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Hi!
Its been a while hey? Apologies. As previously mentioned, not sure anyones actually reading, but still, tardyness is not acceptable in any forms!! So how have you been? Good? Me too. Things are going well in Singapore as before so I thought I'd grab 10 mins to give an update.
Since my last blog I've really setlled in here. Work is going well, I know what I'm doing and am enjoying getting stuck into some projects at last. And I've continued playing football here with some success. My team just won its division (cant take all the credit, only played 2 league games!) after beating 2nd place 7-0! Its still so hot that I struggle at times but good to get some exercise and its really helped me make friends. I've also done plenty of exploring and I really feel like I know the place well now.
One of the big things thats gone in here recently is the Singapore Grand Prix. Its stretched out over a weekend with the Sunday night being official race night, and its amazing to see. I only managed to make the practice due to tight funds, but its something to see these F1 cars up close and tearing through the streets I normally walk in the week. Its such a beautiful backdrop for it at night too, though its soooooo loud! Couldnt believe the noise, unreal. Also had some entertainment performing each night, so caught Missy Elliot on the Friday which isnt my thing at all but good for a laugh. She spent the whole time trying to get the crowd going, and when she finally did....power cut! Well funny. Anyway fast cars arent really my thing but a good night out all in all.
I've also recently made it over to Pulau Ubin for a day trip, which is a small island just off the east coast of Singapore. Its a big favourite here as, apart from the port, its basically undeveloped so really nice to have a day away from the crazyness and industry of the mainland. Had a good walk round, saw some interesting wildlife eg snakes, and just took a break for the day. I recommend it. As you go on a ferry from Changi village it also gave me a chance to check that part of the island out. Its really nice round there, a bit more laidback then the centre but still plenty going on. Had a walk round and a couple of beers, good clean fun! Another recent day out was to the botanical gardens which are stunning. Had a good walk round, past symphony and swan lakes, and through the orchid garden. Really nice way to spend a day, and even though its just off Orchard road, quiet and relaxing round there. Afterwards I headed to Canning Park and the battle box. I'm quite interested in World War 2, and this was where the official bunker was for the British armys leaders. Its been restored to show the last days of the conflict before the surrender to the japanese, and its quite amazing to see how it all unfolded.
So as you can see I'm still finding plenty of places to see. Also managed to track down some good drinking spots (I am English afterall!). Holland Village is a particular favourite. Its not that accessible at the moment though an MRT stop is being built, but its about 20 mins on the bus from Orchard. Its just a small sport but has plenty of bars and restaurants and is a really nice place to chill out and catch up with friends. Also good drink deals till 9, so a pre-party drink there is always a good plan! Emerald Hill is another good one, just off the crazyness of Orchard Road (I do go other places, honest!). Nice place to grab some beers. And lastly Arab Street is a lot fun, deep in Little India. Like a you're not in Singapore round there such is the contrast. Lots of nice places to eat and if shisha's your thing, its a must. We headed there for some quiet beers last weekend and had a good laugh, though I was a bit worried when the belly dancer started pulling people out to dance with! Luckily I got away with it. Its a friends birthday today actually, so I think we might head there again, should be fun.
Anyhow not much else to report really. Such is life that now I'm settled and in a routine, theres not as much exciting things to report! I'm enjoying being here and carving out a little life for myself though, and I guess in some ways thats the whole poiint. Going somewhere different and setting yourself up. Definitely a good place to do that! Oh I did take in a show at Sentosa last week! Voyage La Vie. Basically lots of circus acts such as juggling, high wires and archery, good fun though! I do have some plans for November though, including a long weekend in Thailand which I'm excited about! Will keep you posted about that one. Also hoping to get to Bintan in Indonesia for a day or so, should be fun. Everywhere's so easy to get too from here, its great. Only problem is 6 months just doesnt give you enough time to see it all. Dont think I'll make Hong Kong sadly. Oh well, maybe next time. As time is flying and I need to be leaving at the end of the year I've started making plans, but I'll keep those to myself for now, until they're concrete. I will say that I've had enough fun to realise I'm not ready to head home just yet! So watch this space.
Anyhow thats about it. Not edge of your seat excitement I'll admit, but I think you can see I'm enjoying myself and the 6 month visa here has worked out well. As always, I'm trying to plug it, so give me a shout if you want to know more!! Its lots of fun, trust me.....!
All the best, speak soon!
Ralph
Singapore Local
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