Nonya Kaya

Yesterday, on our way to ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) to see a Singaporean movie, Sandcastle by director Boo Junfeng, we passed by China Town, where I couldn’t resist going in one of the Chinese supermarkets. In there I found Nonya Kaya, made in Singapore. I love kaya. Most people think it is too sweet, but I just love it. It is a coconut and egg jam, with a hint of pandan, that Singaporeans eat on toast with a thick layer of butter. Even though I know my tummy will not be able to take it for now, I bought two jars.

The film, that was part of the London Film Festival, was different than I expected. I thought it would be a critique to the current political situation in Singapore but, although it touched some sensitive social and historical aspects, it was more focused on family values. I enjoyed it but it will probably not win any prizes.

And our life in boxes again...

Singapore skyline

Christmas in the Tropics

Was not that bad!

White Lady

2 parts gin
1 part Cointreau
1 part lemon juice
with plenty of ice

Night life

Because there’s not much more to do around here, because the weather invites you to, and because we want to make the most out of out stay here, we’ve been going out a lot more than we used to. I even have my list of favourite places already. I like:
- Chijmes for the atmosphere and choice of restaurants
- Hacienda Bar for the greenery and swings
- Bar Opiume for the cocktails and the view on the river
- New Asia for the splendid view over Singapore
- Bar Stop for the live music and decoration
- Alley Bar for the relaxing lounge music and atmosphere
- Coastes, at Siloso beach, to chill out

Sunday at Sentosa

It started nice and sunny, sunbathing on the beach…

It ended in a thunderstorm with heavy rain.

This is Singapore in the rainy season!

Cycling around Pulau Ubin

The bumboat that took us from Changi Village to Pulau Ubin

Welcome!

I love palm trees, always reminded me of the tropics

A Malay kampong house

Chek Jawa Wetlands

Mangrove swamp

Attap seeds

There're so many orchids in Singapore, I cannot stop myself...

First impressions

Our move to Singapore went smoothly, without any incidents, everything went well and I am really enjoying my first weeks, despite the heat, humidity and the initial jet lag.

It is quite an interesting place, I am amazed how they managed to put more than 4,5 million people in such a small island. And so well organised. Although it is very crowded I never get the claustrophobic feeling I used to get in London, it is much more pleasant and green over here.

My first impression was very good:
- very green and flowery
- very clean and organised
- people smile a lot
- good food (I will put on weight, that’s for sure!)
- relaxed atmosphere

I have the feeling I am on holidays even though I need to come to the office. Talking about the office, it is great, with an amazing view over the river and the city.

At this moment we are living in a serviced apartment really in the centre. It is a very nice comfortable place and I love the fact that I can swim and cool down every evening in the pool.

I think I am going to like living here. The big downside is the distance, it is too far away from Europe. Too far away from my family. And the time difference is a bit annoying because I can never call when I feel like talking, sometimes I feel like waking people up just for a chat.

I am suffering a bit with the heat, in fact, it is more the humidity that bothers me. It feels like I am in a greenhouse the whole time, if it wasn't for the airco everywhere I would be dead by now.

The view out my office window