What it's really like here....

I know I've posted pics on FB, but I wanted to describe what life is really like....

There's always something to do. Last weekend we went for a bike ride along the coast with some friends. On the left-hand side is the ocean. As we went along, we came upon an Ironman triathlon. Kinda makes me want to train for another marathon.... There are sooo many races here- just about every weekend.

Downtown at night. Playing with color.

As we walked along the harbor, we stumbled upon a free outdoor concert. It seems like there's some sort of concert or something going on. On Sunday nights about twice a month the symphony plays in the Botanic Gardens which is about a 5 minute walk away. Families bring their kids and dogs and picnic on the grass. This is one of my favorite things- bottle of wine, cheese, crackers, hummus, fresh fruit, good friends = great lil Sunday night.

It's a very cool city. There's such an international flavor which is amazing to see families from basically all parts of the world strolling along the river. As we were walking along the water, we couldn't help but compare it to Egypt. The thing that we just couldn't believe is how quiet it was downtown. There are people everywhere, but it's just so nice and peaceful. Unlike the tackiness of the Nile River which screams for attention. Sometimes I think you go through certain experiences just to appreciate other experiences. Without living in Cairo, I don't think I would appreciate Singapore as much as I do.

Living in the tropics can also have a few surprises.... like this lovely fellow found in our parking lot!! Apparently pythons are not very dangerous. However, there are cobras on this island. I've been told that you might see a big snake when you're walking in tall grass or off trails. However, this one was in found in the middle of the city next to a car!!

There are snails everywhere! I always forget to take pictures of them. As a kid I remember loving to play with these guys and had them race. The snails here are the biggest that I've ever seen. They are literally everywhere after a long rain. One morning, it was dark and I went for a walk through the neighborhood and I was looking at the street signs, not looking at the sidewalk....and CRUNCH. I already knew before I could look down that the worst had happened and I had stepped on my shelled friend.

"Wow, I didn't know your hair was frizzy." - Owen after the first day we were in Singapore. Yes, it's a battle of the frizz. I've had a few friends try straightening their hair with Brazilian Blowout which I'm thinking about trying. I'm not sure if this is scientific or not, but everyone talks about how quickly your hair grows here. So even if you have a bad haircut, it's grown out in a week or two.

It's always hot. There will never be a need for a jacket. However, that also means you can swim year round. I only wear shorts and dresses which makes it easy when deciding what to wear. Sometimes I long for a crisp, cool afternoon to go on a run, but that will never happen. I kinda miss having different clothes for different seasons. We don't ever have to check the weather report though. And always bring an umbrella because there might be a quick, unexpected rain shower.

Basically, life is good. There are few annoying things just like anywhere, but the positives greatly outweigh the annoyances.