Where is Singapore?Greg & Veronica's Singapore Update
Volume 2
Wednesday, 25Mar98
"…Going…"
T minus 6 days and counting...
SUMMARY:
Well, things are moving along. Greg has sold his car. Our house is rented. Packing continues. Air tickets will be purchased tomorrow. Movers will show up on tomorrow. We get on the plane next Wednesday. Panic has set in.
DETAILS:
Our house was officially put on the market last Friday. We had people visit Saturday and Sunday. An hour after the couple left on Sunday, our agent called to say that they wanted to rent the house. Their only condition was that they wanted to remove the wall paper from the bathrooms and the living room and paint the rooms at their own expense. They offered to let us see their current house to ensure we were comfortable with their decorating ideas. We visited their house, it was immaculate and very nicely decorated. They had done all of the painting themselves and it was a very professional job. We signed the lease and they will be moving in April 1st (as we fly half-way around the world). We've hired a property manager and are hopeful that things will go well. We've been busy getting things ready for the movers. Ready or not, they will pack everything up on Thursday. Stay calm.
That's about all of the news that we have time to include this time around. The remainder of this e-mail will deal with questions that came up after the first issue.
Where is Singapore?
Singapore is a small island (approximately 14 miles x 26 miles), located off the Southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is approximately 83 miles North of the Equator and is the 3rd busiest port in the World. It is almost exactly half way around the world from Washington, D.C. and is 13 hours ahead of E.S.T. When Daylight Savings Time starts here in the contiguous U.S. (everywhere but Arizona and a few renegade counties in Iowa or Indiana), Singapore is only 12 hours ahead of E.D.T. Singapore is NOT in Japan, China or Africa. Singapore is an independent country. Singapore is the name of the island, city and country.
Will we have any trouble with the language?
We don't expect that language will be problem since English is one of the official languages. However, some people question how well we communicate in English. Singapore is multi-cultural society. The majority of the people, roughly 75%, are of Chinese origins. The Malay people make up 15% of the population and Indians (from the sub-continent; NOT Arizona) make up most of the remaining 10%. Since Singapore is a regional financial and trade hub, there are also sizable communities of Europeans, Americans and just about everyone else.
How do you make a Singapore Sling?
Hmmm, I know where it was invented (Raffles Hotel) and I think that it contains Sloe Gin. I will make finding out one of my highest priority tasks.
Will you be caned?
We hope not. Veronica has promised to be on her best behavior and will refrain from vandalizing any buildings or cars.
Is chewing gum really illegal?
We thought only the distribution of chewing gum was illegal and people were free to posses and chew gum. Recent research seems to indicate that all things related to gum are illegal: distribution, possession and chewing. While we expect it to be tough, we are planning on going "cold turkey".
Why is gum illegal?
The "Gum Situation" is a good example of the Singapore government's approach to problems. Have a problem with cleaning gum off of bus seats and sidewalks? Outlaw gum. Simple and effective. Singapore is a very oderly place where people are free to make money as long as they don't mess with the orderliness. The government feels that personal freedoms are not as important as the greater common good.
Why are you personal belongings being stored in an "undisclosed location"?
Why are you asking? ;~)
I think that's about all we have time for, more in the future.
Greg & Veronica
p.s. Please remember that if you are inundated with e-mail and prefer not to have us regularly pester you with the messy details of our adventure in Singapore, you can be removed from the recipients. No offense will be taken, no excuse necessary. No purchase necessary. Offer void in Wisconsin.