When I arrived home Tuesday, an unexpected package was waiting for me from Apple. My relocation paperwork was beautifully presented and I stayed up past 3:00AM reading every section, cover to cover. After reading the materials, things are becoming more real! I think one part of me is still in shock that all of this is even happening. During my preview trip, I had moments of just sitting on the bed in my hotel room in awe to be surrounded by the juxtaposition of such expansive new high rises in the metropolitan area and the lush foliage that is covering most of them.
Since I've decided to say yes to Singapore, so many people have asked if I'm able to speak the language. My typical response is that they speak it too since it's English! A former British Singapore colony, the National language is English along with Tamil, Mandarin and Malay spoken as other dialects. In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek or Sea Town. Then and now it is known for a center for trading. Destroyed at the end of the 4th century, Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire rediscovered the island in the 11th century. Upon his landing, he saw a strange beast which he later learnt was a lion. He immediately named the island "Singapura" which is a Sanskrit word for Lion City. The Merlion symbolizes in its fish body the ancient city of Temasek and its lion head , the legend of its discovery.
A picture at Merlion Park overlooking the Singapore River with Marina Bay Sands in the background.
Geographically, It is a very small city-state at the bottom of Southeast Asia and between Malaysia and Indonesia. The Republic of Singapore is comprised of the mainland and about 63 smaller islands and islets. As far as the mainland goes, from East to West by car the trip is about 31 miles in distance. It's hard to imagine from my hometown of Vallejo to San Francisco I'm at the end of the entire country! The city is divided into 28 districts (may the odds ever be in your favour) and then into five main areas: South, Central, North, West and East. The East is where the apartment I fell in love with during my stay is located. I found out this week that it was unfortunately rented, so my house hunters international tour will continue when I return.
For those already planning to visit- don't forget your rain gear! Located just 1.5 degrees north of the Equator, Singapore stays hot and humid year round. The average temperature is about 80 degrees. Monsoon season is from November through January but there are no distinct seasons like we would see in the states. During my stay, it rained heavily one morning in particular but was pleasant the rest of the day. Thunderstorms are also a frequent occurrence that I will have to get used to.
Other Singapore Fun Facts:
- Is home to the world's first night zoo, The Night Safari
- Has 193 miles of coastline.
- prides items on being a multi-racial country
- 5.54 million-population estimate
- locals play Mahjong as a popular pastime
- Has the largest tropical orchid garden in the world
- Has over 50% of it's area covered by greenery
Lastly, if you love to shop, Singapore is the place for you! Well, I think that's enough for now!! More to post as I begin the next steps on my relocation journey. Still no ETA of when that will be. I won't bore anyone with the dramatics of trying to move to a new continent at the moment. But, I do need to organize a few things.
Until next time! Love & Light!