On va commencer!

I still am residing in the United States, but I am beginning to make preparations for a job in Singapore. I am totally excited about the 'melting pot' of Asian cultures. Even though I understand why Singapore is criticized for some petty offenses, such as chewing gum or spitting on the sidewalk, it has been explained to me that once you get there, the cleanliness is something that you personally want to help maintain. So this is fine. Staying in Paris, France for a couple of weeks will teach you that cleanliness is a desirable thing, as far as cities go.

Nigel's Lessons about Singapore

1. Mohamed Sultan Road (Nightclubs): http://goldsea.com/Asiagate/Entertainment/singapore.html
1. Zouk
2. Metro Club (China Block)
   
3. Boat Quay (pronounced "key")
2. Hawkers: street food (vendors) that sell everything (from Indian to Thai to Malaysian foods)
3. Dress code: similar to that of any other city; a vast mixing of Asian trends from different countries, but only wear cotton and canvas because the weather is tropical (meaning, no polyester!) [e.g. Malay style: very colorful clothing, tighter jeans, caps]
   
1. Underwear is key! Yes, Victoria's Secret exists there, but keep in mind that cotton is KEY. No nasty sticking to your bottom underwear.
2. Casual American clothing is considered "cool" (I suppose, A&F, etc.)
3. Prominent brands: Zara, Mango, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, bebe (more club wear)
4. Things to buy once I get there: shorts, skirts, dresses, sturdy, light-colored umbrella (e.g. Samsonite)
5. Everyone wears sunglasses
6. Umbrellas protect you from the sun also! Being pale is la mode.
7. Orchard Road is littered (no pun intended) with small boutiques for up-coming designers as concerts, nice restaurants
4. Internet/Cable packages: I'm on my own
5. Singtel "monopoly": just about everyone texts
6. Banking: HBFC (similar to American system of checking/savings)
1. DBS card is issued by the bank; credit card with a magnetic strip but also magnetic capabilities (to swipe by instead of "into")
7. Transportation: Mass Rail Transit (MRT) is most efficient way to travel (very clean)
1. this means that I'm going to lose weight from walking everywhere like in Paris
8. Taxes: still pay income tax as an American citizen :p
9. Beauty products: very Americanized mix of products plus Japanese products
10. Power: 220W
11. No Gum!: buy Japanese Hi-chew
12. Housing & Development Board Flats:
1. Look for air conditioned flat!
13. Beaches:
    
1. Southern Thailand airfare is very cheap (~$75)
2. Northern Malaysia (which is cheaper): Lankawi Province
3. Singapore's Sentosa Cove
4. Raves on Sislo beach
14. Monsoon season:
1. Haha what a joke. Two monsoon seasons: mid-novembre --> early mars; mid-juin --> septembre.
2. Et puis, mars, avril, mai, juin, et octobre il n'y a pas de monsoon :p
3. Sewer system is amazing --> Singapore will never flood!
15. Sensible things to do:
1. buy a waterproof laptop bag
2. Good umbrella
3. flipflops (because wearing high heels in the rain is never a good thing for me)
16. Security: lots of cops. cameras everywhere. One of the world's safest places to be.

So now I'm wondering about spas.............! LA has this great area (Walnut & Pine, I will never forget this intersection) where a full hour massage is $15 ($25 if you want to lay down). Best week of my life was when I had 5 massages that week. Spring break 2008!