February 4th - As today was a holiday, Joe was finishing the renovations of his new apt. The condo is a real bachelor pad in a great neighborhood, with a pool, and reserved parking spot. It's a 2 bedroom / 2 bath duplex with an office / den. There is a wrap around balcony on the 2nd floor and a balcony on the first. It's been so comfortable and great staying with him.
We headed to breakfast where we had mee puk, pratta, and mee rebu. We drank teh tarik and teh tarik with ginger. Teh tarik has seriously become my favorite drink! Who knew aerated / "pulled tea" could be so good!
Afterwards, off I went on the MRT to Istana, the presidential residence that is only open on holidays. I stood in a queue for about 30 minutes and walked the grounds.
Technically the president doesn't live here but official receptions and state dinners are held here. The main building had very stately rooms and gifts received from countries around the world. I didn't see any from America but I did see South Korean earrings that were replicas of the Paekchae period and a royal crown. All the gifts - carvings, porcelain ware, and silver were very beautiful.
I think the highlight of the visit was a school band, probably high schoolers, playing pop songs. They were all dressed in their school uniforms and played songs from Abba, Queen, the Village People, Green Day, and Journey. As I missed the last NY Pops concert at Carnegie Hall with Allison, this was an awesome substitute on the Istana grounds with people picnicking and relaxing on the holiday.
I then returned to Joe's to finish packing for Bali. I was beat from all the walking which is good for me as I have been eating the equivalent of 4-5 meals a day and you know the best foods are oily and fried! I try not to feel guilty as I'm on holiday!
Joe and I headed out for some tea and we ended up getting mee goreng and some coconut treats filled with brown sugar called Putu Piring.
Seriously there's not enough meals in a day. Joe, Olive, and I continue to share dishes so I can try different Singaporean, Malay, and Indian dishes. What's amazing is everything is so delicious. But the majority of the time, Olive and Joe will say "this is good, but not the best. I need to take you to a better place / stall". I don't think I could really taste the difference and I feel so grateful on how much they have taken care of me.
Interestingly, in Singapore all the stalls are inspected and very clean. They get a rating between A - D. Joe says he won't eat at an A, because although clean, it's almost too clean and guaranteed to not be that delicious. I have only eaten at B rated stalls here. Joe says he'll go down to C but not down to D.
I'm currently waiting to depart for Bali on AirAsia (a low cost airline).
I will be back in Singapore after 8 nights in Bali. Will continue to send updates from Bali!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Happy Chinese New Year!
February 2nd - I woke up and met Olive at another hawker center near her home on Adam Road. I had fishball mee puk which is a dry noodle. Delicious! And also had more pulled tea known as Teh Tarik which is becoming my favorite drink. Olive's mom was also with us for a little morning chat.
Then we walked over to the National Botanic Garden which was beautiful and well manicured. We saw turtles, walked on a reflexology path, and enjoyed being outside. An Australian 22 year old budget backpacker actually joined us as he was traveling alone. I treated him to lime juice and admission. He asked if we recently graduated from Uni and I responded "we're 30." Well I guess almost for me. Olive laughed.
In the middle is the Orchid Garden which was amazing! There were orchids named for celebrities (including Bae Yung Jun) and heads of state that had visited. Mommy would have really enjoyed the different breeds and varieties.
Then we returned to Olive's parents' place where Joe met us after his half day off from work. We then departed for Kukup which is in the Johor state in southern Malaysia. When the immigration officer asked "who's the American?" I smiled and gave a double thumbs up. ;-)
It took 1.5 hours to arrive at the home of Olive's late grandfather and eldest 2 uncles. The house is large and built fairly recently. Olive's dad is the 4th of 7 brothers and has 1 sister.
After we arrived, Olive's dad gave us a tour of the area and we went to the most southern point of continental Asia, Tanjung Piai, which is a fishing village. This came as a suggestion from Erik who has been giving Olive suggestions and tips from NY while he's busy editing for a big project.
We returned to the house for "Reunion Dinner" where we had a "steamboat" which reminds me of shabu shabu. It's an easy way to feed a lot of people and is delicious. The house wasn't decorated for the New Year holiday as the family was still mourning Olive's grandfather who passed away in June.
The interactions with Olive's family were really warm, hospitable and funny. When they asked me about my connection, I would say "I went to Uni with Olive and Erik and was Erik's flatmate." I think my Singalese and lingo is improving. They love Korean dramas, one auntie wants to learn Korean, envy Korean looks / fads, several have been to Cheju-do, and one 18 year old cousin wants to marry a Korean. Olive's 2nd aunt who can't speak English told one of Olive's cousins that I must definitely be Korean because I'm so pale. ;-)
February 3rd - New Year's morning I received so many red envelopes called Hong Bao. Each filled with about 10 Sing dollars or Malaysian Ringgit. They were all so sweet. Olive's 6th uncle even came and knocked on my door and I thought it was Olive but once he started saying my name I was so surprised. He was taking a break from gardening / mowing the lawn. All the brothers help take care of the house.
Also during our stay, we could hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. The call was very soothing and reminds you that you are no longer in Singapore but in a muslim country.
We then walked into town which is 5 minutes away to see the shophouse. Olive's grandfather use to run it and now the 2 eldest uncles manage it. It's the town's general store filled with sundries. The 2nd floor is where Olive's father grew up and the shop is where they use to have reunion dinner. It reminded of me old Korean stores that had the waft of dried cuttlefish. We also saw the local temple that Olive's grandfather help renovate - Olive said he was a local philanthropist and did much for the community.
Then off we went to Olive's aunt's house for lunch as she spent reunion dinner with her husband's side. Only about 20 km away but on the way I realized I didn't have my blackberry and we had to go back. I was mortified - I had left it on the coffee table the night before and left it when I went out for fireworks. I couldn't call it either as I wasn't getting any service in Kukup. Luckily 5th auntie found it and brought it to the lunch.
After a delicious briyani and pork soup lunch, Joe and I departed back to Singapore. We rested and then went out for drinks at a rooftop bar called Ku De Ta which is on top of the newly built Marina Bay Sands Casino. If you are a foreigner you can go in for free, but if you are Singaporean or permanent resident you have to pay $100. Gotta love the sin tax.
We later met Joe's friends on Club Street at a bar called Ying Yang. Not many places were opened on the New Year holiday.
We returned home and headed to bed. Hope New Year celebrations are great at church!
February 2nd - I woke up and met Olive at another hawker center near her home on Adam Road. I had fishball mee puk which is a dry noodle. Delicious! And also had more pulled tea known as Teh Tarik which is becoming my favorite drink. Olive's mom was also with us for a little morning chat.
Then we walked over to the National Botanic Garden which was beautiful and well manicured. We saw turtles, walked on a reflexology path, and enjoyed being outside. An Australian 22 year old budget backpacker actually joined us as he was traveling alone. I treated him to lime juice and admission. He asked if we recently graduated from Uni and I responded "we're 30." Well I guess almost for me. Olive laughed.
In the middle is the Orchid Garden which was amazing! There were orchids named for celebrities (including Bae Yung Jun) and heads of state that had visited. Mommy would have really enjoyed the different breeds and varieties.
Then we returned to Olive's parents' place where Joe met us after his half day off from work. We then departed for Kukup which is in the Johor state in southern Malaysia. When the immigration officer asked "who's the American?" I smiled and gave a double thumbs up. ;-)
It took 1.5 hours to arrive at the home of Olive's late grandfather and eldest 2 uncles. The house is large and built fairly recently. Olive's dad is the 4th of 7 brothers and has 1 sister.
After we arrived, Olive's dad gave us a tour of the area and we went to the most southern point of continental Asia, Tanjung Piai, which is a fishing village. This came as a suggestion from Erik who has been giving Olive suggestions and tips from NY while he's busy editing for a big project.
We returned to the house for "Reunion Dinner" where we had a "steamboat" which reminds me of shabu shabu. It's an easy way to feed a lot of people and is delicious. The house wasn't decorated for the New Year holiday as the family was still mourning Olive's grandfather who passed away in June.
 |
| Reunion Dinner |
We all struggled to stay up to midnight as we were stuffed with new year's cookies and cake. But we did it and walked into town where people lit so many fireworks. Usually Olive's uncles get in on the action but again they were mourning.
The interactions with Olive's family were really warm, hospitable and funny. When they asked me about my connection, I would say "I went to Uni with Olive and Erik and was Erik's flatmate." I think my Singalese and lingo is improving. They love Korean dramas, one auntie wants to learn Korean, envy Korean looks / fads, several have been to Cheju-do, and one 18 year old cousin wants to marry a Korean. Olive's 2nd aunt who can't speak English told one of Olive's cousins that I must definitely be Korean because I'm so pale. ;-)
February 3rd - New Year's morning I received so many red envelopes called Hong Bao. Each filled with about 10 Sing dollars or Malaysian Ringgit. They were all so sweet. Olive's 6th uncle even came and knocked on my door and I thought it was Olive but once he started saying my name I was so surprised. He was taking a break from gardening / mowing the lawn. All the brothers help take care of the house.
Also during our stay, we could hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. The call was very soothing and reminds you that you are no longer in Singapore but in a muslim country.
We then walked into town which is 5 minutes away to see the shophouse. Olive's grandfather use to run it and now the 2 eldest uncles manage it. It's the town's general store filled with sundries. The 2nd floor is where Olive's father grew up and the shop is where they use to have reunion dinner. It reminded of me old Korean stores that had the waft of dried cuttlefish. We also saw the local temple that Olive's grandfather help renovate - Olive said he was a local philanthropist and did much for the community.
Then off we went to Olive's aunt's house for lunch as she spent reunion dinner with her husband's side. Only about 20 km away but on the way I realized I didn't have my blackberry and we had to go back. I was mortified - I had left it on the coffee table the night before and left it when I went out for fireworks. I couldn't call it either as I wasn't getting any service in Kukup. Luckily 5th auntie found it and brought it to the lunch.
After a delicious briyani and pork soup lunch, Joe and I departed back to Singapore. We rested and then went out for drinks at a rooftop bar called Ku De Ta which is on top of the newly built Marina Bay Sands Casino. If you are a foreigner you can go in for free, but if you are Singaporean or permanent resident you have to pay $100. Gotta love the sin tax.
 |
| Rooftop Bar, Ku De Ta |
We returned home and headed to bed. Hope New Year celebrations are great at church!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
15 minutes in Singapore
I have now learned that when asked how long will it take to get from point A to point B in Singapore, the answer is 15 minutes. ;-)
January 31st - I started using the subway called the MRT which stands for Mass Rapid Transport and it's really easy, cheap, and super clean. No surprise there. It reminds me of the DC metro in many ways.
I met Olive at the Chinatown Heritage Museum which showed the immigration experience, the cubicles where 6-8 people lived, and traditional life in a shophouse. This is Olive's favorite museum.
Afterwards we stopped by a Hindu temple and went to lunch at the hawker center where Olive treated me to a 3 course lunch with drink pairing.
Then we walked around the town, lit incense and prayed at a Chinese temple, and even stopped for an afternoon snack of kaya toast and tea.
While in search of an HSBC bank for Olive (she needed money for new year red packets) we stumbled upon the Marsh & McLennan center. I yelled "oh my god" and a man who was crossing the street toward me got really excited because he thought I recognized him and therefore he knew me. I think he was ready to hug me because he got so excited. Very funny!
Olive then treated me again to a manicure and pedicure which took over an hour and then we went to meet her family for dinner. We had to go to 3 restaurants before we could find one that was open because of the new year holiday.
We ended up eating at their favorite local restaurant called Curry Wok. Olive's parents were sweet and her father hugged me and said "you look the same!"
February 1st - I met Olive on Arab Street where we ate murtabarek - which is kind of like chicken wrapped in egg with pulled tea and did a little shopping. I bought padang bags (type of leaf), spring baskets, batik handkerchiefs and baby dresses for my goddaughters.
While Olive went to meet old friends, I met Joe for lunch and we ate prawn noodle soup with barley tea. We ate sweet desserts made of padang and cocconut rice.
In the afternoon due to rain and since my guidebook said if I should go to only 1 museum I should go to the Asian Civilization museum, this is where I went. This museum was incredibly well curated and had great "explorasian" exhibits for children which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also took advantage of the reading corners which had big cushions on the floor. The guard smiled when he saw me and must have known how tired I was because he told me to "take it easy". I enjoyed the story of mapatofu and Indian version of dance dance revolution.
Then walked over to CHIJMES also known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. Think the limelight church but instead an old convent filled with bars, restaurants, and shops with names like "insomnia" and "hog's breath cafe." Wonder what the nuns would think. It was a bit empty as they were getting ready for the Happy Hour crowd.
I then went off to Raffles City Tower - one of many malls to buy mandarin oranges for Olive's friend, Michelle's parents. Michelle and I have hung out many times in NY and you are suppose to bring 2 mandarin oranges for Chinese New Year celebration. Michelle and her girlfriend are back for new years too.
Olive met us at Joe's and took us to her and Erik's old food haunts. We ate Laksa - a creamy noodle soup, fish cake, and 3 meats rice. The 3 meats had pork, pork belly, and duck. They were perfectly tender and crispy at the same time.
Then we went to Michelle's parents' house that was renovated and rebuilt several years ago. Art work everywhere and each bedroom was at least 2x the size of my apt. There was a pool and traditional Japanese sitting room.
We had Yu Sheng which is traditional Chinese new year salad which you toss and the higher you toss, the more prosperity you'll receive.
THEN Olive told them we were going to try Durian because of me. Michelle's parents decided to leave and go to the best Durian market and bought 6 or so. I was so embarrassed and so was Olive. They were so generous. The smell wasn't that bad and the fruit was creamy. BUT definitely something I couldn't stomach everyday.
January 31st - I started using the subway called the MRT which stands for Mass Rapid Transport and it's really easy, cheap, and super clean. No surprise there. It reminds me of the DC metro in many ways.
I met Olive at the Chinatown Heritage Museum which showed the immigration experience, the cubicles where 6-8 people lived, and traditional life in a shophouse. This is Olive's favorite museum.
Afterwards we stopped by a Hindu temple and went to lunch at the hawker center where Olive treated me to a 3 course lunch with drink pairing.
 |
| bee hoon (noodles with fried vegetables and spam); drink: chyrsantheum tea |
 |
| carrot cake (basically a turnip omelet); drink: iced milo (cold hot chocolate) |
 |
| curry noodle; drink: grass jelly (kind of tasted like licorice) |
Then we walked around the town, lit incense and prayed at a Chinese temple, and even stopped for an afternoon snack of kaya toast and tea.
While in search of an HSBC bank for Olive (she needed money for new year red packets) we stumbled upon the Marsh & McLennan center. I yelled "oh my god" and a man who was crossing the street toward me got really excited because he thought I recognized him and therefore he knew me. I think he was ready to hug me because he got so excited. Very funny!
Olive then treated me again to a manicure and pedicure which took over an hour and then we went to meet her family for dinner. We had to go to 3 restaurants before we could find one that was open because of the new year holiday.
We ended up eating at their favorite local restaurant called Curry Wok. Olive's parents were sweet and her father hugged me and said "you look the same!"
February 1st - I met Olive on Arab Street where we ate murtabarek - which is kind of like chicken wrapped in egg with pulled tea and did a little shopping. I bought padang bags (type of leaf), spring baskets, batik handkerchiefs and baby dresses for my goddaughters.
While Olive went to meet old friends, I met Joe for lunch and we ate prawn noodle soup with barley tea. We ate sweet desserts made of padang and cocconut rice.
In the afternoon due to rain and since my guidebook said if I should go to only 1 museum I should go to the Asian Civilization museum, this is where I went. This museum was incredibly well curated and had great "explorasian" exhibits for children which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also took advantage of the reading corners which had big cushions on the floor. The guard smiled when he saw me and must have known how tired I was because he told me to "take it easy". I enjoyed the story of mapatofu and Indian version of dance dance revolution.
Then walked over to CHIJMES also known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. Think the limelight church but instead an old convent filled with bars, restaurants, and shops with names like "insomnia" and "hog's breath cafe." Wonder what the nuns would think. It was a bit empty as they were getting ready for the Happy Hour crowd.
I then went off to Raffles City Tower - one of many malls to buy mandarin oranges for Olive's friend, Michelle's parents. Michelle and I have hung out many times in NY and you are suppose to bring 2 mandarin oranges for Chinese New Year celebration. Michelle and her girlfriend are back for new years too.
Olive met us at Joe's and took us to her and Erik's old food haunts. We ate Laksa - a creamy noodle soup, fish cake, and 3 meats rice. The 3 meats had pork, pork belly, and duck. They were perfectly tender and crispy at the same time.
Then we went to Michelle's parents' house that was renovated and rebuilt several years ago. Art work everywhere and each bedroom was at least 2x the size of my apt. There was a pool and traditional Japanese sitting room.
We had Yu Sheng which is traditional Chinese new year salad which you toss and the higher you toss, the more prosperity you'll receive.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Singapore!
Yesterday we went to Chinatown and had Hainanese Chicken Rice. Anthony Bourdain ate here at the hawker center. We then walked around Chinatown and got a fruit dessert with mango, sago, and some other type of grapefruit. We even passed by a Korean restaurant!Joe's friend is Hungarian and we went to her dinner party last night.
Already I have seen 2 hotels between Saturday and Sunday. The Raffles and the Fullerton, both beautiful. We had the famous Singapore Sling which originated at Raffles. We then walked around the marina and Boat Quay (pronounced key). For dinner we went to little India and had southern Indian food on banana leafs (like I had in Kerala India!). It was delicious. The neighborhood was swarmed with Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and of course Indian migrant workers. Sunday is their only night off so they sit, drink, and eat on the sidewalks. At night they will all hop on trucks and go to worker dormitories far away.
Tomorrow I will have to fend for myself as Joe goes to his banking job at HSBC. We'll see how I make do as I will no longer be chauffeured in Joe's Mercedes sports car. ;-)
Hope it's warmer and less snowy in NY. It has been raining lots, but makes it about 70 degrees where the Singaporeans say it's "freezing". They even served us hot water at brunch because the weather "was so cold". Clearly these people haven't seen 3 NY blizzards.
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