Singapore revisited!

Western Fix!

10.09.2016 - 10.09.2016 85 °F

It is like being in a totally different world when you cross over into Singapore. A whole new world!

It is totally amazing that Singapore is only about 12 miles away, but it can take so long to get there. Today I caught a ride with Carol and Frank, new friends that live in the neighborhood. They are from England. Carol has very graciously come to our school to volunteer in the classrooms. I couldn't do without her! She has done so much to help me, and it's so appreciated. They have been here for 2 years and have one left. Frank is a doctor and is teaching here. Lovely couple. Anyway, they were going into Singapore and invited me to ride along. I want to learn how to drive it myself, so this was a perfect opportunity to watch it.

To get to the border is only about 10 minutes, but the actually crossing over and getting passports stamped is what takes the time. Driving is much quicker than taking public transportation that is for sure. But it also depends on the time. We were lucky there wasn't much traffic. The lines coming from Singapore to Malaysia were backed way up, and would have taken a couple of hours in the car.

We stopped at IKEA!!!! And I found some treasures. Singapore is known as a super expensive city, but I found the prices to be reasonable. I loaded up a cart and Carol and Frank will bring it to me after they stay in Singapore for the weekend. We even had a hot dog, drink and ice-cream there.

We went downtown after to the riverfront area and walked around for a bit. They told me to a good bookstore, and a mall with some western food. We split up and I found a block of cheddar cheese and a jar of pickles, both rather expensive, but I'm going to enjoy them. I even had a yummy crepe.

Then is was time for the adventure home. I found the MRT, (rail system), bought card that is good for 3 years, (LOL, not staying that long), and found the correct route. MRT to the border, and then on a bus for 15 minutes to the Singapore crossing, lined up for the passport check, then on another bus to the Malaysian checkpoint, and another line to get the passport stamped again. Finally onto another bus that dropped me near my house at East LaDang, and a short walk home.

People here do not line up well. They cut in line, and I'm not very patient with it. In fact when a lady did it while waiting for the bus, I cut back in front of her. I think I'm a little short tempered when I'm tired. I talked to her in line while waiting and understood why. She crosses everyday and it takes her at least 2-3 hours each way. She works her 8 hour job and then comes home to her children. Why is it so hard for so many. I constantly want to remember to be grateful for the many blessings I have.

It was a good day, and so nice to have my western fix!
Just me