Rock Around the Manger

 I left you off at midnight on Christmas Day. The plans for Christmas this year were vastly different than any in my past. And what I thought would be the same turned out to be different. These differences became the same. All said it was entirely new experience, and as much as I miss my friends and family during this time, I think it has taught me to appreciate them even more and to embrace the welcome arms of new friends.

The first difference was that my father or my brother usually wakes me up around 8 am. Today I woke up to an alarm (around the same time though). Dawdling I put on some nice clothes (casual smart as they say in SG) and jetted out on the MRT to find Singapore Indoor stadium, my host for Christmas morning mass.

It was immediately apparent to me that this church was much different than what I was used to at home. The venue was the dead give away, but the people with signs outside, the queue was easily 500 people deep, and the stadium was mostly full. So no pews just stadium seats. The lights went down, fog machines bellowed, lasers started shooting and the bass was thumping. Wait a sec? Concert or church, the first hour of the service was a dance warm-up for everyone, rock and light versions of Christmas carols and a play with a prodigal son (daughter actually) type message. I was doing fine until one of the songs “Gloria In Excelsios deo” or Glory to god in the highest, this reminded me of singing with the family and in our Ukrainian church when I was younger. I officially missed home, was homesick or whatever you may decide to call it.

Sermon finally started around 11:30, I found this part much more to my interest. Apparently I am very traditional, although this wasn’t presented how I am used to. A PowerPoint with different quotes was provided and the priest (not sure if that’s what you call this guy), dumbed down greatly parts of scripture. I think this is good to help people understand, but it directs interpretation. What I like is that the way I hear or read the bible (which isn’t very often these days) is interpreted by myself and I can generate my own beliefs. I had to leave church early in order to meet up with the family on Christmas Eve. 1 pm on the 25^th for me was 10 pm for my family on the 24^th.

It was wonderful to see Ben, Christina, Dad and Mom on their Christmas Eve, I just missed caroling with them. They were all in a bright cheerful mood and it helped pick me up as well. The gift mom picked up for my little nephew Leo was a toy guitar. Leo is always smiling he is so cheerful, and to here about this 20 month old rocking out and dancing is exciting, I asked Krista if she could share with me a video of it. As they were heading to bed, we planned to chat again when they woke up in the morning. Following our normal tradition, I would open gifts with them, this time on Skype. 

I killed the afternoon away with walking and some TV shows, I decided to take the day off the gym. At 11 pm my time, mom messaged me to say they were awake. JOY! Christmas is here. It felt more like Christmas that evening than it had all day. I sat in the middle of the room as they each opened their stockings, I asked questions about the lip balm Christina had received, and the little things everyone received from Santa.

Next up I was carried to the living room and sat in a chair so I could see everyone. My “neck” was a little sore, so I needed help turning my head when each person was opening their gifts. This was probably one of my highlights to Christmas, to see and hear the excitement of everyone as they opened their gifts and spread holiday love.

Overall, Christmas was good, despite being so many KM (just over 13 000) away from family. I know that friends here have been very good to me, and I want to thank all of you. 

Riding the steamboat

 I didn’t write about yesterday’s Chinatown adventure, so I figure I would combine this with today’s travels. 

To start with huge props to Vanessa and Bremner for recommending I watch “the League”. It is easily one of my favourite shows I have ever watched. The smack talk that goes down in that is ridiculous. I am always entertained with that show, it will be rather sad when it’s all done. In one of my fantasy football leagues, I just made it into the playoffs. Two weeks and Shiva will be all mine.

Monday my usual gym, pool, go see agents. I visited with the ladies we talked about it being a slower time right now; it’s not me that’s not been busy, its everyone unfortunately. I have stopped worrying about what will come of this. If I can keep a positive attitude and keep adventures rolling then that will have to do. I mean of course I want to work and make money, but you can’t force something that’s not there. Patience.

We discussed more of the cuisine I have tried, and the latest hawker centres as well as the possibility of me taking off for a few days over the Christmas holidays. Hopefully I can find out about a cheap fun place to go.  I have been chatting with Curtis in Australia we are going to try and find a place somewhere here in SE Asia.

After heading off from the agency, I decided to grab myself some lunch. Today, after a discussion with Brenna I had a tickle in my stomach that could only be satisfied by Phad Thai. This kicked the crap out of any Pad Thai I have had in North America. Sorry RawBar it did the trick but has got nothing on this delight. Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, fish sauce, tamarind juice, red chili pepper, plus bean sprouts, shrimp and tofu, garnished with crushed peanuts, coriander and lime. All of that plus the Thai condiments (crushed peanuts, garlic chives, pickled turnip, cilantro, lime, spicy chili oil, chili powder, vinegar, fish sauce, sugar). While eating my unsatisfactory cheap chopsticks gave me a small sliver on my lip.

Next stop CHINATOWN, to buy? CHOPSTICKS! I meandered around Chinatown for hours, so many small little shops and things to check out. Tailors trying to pull you in, my iPod and sunglasses worked like a charm. I would love to buy some ivory chopsticks or Apple wood or Marble they all look great, but me being me, bought the set for $1. Cheap bamboo ones, with writing of my initials. I almost bought 3 watches for 10 bucks, they had much nicer ones in Chinatown than Little India, but I decided against this for today. 

Spotted this Pub " Tai Mai Shu"

This building made me think of Star Wars Episode II

I was in a walking spirit so decided to find a hawker centre. I asked Barbara (Ms. Googlemaps) and to the Zion Riverside Food Centre I go, approx., 45-minute walk. I spotted a Ferrari dealership along the way and tried to get pictures, but they were all inside and the windows were tinted. Bummer! For dinner, I relied on lines and signs indicated I was to have Chai Tow Kway or Carrot cake. The guy had awards all over his hawker stall, and watching him brought a smile to my face. He truly loved what he did; he was the Brian Flanagan of Singapore Carrot cake. I asked for it to go, not entirely sure why. I think because I had discovered this wonderful riverside walk that would take me all the way to my apartment in just over 2 km. This was a spectacular site, worth another stop for sure. I think I will read books here. 

As for today, well pool and gym obviously. I had a great opportunity to catch up with Kelly and Vickie over Skype; they were being silly about being on video because apparently they just finished spin class. I told them they still looked pretty, and its true. It’s always funny chatting with them they are always so cheerful and full of laughter.

My adventure today was rather simple, my goal was to get lost in the downtown area and find my way back. This is very easy to do with the underground network of tunnels between buildings. Similar to the +15’s back home you can make it everywhere without going outside. This is quite advantageous when it’s say 38 degrees outside.

I found my favourite crepe place and had their Sesame chicken crepe, read my book for a bit then headed home.  I decided I would take this opportunity to enjoy the nice weather and read my book in my newly discovered riverside park. This is exactly what I did. Taking in the nature and the songs of birds I sat on a bench and started Carte Blanche. Interesting, I am James Bond. He is described as 6 ft., 170 lbs. and black hair (I have brown but close enough).

After that and I quick run back to my place I set out to find Ikea, umm I mean the Alexandra food centre. And that I did! After wandering for 15 minutes, I came to the decision to order a steamboat and a chocolate avocado juice. The steamboat is essentially a soup in this awesome dish with lots of fire. The soup consisted of fish, vegetables and tofu, so I had some rice on the side for an extra .50. Looks really cool:

The chocolate avocado juice was simply avocado juice with cocoa added. It was good, but I think I prefer the normal one, the bitterness of the chocolate proved to be too much for my buds.

Next stop groceries. L For the first time they didn’t have any Gala Apples. So I bought Asian pear, grapes and carrots.  I also found something that is a Singapore delicacy. Nonya Kaya. This is a jam type spread made from coconut, sugar cane and some sort of local fruit Pandan. I will get back to you once I try it. 

Have you tried the carrot cake?

 Yesterday was a rather tame day, so I thought I would just combine it with today. I spent the morning beside the pool and a quick workout in the gym. This has started to become a nice consistent routine.  An hour in the gym followed by usually 30 minutes poolside and 20-30 minutes swimming. I am starting to become much more efficient with my swimming which is kind of cool. My back is no longer getting sore from the swimming motions, so I will likely have to add these workouts back into my normal regimen.

After not having an opportunity to chat with the parents, I was finally able to catch up with mom and dad in the afternoon as well. It’s always a treat to talk and see loved ones. 

For dinner I was interested in trying something new. As I had discovered a few posts back, some of the cuisine I was afraid of trying is completely Zach friendly. My decision was Carrot Cake. This delicacy is not what we have back home. It actually has no carrot, and no cake. It is made from eggs, radish, spices and rice cubes. There are two types that you can get; a white one and a black one. I met up with Debb and we headed to the Tijong Bahru market. Walking around we spotted signs in a hawker stall that noted it’s prize winning Carrot cake.

The verdict: it was awesome. I think carrot cake would be more of a breakfast thing for me. It reminds me of an omelet.  The black one is a little sweeter and thus not as key to my palate as the white. Like I mentioned lately I have been hungrier, so I dug into a dessert today. I am never going to remember what it was that I had. Essentially it was shaved ice, crushed peanuts, cocoa powder and a bunch of jelly stuff underneath with corn and red beans. It was good, but not a common thing for me, far to sweet even sharing it.

When I arrived home Brenna and I skyped for a bit. She was awesome helping me discover new beats. I have been listening to my iPod a significant amount and am starting to get bored with the same selection I have had for the past 3 years. 50 new songs in my drop box and I was set.

My goal last night was to watch my Vikings play. It was about midnight when I had finished updating my iPod only 2 hours until game time. I watched an episode of the walking dead and browsed around the web for more hawker centres. I also tapped into one of my red bull supreme.

I made it to game start and was excited to see an awesome play resulting in a 2-point lead (safety, take that tebow). Unfortunately right after Ponder threw a pick 6. At some point during half time I fell asleep. And when I woke up the game was over and it turns out I missed an exciting end to the game. Too bad it was the wrong outcome. 

On second thought. I will write another one after I hit the pool. It has wanted to rain all day but hasn’t. The result is very thick heavy air and I need a second trip to the pool. Catch you in a bit.

O and here is what a train station looks like at 10 pm. 

                                                                                                   

When In Rome

 Today was another relaxed day; I started the day off with a hour long workout, half hour in the pool and half an hour poolside reading my book. As many know the Asian culture likes white skin. This isn’t the case for men, so for all that work this summer I did to hide from the sun, I am to embrace her rays and become a subtle bronze. 

I spent a lot of the day in front of camera. Not the camera I am supposed to be here in front of but on Skype. I had the opportunity to catch up with Dad, Brenna, Suzie and Mom all on in the span of 3 hours. Needless to say I was all skyped out. I am acutally skyping again as I type this. I have received a lot of positive feedback from people and its quite motivating.

More details came in about my schedule for this week. As previously mentioned it will be hectic from Wednesday on.  Tomorrow I have the shooting for the corporate video. I am excited to try this out as it will involve some acting. The day is supposed to be a long day, likely 10-12 hours. On Thursday I have shooting for the Condo development, again this will be a long day. After I finish, it sounds like I have to run somewhere else to do fitting for the fashion show Friday. Busy busy busy, I think this may cut into much of my pool/gym time. Tough life sometimes. I really feel fortunate to have these opportunities.

After catching up on Dexter, I headed out to have dinner with one of the locals.  Through Melissa I was introduced to Debbie, a very outgoing, confident, and fun PR professional from Singapore. We met up at Newton station and jumped straight into conversation. Dinner tonight was at a Hawker Centre, my kind of grub. Debbie and I sat down to Ice cold, I mean ICE cold Tigers. They were so cold that they would turn to ice upon being poured, then melt because it was so warm out.

For dinner the menu was spicy chili crab and a stingray dish. Both were incredible, hands down this is the best food I have had since arriving, mind blowing delight.

 I would really like to write more everyone, but I am sorry, I am tired, melatonin is kicking in and I have a full day tomorrow. Night.

O and I spotted a gecko. 

A Tiger is waiting in the freezer

Today was a very slow day work wise for me. Jet lag is starting to clear from its ugly path. Although I was still significantly tired this morning. I jumped out of it with a morning Skype session, followed by the pool and the gym. I need to put on about 1 inch in my chest measurement, so that means bigger chest and bigger back.  My back is getting well taken care of with swimming, because face it I don’t swim that often and I can feel it pretty much every day. So today was a day to pump my Arnold sized chest into action. I cooled off and achieved some cardio in the pool afterwards.

I set up a meeting with the wonderful ladies at the agency to pick up my allowance and chat a little bit. We talked about my cat allergy and they all suggested Zyrtec from the pharmacy, its apparently not to expensive and works like a charm. My cat allergy hasn’t been bugging me that much. But I am very cautious to close my door any time I enter or leave my room. I spend very little time in the common area as a result. Only slightly off topic. During our discussion we talked about the new Pics from Luke Elijah and how we were quite pleased with them. We also discussed about building my book by doing other test shoots. The trouble is actually find a time that works for both a photographer and me. Good news of course! My schedule will be quite busy for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The details haven’t all been confirmed yet, but I got the corporate video gig, also the condo development one and I have another fashion show for Friday. If I were a little more androgynous I would likely let or a squeal or some crazy prepubescent Justin Bieber excitement sound. Instead, I am super stoked.  The video is a 12-hour day, which is kind of crazy. I think it should be fun too. Good experience…adventure.

After leaving OMM I was somewhere between Chinatown and Little India. I went back to the hawker centre that Pat took me to last week. I went straight to the same place to get an Avocado juice. So awesome. Lunch hour was tapering off when I was there it was close to 2:30, so many places were sold out and closed. I found that kind of interesting that many signs have an opening time say 11:00am and close when they run out of food. I found a soup place, to try something different. I wanted this pork rib soup but they were sold out. So I asked the guy, what the other 10 people in line had ordered. Majority ruled and I asked for Buddha Jumped over the Wall with some rice. I swear I took a picture, but it’s not on my phone for some reason. L . Anyway this soup had everything, oyster, squid, pork, chicken, celery, carrot, some sort of root vegetable, mushrooms, probably more that I can’t remember. He also gave me this little disc with a sauce in it. I dipped my finger in the sauce and it almost knocked me over, so salty. It was hot too which I love, but I didn’t use it.  The verdict, way to much food. It was decent I would probably give a 6.5 out of 10. The roasted duck the other day was an 8. Worth the experience for sure.

I saw 4 of these police special command vehicles today. This was outside a bank.

I wanted to continue my adventure so I Crip walked my way over to Dhoby Ghaut station and searched out the printer guy to get my new pics for my book. Curious the whole way I walked into 3 or 4 malls, just to see what they had. There are stores here where you go to play your FPS video games, pretty cool, although I have better things to do. I also darted in and out of the malls, as it felt more humid today than any other day, probably because it rained most of the afternoon.  

Melissa also got back to me and introduced me to a friend closer to my age here in Singapore and also a very experienced woman in Hong Kong with modelling. 

I came home for a bit, watched an episode of Dexter. After much effort I finally found a site that streamed video here in Singapore. If anyone has suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. Then the gurgle of my stomach called me to go grab dinner. Here it is:

I stopped by fair price picked up a few snacks, nature valley bars and some more nuts. And because I haven’t in a while and I have been craving. I spotted this and thought of Dad. He calls the bums that ask for money downtown this. 

And finally I bring you the title of my post:

I titled the post this so I wouldn't forget that my beer is sitting there. This will be my first beer in Singapore.

 PS. Thanks guys I cracked a thousand hits sometime over the last day or two. 10 countries are represented. 

Marching down streets

 When I left you I didn’t have much to report about my day. I was about to head to my call back for the corporate video casting. The dress code was casual smart. This means usually jeans, a collared shirt and dress shoes. Since my one dress shirt is well useless with wine stains and liquor stains, I was down to my purple dress shirt I had brought. I wore this for the first casting so it wasn’t my prime choice.

Leaving the apartment a little early I went on a hunt for a new polo. I easily found a decent one very quickly. Grabbed the medium then strolled on my way. Big mistake, medium here way smaller. I am going to try and take it back, but doubt I will have any luck. I couldn’t get the shirt on, probably could have used an extra large. I really hope I didn’t just burn $20 bucks, rookie mistake.

So I showed up to the casting wearing the purple dress shirt, I packed it with me as a back up, glad I did. Today’s call back casting was much busier than the same one the other day. Children were there and at least another 6 models. Today didn’t involve any talking, just big smiles and a few little acting things. I had to watch a movie and enjoy a cup of coffee (  I was watching the godfather drinking a cup of my pumpkin chai tea from davids tea mmm). It took very little time for me, which is generally a good thing because they got what they were looking for right away.

After that it was about 4:30, dinner time and I was only 15 minutes away from Tjong Bahru Market, from the Layover video. Laser sights and gps guided me there. It was Sunday evening so a large amount of the hawkers were closed. I found a rice porridge place with a line up so I enjoyed that with pork and crispy fried scallions.

In my never ending curiosity I walked around the next mall I saw, Tanglin Plaza. While there I found a department store called John Little. It was much more reasonably priced than the stores on Orchard Road or Marina Bay Sands, and had name brands like Arrow and Jockey. There I picked up a couple more pairs of underwear and a collared shirt. The 3 of those cost about $40. Much better.

During my walk, curiosity continued. It rained for about 15 minutes, I was prepared this time though, umbrella in hand.  The humidty was ridiculous by this point, I stopped at a place called Mr. Bean. Turns out the 900 other Mr. Beans I had seen before I should have checked out. They sell soy and almond milk and soy ice cream. So I picked up one of those, sans cone of course. 

To kill time in the evening, I went for another walk down Orchard Road. I have a feeling I could walk down this street a hundred times and see something new everytime. For example there was this weird guy hopped up on something. I wish you could have seen the look on my face, so puzzled as to what the hell was going on. I spotted this fruit, not exactly sure what it is. Figs? 

As I hopped onto the train for the route back I received a facebook message from one of my best friends during university Jenn. I am not sure what has gone on over the past year and a half but we have really struggled to connect. So we planned to have a skype conversation. It was awesome, so much has gone on for Jenn, she is studying audiology and keeping busy. She loves snowboarding now too. Mad props for her on that J. 

And that about brings me to the end of my day. It bugs me to know that football is starting in just over an hour. And the Sunday night game will be just starting as I wake up. But that is just life. Go Vikings! Hopefully Mr. Peterson will be in shape to play. Running backs sure have taken a beating this year all around.