Crumb Trails

Jul 31, 2011

Sentosa Beach

I spent much of yesterday at Sentosa with a bunch of other exchange students. We were on the beach mostly, and some of us even ventured a little further into the resort area to nab a beach volleyball court and play a quick set. All in all it was a great time, despite not going any further than knee deep in the water. It was warm compared to the Pacific I'm used to, but I didn't feel like swimming for some reason. Meh. Maybe I'll hit the campus pool sometime.

The beach, though, is odd for a few reasons. Apparently most/all of the sand is brought in from Indonesia, and just beyond the marked swimming areas are the tankers. Now, I know that Singapore is a busy port, and having been to Istanbul I know what "busy port" really means, but there's something odd about seeing endless lines of tankers just beyond the tropical beach.

That said, it was still a nice beach. Not the best beach I've been to, and not my favourite beach in the world, but it had everything a good beach has. The amount of beach bars lining the sand also supplied us with some free music while relaxing, though it is sometimes odd to hear so much of the usual Top 40 from back home while beaching it in Singapore. Globalization, eh?

all photos by me, more on Flickr

Jul 29, 2011

my New Island

I have been in the Lion City for five days now, but it feels as if I have been here weeks already. The city is so densely layered and proximate that there is so much one can do in a single day. Already I have been to too many malls to count, Marina Bay, Bugis, the University area, Holland Village, Little India, and the city centre. I have been taking full advantage of the multicultural basis of the city, sampling fusion cuisine that is simply delicious.

Of course, I would not have been able to do any of this without a few friends. One of the best things about being both an international student and a visible minority is that the friends come quick and easy. My usual group now includes other Canadians, Indians, Americans, Danes, Germans, Swiss, Dutch, and a few Singaporeans, too. Although I do love having so many friends from around the world, I'll admit that I like having Team Canada around - just a liiiittle bit!

I have had plenty of fun experiences to share here, such as when I bought the SIM card for my phone. I was required to show my passport, and almost immediately after seeing the word Canada stamped across the front, the middle-age Chinese woman proclaimed, "Like Bieber!" and launched into the chorus of "Baby." After my insistence that I don't like the Biebs, she told me with absolute certainty that I was just jealous.

School doesn't start for another few weeks, postponed further because of the National Day celebrations on the 9th of August. While at Marina Bay our tour group saw part of the rehearsal for the laser light and music show, and if that was any indication of what the entire celebration will entail, well, I'm in for quite the patriotic treat! I just hope that I can get down to actually see the festivities. I guess the height will come in handy, eh?

disclaimer: Van Isle is still my favourite and home island, Singapore is just doing a very fine job competing with that

photos all by me, more on Flickr

Jul 25, 2011

Music Monday: Lightning and Turbulence

So as I said last night, I've arrived safe and sound in Singapore. Despite my current safety, it was one bumpy ride to get here.

Making the trip over the Pacific is always interesting, at least in my experience. Flying up the BC and Alaska coastlines we hit a lot of turbulence. Like, plane sometimes dropping in those nifty air streams. It felt like a roller coaster, which I very much enjoy so it wasn't really terrible. However, we had screamers. Every time the plane so much as vibrated there were gasps. The same turbulence hit us while flying parallel to Japan. It was a long 11 hours.

Shanghai to Singapore was much more calm, although we had to make a very slight change in course when we flew beside a raging lightning storm. Now, I love lightning and thunder. So, obviously, I was glued to the window. I also switched my iPod from the "Downtempo" playlist (12am-5am flight, I was wanting to sleep) to a song called Turbulent Rock Anthem by 3LAU and Kap Slap. I had it on repeat. I listened to it four or five times. It makes for a rad storm soundtrack, hahah.

Oh, and the song is a mash-up. If you don't like those, don't click the link. Or, click it anyway and see if I can change your mind.

photo by snowpeak

Arrival

So I've been in Singapore since 5am, though it feels like a lot longer because of all the stuff I've done today. I'll do a proper update later, I'm in dire need of uninterrupted sleep. Just wanted to check in and say, "Hey! I'm here!" and whatnot.

Pictures will also follow, though I opted to not get a data plan for my HTC so the uploads won't be instant. Sad face. I'm sure we'll all manage.

In other news: I just ate dinner a few hours ago, and I'm already hungry again. Curses.