Together with Braydon, Jay (Victoria), Sam (New York), Danny (Chicago), Chelsea (Atlanta), and Mary (Paris) we found a cozy three bedroom apartment a couple minutes away from the MRT system, shopping centre, grocery store, and bus stops. On Sunday night we threw a housewarming party and had 29 of our fellow exchange students over as guests. For some reason “Who has the hat?” doesn’t seem to translate that well...
That’s all for now!
Thomas
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Introduction
31/07/09
Dear World,
My name is Thomas and this is my blog. In a few short days I will be leaving Vancouver, headed to Singapore for a five month International Study exchange.
I'd like to take what little time I have right now (which realistically should be spent on packing, organizing my backpack, or setting up my itinerary), to introduce "The Singa Experiment".
During my Fall semester in Asia, I'm going to update "The Singa Experiment" with pictures, posts, entries, and submissions which will hopefully give you all a bit of an idea of what I'm up to. Feel free to comment on any of my posts - I definitely want to hear from each and every one of you.
I hope that this blog will become a great way for me to document my experience abroad. I also hope that all of you can use it as a tool, much in the same way as you use facebook or youtube. Let "The Singa Experience" become a great new asset to your daily regiment of homework distraction and mindless web surfing! I can't promise that it will provide the same amount of satisfaction as your regular facebook updates, but I will certainly do my best.
How's that for an introduction?
Thomas
Dear World,
My name is Thomas and this is my blog. In a few short days I will be leaving Vancouver, headed to Singapore for a five month International Study exchange.
I'd like to take what little time I have right now (which realistically should be spent on packing, organizing my backpack, or setting up my itinerary), to introduce "The Singa Experiment".
During my Fall semester in Asia, I'm going to update "The Singa Experiment" with pictures, posts, entries, and submissions which will hopefully give you all a bit of an idea of what I'm up to. Feel free to comment on any of my posts - I definitely want to hear from each and every one of you.
I hope that this blog will become a great way for me to document my experience abroad. I also hope that all of you can use it as a tool, much in the same way as you use facebook or youtube. Let "The Singa Experience" become a great new asset to your daily regiment of homework distraction and mindless web surfing! I can't promise that it will provide the same amount of satisfaction as your regular facebook updates, but I will certainly do my best.
How's that for an introduction?
Thomas
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