Home at last

Well, here we are, finally ensconced in our new home on the East Coast. I believe we are now living in the area of Bedok and very nice it is too. We now have bone fide neighbours, not just people who live above and below us. The house on the end of the street has a swimming pool (note to self, befriend the be-pooled neighbours) and we have space. Lots and lots of space. I say home because actually that's how it feels already. Unlike out previous place which felt kinda temporary this feels right. Right place, right house, right neighbourhood. Having said that we've only been here two nights! Last night the folks at number two had a party (which we weren't invited too!) and the noise was fine. But I realised it was the first time since we've been here were we've had people noisily socialising. Felt kinda good. It also meant that we weren't going to be the first of the street to have a party. Depending on how it goes it could have created a bad first impression. We may still manage that although I think the kids excited 'freedom-to-roam' volume may have painted them a picture already. The kids are well, very, very excited. And I'm not sure if they think we're on holiday or whether we've actually moved here.
So, the move itself went without incident or anything to report which was, frankly, amazing. My opinion of customer service is not exactly, erm, well, I think it's rubbish! But on Thursday, everyone turned up on time or even in one case early (UNBELIEVABLE!), did the job we'd paid them to do and in double quick time too. Removals guys packed and unloaded without a gripe or murmur and in best of spirits. Furniture guys had just arrived at the house when I got there, a full five minutes before their earliest arrival time in the 'time slot' and proceed to get everything unpacked and put together before I knew what had happened. Even StarHub out-did themselves by doing what I asked them to and within hours we had TV and broadband set up. I was, to put it mildly, taken aback. Those of you who live in Singapore will know what a triumph it is to get a tradesman to your house within a couple of days of when they said they would be there. This time...... well, I could go on, but you get the picture. I was, in the vernacular, 'well chuffed'.
Bought the kids a paddling pool yesterday in lieu of having no swimming pool which is pretty much the only thing I think we're going to miss. However, Singapore does provide some exceptional public swimming pools at a great price. As some of you will know, I used to swim in the UK. I used to swim a lot! In a lot of pools. And the quality of facilities here in comparison to the UK leaves the Brits standing. Must be why Singapore is so strong at international swimming! So, the kids are happy with that although our water bills are going to be enormous!
Which leaves us to explore the area. Mostly food oriented as things tend to be in Singapore, but there's some good looking places catering to pretty much the whim of locals and expats alike. Reckon we could eat out every night for a year and still only cover a quarter of a mile of the road we live on. Quite fancy getting out and down to Joo Chiat later to see what's what. Food of course, but also the old shop-houses being used as originally intended. And actually places to shop. Speaking of which, we decided we quite like the idea of having a hawker style table on our front terrace just for general use (I'm sitting at it at the moment). Now, we had less than no idea where to find, especially as we'd just moved. So, of course, I Facebook'd the question. Almost instantly I got a reply from another blogger Leone Fabre who pointed us in the direction of the Kitchen Mart (read Leone's blog post) in Eunos. Now, bearing in mind she lives over on the West Coast (which in Singaporean terms is absolutely miles away from us), I have no idea how she knew this place existed. But I'm glad she did. It is the proverbial Aladdin's Cave of cookware! Value for money (a rarity in Sing) and stacked with all manor of good stuff. From the food centre style of crockery (i.e. orange) to the most gigantic cooking vats, you could fit in two small children to stew with room to spare, and the suitably massive masher with which to mash them with. I like to cook so it was a revelation to find (be directed to) this place. Sufficed to say we went in for a table and came out with quite a lot more. We will be back.
Right, away to Joo Chiat! I get the feeling my next post may be rather foodie oriented!

Finally made it!

So here I sit in the one corner of the apartment where I can pinch somebody's unguarded wireless connection. The things I do for a blog!

We're here! It was a long old journey, not-with-standing the fact that Singapore Airlines lost a wheel from the buggy on arrival, making what should have been transport for the kids into another piece of luggage to carry. Oh, and the kids into two more pieces of luggage. You get the picture. We were not best pleased. We were walking past arrivals en route to the 'Lost & Found' office to make our buggy claim when we became aware of three figures in the outside world franticallly waving at us. Our greeting party from Tanglin School, doubtless wondering what had become of us. I think they really started wondering when I said the wheels had already come off. However, after a short and grumpy explanation and them still in good spirits despite being on their third cup of coffee (I think everyone else cleared customs after one!), we were wisked off to our apartment. T was taken a short while later by one of the school reps to Mothercare to buy another 'stroller' (there is a fair amount of Americanise). And relax. Almost.
The apartment is a really good size and in an excellent location. Three beds with the master en suite. This means D practically has the run of the main bathroom as we barely use it! The kids have adapted well and absolutely love the apartment. I don't think I've ever seen them play together so much at home. Laughing and shouting in what is still pretty much an empty apartment barring the furniture (all of which seems very new). 
First day was spent with me and the kids bumbling around the complex in a bit of a daze. Lovely facilities for them (and us). Spent a lot of time in the kiddy pool and playground while T went to work to log on and somewhat find her feet. Everyone got a pretty good nights sleep on the Friday night which surprising (but very necessary considering D hadn't slept on the flight over!).
On Saturday T disappeared again, this time for a city tour. Lucky thing, I was a bit jealous of that to be honest. However, in the afternoon I met up with her and some of her colleagues and had a drink in Holland Village. Now, this was the first time I had taken a taxi in Singapore. Which doesn't sound too difficult. Except I had two small, jet lagged children and a new buggy in tow. Well, I now know how to disassemble a buggy with one hand, a clinging girl in the other and a crying, worried boy in the taxi. It all went remarkably smoothly actually. D has taken to taxi rides like a duck to water. Just as well as it looks like a substantial amount of our travel will be done in them!
We stayed out for the afternoon and found ourselves early evening at Clarks Quay to meet up with the rest of the Tanglin newbies for drinks. Sufficed to say this didn't last too long into the night with the kids in tow but it made for a nice introduction to the city.
Yesterday saw T with her first day with the family and so we thought we'd do what all families do when the have time together. Go to Ikea! Well, it was every bit as manic and busy as in Wembley and at least as enjoyable. Yes, we had meatballs. We also got some things to make the apartment a little less empty. Most of it being delivered this Thursday between 10 and 2 (since you asked). Let's hope Singaporean punctuality is as good as their service.
Weird old weather. After gearing ourselves up for the heat and sun we haven't needed to apply the sunscreen once (not that we remembered to bring any with us!). I think we are being lulled into a false sense of security somehow!
Spent the morning doing some washing and cleaning reminding me that we are, in actual point-of-fact, living here, and not just on holiday! Off to Holland Village now (another one-handed taxi trip), to see if we can set up a bank account. Can't do anything else without one so it would seem a fairly pressing thing to achieve. Can't believe this is only the fourth day in. Seems like we've been here quite some time already.

A week today....

Only a week today and we'll be there. Hopefully sitting by the swimming pool with a cold drink and the kids playing happily nearby. The reality is probably that we'll be absolutely knackered from travelling and the kids will be desperate for sleep. Either way, we'll be there!

Finally!!

Hurray, we finally have an address for Singapore. It's called Dover Park View And it's just the one we were hoping for. Close to the school T will be working at too. Shops are near by and the complex has untold facilities, which will be perfect for both us and the kids. To name but a few, there will be at our disposal; Children's playground, three swimming pools, jacuzzi, tennis courts, saunas and a gymnasium. Personally, I'm looking forward to getting to grips with the chipping and putting green. Sounds like a great way to while away some time (quite a lot in my case!). Haven't worked out what floor we're on yet but I guess the higher the better for the views (not that I know what they are).

So we are staying at my mum and dad's until we leave now having spent a very nice week down in Dorset visiting the parents-in-law. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay at my brother-in-law's place which is excellent as it suits the kids because it's all on one level and is also very comfortable for us too. It was also sunny and warm all week which was a real bonus so we spent most of the time outside one way or another. As is the way, during one of our day trips, we bumped into a chap who is living in Singapore and has been out in Asia for about 14 years. He didn't seem too keen to chat however so that was about all I managed to get out of him. Shame, could've been a really interesting chat. Nevermind, we'll find things out for ourselves soon enough. One week exactly (almost to the minute) until we fly.

The tenants moved in on Monday and we've already had our rent paid into our account which is a relief. I had a nice email from her today in fact wishing us well in our adventures. She seems very happy to be in. Hopefully that sentiment will continue for the next twelve months!

Free to roam

Public wireless? Sounds good to me.
http://www.ida.gov.sg/Programmes/20061027174147.aspx?getPagetype=36

Golf in Singapore - Golf Clubs & Country Clubs Listing

Golf in Singapore - Golf Clubs & Country Clubs Listing

Party, party......

A very nice Saturday night had by all (as far as I'm aware). It started quietly which suited us fine as it enabled us to sit back, relax and have a glass of champers. Then everyone arrived quite rapidly it seemed to me. Great to see everyone at the pub to see us off. Even if they were just making sure we are actually leaving. It was a pleasure to see old and new friends alike. The staff at the pub treated us very well and we got through our share of booze. Some more than others as my wife will testify to! She didn't feel too great this morning (or this afternoon come to that!). No tears from anyone which was quite a surprise although to be honest T went round organising to meet everyone again before go. I don't think she quite had the right grasp of timescale given that in a weeks time we will be down in Dorset visiting the in-laws for a week, then back up to stay with my parents for the remaining few days (phew, that sounds a little scary actually).
Another success in selling today as our second car went down the road with a new owner in it (must remember to send of the V5 to the DVLA). As deals go it couldn't have been easier, the 'buyer' turned up on Friday for a test drive and made me an offer then and there. Perfect, even managed to push him up another £50. Money was in the bank by the close of play that night and he picked up today. Brilliant and not a moment too soon considering we'd had no other interest and the Auto Trader advert ran out last Thursday!! The only down side is it means I don't get to play golf on Wednesday now due to lack of transport. Boo, but on the other, the money is in the bank. And I think they play a bit of golf in Singapore!

30 days

That's all that's left until we disappear to Singapore. How crazy is that? We have our 'leaving' party on Saturday. Looks like there should be a few people turning up which is good news. We weren't sure many were going to make it at first! Even thought about cancelling it at one point!
The other good news is that our shipping came in lighter than expected so we're due a refund. Every little helps. Hey, that could be a catch phrase for a grocery company.

Hooray!

Great weekend for selling that was! We got rid of the sofa, armchairs and dining room table and chairs for the price we wanted. And we've just got rid of one of our bed frames and various other stuff on Freecycle to a couple of girls moving into their first flat. The wonders of t'internet. Just discovered we've also got a £50 cheque coming our way for a recommending a company to my parents. It's all coming up roses, as they say....

The came, they packed, they left.

Hurray, the relocation company turned up today! I must once they were here they were very efficient. D took exception to them packing his toys up, which is understandable but even he was chatting to them the whole way through. He did cry a bit when he finally had to say goodbye though which made me feel bad for him. Z on the other hand couldn't have cared less, she sat on her high chair watching the world go by, but mainly CBeebies!. Took them about two hours in the end, which wasn't bad (although we hadn't got that much to be shipped). The most surprising thing was watching them put our double mattress in an over sized brown paper bag (see below behind Z)! Quite a strange feeling seeing your belongings in the back of a 7.5 tonne lorry and knowing the next time you see them will be roughly 6,741 miles away in five weeks time (I have been doing a bit of research). Gawd knows what was gong through Dan's head! Not much else to say on the subject other than you can guarantee over the next few weeks we're bound to find something we wished we'd shipped.
Another good thing that arrived today was confirmation from our mortgage lenders of permission to let. Phew, that would have been tricky if they hadn't granted that one! Can't say it had even crossed my mind that they wouldn't but I suppose if you've got to ask there's always the possibility they'll say no!

No Relo.....

Grrrr! So the relo company didn't make it today. Poor. Supposed to be with me between 1pm and 3pm. Got a call at 230pm saying they were aiming to be with me by 430-5pm. I called them at 5 to find out it was going to be more like 6-30pm. No chance! Got to go out at 7. All the worse for the fact that we'd had the kids out of the way all day and I'd turned down a days work. Not a happy camper.
So tomorrow they are due between 830-10am. We're their first pick-up, which kind of begs the question, why is there a time slot of an hour-and-a-half? Just got to stop the kids crying when all their toys and books disappear out the door. Could be fun!
Anyway, nice evening out with friends and bedtime now. Worry about it all in the morning.

"Hello, my name's Nick!"

"I am your friendly gas man and here is my ID. I'm going to give you your Landlord's certificate."

He looked very proud of his ID badge. Fingers crossed we get the certificate out of him today. We'll find out in about two hours. There's already a bit of sawing going on in the bathroom where the boiler is. Don't know how encouraging that is, but I'm sure I'll find out soon enough!

We now have a long piece of copper piping pointing down our outside wall. It's connected to the pressure outlet valve apparently and it points down the wall so that people won't be sprayed by boiling water when they're sitting on the roof terrace (yes, a roof terrace, not decking). Which I guess would be preferable to a quick poaching whilst trying to enjoy a glass of wine.

So far, so good with the boiler he says. It's passed it's emissions test which is the main thing. I'm happy already. I felt sure the old boiler (it's at least fifteen years old) would have a real issue trying to pump out those nasty gases but , no, apparently not.

Gas fire and hob next. Goodness knows how old that fire is but shouldn't be a problem.....

No problem at all and we've passed with flying colours. Our Landlord's Certificate will be in in the post! Hurrah for British Gas (I've never said that before)!

The day before.....

..... shipping day.
T has the day off and we're making the most of being able to pack and get ready for our belongings to be shipped to Singapore tomorrow (sans kids). Madness I tells ya! We seem to have done OK as me being able to Blog would testify to. It really doesn't seem that much when it comes down to it although there's still a shed load (or two) to get rid of before we disappear. I'm sure once the shipping has gone it will soon become apparent what stays and what goes.... let's hope so!
They're turning up between 1-3pm tomorrow so it still gives me the morning to worry about whether we've got everything we need. Listen to me, it sounds like we're going to live in Outer Mongolia or something (which is very nice apparently but not over-endowed with convenience stores I believe). We are in fact off to Singapore which, quite probably, has one of the highest proportion of shops per head in the world! I don't think we're likely to suffer from lack of choice somehow, just lack of money (but no lack of will to consume!).
Rather well timed is the fact that arriving between 8am-1pm is the Gas engineer to (hopefully), test our appliances and present us with our Landlords certificate. If he finds something wrong (and the boiler is pretty old, mind), then more money will be thrown at another problem and get resolved I'm sure.
So that means I'm stuck in the house between about 8am and 5pm.
Lummox!

Wet, wet, wet

And just to temper that last blog update, lest we forget that it does get very wet in other ways in Singapore. That is a lot of rain by anyone's standards!

Over 60% of June rain fell during morning downpour....... click for more

Sing or swim

Well, I've done a lot of swimming, in a lot of pools, but, I have never seen anything like this before. Pretty spectacular to say the least. It's definitely going on my lsit of 'to dos' when I get out there!

Marina Bay Sands roof top pool.

49 days left!

We go sub-50 days until we fly to Singapore. Wow, it's really getting close. Our belongings are being shipped in exactly two weeks which is also pretty scary! It's all booked, just a small matter of paying for it now. Must give the relo company a ring with a card number (preferabley someone elses!). Starting to get to the point where we're feeling like it's a bit out of control I think.
Our new tenant popped round yesterday to see if she wants to buy anything from us. No, in short, aprt from our living room mirror. So now we really have to get our skates on to clear out before we leave! She seemed very nice though and the kids got on like a house on fire. Although we seemed apprehensive to her about letting, I get the impression she's seen it all before and was very relaxed which is a relief. Hopefully it will be a trouble free relationship.
Fingers crossed!

Fibre Optics

We hear a lot about how Asia is leading the way when it comes to technology. I'm looking forward to the way things are shaping up for broadband in Singapore. It will quite probably change the way we watch TV, listen to music and watch films. Not to mention actually being able to Skype etc. without the camera connection conking out all the time! Find out more here Open Net in Singapore
At some point in the near future I should be able to access 1Gbps speeds. By 2012 95% of the island (yes an entire country) will have coverage. And it's already ahead of schedule. Impressive stuff. I wonder how that would work in the UK? Well, I don't really because it wouldn't. And won't for the foreseeable I should imagine as the current Government has got other things on their plate without having to worry about that sort of expense. I can see coming back to the UK being frustratingly slow when it comes to get online in the future. Let alone wanting to carry on doing everything I got used to doing in Singapore. However, the exciting bit is actually being in a position to experience that in the first place!

Tenant

So, we have a tenant! Hurray! Found out last Friday with a call from the estate agent. By his demeanour I thought he was going to be giving me some feedback from the viewing earlier in the day. But no. She (single mother of two, 7 and 14 years old respectively), has put down a holding deposit and the house is off the market. She sounds ideal. Wants to move in on 2 August (which is what we wanted). Wants a 12 month contract (fine by us) and has a job in the city (which helps). So, that's that. Well, not quite obviously. We would like her to come back in and cast an objective eye over our furniture (and anything else she wants) and make us an offer on it so we don't have to get it out of the house. Chief furniture offender is the dining room table and chairs. It's lovely, but huge! Getting it in was a logistical struggle (doors off hinges etc.) So we'd really rather keep it in if possible. Just laziness basically!
Meanwhile, more 'stuff' has been floating out of the door whether sold or for free. And there's still a lot left! Anyway, the relocation company is now booked for 8 July and that really is D-Day for anything we want to send out there. By the same token, anything left afterwards is either coming on the plane with us or IT HAS TO GO!! Which reminds me, I must find out if we absolutely have to have relo insurance. As it stands, using the companies own insurance, we'll have to pay around £250. Now, that's a lot of money and we aren't taking anything that's worth that sort of money. So what's the point? Well, obviously it's an easy way for the relo company to make a few bob extra but to be honest I could do without that extra expense. Most of what we'd want insured is not replaceable (i.e. wedding glassware), and we might as well save that insurance money and just buy nice new one's if they're smashed. Hmmmmm.....
And at around the time our effects are shipped, we should find out where we are living. That's the exciting bit. Hoping that as we're the only family being 'shipped' out this year (from the UK anyway), that they'll have no trouble finding us a nice big appartment! They have sent details of the kind of thing we can expect and they look very, very nice. Fingers crossed!

MRT VANDALISM CASE

This has been rumbling on for some time but it's quite reassuring that a case as seemingly as trifling as this (to me), is such a major news story over in Singapore. It's the national equivalent of the old 'Cat Stuck Up Tree Headline' in a local newspaper.
The Straits Times

More paperwork

Last night was spent sifting through various bits of paperwork (electronic and paper), that the relocation company need completing in order to move us. I thought it would be a case of 'pay us the money and we'll move you'. But, no, definitely not! Copies of passports, letters of introduction, work passes, inventories, customs declarations, you name it! The fact that we have no idea where we'll be leaving left a few blank spaces but I think we got most of it done. That took a little while so by the end it was unanimously decided (between me and my wife), that it was time for pizza. With a G'n'T. Done!

Still lots to get through and indeed rather than writing this blog I should be emailing the relo company with questions I need answering. Nothing desperate but it needs doing and answers need obtaining. You can't believe how much space is taken up with seemingly small amounts of goods that need shipping but, we've managed 137 cubic feet with no trouble at all. Now, I know that's not much as far as container ships go but it costing £1060 and we're barely taking anything. thank goodness the school's paying!