Friday morning

Waking up to what seems like yet another apocalyptic storm but in reality is just another bit of usual Singaporean weather. The traffic is horrendous and T has been on the phone for 15 minutes trying to order a cab.
Had planned to take the kids to the Children's Garden this morning but might take a rain check! Ain't gonna be much fun in this! Which brings up the question 'what do you do with them in this weather'? I think it's something to think about as there's a lot of the wet stuff about. Note to self, check out the softly in the area.
Finally we know when our delivery day is for our shipping. Next Tuesday. It's taken a while but at least we now know when it'll be here! Can't even really remember what's in it apart from our mattress which is now void due to the fact we have a queen size bed in our apartment. Hey Ho. Queen bed is good. Bit of extra space makes all the difference.
We have Cbeebies on cable now which is good as I think D is feeling a bit under the weather today. He's slumped on the sofa while his crazy sister runs circles around the living room. She's bonkers. And happy. So it's all good.
Yesterday saw the arrival of several things chief among them the safe arrival of my mates baby daughter. Due some six days before we travelled out to Singapore it was born some six days after we arrived. Determined, the important thing is that she's here and safe. Other things to arrive were the kids beds. Some pictures for the living room and the TV.
Starting to feel a bit more homely now.

The weekly fumigation of the complex.

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!