Hey!

Me again. So I'm in to my third week here and I've already done so much I figured it was time for an update! You lucky people.

Since I last wrote the number one on my to-do list was find a job. I found a lot of online search engines which helped me out and applied for a number of positions. I enquired at a couple of recruitment agencies and it seems there are a lot of jobs open to people on short-term visa's such as myself, so I was hopeful. And luckily for me one came up through an agency after a few days so I headed off to an interview and got myself a 6 month contract!! I was really pleased in the knowledge I'd start getting some money coming in soon and the job itself sounded pretty good! The pays great, I'm working right in the centre of downtown and I'm back doing HR which is what I've got the most experience in. So things were shaping up well, only a week in!!

The downside to this was the paperwork! If anyone's considering following in my footsteps and heading across on a working visa, please take note. I was offered the job but I had to backup the last 2 years of my resume with supporting paperwork, something I've not had to do in the past, aside from references. As I was unaware of this I did not bring contracts, payslips and letters from previous work so I had to get them scanned across and then the hard copies posted over for confirmation! The position was never in doubt but it did delay my start date by almost a week. This is pretty common practice in Singapore, but something I didn't know before I got here, so I advice people to bring a lot of proof of job activity with them if they head over to work!

Aside from that it was all good. I started last Thursday and so far I've really enjoyed it. The days are quite long with the commute on top but the people are friendly and I'm settling in well. Hopefully it will also lead to meeting new friends and just generally getting the most out of my time here. Fingers crossed!!

Other than sorting out my work I've been keeping pretty busy. 6 months sounds like a long time but it'll soon fly by so I'm trying to make sure I see as much as possible whilst I'm here. So far I've explored a lot of the city centre and surrounding area. Its beautiful round the quays area, and the theatre on the bay, and its gearing up for the National Day on August 9th, a big celebration of Singapore's independence. Speaking of which I headed to the National Museum last week as well which gave me a good overview of the history of the place. Being such a crucial trade post for the last 200 years has given Singapore quite a fascinating history, and its amazing to think its only 45 years since they gained independence. I also took some time exploring Orchard Road, the shopping centre of the island which didn't disappoint. Don't think my budget will run to heading there too often, but its great to have a walk round and get lost in the mayhem!

Getting away from the centre I've also been out to the wetlands and Bukit Timah nature reserve. They're both free to go along and explore, and showoff the natural habitat of the island, as well as its local wildlife.Was really cool to be able to walk round parts of the rainforest and see all the crazy trees etc, but the main highlight for me were the reptiles! I saw a few giant monitor lizards wandering along next to the shoreline, and a snake taking a nap in a tree. I also saw plenty of brightly coloured birds, and unfortunately a lot of sand flys and mozzys, who liked the taste of me!! Think I'll take some repellent next time I go! Really enjoyed it though, that aside!

So as you can see I'm settling in well. The thing that's struck me about this place is how easy it is to set yourself up here. The areas to see are well connected by the incredibly straight forward transport system, the people are friendly and standard of living is good. I've only been here less than 3 weeks but I've already got a job and a place to live, some friends to play football with and hangout, and my bearings for where I am and what I want to see! I'm enjoying the food (especially the cost!), getting addicted to carrot cake (local speciality which doesn't contain carrots!) and acclimatising to the heat. I'm still keen to get out and socialise more but that seems pretty straightforward too! Along with Dorgan, the company who helped me get out here, there's numerous forums online for expats who are also helping me to make friends. I headed to a regular Wednesday night drinking meeting last week and met people from all over the globe who are here working wanting to make some contacts. So that seems to be falling into place too. I'll be drunk in no time haha (you can take the boy out of England….).

Anyhow I guess that's enough for now! Now I'm a working man I need to make sure I still get out and see the place while I can. Maybe having to write this blog will keep me motivated, so I've got stuff to talk about! Hopefully heading to a local football game next week which should be a lot of fun, and now I'm earning I'm also looking to plan some excursions soon, probably to Malaysia or Indonesia, but everywhere seem accessible from here so its going to be hard to choose! I can already feel me running out of time!

Thanks for reading anyway. Hope to see you here soon!

Ralph