eats

Got my wisdoms taken out today. Slept for most of the day because my appointment was at 730 this morning. Can't eat at all because it hurts so much to swallow, so I thought it would be appropriate and slightly masochistic to start looking into restaurants with good reviews in Singapore.

Pas Ici

Quote about fashion in Singapore (http://www.focussingapore.com/singapore-entertainment/singapore-fashion.html)

"The Singaporeans have always been fashion conscious and up-to-date on the current and ruling styles and trends. But nowadays they have become very brand conscious and brand names and labels have gained a lot more importance in Singapore Fashion. The fashion industry is constantly acquiring new successes with every passing day. The exotic prints and bold colours used by the fashion designers in Singapore are in great demand all over the world. Moreover Singapore has outlets of the top international brands of the world like Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Paul Smith, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabanna, Gianni Versace, Prada, Marks & Spencer, Trussardi and many more. Singapore fashion is at its peak during the festive months when fashion seems to be the main priority among the young generation of the nation. The exquisite collections churned out by the fashion designers delight the crowd on the front fore of fashion. The Singapore Fashion Week and the Singapore Fashion Festival are the most popular shows in Singapore. It is a perfect platform for local and international designers. The latest collections of fashion designers are displayed in these shows and thus encourage new and young talents."

OK. So Fashion Week is totally awesome and everything, and I want to go at least once to something or another, but the question is WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN? Singapore is a small island, and they have outlets of "top international brands" which is totally awesome.

So I'm going to explore some more. But I did find a great blog about fashion in New York: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/. Personally, I prefer the Parisian style. Both are very urban, but the Parisian style is much more quaint at times, and floral prints, etc. are not as discouraged. Sure, you'll find the occasional ruffle in bright color(s) in NY and a certain urban edge that accompanies New York styles, but you have a better opportunity in France to be more feminine and "soft".

I guess this blog is a way to keep track of all the information I learn about Singapore...with an obvious emphasis on things that interest me: food, fashion, and culture. I'm sure that the technicalities of the sewer system and the efficiency of the police department are things to behold, but for now, I'll just stick to things that I can discern by eye (which I guess could include food, but I don't dare...not quite yet).

Side note: Today in Evolution (BIOL 580 with Morris Levy), we discussed the probability that the "lucky mother" of all H. sapiens today probably was not our species (about a 100,000 year gap exists between the emergence of H. sapiens and mitochondrial DNA analysis).

Weather + Squares

So I'm looking at all these websites about the weather (because the turn-off for me is the amount of rain, but then again it is a tropical area that is super close to the Equator)...and I believe that 60% of the time in April is raining. So I go to the handy-dandy Weather.com (TWC) and sure enough (as confirmed by Weather Underground), it is thunderstorms everywhere. I mean, I love rain, don't get me wrong. But rain + high humidity + um...nice temperatures (80s)...we'll just have to see how it goes.

Nigel also informs about Sim Lim Square, which is the equivalent of a Fry's Outlet/Geek Squad. "Singapore's Largest Electronics Dealer" (I admit, I just subscribed to their promotional e-mails - but don't judge me! I just want to look for a nice laptop while I'm in Singapore).

What else? I learned about Google Grand Central today. You should check it out! I have already reserved my number (thanks Jenny) : http://www.grandcentral.com/support/howitworks/

There are a couple of books I want to read before going to Singapore. I also am probably going to purchase an accounting book just to use as a reference and independent study. Which reminds me, I need to work on my biotechnology paper (about Endocyte and it's folate-receptor drugs - fascinating!)

Toodles!

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!