Birthday weekend in Singapore

Our kindergarten teacher at RAS invited us to come and celebrate her birthday in Singapore. We were invited to dinner and then to stay the night, remember the old slumber parties we had when we were young? Like that!

I decided to ride with Jess, Hector and Kellie. We met up and started the trek across the border. For some unknown reason Kellie had to get out of the car and go into the office where they made some phone calls. Didn't figure that one out. But she rejoined up and we made it past Malaysia and hit the roadblock in Singapore. When you drive into Singapore you have to stop and purchase a road tax card, like a credit card. Then every time you go in you have to swipe it both ways, or you end up paying a fine. They let us through the gate, but we stopped to buy a card, and then the "fun" started. Apparently paperwork wasn't in order and they refused to give Jess a pass. If you buy a used car and someone received a fine, parking ticket or paperwork isn't in order, it is your fault and you have to pay it. But they didn't let us pay for it....even though Jess offered. We were escorted back out of Singapore and headed back to wait in line to get through customs in Malaysia. At this point we were all thinking about calling it quits and just heading home, but "we" decided to try again and take my car this time. No problems! Got right through customs, bought the pass and headed to Amanda's house for some yummy food and great company. I love our teaching group! Then late at night we all crashed. All 10 of us, spread around the house. I got the air mattress, which wasn't too bad!

The next morning I set out to find my church, otherwise know as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons! I had looked up directions, but as usual....I don't follow directions well. I did get to the correct MRT (subway) station. But I didn't take the right exit. My research said A, but I didn't take the right A. Anyway. I came out and had no idea where to go. So, I found the first guy passing by and asked him if he knew where the Mormon church was. He said, "What is that?" But he pulled out his iPad and looked up the address and then nicely walked me all the way there. We walked around a corner and there it was! A beautiful building! The guy's name was Win and he is from Myanmar. I told him that he can find our church there too. Such a kind man. On his way back from working all night.
I was just a few minutes late, but was able to partake of the sacrament, the most important part of the meeting. Even though it is Conference Weekend, we are 14 hours ahead of Utah so we just had our regular meetings and next week we will be watching reruns on Conference. And I can actually watch it now on LDS.org! The amazing thing about modern technology.

This ward was not the expat ward, but a Singapore ward. Wonderful and kind people. So many came up and said hello. There was another couple there from Alpine and we chatted a bit. Found out that they know a family in my ward. Such a small world we live in! Especially being a member of the church.

Me!

LDS building in Singapore

This way!

LDS Church

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Jess and Amanda

Jess and I

Escorted out of Singapore

I stopped in Little India on the way back to Amanda's house and tried some yummy Indian food. Walked around a little bit and headed back to pick up Jess and Hector to go back to Malaysia. Just after I got there the police showed up. We were parked illegally and they said someone in the neighborhood had reported us. I had a nice talk with them and told them about my son, the police officer in Dallas. I talked them out of a ticket and explained that no one lived where we had parked, and we were sorry. They finally left and said don't do it again. They guy at the border told us that there are eyes everywhere. It sounds like many freedoms are given up to live here. No gum chewing allowed. And guns are not allowed! Either are illegal drugs. Lots of discussions could go on about the good and bad of Singapore. But I love visiting this place!

Coconut Milk

Little India

It was yummy!

Food court

Need something mended?

Temple

Temple in Little India