A birthday Celebration with the Rahman Family.

I first met Zahirah when we first arrived in Singapore. As dad took us too his office a young, friendly women waved to us through the glass door. She opened the doors and bombarded us with her out going personality. She was clearly Singaporean as she would say "la" after most of her sentences.

Zahirah has only been working for ASP ships for about a month now, but i think she will go far. She is the receptionist.

After an exchange of many text messages she took me out with her younger sister Dianna. We went to Arab street and Boogies. We had dinner near Arab street, right across the mosque, which was really quite beautiful. We then went shopping at boggies street. This would have to be the best place to go shopping. There are about three levels full of clothes, bags, shoes and watches. I definitely recommend this place when you visit Singapore. Its right across the mrt station.

Last night she invited me to a small family get together, on her mothers side. For me a small gathering would be around 5-8 people. But there were around 25 people. And this was there small. I guess i am used to having a big family when i visit the Philippines, but it isn't really that often i have the luxury of having big family gatherings in Leyte.

As i entered the room i noticed the aroma of spices and a large dining room with no table. I realized that this was there praying room. As Muslims, they prayed twice while i was there, Before and after dinner. It was very interesting. We also sat on the ground to eat, and they used their hands. I did struggle a bit and it did get a bit messy, but it was fun. I was also informed not to eat with my left hand, as that was the hand we cleaned with.

This small gathering was actually for Zahirah's cousins husbands birthday. He was a March baby, and since there were four other "march babies" we also got to help cut the cake. The birthday boy got a face covered in cake for his birthday.


It was really intimidating at the start but they where gorgeous people and made me laugh. They were so happy and made me feel at home. This is definitely an experience i will never forget.

Sarahs Birthday at Chijmes, sigapore

My birthday was about two weeks ago. I finally turned 19.

Dad and some of his work friends took me out for dinner and drinks at Chijmes.
"CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides a breath-taking backdrop for musicals, recitals, theatrical performances and weddings." It's so Gothic and beautiful.

We met up with Mel and Darcy, who where currently in Singapore from the Melbourne Office. Later that night we met up with Laura and Adrian.

Mel, Laura and i hit the dance floor, while dad and Darcy stayed in our $200 dollar gondola. While Adrian *coughed* tried to dance. Lol. It was a great night. The band was awesome and played both Australian and American popular rock songs. I pretty much went "off" when the played Mid night oils "we don't need no education." And sang so hard when they played the Cramberries "zombie". I so can't wait to take Sunshine and Leigh here.

We stayed up until 4:30 that morning. I was pretty impressed that Dad could still have a big night and was so happy that Darcy stayed with us the whole night (she thought she was too old, and was going to leave around 11pm). I was most likely the soberest, but i slept for a day and a half.

It was a great night. I was able to party with my dad. I got a digital SLR camera for my birthday. I don't like getting older, but i love to celebrate my birth.

China Town

Chris and i went to China town tonight.

It's a 30min MRT train ride from Clementi a 10 min walk from Tangong Pagar.

There is a main shopping center called Peoples Park where you can get just about anything to do with electronics. I had nearly every shop asking me if i wanted to buy a new lens for my camera. Theres a KFC, Mac Donalds and the best selection of breads and sweats. There are little stalls every where cooking fresh sweets I have not had the guts to taste anything yet, but it's colorful and it smells delicious.






































As you cross over the bridge you hit the markets that are on the street. There are two streets full of little stores. Plenty of places to eat and plenty of opportunities to have a glass of Tiger beer.

I came accross this man who started talking to me. I pretty much ignored him thinking he was trying to sell me something, but in fact he was telling me about the building i was taking a photo of. The beautiful building was once an opera thearter during WW2 or 1 i cant really remember. It was the only building that did not fall down when the area was bombed. He could have been telling lies but he grabbed my attention.

Mandarin Lessons

I had my first Mandarin lesson Monday morning.

I started to research tutors on the net and eventually came across Next Level Tutor Network - http://nextlevel.com.sg/. NextLevel Tutor Network has been a network of personal home tuition tutors and teachers for hire in Malaysia and Singapore. After five minutes of setting up my own account i received a phone call from the institute that night and four replies through the internet from tutors located in Singapore. I was a bit overwhelmed of how efficient it all was.

Later that after noon i received a phone call from a young Chinese student named Na Na. She is 19, finished college last year and gets her results on Friday. She was apart of the red cross foundation, chess and maths club, and also participated in Indian dancing. LOL. I figured she was going to teach me Mandarin and also have fun doing it.

It's been a bit hard getting in the mood of studying, especially not being at school for the last year.

This is going to be a challenge but i am not going to give up.

I have two lessons a week, Monday and Wednesday at $25 an hour. When school starts i will probably go down to once a week.

Christophers first day at school

Chris had his first day at school yesterday. He was pretty nervous in the morning. He woke up pretty early and took some time putting on his uniform and polishing his shoes. We even caught him ironing his shirt... and that was a first.

He catches a Taxi every day until they organize a private bus. Apparently Its normal to catch taxis for the students.

The students come from all around the world. Most of the teachers are either Australian or from New Zealand. He has already joined the Rugby Union Team and their first match is in Australia. His camping trip is also in Darwin.

We didn't think it would be difficult for Chris to find any friends, in fact he has already been invited to go out Friday night. There going to Orchard road, I'm guessing timezone and KFC. Dad and i plan on going out for dinner in either China town or Little India.

Today is my last day as a 18year old. 19 tomorrow. Jeez I'm getting old.

Singapore

We are officially in Singapore.

I don't think it has hit any one of us yet, but its hot, there's a distinctive smell and I've already visited Far East Plaza. It's only the second day.

The flight was great, getting to the air port was a bit stressful. The taxi was half an hour late, and we didn't check in until a hour and a half before the flight. Nanna and Aunty Suzanne was there to see us go. I was the first to cry. Followed by Aunty Suzanne. We waited in the Singapore airlines business lounge and we were the last to board. We took off at 1:10 am and arrived in Singapore around 5 am sing time.

Dad was really nervous taking us to the house, but we loved it. We didn't however love walking up four flights of stairs to the wrong room with our luggage, TWICE. But we eventually found the right apartment. I fell in love with the size of my room and have already planned out how we are going to set out the apartment. Chris immediately found the foot path to the pool and i think dad was relieved we liked our new home. I must admit the teddy bear handles in the kitchen are a bit unusual, but i guess it is Asia.

We were full of emotions to go to sleep so Dad took us to his new office. He has a great view with a pretty nifty desk. It's located in Tanjong paga near china town. After a chocolate waffle from the hawker center Chris had his interview with The Australian National School.

The interview was an experience in its self. There was a man guarding the gate and two young gentlemen with rifle guns in front of the school office.

Chris.
" Every thing at first was so intimidating, the guards, all the staff and students. When i stepped into the office to take the interview i was terrified. I didn't show it but i was. When i met the person that was going to interview me he seemed really nice, i thought every thing was going to be ok until the questions came, i was so nervous. My face started to go red and words weren't coming out the way i was thinking them. He asked me tricky question. It felt like a job interview. lucky Aunty Suzanne wrote me up a sheet with questions they might ask. i didn't believe at first that they would be the questions but every single one of them and more were asked. The school is giving me a chance to improve my grades but they are keeping a close eye on me they said. Spooky. Tomorrow is the big day"

I was even nervous myself.

Ace arrived Yesterday. I could here her crying as they walked up the stars. I wish i could have seen her on the plane. She flew with Jet Pets Animal transport, www.jetpets.com.au. They were pricey, but for $2000 they were great and you cant put a price on my Ace.


Chris starts school tomorrow, Dad is already at work and i plan on shopping.