The Referral Guide for SINGAPORE
September 2011
September 2011 Issue 110
Best of
Indian Walking for
ANTIQUES•ASIAN CUISINE•INDONESIA
Charity
Dealing with
Divorce
MICA (P) : 082/02/2011
S$6.50
Indonesia Tanzania & Cruises Impressive Antiques
Great ideas for
INTERIORS
WINNER SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE 2009
WINNER SINGAPORE PRESTIGE BRAND AWARD 2010 (ESTABLISHED BRANDS)
AT
WINNER MINDEF MERITORIOUS DEFENCE PARTNER AWARD 2010, 2011
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Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard #02-124/126
One Raffles Quay
1 Raffles Quay North Tower #09-02
Email: smileinc@pacific.net.sg
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road #04-18
Website: www.smileinc.com.sg
NEWS Welcome mat
Editor's Letter Our house has been busy: not only are there two new puppies, but the hamsters have managed to have two lots of babies in as many months! The husband escaped shortly after they arrived, and he’s nowhere to be seen, leaving the full responsibility to the mother. Not that she was ever particularly nice to him – especially when she was pregnant! Meanwhile, our girl dog had a very long labour ending in an emergency caesarean. We now have two little fat boy puppies and a large vet bill! (Great vet though.) Her husband has at least stuck around; she’s not letting him anywhere near the babies, but she’s treating him with a certain amount of love. At the end of it, I felt like a new mum once again. The sleep deprivation brought back many memories and I thanked the heavens that my baby days are over. I think all mums should give themselves a big pat on the back, especially new ones. If you’re already a mum or are about to become one and you want to connect with others in the same situation, check our Calendar for our next Mums & Babes or Mums & Kids get-together. By the time this issue goes to print, I will be winging my way to the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand, not for the Rugby World Cup but for the World of WearableArt (WOW) annual art and fashion festival in Wellington. Now into its third decade, this is one of the most creative events on the global calendar and I’m very interested to see what it’s all about. The atmosphere there and all over the world is already building for the rugby. Who will you be barracking for? I’m always torn about who to support in international sporting events. It’s usually between South Africa, New Zealand and England. If Wales is playing anybody but these, I will support them. And I quite like Fiji! Sounds like I’m just hedging my bets, right? Well at least I have less chance of being disappointed. We would never want you, our readers, to be disappointed either, so do please remember to fill in our Expat Living Reader Survey 2011, so we know more about you and what you want to see in our pages. Find the form inside this month’s issue, or do the survey online at www.expatliving.sg. Meanwhile, enjoy all the sporting action this month – see pages 218-219 for our roundup of what’s on around the Formula 1 weekend and for details of some great rugby-related fixtures and events.
REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief
next month
Look out for
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• Fashion Report • Art & Photography • Lamps & Lights • Steakhouses • Spa & Golf Breaks • Cambodia
NEWS Welcome mat
Rebecca Bisset
Editor-in-Chief
Group Editor
Shamus Sillar
Executive Editor
Verne Maree
Editors
Kate Mallord Monica Pitrelli
Copy Editor
Harriet Empey
Social Editor & Events
Junior Editor
Yusrina Yusoff
Online Team
Katie Roberts Rene Yutiampo
Client Service & Production
Sherah Brown Leanda Rathmell
Graphic Designers
Michael Bernabe Natasha Young
Subscription & Circulation
Regional Sales & Marketing
Business Development
Advertising Sales, Singapore
Advertising Sales, Hong Kong
Finance
HR
Contributors
Beate Baldry
Anna Tserlingas Elizabeth Hall Michelle O’Connell Harsharan Kaur Karin Galley-Dick, Sarah Purchase, Danielle Rossetti, Lara Sage, Jacqui Young Tracie Pangrazio Norliza Mohd Karen Thomas Juliet Keys James Aldridge, Lyan Bernales, Kevin F. Cox, Yelena Ganshof, Deborah Goldman, Karen Gould, Erik Peterson, Heidi Sarna, Laila Shahrokshahi, Shelley von Strunckel
CONTACT US General Enquiries Advertising Sales Subscription Production Editorial & Media Releases Calendar of Events Events Expat Living Hong Kong Websites
+65 6259 0058 | info@expatliving.sg +65 6478 7151 | sales@expatliving.sg +65 6478 7153 | subscription@expatliving.sg +65 6478 7169 | production@expatliving.sg editorial@expatliving.sg calendar@expatliving.sg events@expatliving.sg info@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk www.expatliving.sg | www.expatliving.hk
Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 38A Jalan Pemimpin #06-02 Wisdom Building Singapore 577179 Printed by Ho Printing Singapore Pte Ltd. www.hoprinting.com Expat Living magazine has been certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations for a total average net circulation of 16,461 per monthly issue. The audited circulation figures will be posted on www.abcsingapore.org Expat Living Publications Pte. Ltd. has taken every reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, but accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements published, and no liability for mistake, misprint, omission, typographical error, loss or damage suffered as a result of relying wholly or in part on the content of advertising or editorial published herein. Expat Living Publications reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or advertorial for any reason. All artwork designed by Expat Living Publications or any part of this publication may not be reproduced in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by means - graphical, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, etc, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.
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CONTENTS
222
NEWS What’s New in Town
20
Dates for Your Diary
28
Open House:
38
152
84
Seen around town
Forum:
44
Readers’ letters & competition winners
LIFE & FAMILY News
HOME
Notice Board:
Showcase:
51
Create a five-star look on a two-star budget
Home Interiors:
61
Ideas for every room of the house
96 100
Births, weddings and more
Open House
102
Walking for Charity
108
Starting a School
111
Verandah Living
73
Overcoming Obstacles
115
Antiques:
79
Child Dancers
119
My Car:
123
Who bought what and why they love it
Centrespread:
Two mums and their motors
84
Antiques
Good-looking Fans
89
Dealing with Divorce
126
Paddling to Kalimantan
129
Boy Racer:
134
Max Fewtrell makes his mark
126
Settling in
136
China to Brisbane:
139
Motorbiking for charity
Water Wisdom: Why it’s good for us
14
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144
CONTENTS COMPETITIONS Handbag Heroes:
51
ARTS & LEISURE 148
Win a handbag and all its contents worth over $1,000 from Orchard Central!
Art for Team Building
202
Dealer’s Choice:
205
A Pangdemonium production
Win Maternity Clothes
150
Win a $1,000 Art Voucher
152
Win a Makeover
154
Tech News
208
Win a Mani-pedi
156
On the Stage
212
Win a Night at the Safari
158
On the Screen
214
Win a Career Reading
160
On the Page
216
Party Planner
218
Behind the Lens:
Win a Face-lifting Experience 162 Win a Peranakan Dinner
164
Win Fashion from Firefly
166
Win Theatre Tickets
168
170 148
Formula 1 & Rugby World Cup
179
PROPERTY
FASHION Style News
172
Smart Moves:
Cocktail Dresses
176
Street Talk:
Fashion Entrepreneur
179
Club Street
Hot Property:
HAIR & BEAUTY
What’s on the market?
News
184
Tattoo Removal
189
Tried & Tested:
192
September11
Summer Haven
195
Tummy Treatments
198
222
Pandan Valley home
Kiehl’s products
16
207
With photographer Jino Lee
205
234 239
CONTENTS TRAVEL
WINE & DINE
Travel Focus: Indonesia
246
Indonesian Villas
249 372
News
330
249
New & Noteworthy
334
The Elysian, Seminyak
259
On the Bar
336
Bali Longhouse
265
French Terroirs
338
Jagaditha Luxury
272
Indian Cuisine
341
277
From high-end to cheap as chapatti
Japanese Delights
353
278
Recipes
354
Foodwalker
356
Words on Wine
360
HEALTH & FITNESS
Bali Chefs
363
News
372
New in Town:
367
Breast Care:
374
369
Stress:
Newly Renovated: Angsana Bintan
Cruise the Region: Royal Carribean
Sailing Borneo
281
Bali to Manila
289
By luxury liner
News
296
Tanzanian Safari
300
Key Destinations:
311
The Butcher’s Peter Cole
Mini Chef’s Day Out
Country Holidays’ choices
USA:
300
377
How to recognise it and reduce it
Anti-oxidants: 313
Californian triple treat
Stay aware
380
The importance of positive ions
336
REGULARS Horoscopes:
383
Shelley von Strunckel’s forecasts for September
Subscribe Now!
386
Advertiser List
388
Important Numbers
390
Parting Shot:
392
Flying with children
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• Made to measure in 8 hours • Mail orders welcome • Alteration service provided
A Cut Above The Rest Established in 1971, Mohan’s is one of Singapore’s oldest and most reputable tailors. Our made to measure suits and dresses can be ready for you in as few as 8 hours. Our clients include diplomats, CEO’s and our quality workmanship makes us popular with locals and expatriates alike. We also have offices in Britain, Germany, Scandanavia, and Florida, USA. We accept all major credit cards.
Specials for Shirts Pants Blouses Skirts Dresses Suits
$30 $45 $45 $55 $140 $180
#02-73 Far East Plaza. 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213 Fax: +65 6733 2535 Email: mohans.custom@pacific.net.sg Please call +65 6732 4936 or +65 6732 4936 for free transport to Mohan’s
Listed as one of the top 150 companies and awarded “The Best of Singapore in Service Excellence 2007” by Singapore Tourism Board.
Call 6732 4936 or 6732 3892
What’s New
NEWS
Pick
of the
Month Always hurrying to make your flight? This cabin-size, hard-shelled scootcase, a joint venture between Micro and Samsonite, transforms into a scooter so that you can glide, rather than huff and puff, down the terminal. You’re guaranteed to turn a few heads, too! Weighs 5kg; can withstand 100kg. $525. Available at White and Black Trading. Call 9321 1640 or visit www.whiteandblacktrading.com.
A new Fairprice Finest supermarket is opening at Junction 8, above the Bishan MRT station. This makes a total of eight stores for the supermarket, which stocks everyday groceries as well as upmarket international brands, organic products, deli items, seafood and wine. For updates, SMS “Sub Finest Promo” to 9178 6376. Visit www.fairprice.com.sg.
Santa Baby Presto Expat Motoring has a new Hyundai Santa Fe in stock. To test drive this popular and spacious 7-seater SUV, call 6738 7377. Consultants are available seven days a week. 271 Bukit Timah Road, #03-06 Balmoral Plaza. Visit www.prestoexpatmotoring.com.
Some mums like baby bags covered in cartoonish penguins and elephants wearing party hats. Some mums don’t. For the latter, there is Tribe. Tribe baby bags look like regular handbags; they’re made of leather and come in striking colours like raspberry, cognac and midnight. To see the collection, call 6467 0097 or visit www.tribebags.com.
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Catch two inspiring exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands while you can. Dali: Mind of a Genius features over 250 original works by Salvador Dali, including paintings, sculptures, collages and furniture – don’t miss the Mae West Lips Sofa. Van Gogh Alive combines sound and light technology to project this master’s work onto the walls, columns, roofs and floors for a fully immersive and powerful experience. The exhibitions end 30 October and 6 November respectively. Call 6688 8826 or visit www.marinabaysands.com.
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What’s New
NEWS
Take the Cake Looking for a new home? Take a tour of Robertson Quay’s River Place condominium in September and receive a free medium ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. By appointment only. SMS your name and number to 9838 2373.
Going in
Circles The wait is almost over – the final portion of the MRT Circle Line opens on 8 October. The 12 new stations include Labrador Park, Botanic Gardens and Holland Village.
Bottle Shock The Vapur Anti-Bottle is a foldable, reusable water bottle that is designed for easy use while you’re on the go. Fill it before for your next jog or shopping trip, and roll it up for easy transport when you’re done. Freeze it, clip it on, write on it and show it off to friends. BPA-free and dishwashersafe. From $26.90. Available at Takashimaya and Tangs. www.vapur.us
Bowl Me Over Spin Ceramics chose Holland Village as the location for its first branch outside of China. The store carries an elegant range of porcelain products made in Jingdezhen, China’s porcelain capital, offering a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese craft. #04-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre. Call 6467 0790 or visit www.spin-singapore.blogspot.com.
If you are a budding actor, singer, dancer, musician or comedian, then Singapore’s Most Wanted Entertainer may be your big break. It’s sponsored by local talent company, Dream Catchers – submit a video of your best performance and you could win prizes worth $5,000. For more information, visit www.dreamcatchersvision.com.
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What’s New
NEWS
Wheels
Think Volvo and words like safety and quality come to mind. Sweeping awards across the globe, the Volvo V range of wagons is no different. Choose from the 1.6L Volvo V60, the 2.0L V50 and the sporty V70 variants. Stop by the Volvo showroom at 249 Alexandra Road. Call 6473 1488 or visit www.volvocars.com.sg.
Quick Silver
Till You
p o r D
In the mood to shop? Drop by the 3rd annual Hollandse Club September Fair on Friday, 23 September for Christmas gifts, Dutch fashion, homeware, children’s gifts, culinary delicacies and more. 10am to 6pm. 22 Camden Park. Visit www.hollandseclub.org.sg.
Collect each coin in The Singapore Mint’s World of Wonders series, including the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, Angkor Wat, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Acropolis, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and more. Be quick – we hear they’re selling fast. Available at The Singapore Mint retail outlets and www.singaporemint.com.
1920s Don your best Roaring Twenties attire for the UN Women’s annual gala dinner on 7 October at Capella Hotel. Straight from The Great Gatsby, the event will feature gourmet cuisine, entertainment, art and fashion. This year’s beneficiaries are CNN’s Hero of the Year 2010, Anuradha Koirala’s organisation Maiti Nepal, and UN Women Cambodia’s Bamboo Project. For reservations, email snow@unifem.org.sg.
Legal-ease Gloria James-Civetta & Co, a law firm managed by a local and an expat, recently opened to serve the needs of the local and expat market. It handles family, criminal and corporate legal matters as well as general solicitors' work. Mention Expat Living for a free 30-minute consultation. 5 Coleman Street, #03-06 Excelsior Hotel Shopping Centre. Call 6337 0469 or visit www.gjclaw.com.sg.
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What’s New
NEWS
Best in Class
For the first time in the Vienna Boys’ Choir’s 600year history, a pair of Singaporean twins will be performing on the Choir’s international concert tour. Singing everything from medieval motets to The Beatles, the choir performs in Singapore on 8 and 9 October at the Esplanade Concert Hall. For tickets, visit www.sistic.com.
The new German-engineered, 7-speed Jetta delivers a best-inclass fuel economy of 16.6km/L and has a top speed of 221 km/h (not that we recommend trying this). It comfortably seats five adults and comes with six airbags, a Keyless Entry and Start-Stop System (KESSY), and an entertainment and navigation system. Priced from $115,300 with COE. Contact Volkswagen Centre Singapore at 6474 8288 or visit www.vw.com.sg.
Fair Ladies
Seasonal
Scents
The Fair at Goodwood Park Hotel is back. It features new products from across the globe, such as jewellery, clothing, infant-wear, sweet stuff, snakeskin bags, Nepalese pashminas, embroidered linen, home décor and pickles (perfect for the pregnant women out there). It’s a great place to shop away from the malls or to meet up for tea and scones with a friend. 13 and 14 September from 10am to 7pm. Call 9737 2384 or visit www.fairsandbazaars.com.
We may not get four seasons outside, but we can experience the scents of the seasons inside. New fragrances by Yankee Candle, including Apple Pumpkin, Cherry Berry Pie, Napa Valley Sun and Pumpkin Buttercream, are here this month. Available in small tumblers ($29.90), canning jars ($39.90), tea lights ($19.90) and the bestselling votive sets ($9.90). Scandic Wonders, #02-02 Tanglin Mall. Visit www.scandicwonders.com. OSIM has launched uVenus, the first ambient purifier that protects against air, light and noise pollution. It cleans the air, illuminates with mood lighting and soothes the senses through music to promote better sleep. Choose your setting – Energise, Relax or Balance. And, its unique design won a Red Dot award this year. Introductory price $698 (UP $798). Available at OSIM outlets. Visit www.osim.com.
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NEWS
September CALENDAR 1 EQUUS (25 August to 3 September) The mysterious story of why an ordinary boy blinds six horses, based on the 1973 play by Peter Shaffer. Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library. Call 6222 1526. www.toyfactory.com.sg
ART EXHIBITION
(1 – 8 September)
Before the Beginning is an exhibition of 40 stunning works by artist Melanie McCollinWalker. Australasian Arts Projects, 303 Tanglin Road. Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm; Saturday, 10am to 4pm or by appointment.
VIETNAMESE COOKING (1, 8 and 15 September)
Learn to roll your own spring rolls and make dipping sauces like an expert, in just three weeks. 10am to 1pm. The Pantry, 75 Loewen Road. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com
HOME MOVIES
(1 – 9 September)
DALI GENIUS (1 September – 30 October)
VOYAGE NIGHT FESTIVAL (2 – 3 September)
Enter the mind of Surrealist Salvador Dali. Daily 10am to 10pm, last admission 9pm. ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. Call 6688 8826. www.marinabaysands.com/ artsciencemuseum
See Night Lights, a dramatic light installation, as well as films, music and more. Free admission. 7.30pm to 2am. Call 6332 3659 to RSVP. www.nationalmuseum.sg
TERRACOTTA WARRIORS (1 September – 16 October)
See the Chinese Terracotta Warriors from Xi’an – how they were discovered and what mysteries remain buried underground. Mondays 1pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Sundays 9am to 7pm (9pm on Fridays). Asian Civilisations Museum. www.acm.org.sg
VAN GOGH ALIVE (1 September – 6 November) A fusion of art and audiovisual technology brings the work of Vincent Van Gogh to life. Daily 10am to 10pm, last admission 9pm. ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. Call 6688 8826. www.marinabaysands.com/ artsciencemuseum
2
Singapore Art Museum presents films about identity and family. Daily at 7.30pm. Moving Image Gallery, SAM at 8Q. Call 6332 3200 for tickets. www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
EMOTION (2 – 4 September)
SWANS ON ICE
BHISMA THE GRANDSIRE (2 – 3 September)
(1 – 4 September)
Dazzling costumes, talented ice-skaters and Tchaikovsky’s magical music combine in a spectacular performance of Swan Lake. Grand Theater, Marina Bay Sands. Tickets from Sistic.
THE GREEN PLAY
Andy Yang’s abstract paintings. 11am to 6pm. Free admission. 12 Eu Tong Sen Street #04-163, soho2@central. Call 6227 9487. By appointment only. Told in two languages, this play is the account of a respected guru exploring his inner secrets. The Substation Black Box Theatre. For tickets, call 9126 0964. www.avanttheatre.com
BORED AT HOME? Tired of the coffee morning set? Feeling brain-dead? Get along to the Irish Chamber of Commerce’s annual WOW! (Women on Workplace) event for advice on how to set up a business, get back to work, maintain a work-life balance and look good while doing it. 12pm to 2pm. The British Club, 73 Bukit Tinggi Road. Email ed@irishchamber. com.sg. www.irishchamber.com.sg
3 NATURE DISCOVERY TRAIL Discover the local wildlife and urban landscaping around the 70-hectare freshwater Jurong Lake. Gifts for all participants. 8am to 11am. Science Centre. Call 6425 2370 or email s_projects@science.edu.sg. www.science.edu.sg/naturediscovery
MOONCAKE MAGIC WALK (3 – 4 September)
Explore the backstreets of Chinatown and hear old tales about the moon fairy and lanterns. Try mooncakes and other seasonal delights. 10am to 1pm. Adults $40, children $20. Tour starts at corner of South Bridge Road and Pagoda Street. Call 6737 5250 to book.
(1 – 10 September)
Just A Dream is an eco-play that uses puppets and magical stage effects to tell the story of a young boy’s dream to protect the planet. Check the website for times. DBS Arts Centre. Tickets from Sistic.
DARK LIGHT
(1 – 23 September)
Explore the spiritual world with Abbas and Melisa Teo’s joint photography exhibition. 11am to 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm to 6pm on Sundays. Old School, 11 Mount Sophia Road. www.2902gallery.com
DRUM TAO
(1 – 3 September)
These explosive Japanese drummers have played their eclectic mix of drums and martial arts to audiences across the world. Esplanade Theatre. Book with Sistic. www.drum-tao.com
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Terracotta Warriors
Equus
NEWS
September CALENDAR 7 DISNEY LIVE! (7 – 11 September) Stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Toy Story will entertain the entire family with a concert featuring Disney’s hits. Wednesday to Sunday at 3pm and 6.45pm, Friday to Sunday at 11am. Grand Theater at Marina Bay Sands. Call 6688 8826. www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing
8 KAVAKOS PLAYS SIBELIUS
Disney at Marina Bay Sands
4 SENTOSA BUSKERS FESTIVAL (3 – 11 September)
Clowns, puppeteers and jugglers from five different countries perform stunts and get up to all sorts of antics. 4pm to 10pm. Free admission, but this does not include admission to the island. www.sentosa.com.sg
TEACH YOGA (3 – 25 September) Looking for a career change? Take a 200hour yoga teacher training course. Tirisula Yoga. 80B Arab Street. Call 9009 8889. www.tirisulayoga.com
RUGBY SEVENS Watch the office lads work up a sweat in the third Corporate Rugby Sevens. Kids zone for children. Yio Chu Kang Stadium. Call 6408 0125. www.laxtonmarketing.com
ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP Sixteen World Champions and National Champions compete in mixed martial arts to be crowned the best in Asia. 7pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets from Sistic.
FARMERS’ MARKET (3 & 17 September)
BAY RUN AND ARMY HALF MARATHON Enjoy a unique line-up of fringe activities and performances in this race through downtown Singapore. Fathers, don’t miss out – try the 800m Father and Child Challenge. 5.15am to 12pm. Flag-off at Esplanade Bridge. Online registration only. www.safra.sg/sbr
Virtuoso violinist Leonidas Kavakos plays Sibelius’s Concerto in D minor and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic.
MELANGE – A PAKISTANI COUTURE (8 – 9 September)
An exquisite exhibition of fashion from Pakistan. 8 September from 11am to 7.30pm, 9 September from 10.30am to 4pm. The Raffles Room, Tanglin Club. Contact singapore.melange@gmail.com.
9
6 EXPAT WIVES
WORLD CUP OPENING MATCH
A workshop on the issues facing expat women, and strategies for managing this dramatic life change. 10am to 12pm. The Counselling Place. Call 6887 3695 for registration.
See New Zealand and Tonga kick off the Rugby World Cup. To keep up-to-date with fixtures and fun events being held locally check out www.rugbyvillage2011.com.
LIVING IN SINGAPORE
THE HALL OF MIRRORS (9 – 30 September)
Everything you need to know about the Singapore culture: the irks, quirks and perks, from lah to char kway teow. 9.30am to 1.30pm. Atrium Room, The American Club. Call 6733 9249 or email admin@sacac.com.
Bruce Quek’s installation explores the inevitable passage of time. Free admission. Reception on 8 September, 7.30pm. The Substation Gallery. www.substation.org
BAKING 101 (6, 13 and 20 September)
Love fish? Send your helper along to the Fish Frenzy class for some low-fat, healthy cooking ideas. $120 includes lunch. 10am to 1pm, Expat Kitchen, 9 Norris Road. Call 6299 4221. www.expat-kitchen.com
Become a pastry chef! Master the art of creating pastry and making sponges. 10am to 1pm. The Pantry at Loewen Gardens. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com
HELPERS’ COOKING COURSE
Talk to people who are passionate about food and produce; enjoy cooking demonstrations and wine talks. 8.30am to 2pm. Loewen Gardens, 75E Loewen Road. Call 6474 0441. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com
FLYING HIGH (3 – 4 September) The annual Kite Festival returns for a third time with soaring kites and related activities for the whole family. The Promontory @ Marina Bay. Call 6735 9986. www.act3international.com.sg
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Sentosa Baskers Festival
Rugby Sevens
NEWS
September CALENDAR SOLO DUET (9 – 10 September) A performance of solos and duets from T.H.E Dance Company. 8pm. Goodman Arts Centre Black Box, 90 Goodman Road. Call 9474 1559 or email info@the-dancecompany.com.
10 SHINE (10 – 11 September) Learn powerful and ancient secrets to bring out your full potential and enjoy life to the utmost. 10am to 5pm. SoulCentre Academy, 7 One-North Gateway #01-15. Call 9875 2372. www.soulcentre.org
11 TALENTED YOUTH Singapore’s National Youth Orchestra show off their amazing talent. 5pm. School of the Arts Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic.
13 THE FAIR (13 – 14 September) An exquisite collection of over 100 products and services, many on show for the first time. Goodwood Park Hotel, Scotts Road. www.fairsandbazaars.com
14 ART AND WINE View fine art whilst drinking fine wine. 7pm to 9pm. Ode to Art, Raffles City. Limited seats. RSVP to david.chong@ australianwineindex.com.
15 INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (15 – 25 September)
More than 100 international and Asian films, including the spectacular 3D Cave of Forgotten Dreams by Werner Herzog. Screening at Shaw Lido, Sinema Old School and The Arts House. Schedule and tickets from SISTIC. www.siff.sg
MENTOR TALK Make a difference in your life, your family’s lives and the lives of children everywhere. 10am and 7pm. Free admission. SoulCentre Academy, 7 One-North Gateway #01-15. Call 9875 2372. www.soulcentre.org
16 ALL MY SONS (16 – 18 September) Arthur Miller’s 1947 play is powerful, passionate and thought-provoking. Friday to Sunday at 7.30pm, 3pm on Sunday. DBS Arts Centre. Tickets from Sistic.
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T.H.E Dance Company
17 OPEN HOUSE Bring the family along to try out the facilities and experience some Dutch hospitality. 9am to 6pm. Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park. Call 6464 5225. www.hollandseclub.org.sg
20 GIRL TALK
(20 September – 2 October)
Featuring the original cast from its soldout off-Broadway shows, this comedy follows three women as they negotiate life issues: sex, food, alcohol, babies and men. Tuesdays to Thursdays 8pm, Saturday to Sunday 3pm and 7pm. Extra show Saturday 10pm. DBS Arts Centre. Tickets from Sistic.
SHOP AT THE BRITISH CLUB Over 50 vendors showcasing new products and services. Special buffet lunch for $18+ in the Windsor restaurant. 10am to 5pm. The British Club, 73 Bukit Tinggi Road. Call 6467 4311.
21 THE DIWALI FAIR (21 – 22 September)
An exotic collection of Indian fashion, accessories, linen, food and more, just in time for Diwali. Free admission. 10am to 7pm on 21 September and 10am to 5pm on 22 September. Antica Ballroom, Orchard Parade Hotel, Tanglin Road. www.fairsandbazaars.com
22 COFFEE MORNING: PHOTOGRAPHY Meet artistic portrait photographer Sealey Brandt at her black-andwhite studio in leafy Wessex Estate for a morning of coffee and photography appreciation. 10am to 11.30am. Free admission. 1 Westbourne Road, #01-02. RSVP to events@expatliving.sg or call 6478 7156.
PROPERTY SOIREE Learn about the Singapore property market with the Expat Realtor Concierge. 6.30pm. Call 9171 3392 to book.
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23 BURNING ISSUES
F1 ACTION
(23 – 25 September)
The Singapore Grand Prix is back for the fourth year. Marina Bay Street Circuit. Tickets from Sistic.
HELPERS’ MEXICAN COOKING This course teaches helpers to brighten up family meals with a Mexican Fiesta theme. $120 includes lunch. 10am to 1pm, Expat Kitchen, 9 Norris Road. Call 6299 4221. www.expat-kitchen.com
THE PODIUM LOUNGE (23 – 25 September)
Rub shoulders with Formula One drivers and celebrities at the F1 VIP after-party. Ritz-Carlton, Millenia. Buy tickets from www.apesnap.com/event/podiumlounge.
SEPTEMBER AFFAIR Dutch fashion, homeware, children’s gifts, gorgeous jewellery. Why not make an early start on your Christmas gift-buying at this extensive fair? 10am to 6pm. Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park. www.hollandseclub.org.sg
MEDITATION MADE SIMPLE (28 – 29 September)
Learn the techniques of meditation and how to make it a part of your daily life. 10am to 12pm or 7pm to 9pm. SoulCentre Academy, 7 One-North Gateway #01-15. Call 9875 2372. www.soulcentre.org
SLEEPING BEAUTY
(28 September – 16 October)
An interactive experience for children aged five to 12, with storytelling and participation encouraged. A Sleeping Beauty and her Prince will be picked from the audience. Check the website for times. ACT 3 Theatre, 126 Cairnhill Road. Call 6735 9986. www.act3international.com.sg
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24 NEW VENUE! FARMERS’ MARKET Talk to people who are passionate about food and produce; enjoy cooking demonstrations and wine talks. 10.30am to 3pm. The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay. Call 6474 0441. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com
28 NEWCOMERS’ LUNCH Meet and greet other newcomers to Singapore in a relaxed, informal setting on the last Wednesday of every month. Hosted by Expat Realtor. Au Petit Salut French restaurant, 40C Harding Road. To book, call 9171 3392.
NEWCOMERS’ EL EVENT New to Singapore? Enjoy our Archipelago beer tasting evening and meet new people at one of our favourite bars. $20 includes beer and nibbles. 7pm to 9pm. Timbre @ The Substation, 45 Armenian Street. Book tickets online at www.expatliving.sg/events. In collaboration with Timbre, SingTel and OCBC.
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Expats, stay up-to-date with the latest taxeffective wealth creation strategies. 6.30pm to 9pm, in the ipac boardroom on the 27th floor of Maybank Tower at 2 Battery Road. $30 pp, $50 for two (includes refreshments). RSVP to Helena Paul at 6511 7364 or helena.paul@ipac.com.sg.
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DEALER’S CHOICE
(29 September – 16 October)
An internationally acclaimed play about six men playing a game of poker; but it’s not as simple as it sounds. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library. www.pangdemonium.com
OKTOBERFEST
(30 September – 7 October)
German food, music and, of course, beer! Paulaner Bräuhaus, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01 Millenia Walk. Call 6883 2572. www.paulaner-brauhaus/singapore
EXPAT LIVING STYLE AND BEAUTY EVENT Beauty Secrets for Body and Face: Shape Up and Make Up! Marianne Doele from The Body Firm talks about her system that shapes, tones and firms the body, while makeup artist Carolyne Claire Hughes of Caquine reveals how to bring out your natural beauty with makeup tricks. 10am to 11.30am. The Body Firm, 468 River Valley Road. RSVP to events@ expatliving.sg. Free admission.
NEWS
REMINDERS Important Dates
Calendar PLAN AHEAD October 1– 23 TEACH YOGA
Looking for a career change? Take the 200hour yoga teacher training course. Tirisula Yoga. 80B Arab Street. Call 9009 8889. www.tirisulayoga.com
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28 Oct – 13 Nov
THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER The shoemaker is an honest man in trouble – where will he turn for help? 30 performances for children aged three years and older. Drama Centre, National Library. Tickets from Sistic.
SNOW GALA BENEFIT Fundraising dinner for the National Committee of UN Women, themed “The Great Gatsby”. 7pm. Capella Singapore. http://snow.org.sg
8–9
VIENNA BOYS’ CHOIR Singaporean twins will perform with the Choir on its international tour. 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic.
8–9
INVESTMENT SEMINAR
Important Pages
Free, informative seminar about ethical forestry investments. 11am to 6pm. Ritz Carlton Hotel. Call 6635 3220 or sales@ asiaplantationcapital.com.
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RETROLICIOUS Get out your cassette tapes, shoulder pads and leather ties for a musical journey back to the 80s. 6pm. Fort Canning Park. www. runningintothesun.com/retrolicious
11 – 12
AUTUMN FANCY FAIRE The fair you’ve been waiting for returns with great exhibitors and new products. Free admission. 11 October, 10am to 7pm. 12 October, 9.30am to 5pm. Third level, Orchard Hotel. www.fancyfaire.com
19 – 22
THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel brought to the stage. DBS Arts Centre. Tickets from Sistic.
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November 1
Rock legends White Snake with frontman David Coverdale play Singapore for one night only. Fort Canning Park. Tickets from Sistic.
13 – 20
OLYMPICS OF ORCHIDS The World Orchid Conference presents an array of orchids from around the globe, based on the theme: “Where New and Old Worlds Meet”. Marina Bay Sands Exhibition Complex. www.20woc.com.sg
18 – 20
ART FOR ALL The Affordable Art Fair returns with more than 70 participating art galleries, printmaking demonstrations and talks by art experts. F1 Pit Building. www.affordableartfair.sg
Scene Around Town
NEWS
Champagne Tastes
Fab new retail clothing store, Ana Boutique, opened with a bang – 200 bangs, actually, from 200 bottles of champagne. The 86 Club Street shop stocks the latest fashion by international designers Fleur Wood, Little Joe Woman, Manning Cartell, Rodeo Show, Tato & Memi, Natasha, Coco Ribbon, Dinosaur Designs, Peeptoe Shoes, Carrie K Jewellery, Ling Wu Bags and more.
Kiwis Having a Ball
At the 2011 NZCC Kia Kaha Charity Ball, Jackie Clarke and Frankie Stevens entertained the guests with great style and humour. After a sumptuous five-course dinner designed by award-winning, Singapore-based Kiwi chef Jason Dell, Expat Auctions helped raise a whopping $40K for the Prime Minister’s Earthquake Appeal for Christchurch. Well done to all involved in putting on such a great event!
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Scene Around Town
NEWS
Countdown to the Cup
With the World Cup imminent, Rugby Village 2011 held a ladies’ lunch at the Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, hosted by New Zealand comic genius Jackie Clarke.
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Scene Around Town
NEWS
Design Diva
Proof Living held an event to showcase the outstanding designs of Paolo Lenti, featuring both indoor and outdoor pieces; and company MD Anna Lenti presented the latest collection from Milan.
Solo Picture: Anna Lenti 1st Row: Dina Eriquez, Christina Manigo and Victor Manigo 2nd Row: Khalson, Ryan Langlois, Evern Khoo; Mark and Juline Coney 3rd Row: Mr Ng and Lim Swee Lin. Watson Tan, Sulian Tan, Donnna Sie, Caroline and Julian 4th Row: Phoebe Casintahan and Andy Nellia
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LETTERS Best Letter
We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. For her thoughtful question, Jessica wins a lovely prize from Suma Lifestyle (www.sumalifestyle.com). The Couple’s Resort at Home package includes two Montego striped towels, one pink and one blue (pictured), plus a pair of gorgeous his and hers bathrobes from the Tao line.
Proposals I think it would be fun and interesting if you included a staff picks page each month: it could be your favourite hawker stalls, tourist attractions, places for a girls’ or guys’ night out, or even the last good books you have read. Another suggestion is for tips on expat life in Singapore, such as where to buy wrapping paper or find a tailor to hem your pants. Also, I would ask for suggestions from readers. People love to share their finds. Kristen Graff Ed: Some great ideas, thank you! As a referral guide, our magazine is liberally peppered with the ideas, opinions and personal experiences of our writers and editors, plus recommendations from the expats we interview. For more of the same, do go to our blog page on the website – www.expatliving.sg. And to all our readers out there, please do share your finds: email us at info@expatliving.sg.
Loaded Question I enjoyed the “Country Accents” article in your August issue, but was wondering if any of the wooden furniture featured comes from sustainable sources. When shopping for furniture, I try to make sure that it is either antique or is made from timber that comes from sustainably managed forests. However, shops are seldom able to provide a certificate to demonstrate the sustainability of the wood used to make their furniture. Perhaps Expat Living could do an article on furniture shops that have good green credentials? Jessica Wootton Ed: It’s a good point, and the companies whose furniture we feature on these pages are generally very vocal when it comes to the issue of using sustainable and recycled materials. If any of our readers know of furniture stores that do issue certificates of sustainable sourcing, email us and we will share the good news.
t Betster
le
Email us at info@expatliving.sg
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On the Move Having recently moved back to Europe after living in Singapore for some time, I would like to say how much we enjoyed Expat Living. Especially when we first arrived, you were of great help – thank you! Alexander Schoenegger I came back from our summer vacation to find a nicely wrapped July 2011 edition of Expat Living magazine in my mailbox, courtesy of Mom in Singapore. As a Singaporean living overseas, away from my beautiful garden city, I have been reading Expat Living online, but nothing beats the feeling of holding one in my hands. I just want the team at Expat Living to know that you are doing a fabulous job. The articles are always so fresh and inviting. Many thanks for giving me a piece of home every month – though it often makes me feel like running back to Singapore. Zu Anjalika Kamis Gunnulfsen Ed: It’s a pleasure! If you find you’re missing Singapore, you can always go to our website, www.expatliving.sg, and browse the latest issue.
WINNERS Email us at info@expatliving.sg
Handbag Heroine
Ladies who Brunch
Charlie Clerc left the Expat L iv i n g o f f i c e with a Demand s h o u l d e r bag filled w i t h y u m my products from Dermalogica, L’ O c c i t a n e , Molton Brown, DKNY and Clinelle.
Geraldine Porte (pictured) and Ngaire Corry each won a Frenchstyle Sunday bistro brunch for two at The Boathouse – Geraldine’s prize included a free flow of champagne!
Lunch with Jackie
Vouching for Beauty
Here are the four winners of two tickets each to the Jackie Clarke lunch held in August, organised by Rugby Village 2011 in the lead-up to this month’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand:
These well-groomed winners each received vouchers from Serenity Cove in Holland Village for a full-body massage, a manicure and a pedicure:
• Heather Shillington • Vanessa McNamara • Tracey Costar • Amanda Trudgen
• Caroline Cooreman • Talita Steyn • Danielle Galbraith • Anuradha Grandhi • Julie Nelet
Congratulations to our Winners! 46
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Fairprice Antique
Home
HOME
By Monica Pitrelli
© Pariyawit Sukumpantanasarn | Dreamstime.com
It’s fun to peek into the homes featured in EL for design inspiration and ideas. But if you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I looove this, but I don’t have the budget or the space,” then this article is for you. We’ve received a few requests from readers for interiors advice that is both space and budget friendly. Ask and you shall receive. Here, Nikki Hunt, the owner of Design Intervention, walks us through a home that she recently designed and explains how she created a glam interior while maximising both money and metres.
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pulent, luxurious, o To create a ith strong otel� look w “Five-star h ur. bolts of colo
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The Living and Dining Rooms Describe the living room when you first saw it. The living room had stark white walls and was very bland. It had uninspiring light fittings and cheap polyester curtains provided by the landlord. However, it was clean and bright, with windows on three sides. Speaking of the white walls, did you consider painting them? Rather than repainting the entire room, I decided to add wallpaper to the smallest wall. This is a striking geometric print from Designers Guild. At first, the
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client was reluctant to use wallpaper in a rental property. But it was a relatively small expense and created a huge impact that soft furnishings alone could not achieve. I added standing chandeliers along this wall, too. They add opulence to the room, while drawing the eye away from the plain pendant lights. Did you keep anything that came with the condo? I decided to keep the sheer curtains, but the night curtains had to go! There are so many windows, so curtains are a major feature. This also meant that replacing them would have taken a significant part of the budget. But I chose an inexpensive polyester satin in a dark shade that
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looks quite chic. A good seamstress can transform inexpensive fabric into elegant curtains. When trying to economise, it is more important to have quality workmanship than expensive fabric. Poor workmanship can ruin even the most beautiful fabric. How were you able to save costs and space in the main seating area? The sofa is a major piece of furniture in the room, so it needed to set an elegant tone. This design is simple and classic, yet compact. It has no back cushions or buttoning, so it needs less fabric, which keeps the costs down. I opted for armless chairs, which are also less expensive, but upholstered them in glamorous crushed velvet to lift the look. The stainless steel and tinted glass coffee table is extremely practical – stains are just wiped away – and the reflective materials contribute to the feeling of glamour. The Chinese trellis pattern adds the designer touch that the client asked for and works well with the modern Oriental looks of the wallpaper. What was the inspiration for the plush floor cushions? The budget didn’t allow for many ornaments or accessories, so I had to use colour instead. A shot of stormy blue was not enough. So, I combined it with soft aubergine, which can still be considered a neutral, but adds a smoky element and another layer of interest. It didn’t allow for extra seating either, so I used leftover fabric pieces to create Japanese-inspired floor cushions that can be slid under the coffee table when not in use. Tell us about the seating in the dining room – it’s very unusual. As space was at a premium, I opted for a combination of banquette seating and chairs and used an inexpensive, durable and easy-to-clean ultrasuede for the bench and chair-fronts. To prevent the room from looking too commercial, and for a touch of luxury, I buttoned the dining chairs in an inexpensive fabric and used a decorative fabric to cover the backs.
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Master bedroom What was your approach in the master bedroom? The master bedroom was rather featureless. Again, the goal was to create an opulent room, and what is more opulent than gold? I wrapped the whole room in a champagne gold wall covering for a really luxurious effect. I kept the curtains that came with the room; they are less noticeable against the gold walls. I kept the bedside tables simple and added black glass lamps to make a striking statement against the gold backdrop. I stuck with the black-and-gold theme for the bed, for a jewellery box feel. In order to prevent the scheme from looking too contrived or dated, I added jolts of vibrant orange. The elongated lines of the chair gave a designer stamp that completed the room.
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The Guest Bedrooms Additional bedrooms are notorious for being tiny, especially in new buildings like this one. How did you tackle the small guest rooms? The space in these rooms was tight, but the client wanted a queen-size bed in the first room. So, I pushed the bed right up against the bay window and topped a pair of matching trays with lamps – one on a bedside table and the other on the window ledge – to achieve the appearance of a pair of bedside tables. This created balance and symmetry. To match the curtains, I extended the beige theme through the room and paired it with lilac, which is regal without being overpowering. I coordinated these colours into the bed throw, cushions and lampshades for a finished and tailored feel. In the third bedroom, there was very little budget for anything other than the beds. So, I had to smarten them with colour – in this case, brown and turquoise. The crystal lamp in the middle adds a touch of glam.
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Study The study alcove is a nice touch. What was your approach? It is important that rooms like this don’t look like an afterthought. The chair matches the dining chairs, so that it can be borrowed when extra guests come for dinner. It looks more welcoming than a typical office chair, too. I made a seat cushion for the bay window, both to add colour and to serve as additional seating. I economised by using an IKEA bookshelf, but added an oil painting, a desk lamp and a hide rug.
Balcony Tell us about the black-and-white theme on the balcony. Since I had just four weeks to finish the project, I could only work with what I could get quickly. This was a hurdle, especially regarding the outdoor furniture. Design Intervention is very proud to have been voted as the number one supplier of outdoor furniture by Expat Living readers, and I think this is because we are creative and work with a variety of materials. Here, I simply had no time to develop the balcony the way we normally do. Space was limited, and many of our shelf items simply wouldn’t fit. In the end, compromises had to be made. I used synthetic rattan furniture on the smaller balcony,
and jazzed them up with some fun cushions. For the larger balcony, I got lucky. I found this table in a local designer shop at a significantly reduced price in the Great Singapore Sale. It was still expensive, but by compromising on the smaller balcony, it fitted into the budget. I combined it with Philip Starck-inspired ghost chairs to complete the polished, glamorous look. eL To contact Nikki, call 6506 0920 or visit www.designintervention.com.sg.
Keep an eye out for future articles on interior design for smaller homes.
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Welcome! Open the door and come inside. Join us on a journey through Expat Living’s first “Home Tour” series – a guided trip through s o m e o f o u r f avo u r i t e items on the local homefurnishing scene. We’ll start
in the entryway, make our way through the living and dining rooms, venture down the hallway to the master bedroom and finally retire outdoors to the balcony. Ready to go? Turn the page and let’s begin.
Tour By Monica Pitrelli
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Entryway The entryway of a home is where first impressions are made. Not only is it the first place that greets visitors, but it’s the first room that you see when you come home. To ignore this area would be a wasted opportunity to create an inviting area that sets the tone for the rest of the house. Here are a few ideas for a formal entrance hall that exudes both style and substance: • Hide shoes, umbrellas and clutter that tends to congregate by the front door, inside beautiful yet functional pieces. • Hang a large mirror on the wall to widen a small entrance. • Place plants or framed photographs on side tables to add a splash of life and colour. • Provide an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable bench to sit on when putting on or removing shoes, or waiting for that family member who always seems to be running late.
All items from Accentuate Home. Block 1092 Lower Delta Road, #07-04. By appointment only. Call 9673 7844 or visit www.accentuatehome.com.sg. • Scroll bench, hand-carved from solid rosewood with a natural polish, gold leaf accents and upholstery in old-gold velvet. From Pakistan; $2,600. • Belgian bevelled braid mirror. From Pakistan; $4,000. • Bird cabinet, legs and frame in solid rosewood and sides and interior in rosewood veneer, bird handle in antique gold finish, mirrored interior. From Pakistan; $3,700. • Mirror cabinet, solid rosewood frame, mirror insets with three large concealed drawers for storage. From Pakistan; $3,000.
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Living Room The style and décor of the living room can vary as vastly as its intended uses. Will your living room host more afternoon teas or play dates for tots? Will it be a showcase for your collection of fine porcelain, or a place to put up your feet for movie nights with the family? Pick a style that speaks to your personality and present needs: Asian or European, contemporary or traditional, posh or plain, a mishmash of your life’s travels or a carefully choreographed collection of valuable items? It’s up to you. Consider how much of an Asian look you want to incorporate – if (gasp) any at all. A sophisticated classic English theme is anchored by a colonial couch and smoking chair, both bound in deep leather. A wooden bookcase displays prized possessions while metal, wooden and leather boxes discreetly store items out of sight. The coffee table morphs into a multi-use game table, perfect for when the mood for a little friendly competition strikes, while the telescope is ideal for a spot of bird-watching, or keeping an eye on neighbourhood comings and goings.
Photos by Lyan Bernales
All items from Tatty Marsh. 163 Tanglin Road, #02-38 Tanglin Mall Call 6887 4225 or visit www.tattymarsh.com.
• Linen and leather smoking chair, $1,995; wood and leather telescope, $795; armillary sphere stone base, $189; zebra-print cowhide rug; $1,995. • Limages bookcase, natural oak; $5,500. • Colonial leather settee; $3,995. • Ship’s coffee table with game boards for checkers, chess and backgammon; $2,500.
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Dining Room The dining table is, of course, the focus of the dining room. Whether you buy a rectangular, square or circular table depends upon room shape and personal preference. Dark wood can have a refined appeal, while glass tops and lighter wood brighten a small space. To achieve an interesting mix of texture and colour, you can choose chairs that do not come with the table. Before the buying begins, be honest with yourself about how you plan to use this room. You may yearn for a beautiful, formal dining room that showcases your extensive china and crystal collection – but if you have small children, it may be best to put those precious items safely away for a few more years. Tables that host nightly family dinners should be sturdy enough to withstand water stains, hot plates and the occasional overturned glass of grape juice. Create separate spaces in a large, open layout with a room divider – the one shown here has bamboo stick blinds that can be raised for a large dinner party or rolled down for a private dinner for two.
• Iki square dining set with Gana side chairs, solid teak, shown here in a whitewashed finish. From Indonesia; $2,900 (table) and $270 (per chair). • Sara sideboard. From Indonesia; $2,580. Chinese dragon with fireball, bronze and silver-plated, shown here in extralarge size. FromThailand; $1,280. Bamboo-stick room divider from Indonesia; $680. • H2O side chair, natural grass fibre and teak. From Indonesia; $260 (per chair).
All items from OriginAsia. 372/372A River Valley Road Call 6733 7384 or visit www.originasia.net.
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Master Bedroom Ah, the sanctuary, the haven, the room where we find refuge from the stresses and strains of daily life – the master bedroom. The most private room in a home, the master bedroom ideally invokes calmness and serenity. Deep shades, dark woods and lush fabrics create a dramatic look, while lighter woods, glass and simple lines give a contemporary, airy atmosphere. Combine the two by opting for a contemporary platform bed in traditional dark wood. If space is an issue (and it usually is), consider investing in a piece of furniture with dual functions, such as a dresser that doubles as a vanity unit, or a bed frame with built-in bedside tables.
• Marco dresser, with hidden vanity top and embedded chair; available in maple, cherry and walnut wood, shown here in dark cherry wood. From Indonesia; $4,066. • Rasso bed frame; available in oak or cherry wood, shown here in dark chocolate oak. From Indonesia; $4,601.
All items from Finezza. 9 Penang Road, #02-27/28 Park Mall Call 6334 9972 or visit www.finezza.com.sg.
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Balcony In high-rise Singapore, throwing open the balcony doors is often your shortest path to the great outdoors. Whether you have a bit of a balcony or a titanic terrace, make the best use of your outdoor space with furniture that suits your particular needs. A large, round day bed is ideal for curling up in the late afternoon with a good book and a glass of wine, while tall, asymmetrical chairs show flair and provide an alcove of privacy from neighbours’ prying eyes. If your life’s mantra is “the more, the merrier”, a large, rectangular table is recommended for alfresco dinner parties and weekend barbecues. Beat the heat and protect your furnishings and barbecue from downpours with a huge, collapsible umbrella.
• Paired dining tables. From China; four-seater $1,452 and two-seater $859. Chairs $292 each. • Tuuci Max Dual Cantilever umbrella. From the US; $28,000. Assorted barbecues; from $650. • Round day bed; available in different sizes. From China; $1,800. • Lover seats. From China, $1,799. Coffee table, $428.
All items from Prinz Enterprise. 32 Punggol East Unit 4 Call 6742 9360 or visit www.prinzenterprise.com. eL
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s g BeautifulThin By Monica Pitrelli
S
ome people travel the world for culture; others in search of knowledge, food or just some good old-fashioned fun. Lynda Talbot circled the globe looking for something entirely different. “I travelled the world looking for beautiful things,� says Lynda, one of the owners and the creative force behind Verandah Living.
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As a former homeware buyer for Australia’s upmarket department store David Jones and furniture chain Freedom Furniture, Lynda spent 12 years flying from continent to continent in search of the very best in home furnishings. When she finally decided to open up her own store, she knew exactly what she wanted. “Something as simple as a beautiful soap dispenser can be very difficult to find in Singapore. You wouldn’t believe the items that I’ve carried back from Australia in my suitcase! When we decided to open our store, we knew that we wanted to offer items that people need and that can’t be found elsewhere in Singapore.” True to her vision, Verandah Living houses a stunning and distinctive collection of items from a multitude of countries. You’ll find Spanish fabrics, vintage German lithographs and Thai pewter together with products from France, Italy, Uzbekistan, Portugal and more. “The idea,” says Lynda, “is to live
Hidden Treasure Trove
Verandah Living is located on Level 2 of the Sime Darby Centre (behind Originals) at 896 Dunearn Road. Call 9026 7061 or visit www.verandah-living.com.
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in a home that reflects your life and your travels.” The unusual porthole mirror shown here is among the store’s best-selling items. “You have to buy these in odd numbers, because two adjacent circles in decorating always look like glasses or boobs!” she laughs. “Most people buy three, and they really create a nautical feel.” The furniture, mostly from the Stuart Membery Furniture and Home Collection, is in a style that Lynda calls Raffles chic or vintage tropical, though some call it British colonial. “No matter what you call it, the furniture blends beautifully with so many styles, including Asian and contemporary. It isn’t matchy-matchy, which is good because you don’t want your home to look like it was ordered from a catalogue, but rather collected during your travels.” A mix of home accessories and necessities, including Egyptian cotton beach towels, fringed Turkish bath towels, linen pestemals and natureinspired table décor, round out the mix. “My philosophy is that we should surround ourselves with beautiful things,” says Lynda. “It’s such a pleasure.” eL
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© Hanhanpeggy | Dreamstime.com
T of life
People buy antiques for many reasons, including the opportunity to own something made with craftsmanship and techniques that are either dying out or no longer exist.
here’s a certain appeal in knowing that your item of furniture has a history: Who kept their precious clothes in that old armoire? What were the titles of the books originally stored in that 19th-century bookcase? And who were the people who laughed, loved and feasted at that heavy old dining table? What’s more, when you buy an antique, you are recycling it – and that’s good for the Earth, isn’t it? Interestingly, many Asian antiques are given a new lease of life when they are restored, some being used for something totally different from their original purpose. We asked a group of expats who have enhanced their homes with stunning Asian antiques to tell us where they found them, and why they fell in love with them.
Art Trend Gallery
7C & 9 Binjai Park 6468 7116 | www.arttrendgallery.com.sg Li Ping at Art Trend Gallery really knows her stuff. They have a good selection of stock, from modern Chinese furniture – if that’s your thing – to proper antiques, and will also undertake commissions. When we moved from a flat, where cupboards were built-in, to a house where nothing was, we needed to buy furniture pretty fast as we had nothing to unpack into. It made sense to buy key pieces that would retain their value, and I’m a big fan of antiques, especially when mixed up in a room with some strikingly modern pieces for contrast. It’s nicely eclectic and unpredictable. Antiques always manage to lend a sense of permanence to a room that modern furniture, no matter how beautifully sleek, somehow lacks. We purchased a Chinese chest on chest with shallow relief carvings and paintings decorating the front. It comes from Fujian province, is approximately 80 to 100 years old and was traditionally used to store painting materials or clothes. It’s great for general storage as it has deep and solid shelving; we also use it as a drinks cabinet. Rowena Michaels, UK
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Asiabox
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road #B2-06 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 6467 0762 | www.asiaboxliving.com
My wife and I love to buy old and antique pieces whenever we travel, and we are constantly looking for nice pieces for our house. To ease up some space in my wife’s closet, we came up with the idea of buying a nice antique piece to store our bed linen and her shoes in. I went to Asiabox, which is very near my workplace, to look for the right piece. Shermae Leong kindly allowed me to take measurements and photos of a few pieces to show my wife before deciding. We bought a red lacquered cabinet with a distressed finish, distinctive doors and drawers below. The colour and the finish really attracted me to this piece, and its doors are quite distinctive with antique metal hinges. It came from Gansu province in northwest China and is almost 100 years old. It is made out of elm and was probably used for storing kitchen crockery and utensils. I like its size – it’s big enough to hold a lot of things but not too bulky for the size of our house. We’ve put our bed linen in the upper compartment and my wife’s shoes in the lower compartment. Too bad I don’t have the budget to buy several more pieces! Ronald Gochangco, Philippines
The China Collection
20 Malcolm Road and 102E Pasir Panjang Road #01-08 Citilink Warehouse Complex 6235 1905 | www.thechinacollection.com.sg As an interior designer, I am passionate about furniture and believe you should only buy what you love. I keep returning to The China Collection because their antiques are distinctive, of beautiful quality, yet reasonably priced. The no-shoe custom in Singapore means you often have to step over a pile of discarded flip-flops to get to the front door. I can’t bear this, and was determined to find a shoe storage solution that was also a beautiful piece of furniture to fit into the niche in our hall. I found a four-door elm cabinet complete with its original artwork at The China Collection Warehouse. The colours are rich but muted, with a barely distinguishable water lily and leaf pattern. It’s most likely from the border between Mongolia and Gansu as it has elements of both in its design, and it’s around 120 years old. It was originally used as a garment trunk to store winter clothes and blankets. It would have originally opened from the top, but like most antique cabinets now, it’s been modified for contemporary use. Doors have been cut out of the front and reinforced to create easy-access storage. When you open it up, it has that smell of camphor that I love. Anne Lockett, The China Collection’s owner, is a delight. This particular piece happened to have come from Anne’s personal collection, which immediately sealed the deal for me. Lucy Harrison, UK September11
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Just Anthony
379 Upper Paya Lebar Road 6283 4782 | www.justanthony.com
Fairprice Antique
315 Outram Road #01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building 6270 2544 | www.fairpriceantique.com We moved into a much larger home than our previous one in London and needed some additional furniture. We were not specifically looking for anything antique, but rather for unique and interesting furniture. We wanted to avoid anything too lacquered and Oriental as we already had several Chinese paintings and a Chinese wedding cabinet and didn’t want one particular style to dominate our home. When we walked into Fairprice Antique, we saw so many beautiful pieces that were hard to resist: our purple-and-grey cabinet was one of them! Made of poplar, and with cabriole legs, it was unlike anything we’d come across in Singapore. Helle, who has such a welcoming air, told us that the piece is 110 years old and comes from Ningxia province. Fairprice Antique stripped it back, painted and distressed it and finally lined it with silk. We were undecided about another piece – a Korean buffet table – and she suggested we try it in our home. I think her words were: “It’s very hard to know if a piece will work in your home until you see it there.” Well, how right she was! Not only did the grey cabinet look fantastic – it has a prominent place in our living room and houses all our glassware – but the Korean buffet table also worked perfectly.
Just Anthony is a fun place to spend an afternoon – you get to poke about dusty old things, open drawers, smell timber, and imagine uses for pieces and the lives of their previous owners. More importantly, buying an antique means you are recycling and reducing demand on precious resources. Also, you are buying something that has survived the test of time and has proven to be quality. Timber antiques can never be replicated – each piece was made by the caring hands of an individual, then shaped over decades by its owners through journeys, meals, parties and daily life with family and friends. All of this gives it character and charm, like laughter lines on a beautiful face. My favourite purchase from Just Anthony is a kitchen cabinet made of elm and fir that comes from Zhejiang province on the east coast of China. It is more than 100 years old and is thought to have come from a wealthy household, due to its elaborate lattice-work and carvings on each of the four doors. It shows beautiful craftsmanship, but best of all it’s a functional working piece. I have it in the dining area, and use the top level for crockery and glasses and the bottom rows with the sliding doors for storing wine. Jacqueline Bredhauer, Australia
Charlotte Mitchell, Australia
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Li Bai Arts & Antiques 20 Bukit Batok Crescent #07-08 Enterprise Centre 6316 1181
Generally, we only buy when we really like something, because we don’t have much space at home. It’s hard to go to Li Bai Arts & Antiques and leave without buying, though. So far we’ve purchased several Chinese and Tibetan pieces, including a fabulous Republican-style day bed, a tea table, a coffee table, Tibetan chests and a wedding box, all used for storage and display. Our 19th-century Tibetan reading table (or mandala) is extremely rare. It comes from Lhasa, Tibet and illustrates a rich variety of geometric borders and ornamental patterns. Many of these are derived from the swastika, key, knot, wave and scroll patterns of Tibetan art and architecture. In Tibetan culture, the position for chanting and meditation is the lotus or padmasana. This pose is meant to neutralise the senses and therefore aid meditation. With this practice evolved the chests and cabinets of Tibetan furniture; our reading table was found in one of the monasteries. Linda has a great selection of beautiful pieces. She’s very friendly and gives good advice about selecting furniture and caring for it; also, delivery is prompt. We keep going back for more and sending our friends there. Beatrice Herrmann, Switzerland
The Past Perfect Collection 480 River Valley Road 6737 3078 | www.pastperfect.sg
My house is predominantly furnished with Australian antique Huon pine furniture. But I also have several antique Chinese cabinets. My Anglo-Indian 19th-century rosewood campaign secretaire bookcase from Past Perfect is the rarest of those pieces. Campaign or knockdown furniture was used by British officers in India. To suit their need for mobility, the bookcase “knocks down” into three separate sections for ease of transport. A feature of such furniture is the brass fittings on the corners for strength. Also, the piece is quite petite, again for ease of transport. This piece was French polished, and new glass was fitted to the doors. Otherwise, it still has all its original features: carved feet, inlay on the lower drawers, and fittings such as the locks. There are also hidden compartments in the secretaire itself. I have it in the bedroom, where my wife uses it to store her makeup, perfumes and other ephemera. The bookshelves themselves still hold books. I like Past Perfect because they source beautiful, high-quality pieces, and their attention to detail and finish is faultless. They are highly knowledgeable and clearly love what they do. Also, each piece has a story to it, whether it is English, Portuguese or Dutch. Peter Zeitsch, Australia
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old from Shanghai, $2,200. Fairprice Antique, 315 Outram Road, #01-10, Tan Boon Liat Building, 6270 2544, www.fairpriceantique.com
2 Black lacquer noodle cabinet,
$1,100, China Collection, 20 Malcolm Road, 6235 1905 and 9787 8556, www.chinacollection.com.sg
3 Carved 3-drawer chest, 150-180 years old, $1,600, and leather bottles, $220 each, China Collection
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4 Antique colonial bureau table, The Past Perfect Collection, 480 River Valley Road, 6737 3078, www.pastperfect.sg
5 British Colonial drop front bureau, The Past Perfect Collection 6 Tibetan reading table, $2,500, Li Bai Arts & Antiques, 19 Tanglin Rd #02-15, 6738 4088
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7 Painted sideboard from Shanxi, 80-100 years old, Asiabox, 170
Upper Bukit Timah Road, #B2-06 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, 6467 0762, www.asiaboxliving.com
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8 Large 4-door cabinet with Chinese artwork, Woodfarm Lifestyle, Blk 13 #01-03, Dempsey Road, 6472 3398 9 Console table, 120 years old, $1,500; red and black lacquer box
with lid, $70; Oval bucket with wooden handle, $80; Round bucket with metal handle, $70. China Collection
10 Solid teak cabinet with drop-leaf table, circa 1930, $1,712, Journey East, 315 Outram Road, #03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building, 6473 1693, www.journeyeast.com 11 Horseshoe back wooden armchairs, both for $1,500, Just Anthony, 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road, 6283 4782, www.justanthony.com
12 Wedding bed with carved decorative panel, $18,000, Art Trend Gallery, 9 Binjai Park, 6468 7116, www.arttrendgallery.com.sg
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Punkah by Fanimation
When the heat hits, don’t sweat: sit back and enjoy the cooling breezes of a stylish fan.
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n your attempts to conquer the Singapore climate, your home can all too easily resemble an electrical showroom. Air-conditioning units rattle and hum next to your works of art and ugly plastic dehumidifiers take up valuable floor space. A better way to go, and more pleasing to the eye, is the ceiling fan. Apart from the aesthetics, fans are better for your health. Air-conditioners release positive ions into the
atmosphere, causing headaches and tiredness. Just as bad, they pollute the environment and contribute to global warming.
Traditional Many of us embrace the Asian style, furnishing our homes with beautiful antique pieces and deep, rich colour palettes. Finding modern appliances to work with this style of dĂŠcor is often difficult, but when it comes to ceiling fans, manufacturers have a rich heritage to draw upon.
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The Zonix by Fanimation
US-based market leader Hunter was established in 1886 when father and son, John and James Hunter, created the first ever water-driven ceiling fan in upstate New York. 120 years later, the company still produces a version of the first 1886 fan combining the original style and craftsmanship with 21st-century technology. Another of their traditional models still popular today is H u n t e r ’s C l a s s i c Original, available in brass, brown or white finishes.
Colonial Those with more colonial-style aspirations could opt f o r p a l m o r ra t t a n blades from US company Fanimation. Made from original green or bleached palm leaves, models such as the Windpointe or Islander conjure up visions of old, colonialstyle plantation houses of the British Empire. Combine the wall-mounted Punkah with wooden shutters, rattan furniture and a light colour palette for a touch of the tropics.
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Contemporary Lovers of all things sleek and stylish will adore The Alpha. Sleek red, yellow or black plastic blades contrast with a high-shine chrome motor to create a stylish centrepiece for any room. For something a little bit different, try the Avalon: a pressed steel centrepiece is combined with blades made of sailcloth for a look that is both complex and contemporary. One of the most popular modern designs is the sleek and simple Zonix by Fanimation: ultra-simple wooden blades in a selection of finishes are combined with a satin nickel motor housing for a sleek, minimalist look.
Freestanding For those who don’t want to alter the look of their ceilings, there are still ways to enjoy the unique cooling effects of a fan. Wind by Gervasoni, a wicker and metal freestanding fan, is alos a stylish home accessory. Another freestanding option is the Mini jet fan by Imusu; retro in style, this little gem packs a punch for home or office.
Little ones A recent Canadian study has found that if you run a fan in a child’s bedroom when they are asleep, the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is reduced by up to 70 percent. With that in mind, Hunter has launched a range of fans suitable for nurseries and children’s rooms in every conceivable design from aeroplanes to surf boards. eL
Life’s a Breeze carries a comprehensive range of fans and offers delivery options in Singapore and abroad. For more details, visit www.lifesabreezehk.com or call +852 2572 4000. Wind by Gervasoni
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Rebecca McLaren, Tanglin Arts Studio
Life & Family
What’s New
LIFE&FAMILY
Tiny Tunes La Petite Montessori is offering a special September holiday programme based on 3D musical fun. Kids 18 months and up can learn basic music notes and songs and engage in percussion play. 9am to 12pm from 5 to 7 September. The Pines, 30 Stevens Road. Call 6300 8058 or visit www.lapetitemontessori.com.
September is Will Awareness Month. Despite knowing that we should, less than 5 percent of people have wills. To learn how to protect your estate and the welfare of your children should the unthinkable happen, sign up for a will workshop this month with Chartwell Associates. Admission includes $200 off the price of executing a will. To enrol, call 6225 5707 or email admin@ chartwell-associates.com.
Safe & Sound We love these kits for their eco-friendly packaging and natural products, but most of all, for bringing back the fabulous projects we loved as children. Build your own erupting volcanoes, paint your own solar-powered plane, create your own cards or cultivate herbs with your own gardening kit. These kits are perfect for birthday gifts or rainy days with the kids. www.seedling.com.hk
C a t ’ s Out of the Bag To celebrate its grand opening, Pets City Balestier is offering a 30 percent discount on all purchases of dry pet food as well as special discounts on accessories and grooming. Stop by for a look at the kittens, guinea pigs, hamsters and pedigree puppies too. 12 Boon Teck Road #01-03. Call 6256 8133.
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Little Green Sprouts, an online store for environmentally safe baby products, is launching Mommy Mondays to give mothers the chance to talk about ecofriendly, chemical-free baby food, clothing and accessories. The group will meet once a month to share ideas and special finds. Visit www.littlegreensprouts.com.sg for more details.
What’s New
LIFE&FAMILY
Hot Shot To take your photo-taking skills to the next level, enrol in a photography class with Le Studio Photo. Classes are held on Wednesday mornings for six weeks and cover topics such as composition, ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Classes limited to seven participants. $480. Call 9177 6797 or visit www.lestudiophoto.com.sg.
For kids aged 3 to 6 years, Act 3 is offering September workshops based on the classic Chinese tale The Magic Paintbrush. Children learn about kindness and sharing through the story, which they perform for their parents at the end of the workshop. 5 to 8 September (9.30am to 12pm) or 6 to 9 September (3pm to 5.30pm). $220. Call 6735 9986 or email at act3int@ act3international.com.sg.
In Session Book a portrait session in September and October at Zosia Zacharia Photography and receive 50 percent off your photo Christmas cards. Also, stand to win one of two 12-image portrait sessions simply by “liking” the Zosia Zacharia Photography Facebook page. For more details, all 9824 6840 or email zosia@zosiazacharia.com.
Sing-Along Sensation Mickey Mouse is bringing his entourage of adorable friends to Singapore for Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Your favourite songs from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Toy Story and more are remixed to hip-hop, pop, swing, reggae and rock. 7 to 11 September at the Grand Theater at Marina Bay Sands. From $35. For tickets, call 6688 8826 or visit www.MarinaBaySands.com/Ticketing.
for Thought If you have always wanted to learn Spanish, we know the perfect place to start. Las Lilas School is celebrating six years of Spanish language classes in Singapore. Check out the new website for class schedules for kids and adults. Beginner classes start twice a month. 180B Bencoolen Street #0801/02/05. Call 6333 3484 or visit www.laslilasschool.com.
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NOTICE BOARD
Sophia Elizabeth was born on 23 November 2010 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, a little later than expected, but much to the delight of David and Ruth Grant.
Zara Mariel was born on 12 March 2011, to the joy of Shine and Judah Ruiz and big brother Aeon.
John Goh made his way into the world on 30 March 2011, say proud parents Vincent and Jean.
Rudo and Talita Steyn are besotted with their bundle of joy Katya Steyn, born on 10 January 2011 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
Just had a baby? Newly married? Recently engaged? Moved back to Singapore and want to let people know you’re back in town? Trying to get rid of excess stuff before you leave the country? Looking for a job? Whatever your announcement, we will get the message out - FOR FREE!
Email us at noticeboard@expatliving.sg
All readers whose babies are featured on this page will receive a photo-shoot and print worth $450 from Tomato Photo | www.tomato.sg. So keep those birth announcements coming!
FOR SALE Furniture
JOBS Freelance Client Relationship Manager
Newly arrived expats have moved into a furnished apartment and need to sell their furniture recently shipped from New York City. ■ Three-seater sofa and two-seater love seat from Huffman Koos. Upholstered in stain-resistant beige fabric. Asking $800. ■ Dresser and mirror from Bob’s Furniture. Dark, solid wood with frosted glass. Asking $500. ■ Queen bed and mattress. Asking $600. ■ Dark wooden console for TV and DVD player. Asking $100. ■ Low, dark wood coffee table. Asking $50. Interested? Contact Pranay on pranay.mehra@gmail.com.
Asia Plantation Singapore, a sustainable forestry and agricultural business, is looking for freelancers to sell sustainable forestry investments. Suit sales people wishing to work on a part-time basis on commission only. Send your CV to info@asiaplantationsingapore.com.
Part-time Relationship Managers E2W is a global company opening in Singapore. It has several vacancies for people with a background in financial services – in particular investment banking, asset management, payments, corporate banking or any operational, risk, sales or dealing role. Check out our website for more information: www.expatliving.sg/ all_joblistings.
Fulltime Sales Assistant Jehan Gallery, a well-established carpet and furniture store, needs a full-time employee to assist with sales and the management of its Garden Hub outlet. Contact Hadi Nishaburi on 9827 3970 or hadi@jehangallery.com.
Adopt a Pet
CANVAS Gender: Male Breed: Dachshund Age: five years Australia-bred, tame and well behaved, Canvas is playful and great with kids. He is neutered and toilet trained, and enjoys lots of love and attention. Interested in adopting Canvas? Contact saratian@singnet.com.sg.
SEA
PONGO
Gender: Male Breed: Local Age: four months
Gender: Male Breed: Siberian husky Age: five years
Sea is friendly, mildmannered and gorgeous.
Pongo is handsome and gentlemanly. He dosen’t get rowdy and always maintains a good pose for the photographer!
Interested in adopting Sea or Pongo? Call the SPCA adoption hotline at 6287 5355 (ext. 24) or visit the SPCA at 31 Mount Vernon Road. Check the website for opening hours. If Sea or Pongo have been adopted, go to www.spca.org.sg to see other animals that need kind homes.
Scene Around Town
LIFE&FAMILY
Art Odyssey More than 300 artworks by these and other youngsters from Odyssey, the Global Preschool, were exhibited at The Arts House on 20 August and sold to raise funds for the Make a Wish Foundation. Exploring the theme of “Sustainability”, in line with the school’s emphasis on respect for nature and environmental responsibility, the children used a wide array of media, ranging from prints to water colours and even glass art.
Lighting the Way On 14 August 2011, the Global Indian International School set the record for the highest number of handprints, on a two-anda-half-metre-high Chinese lantern featuring the flags of 52 nations – the home countries of GIIS students worldwide. This was a high point of the school’s annual Spirit of Asia Carnival for Integration, held at its Queenstown campus.
Say Cheese! The GB University Team visited the British Club over the summer holidays while en route to Bali, where they held coaching clinics and played a game in support of the Bali Sports Foundation. The foundation aims to provide a safe and supportive sports environment that treats young people with dignity, where they can develop valuable new skills and form friendships.
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Scene Around Town
LIFE&FAMILY
Tribal Gathering Guests dressed to impress gathered at White Rabbit for the unveiling of Tribe, a new baby-bag brand, afternoon of champagne, sweets, and the first peek at Tribe’s collection of gorgeous baby bags and accessories. www.tribebags.com
From left: Kate O’Loughlin and Stella Ritzi; Boon and Manzie Chan, and Yolanda Yu; Assad Attamimi, Rosie Jansen (owner of Tribe), Joy Koh and Kerri Lampard
Aboriginal Art A s p a r t o f t h i s y e a r ’s celebrations for NAIDOC Week, renowned Australian Aboriginal artist Roy Wiggan (83) attended the launch of an art exhibition called Paint, Pearl and Ilma, hosted by the Australian High Commission and curated by Arotong Galleries.
From top: • Sam Tan Chin Siong, Roy Wiggan, HE Doug Chester and Greg Williams; Japanese Ambassador HE Yoichi Suzuki and Mrs Suzuki • Lyn Chester, Mr and Mrs Neil Montefiore; Spanish Ambassador Federico Palomera Guez and his wife Asa Gim Choi-Palomera, Lyn Chester and Polish Ambassador HE Waldermar Jan Dubaniowski • Korean Ambassador HE Oh Joon, Israeli Deputy High Commissioner Michal SarigKaduri, and Chilean Ambassador HE Luis Fernando Danus Charpentier; Ms Priscylla Shaw, Polish Ambassador HE Waldermar Jan Dubaniowski and Michael Ma
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www.expatliving.sg
Wednesday 28 September 7pm to 9pm Timbre @ The Substation 45 Armenian Street Want to meet some great people at interesting bars around town? Join us at Expat Living’s Newcomer Beer Appreciation evening with Archipelago brew master, Colin Paige at Timbre @ The Substation – a relaxed outdoor bar famous for its live music.
ts eet other new expa m to y it n u rt o p p O ✓ t! ✓ A fun, sociable even 7pm 7.15pm 8.30pm 9pm
Icebreaker drink Beer appreciation session with local food pairings Have another drink at the bar Live music starts; cash bar available
• Introduction to Archipelago’s range of four craft beers • How a microbrewery makes craft beer • The art of pairing beer with food Newcomers welcome. Non PRs (permanent residents) only.
www.expatliving.sg/events
$20
admission includes beer appreciation and food pairing tasting
Event
LIFE&FAMILY
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he last time I saw fellow-Brit Matthew Rickard – out and about on a Saturday night, at Boat Quay – he was fused to his BlackBerry and enjoying Singapore’s social scene. Now, two years later, this technology executive donates much of his spare time to worthy causes. The seed of Footsteps for Good was planted in 2007, when Matt visited an orphanage for tsunami victims. “I was touched by how much hope the children had,” he recalls. “Some of them had lost their entire families, but they were still able to smile and dance for us.” After learning that the orphanage needed a new extension, Matt then returned to Singapore and began fundraising. It wasn’t until 2009, however, that Footsteps for Good was officially launched after Matt’s “upsetting, but inspiring” humanitarian trip to Myanmar, following the 2008 cyclone that devastated much of the country.
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Footsteps for Good raises funds for underprivileged children and those affected by natural disasters, by leading groups of individuals on a sponsored trek through the jungles of Northern Thailand. “It’s a chance for people to get away from their BlackBerries and go back to basics, while doing something meaningful,” says Matt. Those who sign up for the trek can expect to spend four days marching through lush jungle, staying either in local villages or in camps under the stars. The participants raise funds by getting sponsorship from friends and colleagues, and to date the organisation has raised $144, 788 for various charities.
When I ask Matt how his life has changed since embarking on this humanitarian path, he explains: “I used to watch natural disasters unfold on the news, but it wasn’t real to me. Having witnessed the harsh reality of how these events really affect people makes me less likely to complain; less worried about the things that I don’t have.” He adds that his goal is not only to help those in need, but also to positively affect the lives of those who join him on the trek. “It can be a particularly rewarding experience. The isolation of the jungle offers some much-needed time for reflection.” eL
If you would like to join Matt on the adventure of a lifetime, the next trek will take place in January 2012. Funds raised will be donated to an organisation in Thailand that provides education for poor communities (www.childsdream.org). To register, email matt@footstepsforgood.com. www.footstepsforgood.com
By Deborah Goldman
LIFE&FAMILY
By Verne Maree
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iane Shaw’s mother, Lucy, is Indian Singaporean; her father is from New Zealand. As soon as Liane was old enough, she spent every school holiday “washing bums”, as she eloquently puts it, at whichever preschool her mother was working for at the time. When she turned 15, her parents shipped her off to boarding school in New Zealand; after that, she studied law and accounting and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers for a number of years: first in Auckland and then here. Whatever made her drop her career to join Shaws, the Mountbatten Road preschool her mother had established in 1988? Tell us how it all happened. Eight years ago, I took a month off my corporate career to help my mother out at the preschool – and I’m still here. I realised right away that this was where I was supposed to be. Was it an easy transition to make? Having grown up immersed in the preschool environment, it felt like a completely natural move for me. I had plenty of experience as a teacher assistant, but educationally I had to start from scratch. So I went back to school to study Early Childhood Education at Wheelock College, an American university here in Singapore, all the way up to a Master’s. Having built up Shaws on her own, your mother must have been pleased when you joined her. Ye-es, I suppose she was. But she was always asking me: “Are you sure you want to be doing this?” In fact, she still asks me that!
My mother wasn’t easy on me, either. She made me do everything, because as she rightly said, the staff would not respect me unless I was able and prepared to do every single thing that they did. The two of us work well together; I think we bring different things to the school. She tends to spend more of her time nowadays at our other branch at Braddell, which she established 21 years ago. What is Shaws’ ethos? Shaws was the first preschool in Singapore with a curriculum based on the concept of purposeful play, as opposed to the traditional, strictly academic model. Others have followed, but a play-based curriculum is still a relatively new concept here. My mother wanted her school to have as much outdoor play space as possible; she often says: “I want to hear the children’s
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Has your corporate experience been helpful here? It gives me a different perspective on things. For one, the way I manage our staff: I realise the importance of giving them the autonomy they need to manage their own areas. We have great people, some of whom have been with us for a long time; one of them for 18 years. We’re planning to open another branch soon, just along Mountbatten Road from here. That will open up another progression avenue for some of our most capable and experienced staff members. Though we are always full – 140 pupils here at Mountbatten Road and another 100 at Braddell – we believe in expanding only carefully and gradually, to ensure that we maintain our high quality of care and education. Tell us about your husband and family. Shaws was the first Singapore preschool to offer rugby, cricket and hockey; and that’s how I met Alpesh, who is now my husband; he used to come to the school to teach these sports. Both of our children – Zac (5) and Tasha (3) – are here at Mountbatten, of course. All they know about my role is that it’s my job “to keep the teachers and the children happy”. And I don’t interfere at all; when they come to me with a question during the school day, I say: “I don’t know, ask your teacher.” Alpesh grew up in New Zealand, where he spent every weekend playing sport. So, when our son was born, my husband started to ask himself what he would be doing on the weekends, and that’s why we started Shaws Little League two years ago. It runs out of several locations and offers hockey, cricket, netball, rugby, baseball, tee-ball, volleyball and athletics; after school, on the weekends and on holiday camps.
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How do you relax? If you’re up early enough, you’ll find me running along the East Coast at 5.45am, four mornings a week; I’ve also started classes at Pilates Inc. at Eastgate, just across the road. With me working from Monday to Friday, and Alpesh working the rest of the time, we don’t have much free family time together! Zac has already joined Little League, though; he plays cricket and loves it. Holidays are the only time we have together. We took a family trip to London and Paris during the August holidays, and then at the end of the year we’re all going to visit the Mitrataa Foundation school and orphanage in Nepal. I will teach some I want to hear the simple skills, such as children’s laughter even Lego and bead stringing. before I see the school. And my husband has this – Lucy Shaw vision that sport can fix everything: his plan is to introduce Little League there, teach the orphans various sports and then leave the equipment for them. eL Shaws CDLC @ Mountbatten 855 Mountbatten Road | 6440 9192) Shaws Preschool Childcare @ Braddell Heights 24 Lynwood Grove, off Braddell Road. 6382 0314 | www.shaws.com.sg www.shawslittleleague.com
© Percent | Dreamstime.com
laughter even before I see the school.” They play outside in all weather conditions, except if there is a thunderstorm. Every day starts and ends with outside play, including waterplay with hoses, buckets and paddling pools a number of times a week; and if it’s really hot, sometimes the teachers will join in, too.
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LIFE&FAMILY
Overcoming
By Karen Gould
When learning is tough, it can be hard for a parent to know what to do. Wellmeaning relatives are full of reassuring anecdotes and marginally relevant advice, websites are by turns alarming and contradictory, and even teachers often fear talking openly with parents who may take things the wrong way.
bstacles
Dr Bunn has just joined the Dyslexic Association of Singapore’s (DAS) newly formed International Services section, which supports kids at international schools with assessment, tuition and speech and occupational therapy. Services cover the full range of learning differences as well as autism spectrum disorders, behavioural difficulties and sensory issues.
An assessment may or may not suggest that a child has a learning disorder, says Dr Bunn, but most often parents and kids will come away with a set of helpful recommendations for the school, the parents, and sometimes for the child themselves on how to deal with and overcome a difficulty. A little more information can give kids and parents a more balanced and realistic picture of
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ne option for getting a clearer picture of your child’s challenges is to go for assessment from a psychologist, who can draw on their experience with other children as well as more formal measures like aptitude tests to shed some light on where the problem might lie, and what can be done to help. “Early identification and assessment are very important,” says educational psychologist Tim Bunn. “But often parents, and teachers too, prefer to ‘wait and see’. Sometimes they are right, and the problems are overcome by the school, the parents and the child. Sometimes, though, problems become more severe with time. It’s never too late to try to sort out what isn’t right and put in some extra help.”
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their strengths and weaknesses. “For my son, the results confirmed the learning difficulties he faces, but also highlighted his talents, which was very enlightening for him,” says Jean*, a parent. “We as parents focus so much on his problems and assisting him with his learning, but he was very happy that the report acknowledged that he was talented, too!” “A good assessment benefits everyone concerned,” says Dr Bunn. “Teachers know where to apply their skills; parents have a realistic picture of what the problems are; and children know they are going to get the right kind of help, and they feel more confident. The psychologist’s job is to make sense of the evidence and come up with a good plan for helping the child learn.” * Name changed for privacy reasons.
Welcome!
Expat Living takes this opportunity to welcome newcomer Dr Tim Bunn from the UK to this little red dot, and to get to know him a little better.
So, Tim, why Singapore?
I worked as a teacher in Nigeria after my first degree, in a small secondary school in the remote northeast. It gave me a new perspective on the world, after private schooling and Oxford. For a long time. I wanted to go to China at the end of my career, but I wouldn’t have been able to work as a psychologist there, and in the end I felt China was now too industrialised, perhaps too monocultural and certainly too polluted. I realised that in Singapore I could do what I do best, educational psychology, and enjoy a fascinating mix of cultures, including Chinese.
Have you always worked as a psychologist?
I’ve also taught English, in England and Nigeria. I worked in primary schools for five years, and in a special school for two and a half years. I enjoyed that most, because you could really work closely with a manageable number of children with learning difficulties. Later on I became an officer for the Local Education Authority in charge of administering the complicated “statementing” system in my hometown. It was tough at times, but I think I managed to achieve some positive things for the children, parents and schools.
What are you looking forward to during your Singapore stay?
I have a lot to learn – how schools work, how Singaporeans and other parents in the region bring up their children, how children deal with the pressures and difficulties they experience. I enjoy putting together my knowledge of the universals of child development with the particular contexts of schools and families. I am very excited by the DAS mission and its developing set-up. I hope I can play a small part in enlarging the DAS scope and adding to its analytical expertise. Singapore will be very different from Nigeria, but I hope I will learn as much as I did at the beginning of my career. I am interested in but not very knowledgeable about Chinese culture and history. I hope to learn more. I want to keep a space in my mind for unexpected interests. eL
DAS International Services is at 73 Bukit Timah Road, #05-01 Rex House. For more information, call 6336 2555 or visit www.das.org.sg. 116
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© Gawain1960 | Dreamstime.com
LIFE&FAMILY
We asked the mothers of two young ballet students at TANGLIN ARTS STUDIO at Horsecity to tell us about their daughters’ delight at learning to dance.
Mum Jacinta says … Zoe has always enjoyed music and dancing around – she loves Angelina Ballerina, the cartoon mouse on television! – so when I took her for a trial class at Tanglin Arts Studio, she loved it and wanted to continue. She started in the Mommies and Me ballet class when she was two-and-a-half. Now she’s in the ballet and tap class. She loves tap because she can make lots of noise to upbeat music. She will be trying out some jazz next term, so hopefully she will enjoy that, too. The Mommies and Me class runs for about 45 minutes with a warm-up activity in the beginning and then onto a dance adventure where they follow a story line that includes dance movements, getting the little girls used to ballet movements in a fun way. Then at the end, the girls learn set moves to music that they go on to perform at the end of the term. Classes end with an obstacle course where the girls practice their balance and do jumps and turns and curtseys. Zoe loves dressing up in her ballet outfits and dancing to the music, and the instructors are warm and fun.
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Mum Lynda says ‌
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Tanglin Arts Studio of Dance is at 100 Turf Club Road #01-02, Horsecity Block K. For information, visit www. tanglinartsdancestudio.com or call 6479 0304. 120
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Photography by Lyan Bernales
My Car
Driver: Sona Janikova, from the Czech Republic Passengers: Husband, two kids, plus one on the way Time in Singapore: One month Previous car: Audi A6 What type of car are you renting? A blue 2006 Hyundai SUV. Why did you choose it? Since it’s an SUV, it’s very easy to drive. It even has a beeping mechanism that helps you park. What are the three best features of the car? It is very comfortable, it isn’t noisy, and I have a good view when driving. Also – although this isn’t exactly a feature of the car itself! – I don’t have to catch taxis anymore.
LIFE&FAMILY
We stopped two of our readers on the road long enough for them to tell us about their vehicles and their experience of driving in Singapore. By Jamie Aldridge
If you’re on the road, where are you most likely headed? I’m picking the kids up from school or travelling to ballet, gym or French lessons. We’re planning a weekend driving trip to Malaysia soon, too. What’s your rental arrangement? We have a one-year lease. Then, when the baby comes along, we can swap this for a bigger car if we need to. How is the service from Evergreen? I am in love with Andrew from Evergreen Rentals – don’t tell my husband! – because he is such a friendly guy. He prepared all the rental paperwork in one day. I can always call him for help, and he has been kind right from the start. Besides that, the prices are really good and they gave me the full package. What are the pros and cons of driving in Singapore? The pros are that Singapore roads are very organised. I love driving here; after two weeks, I already knew the main streets and the short cuts. The cons are these little trucks that I always seem to get stuck behind: trying to guess where they are going or what they will do next is like playing a video game. Favourite road in Singapore? The one that goes to the Botanic Gardens – is it Thomson Road? It has beautiful nurseries, gardens and parks. What’s your dream car? Oh, a Maserati or a Lotus, just to be different from all the other women.
Evergreen Rent A Car 6459 0990 www.evergreenrentacar.com
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Driver: Ingrid Ridge, from Australia Passengers: Husband and three children Time in Singapore: Four years Previous car: 7-seater Honda MDX What type of car are you renting? A 2004 bronze Honda Odyssey. Why did you choose it? We wanted seven seats; we have a family of five and a large dog, so we needed the space. Hondas are reliable, and the pricing on this particular model was good. Servicing and parts aren’t expensive either. What are the three best features of the car? The rear split folding seats are very helpful for fitting bikes and our dog in the back. The air conditioning is a must in Singapore. And its manageable size is also a great feature, as I can park it with ease. If you’re on the road, where are you most likely headed? We are probably going to Bishan Dog Park or the Botanic Gardens. The children play basketball on the weekends, too, so we often ferry the family around to sporting events. What’s your rental arrangement? We have a four-year lease agreement with Expat Motor Singapore. How is the service from Expat Motor? Alvin Teo at Expat Motor has helped us through many problems that would have been difficult to solve by ourselves. When someone hit the back of my vehicle, I rang him, and he sorted everything out for me. He helps with big and small problems, from little scratches and bumps to servicing – the team takes the car and brings it back when the service is completed, and they even offer a replacement car.
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Pros and cons of driving in Singapore? The roads are really good. They’re very well signposted, so you have advance warning to exit expressways and things like that. On the other side of the coin, I find that drivers don’t like to let you merge into the lane they are in, which is hard for me because I tend to give other drivers a wide berth. Your favourite road in Singapore? I like Mount Pleasant Road because of the greenery; you can peer through the foliage and see the lovely big black-and-white houses. What is your dream car? I love the Land Rover Freelander – it’s a small but fun four-wheel drive. Otherwise, perhaps an Aston Martin. Expat Motor Singapore 6732 6248 www.expatmotorsingapore.com
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LIFE&FAMILY
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
M
ost of us know couples who have been through or are going through
a divorce. The divorce rate is on the increase worldwide and Singapore is no different. It’s always complicated, but when you are living as an expatriate anywhere in the world, there are additional issues to factor in. In Singapore, for instance, for the court to have the necessary jurisdiction in your case, you have to have lived here for three years before you can file for divorce. This time period varies from country to country. When we hear about expat divorce in Singapore, many of us automatically think of the “male mid-life crisis plus Asian girl” scenario. While that definitely happens, Franca Ciambella of Consilium Law Corporation (CLC) says that there seems to be an increasing trend of expat wives looking for love in all the wrong places. “I have seen a lot of male clients in tears lately. Men want validation, women want love, and if neither are getting it at home they will look elsewhere.” She feels that the increase in expat divorce in Singapore is also linked to the fact that expats are staying longer. So, does Franca feel that anything can be done to reduce the divorce rate? “ We a l w a y s e n c o u r a g e reconciliation, and as the first step suggest a few counselling sessions. We’ve had a 20 percent success rate with this. It makes
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me feel a lot better to see a marriage continue than it does to take money for handling divorce proceedings. I’ve been married for 18 years, and I always tell couples that while marriage is hard work, divorce can be even harder. In the majority of cases that come for divorce, however, communication has broken down and the marriage is irretrievable.” Another problem, is that individuals tend to take the same issues into their next relationship and the cycle repeats itself. Statistics show that second marriages are even less likely to work and, where there are children involved, failure rates are as high as 70 percent. If counselling doesn’t work, Franca suggests the couple posts an amicable separation that just stays in the office. “If it’s filed with the courts, then it is taken as a done deed. Some judges will also make you wait the three year separation period if you have filed a separation in court.The spouses can live separately for a few months or years, which gives them space to work through their individual issues, perhaps look at where they have gone wrong and what they could have done better and perhaps even patch things up. “Obviously, if they are adamant about wanting an immediate
divorce, we will go with their wishes.” Is there anything expats should know that is particular to Singapore? “It’s not an automatic 50/50 split as it is in most Western countries. The court will take into account the length of the relationship and the contribution each has made to the marriage, not just in terms of money, but also staying at home and looking after children – in some ways it’s fairer. However, men are not paid maintenance here as there is no legal mechanism to allow for them to ask for it. And there is very little sympathy for fathers who try to get out of paying maintenance. “The court has a balanced approach to the awarding of custody of children, and it cannot be assumed that the mother will win. The courts will decide on the basis of the best interests of the children as to who is more suitable.” CLC focuses not only on family law, but also on employment law, corporate and commercial law, litigation and mediation. And if you just need a will drawn up (as I do), they can help you with that, too. eL Call Consilium Law Corporation at 6235 2700 or visit www.consiliumlaw.com.sg.
By Rebecca Bisset
LIFE&FAMILY
Singapore to Indonesia Borneo by sea is eight days of open water. Sounds like fun if you’re on a luxury cruise, but how about paddling an outrigger canoe? That’s what 12 Singaporebased business professionals and paddlers from the Singapore Paddle Club achieved recently. We asked ROD McCURDY, Chief Architect for British Telecom, Asia, and JEREMY TAYLOR, Managing Director of Cash Converters, Singapore and Malaysia, to tell us about the epic trip, which raised $45,000 for two great charities.
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Who came up with the idea for the expedition? JT: It probably became a serious prospect after the club paddled to the Equator and back in 2007. Borneo was considered the next step up in terms of scope and endurance. Then things got put on hold when Rod, our expedition leader and main planner, went to work in London for two years. The idea was resuscitated on his return. Why this particular route? RM: There was no scientific reason for Kalimantan, other than it offers several hundred miles of completely open sea. Unlike the Equator expedition, which was island hopping, the Kalimantan Expedition crossed the South China Sea, which is unsheltered, making for much rougher water. How long did preparations take? JT: Specific training kicked in about six months prior to departure but planning started much earlier than that. At first it was a slow-burning fuse but with about three months to go things got much more intense in terms of training and organising.
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How was the crew chosen? RM: Crew selection was based on three elements: physical fitness, mental toughness and personality (that is, the ability to live on a cramped boat while physically and emotionally drained). After starting with a list of 18 potential candidates, we chose two crews of six (12 paddlers in total). So each paddler covered half the total distance, or 250 miles over the eight days. This dwarfs anything any modern outrigger paddler will have experienced, which is why our tailored training plan was modelled on what “ultra” runners and ironmen undertake. How did you balance your normal lives for all of this? JT: The closer the departure date got, the more the expedition started to impact our lives. Because of training times, work-wise it wasn’t so bad – but I would be lying if I said there was no friction in the Taylor household, as my wife Stephanie had to do much more than her share in keeping the kids occupied on weekends! Fortunately we went away on holiday soon after the expedition finished so I was able to repair a few of the damaged bridges!
LIFE&FAMILY
RM: Yes, balancing work activities with key training periods and specific dates is one thing, but throw in a loving wife and two great children and it becomes exponentially more difficult. The key is to ensure that everything – family, work, personal lives and training – takes a fair share of the sacrifice. And as my wife says, “When you are with us, be with us.” That is, ensure that any family time I do have is quality and focused. Tell us a bit about the boat. Was it tailor-made for this particular journey? RM: We used one of eight canoes we have on Tanjong Beach for our club members. It wasn’t specifically made for the expedition, but was international standard. Historically, the canoes would have been carved out of tree trunks. The modern outrigger canoe is made of fibreglass. Whereas the voyages that settled Polynesia would have had sailing rigs on their canoes to harness the wind, we had no sail, using only paddle-power to cross the South China Sea. How many in the crew? JT: We had eight male and four female paddlers
from eight different countries (three from Germany, three from the US, a Brit, a Swiss, a Dutch, a Belgian, an Australian and a Singaporean). The support team comprised our Club’s coach, a Hungarian and a masseur from Singapore. It was a melting pot of cultures. Biggest challenge? RM: When people think of the ocean, they think sharks and pirates. Neither was a real threat. The biggest challenge was the adverse conditions. We had 10-to-15-knot winds and a one-metre swell in our face for the last five to eight days of paddling. Because of this, a 12-hour day turned into 19 hours. We spent half of our time on a support boat, the Rising Tide, which ended up giving other challenges. It broke down twice in the first two days, causing us to get exposed to the sun (one member developed mild heat stroke as a result). The refrigerator broke down and we had to live with the smell of rotten meat for two days. Plus, the crew spilled petrol on two occasions in our cabin area, which meant sleeping on deck in the heat to escape the noxious fumes.
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Tell us about the logistics of the trip. RM: An outrigger canoe seats six paddlers. There were two crews of six paddlers each, with one crew paddling at all times. We did two-hour shifts, then rested for two hours, swapping with the second group. During the rest period, paddlers got out of the midday sun and heat, and ensured they kept hydrated.
RM: Our real “hero’s welcome” came when we arrived at Changi Airport. At least 50 people were there to congratulate us and cheer us on. The Paddlers in Pink showed up in force, turning T3 arrival hall into a sea of pink. It was a beautiful, heartfelt homecoming and certainly the warmest touch to cap off an excellent expedition.
JT: The sleeping conditions were very cramped and it was mostly three-in-a-bed. Because we were always fighting fatigue, sleeping wasn’t too much of an issue. We ate constantly during the trip to maintain our energy levels. We did have one big meal together every night when we had finished paddling for the day.
Tell us about the expedition’s partner charities. JT: We raised money for the Breast Cancer Foundation: Paddlers in Pink and CARE. The Paddlers in Pink are active in the Dragon Boat scene, so are well known to us. We have worked before with CARE, who identify and support children at risk, by putting on paddling clinics for some of the youngsters they are helping.
Did you talk much while you paddled? RM: We talked about everything, however a key topic of conversation was when the next break would be. Yes, just like kids on a long car ride, many of the crew were fixated with “are we there yet?” with “there” being defined as our next rest stop. JT: There weren’t too many philosophical conversations, though religious beliefs did come up at one point. Mainly it was fairly banal chat with some pretty puerile and coarse humour thrown in. Most surprising or beautiful sight? JT: When a pod of about 40 dolphins swam alongside our boat. It was very uplifting. The strangest sight was when we were paddling with only our support boat in sight – no land and no other vessels – when we noticed a large white object floating along. It turned out to be the bloated carcass of a white cow. I don’t know where it came from but it stank. We also had two large sea snakes come very close to our canoe. How did you celebrate? JT: When we finally got to Pontianak in Kalimantan, we cracked open a bottle of champagne on the canoe and had copious beers and wine on the support boat. Unfortunately the safety boat ran aground on a sandbank and we had to wait until a police boat came to tow us to the dock. So we finished with a police escort. We then headed out to explore Pontianak and find something to eat.
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Next challenge? RM: We are dreaming of Singapore to Australia, 1,700 miles, one way! What are some of the more “normal” activities of the SPC? JT: We usually have three or four outrigger training sessions a week at Tanjong Beach on Sentosa. We also conduct a rookie session on Saturdays for anyone interested in trying out the sport. Our training is geared towards local and international races in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Australia and elsewhere. SPC also runs a competitive dragon boat team. Complete this statement: “If this expedition taught me one thing, it’s…” RM: A plan is always directionally correct at best. It is temporary, always in a state of flux, requiring recalibration. We had a plan, which was quickly changed due to the adverse sea conditions we experienced. JT: With application and training you can do and achieve things that you would have thought impossible. eL
www.singaporepaddleclub.com
LIFE&FAMILY
Did you know that nearly every current Formula 1 driver made his start racing karts? One person who is all too aware of the fact is twelve-year-old British expat MAX FEWTRELL, who has a burning ambition to follow in their footsteps. We asked Max how he’s going in his quest to be the quickest. How long have you been in Singapore and what are the best things about it? I’ve lived here for eight years. I like my friends and the weather! When did you start in the sport? I went karting with friends in Jurong two years ago. I loved the thrill and excitement of driving from that first day. I started to compete three months later, finishing 12th out of 20 in my first race. What are some of your biggest achievements to date? Being named Asian Open Karting Champion in 2010 and being named Champion at the Yamaha International Challenge in Kuala Lumpur in the same year. What’s a typical race like? In Europe, where I’m racing at the moment, there are 70 to 80 competitors and the karts reach 60mph. It is physically demanding, especially when the weather is hot.
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Any scary moments on the track so far? I was involved in quite a big crash in my first race in Europe. Other than that, I’ve had no major incidents.
Photos by Gregory Heirman
Has 2011 been a good racing year for you? I’ve been focusing solely on racing in Europe as that’s where the strongest competition is. I’ve been improving a lot this year, and now I’m one of the frontrunners. Hopefully it won’t be too long until I win my first race over there. What’s your ultimate aim? Formula 1! My heroes are Ayrton Senna and Fernando Alonso. Can you make karts, too? No, I just like driving them as fast as I can! Does that mean you’ll be going to this month’s race in Singapore? Unfortunately, I can’t go because I have to race in Italy the same weekend. Dream car? A Ferrari 458 Italia or a Bugatti. What do you like to do when you’re not racing karts? Chill out and play my simulator on the PlayStation. I also like cycling, scuba diving and radio-controlled cars. eL
Follow Max’s Formula 1 fortunes at www.maxfewtrell.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter @MaxFewtrell.
LIFE&FAMILY
MAKING THE MOST OF
By Harriet Empey
1. People Learn about the different ethnic groups of Singapore, the main religions practised, the languages spoken and the significance of some of the big festivals celebrated..
2. Housing We explain the process of finding a home – realtors, terminology and standard lease terms. We discuss residential areas and types of property available, and how location, age of property and size affect the rental price.
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3. Money We explain the different banking options, including credit cards, NETS, GIRO, legal tender and currency exchange.
8. Differences Participants are
encouraged to keep an open mind while living here. Topics include hierarchy, business etiquette, ‘face’, social occasions, auspicious colours and numbers, dietary 4. Schooling Personalised to the restrictions and dining etiquette. participants’ profiles, we discuss local and international education options, 9. Etiquette To shake hands or not to the different curricula and the process shake hands? We discuss proper greetings of choosing a school. for different ethnic and religious groups as well as gestures that may be inappropriate. 5. Transport Singapore has excellent infrastructure and public transportation. 10. Opportunities Different social Learn how to use an EZlink card and plan and business associations and networking your route, what taxi regulations and options are introduced. We discuss the surcharges are, car leasing and buying many recreational activities available, options and the expenses involved. the historical and ethnic areas and the heartlands and encourage participants to 6. Spouses Dependent Pass holders explore Singapore and make a real home have many opportunities available to them in their host country. – working, volunteering or studying. We offer some insights into challenges they Singbound programmes are currently held may face, as well as helpful networking twice a month in two central locations. Group sizes range from four to ten and recruitment contacts. participants. The workshop lasts four hours 7. Helpers We explain the law, an and costs $100 per participant, including employer’s obligations and expenses, lunch. eL the duties they may expect their helper to undertake and the different ways to Singbound 6533 0465 | www.singbound.sg find a helper.
© Salvador Manaois Iii| Dreamstime.com
S
ome expats breeze into Singapore and settle in without a worry. But for many – especially those who’ve never lived away from their home countries – the place can be daunting. How will I know if I’ve chosen the right school for my child? How can I find a good area to live in? Where can I make new friends? Where are the best places to buy groceries? How will I know how to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds? To help you make the most of your time on the island, enrol in the Singbound programme. Tailored for newly arrived Employment Pass holders and their families, Singbound provides practical, cultural and emotional knowledge for getting started. We asked Singbound to list the top ten subjects that newly arrived expats can expect to get advice on when they take part in the programme.
LIFE&FAMILY
Crowded metropolises, sacred sites, precious rainforests, natural disaster areas, lonely rural roads; these are just some of the landscapes MORGAN PARKER passed through during his recent four-month charitable motorcycle expedition across Australasia.
T
he epic 25,000km route took the Aussie from Hong Kong – he’s been an expat there for almost seven years – through mainland China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor and his native Australia. Over the course of the expedition, Wheel2Wheel, Parker’s non-profit organisation, raised awareness and provided
financial assistance to ten under-recognised charitable organisations in the region. Expat Living spoke to the philanthropic adventurer shortly after his arrival in Brisbane at the end of the trip. You’ve literally just hopped off the bike after a 125-day epic. How do you feel? I have mixed emotions; in some ways I’d like to just keep riding off into the sunset, finding more worthy causes and new horizons to reach. In another sense, I do miss my family and friends. The best word to describe my feeling on completion was “surreal”: I really couldn’t believe I’d finally made it to the finish line. How did the idea for this trip – and Wheel2Wheel in general – come about? I was looking for a more strategic way to personally get engaged with philanthropy, then
realised I needed to understand what charities want – which is awareness; so I then developed a fun way to package humanitarian story-telling in the overall construct of enduro-motorcycle adventures. Th e k e y o b j e c t iv e f o r Wheel2Wheel is to intermediate between grassroots charitable organisations that we have thoroughly evaluated, and financial donors. We provide these small charities with reach beyond their own capabilities and provide donors with research and validation they simply don’t have time to undertake themselves. How long did the planning take? Any particular challenges? It was three years in the planning – the final 18 months full-time for me and part-time for three other people. There were countless challenges in the logistics of the actual journey, September11
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building the online community, and explaining the concept to all. What bike did you ride, and what kind of supplementary equipment did you carry? A B M W F 8 0 0 G S . I wa s completely self-sufficient, carrying 175 items in six main bags and panniers, including c o m p u t i n g , p h o t o g ra p h i c , communications and camping equipment, spare parts and clothing. The ride was carbon neutral, which we achieved via an environmental group based in Perth that executes reforestation programmes throughout the region. Where was the starting line? We started in Wyndham Street, Hong Kong, for the first leg up to Yangshao in southern China. How close to Singapore did you come? Melaka in Malaysia was as close as I got. I then crossed the Straits to Sumatra.
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What were some highlights of the trip? Meeting Nobel Peace Prize Winner and President of TimorLeste, Mr Jose Ramos-Horta, to discuss Wheel2Wheel and the future of Timor-Leste; successfully completing a 37-hour continuous ride from northern Sumatra to Jakarta; all the charity visits. You battled with hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and even a head-on collision on the trip. What was the worst moment? Being taken advantage of by unscrupulous tour operators in Vietnam and Laos! In what ways did the ride aid the charitable organisations you were supporting? We not only raised money for them but enabled them to be part of a regional television series, which will hopefully extend their reach to tens of thousands of potential donors globally. Thinking about future adventures yet? Yes, Wheel2Wheel II is already in planning for 2013! eL
To read more about Wheel2Wheel and its plans for future adventures, visit www.wheel2wheel.tv. To donate to one of the worthy causes it supports, visit www. wheel2wheel.tv/ownakm. Current projects include building a school in Northern Laos with Child’s Dream, the construction of a Moon Bear Education Centre in Vietnam with Animals Asia, the financing of a Legal Aid Fund with Women’s Aid Organisation in Malaysia, and supporting GECKO to develop an online environmental education platform targeted at Chinese students. 142
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W
ater might be the most abundant molecule on the planet, but that doesn’t mean we drink enough of it. Studies continue to show how important it is to keep well hydrated. It’s also essential to drink the right kind of water. Naturally occurring mineral water (as opposed to prepared mineral water) is taken directly from wells and natural springs, and contains various mineral salts with therapeutic qualities. If that’s not enough reason to ramp up your daily intake, then the following facts and tips will surely get you guzzling.
Did You Know? • Even mild dehydration slows down your metabolism by as much as three percent. • One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs. • Lack of water is the main trigger of daytime fatigue. • Drinking sufficient water significantly reduces the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer.
Six Steps to Drinking More Water
1 ng: the The Singapore weather can be stifli out in k brea you es slightest exertion mak ide, outs ing jogg try you perspiration; and if . stuff the in you’re soon drenched ng, we But inst ead of avo idin g pers piri sweat ide; outs nd arou should embrace it. Run Apart . yoga hot for up it out in the sauna; sign the far by is g atin swe n, from cooling us dow and es uriti imp ing flush of most effective way bombarded toxins from our bodies. We are stan ces; sub c toxi with on a dail y bas is ywhere, ever are als mic environmental che rding to acco And . them d and we cannot avoi reaking ndb grou her in ) Sherry A. Rogers (MD toxins” alth “ste e thes book Detoxify or Die, ase. dise all ly near of e caus are the underlying of lots and lots need you , To detoxify then g takin not re you’ sure e quit water. And to make play k, drin you r wate the in further toxins with possible. it safe by choosing the best water
You may not drink as much water as you think you do. Keep count: have a jug or bottle of the stuff on your desk if you go out to work, or in the kitchen if you’re at home, and make sure you finish it. Ensure you have a supply of a good mineral water. Natural Springs Australia draws its water directly from source with all its natural properties and minerals intact, and will deliver it to your home or office. Ring the changes by drinking herbal teas, infusions such as chamomile, and various berry teas. For every cup of coffee you drink, have a glass of water, too. Alcoholic drinks are dehydrating. Have at least one glass of water for every glass of wine, beer or other alcoholic drink. And have a couple of glasses of water before you go to bed. Fruit and vegetables comprise mainly water, and it’s good, highquality water. Start the day with fruit, and snack on fruit in between meals. Plan to have as many of your meals as possible based on salads and vegetables with a high water content, such as leafy greens and marrows. eL
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Natural Springs Australia sources its water from the Black Mountains in Victoria. Natural Springs water is available in counter-top and floor-standing dispensers. For more information, visit www.naturalsprings.com.sg. To order, call 6872 3468.
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Š Elenat | Dreamstime.com
Compet it ions
Handbag heroes Thanks to ORCHARD CENTRAL this month’s gorgeous leather holdall is packed with all the pampering and beauty products a gal could need: beauty treatments, fashion updates and vital accessories.
Haach
Lady Xiang
#02-04 | 6736 1712 This Oriental fashion specialist stocks a stunning collection of fashionable Asian cheongsams, gowns and separates. Many of them are hand-embroidered and embellished, in silk, chiffon, brocade and other opulent fabrics. Design and made to measure services are available for all occasions, too.
City Chain
Pink Parlour
#04-07 | 6509 9952 One of the leading watch retailers in Singapore, City Chain carries internationally renowned brands such as Swissmade Cyma, S o l v i l e t Ti t u s and Ellesse. You’ll also find fashionable timepieces from Esprit, Guess, FCUK, Seiko and others, along with a selection of children’s watches.
#03-19 | 6100 8266 Th i s i s a o n e - s t o p shop for all the little beauty fixes you desire. Whether it’s a painless Brazilian wax, an organic spray tan, designer nail grooming, a facial treatment or a themed spa party, they have it. Exclusive: 20 percent off selected products for Expat Living readers!
#03-10 | 6238 8811 With more than 60 different products including face, skin, hand and foot care, Haach is a vital pit stop on the road to feeling beautiful inside and out. It combines Western technology with an Eastern influence to provide a comprehensive wellness program. And with products like an anti-ageing tonic made from a rare breed of apples grown only in the Swiss Alps, it’s sure to capture your curiosity, too.
Galleria Italiana #02-28 | 6884 6128 For serious arm candy, head to Galleria Italiana. The store stocks high-quality leather bags and wallets from up-andcoming Italian designers, with both modern and classic styles from the likes of Piquadro, Capoverso and Baidera – every single item made with love and craftsmanship.
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$1,95
0!
Skin Inc #02-14 | 6884 5308 The world’s first skin supplement bar, Skin Inc, understands the needs of the savvy and busy urbanite — fuss-free and effective skincare specially customised for every individual’s specific needs. It is all about smart solutions, simple regimes, and sensational results.
Ladyfinger #04-20/21 6884 4044 Take a breather from the rush of daily life by treating yourself to a mani-pedi. Say goodbye to smudgy colours and chipped polishes by opting for a gel polish. It performs like gel, applies like polish and promises to stay glossy, vibrant and chip-free for up to 21 days. Now relax.
GALLERIA ITALIANA Vintage bag, $400 Roomy and handy, an indispensable bag for any day out.
SKIN INC Pure UV Protect+, $68 Effortlessly preps skin to perfection in one fuss-free application.
LADYFINGER Gel manicure for two, $195 Who are you going to take along?
HAACH Deluxe Edition Botanical StemCel set, $663 A breakthrough anti-ageing treatment.
PINK PARLOUR Smooth Groomer, $115 A pain-free Brazilian, half leg and underarm wax.
ORIGO CREATION Anti-wrinkle serum, $89.90 Smooths fine lines and reduces puffiness for sheer ageless radiance.
Origo Creation #01-17 | 6835 9220 A new concept shop by Australian brand Perfect Potion, Origo Creation aims to introduce a number of premium natural beauty brands to the island. Pamper yourself with perfect potions and other 100-percent natural products ranging from skincare to body care and hair care.
LADY XIANG Flutterby sleeve top, $159 Put a little of the East in your wardrobe.
CITY CHAIN Solvil et Titus timepiece, $275 The wrist bling your friends wish they had.
To win everything above, Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road 6238 1051
go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions
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One of five nursing or maternity dresses Worth up to $129.90 each! Bring out the yummy mummy in you with one of these stylish yet oh-so-comfortable dresses from Mothers en Vogue. Cocoon Jersey Dress (right): Effortless chic perfectly describes this cascading cocoon dress. The fluid jersey fabric drapes softly from neckline to billowy hemline, while flutter sleeves add a flirtatious touch. The cocoon silhouette is ideal for pregnancy as well as nursing. Available in Black and Iris Orchid. $92.90 Havanna Maxi Dress (left): A winning design from the X.tended collection, the Havanna is a ladylike silhouette with ruffles along the hem. It has a fitted empire waist with close gathers that flare out to a generous skirt. Available in Iris Orchid and Harbour Blue. $129.90 About Mothers en Vogue Mothers en Vogue (MEV) was founded in 2003 out of a conviction that today’s mother deserves clothing which combines comfort and aesthetics, ingenious construction and quality sewing. MEV’s positioning – nurture, naturally – is reflected in its use of natural and environmentally friendly materials. Featuring innovative yet discreet nursing designs and a flattering fit, these clothes not only look beautiful but feel good too. The range comprises a comprehensive line of nursing wear, as well as a line of comfortable and versatile maternity wear that can be worn from pregnancy to nursing (aptly named X.tended). Its nursing access systems are designed to cater to the varying needs and requirements of nursing mothers. MEV’s lines span the full spectrum of any occasion, from everyday to evening wear and from summer to autumn seasonal wear. Mothers en Vogue 176 Orchard Road, #01-32 The Centrepoint www.mothersenvogue.com
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! n i w $1,000 in art vouchers and an invitation to
the Affordable Art Fair’s Private View
One lucky entrant will win a $1,000 prize, presented in the form of two $500 vouchers. The winner will also be invited to the Affordable Art Fair’s Private View on 17 November.
EAG - Hou Qing 100x120cm oil on canvas 2011
La Lanta Fine Art; Brett Neal; Beagle in boots
To win, all you have to do is submit one photo of your favourite quirky art corner in your home, together with a short description of how the art has transformed the space. Email your entry to artcompetition@expatlivingsingapore. com by 15 September. The winner must be willing to have his or her home featured in our November 2011 issue and be mentioned in relevant promotional or press material distributed by the Affordable Art Fair.
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 15 September 2011
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Affordable
Art
for Everyone Utterly Art; I control me
F
ollowing the amazing success of the inaugural Affordable Art Fair (AAF) last year, the Fair returns from 18 to 20 November this year with a bigger and better lineup of galleries, artists and activities for the whole family. The fair will again be held at the F1 Pit Building in Marina South (easily accessible and with ample free parking). Artwork will range from $100 to $10,000, with 75 percent of the art on display priced under $7,500. The AAF brings together more than 70 galleries from all over the world, showcasing a vast number of artists, from Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst to up-and-coming stars such as Genevieve Chua and TraseOne (TR853-1), and Singapore’s own promising young talent. A m o n g t h e my r i a d a c t iv i t i e s a r e print-making demonstrations, talks by representatives from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, a Recent Graduate exhibition, and “Arty-Licious”, an evening event featuring art, performance and music in association with Harper’s Bazaar.
For more information, visit www.affordableartfair.sg.
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! n i w A colour analysis consultation for you and a friend Valued at $580!
This is your chance to win a colour consultation with Aileen of Nutri-Style. Best of all, you get to bring along a friend so you’ll have twice the fun!
Did you know that wearing the right colours gives you an immediate advantage? Your skin will look brighter and clearer and your eyes more vibrant and shiny.
Once you understand your colouring:
• Shopping will become easier, the choice of colours second nature. • Your wardrobe will always have the right combination of colours for you to wear. • You will gain confidence from knowing that the colours you are wearing are those that flatter you.
Learn which colours complement your natural colouring and how to put them together in a harmonious and modern way. You and your friend will each receive a colour fan with all the colours that work for you, and a colour selector wheel to help you mix and match colours and clothes. Nutri-Style offers a range of individual, group and corporate services to help you look your best, from colour analysis, style analysis and wardrobe auditing, to makeup sessions, private shopping and diet and nutrition services. The next colour analysis workshop is scheduled for 21 September 2011. Nutri-Style also trains colour consultants in the Color Me A Season colour system. Nutri-Style 6887 5220 www.nutri-style.com
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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! n i w A $100 voucher from FE The Nail Lounge
Be one of five lucky readers to win a $100 voucher for nail services, just by entering our competition.
FE The Nail Lounge is a luxurious salon for both women and men, where you will be wonderfully pampered in a calm and relaxing environment. Customise your experience by
choosing from a wonderful selection of soaks, scrubs, masks, treatments and massage lotions. For pure indulgence, enjoy one of FE’s Scentual Spa signature services, featuring products made from a unique blend of ingredients rich with antioxidants that moisturise, hydrate and heal your tired hands and feet. FE The Nail Lounge is also the perfect place for private parties. It can
provide a customised package for a birthday party, a hen’s night or simply a get-together with friends. With two branches in the same mall, you can be assured of the best service at any time! FE The Nail Lounge Raffles Shopping Centre, #02-27B and #B2-18/19 6337 7595 | 9337 7596 www.fethenaillounge.com
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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! n i w One of 15 pairs of tickets to Halloween Horrors at the Night Safari
Night Safari’s hair-raising Halloween event is back. This year’s Carnival of Fear features freakish characters from both West and East, from creepy clowns and circus zombies to tormented nightclub performers and ghostly street hawkers – it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Highlights include the popular Train of Terror, Dr. Freako’s Midnight Trail and the Shanghai Fright Club where roaming spirits try to lure visitors into their lair. You can come along for a frightfully good time during any of the five weekends (Friday and Saturday evenings) from 30 September until 29 October, and 30 October (Sunday). But be warned: the extreme scariness of this year’s event means it is not suitable for toddlers and young children. Parental guidance and
Worth $80 a pair!
discretion are strongly advised. Winning tickets are valid only on one of the following Halloween activity nights: 30 September, 1 October, 7 October and 8 October. Night Safari is a nine-time winner of the Best Visitor Attraction Experience, awarded by Singapore Tourism Board. Night Safari Halloween Horrors 6269 3411 www.halloweenhorrors.com.sg
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 20 September 2011
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! n i w
Career advice Worth $600!
Are you stuck in a rut? Do you need a challenge? Do you dread Mondays? Do you keep missing out on promotions? Enter our competition to win a session with David Forrest that will help you rewrite your resumĂŠ and reinvent your career.
David Forrest’s approach is totally different from the usual 10step plans. Using the two most venerable forms of ancient Chinese astrology, Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu, together with your birth date, he personally writes a definitive 12-page report, the Personal Career Branding Report, which also comes with his proprietary Ten Years Career Life Path Cycle. This individualised document will show your career path for the next 30 years and provide you with the answers to every uncertainty you ever had about your career. With its help, you can reinvent your career and know that you will never be redundant in the global economy. Also included in the prize is a one-on-one, three-hour meeting with David Forrest. David has been studying and practising Chinese astrology for the past 15 years. He has an Executive MBA in Business and an MSc in Biological Genetics and has been building his own entrepreneurial businesses for the past 42 years.
192 Waterloo Street, #05-05 Skyline Building 9019 8113 | www.davidforrestdestinymatch.com
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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! n i w A CeleVenus Accent Ultra for Face treatment Worth $350!
Not just one but ten readers will each win this fantastic treatment from CeleVenus. Accent Ultra For Face combines two state-of-the-art technologies – radiofrequency and ultrasound – for safe, non-invasive and painless facial contouring with no downtime.
How does it work? Radiofrequency technology stimulates skin to produce new collagen, thereby giving the skin a smoother and younger appearance. And ultrasound technology selectively provokes the breaking up of fat cell membrane, without damage to the surrounding tissues. CeleVenus' specialties Dr Dylan Chau has a special interest in anti-ageing treatments, specialising in volume replacement, wrinkle reduction and the restoration of a tighter, more elastic skin. He has wide experience of techniques to contour the face, and to augment the nose, chin, cheeks and lips. His other area of specialty is hair transplant through follicular unit extraction, which only a few doctors in the world perform. The many medical aesthetics services available at CeleVenus include: ■ Botox and filler treatment ■ Sculptra collagen stimulator ■ Sciton broadband light ■ Sciton microlaser peel ■ Thermage skin tightening ■ Accent Ultra face and neck tightening and size reduction ■ Microdermabrasion and silk peel ■ Hair transplant with Omnigraft follicular unit extraction ■ Slimming and weight management ■ Thermage for tummy and cellulite ■ Sciton permanent hair reduction ■ Pigmentation, scar and stretch mark treatment ■ Nose, cheek, chin and lip augmentation CeleVenus Aesthetic Clinic 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #03-21 The Central (above Clarke Quay MRT Station) 6410 9621 / 6410 9622 | www.celevenus.com.sg
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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D e s i g n | C u st o m m a d e f u r n i t u r e | L e a s e Open daily from 11am to 7pm 372 River Valley Road Singapore 248280 Tel/Fax +65 6733 7384
www.originasia.net
! n i w Tickets To See Westlife in concert Valued at $300!
Two lucky readers will each win a pair of tickets to Westlife’s Gravity Tour concert on 3 October.
Ireland’s most successful boy-band will perform its fourth concert in Singapore at the Indoor Stadium in support of its 11th album, Gravity. With an entirely fresh live set from a new touring band and a musical director, you’re promised a great show. Formed in 1998, Westlife – now a quartet comprising Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily – is the United Kingdom’s biggest-selling band of the decade. During a career that goes back 13 years and has achieved sales of 44 million worldwide, Westlife has amassed 14 number one singles, such as “My Love”, “Uptown Girl” and ”World of Our Own”.
Tickets available from Sistic: www.sistic.com.sg or 6348 5555. More information on Westlife at www.westlife.com.
Visit www.midaspromotions.com and www.facebook.com/midaspromotions for up to date information about upcoming entertainment events in Asia.
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 27 September 2011
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! n i w One of five
Firefly
resortwear vouchers Worth $150 each!
Courtesy of Firefly resort wear, you could be one of five lucky entrants to win a $150 shopping voucher.
Perfect for our Singapore climate, Firefly, Australia’s favourite resort wear label, is fast becoming Singapore’s favourite too! Launched in Sydney in 2003, Firefly has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings on the vibrant Sydney market scene. It’s now available in over 300 boutiques Australia-wide as well as in selected stores in the US and the UK. We love its bold prints, signature pieces and easy-fit styling. Featured in Australian fashion and lifestyle publications including Woman’s Day, New Idea and Shop Til You Drop, Firefly is perfect for the beach, hazy summer days and anything in-between. Be one of the first to know when the new Summer 2012 Collection is available when you sign up for the Firefly newsletter at www.fireflyonline.com.au. Where to buy Firefly in Singapore: Go online to www.fireflyonline.com.au and shop the range. Free delivery! Enter promo code firefly1 to get a further 10 percent off. Not sure of your size or what style will suit? Come and shop at the designer’s house in Bukit Timah. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment. Sign up for the Firefly newsletter online at www. fireflyonline.com.au to be informed of Firefly’s attendance at Singapore’s fairs and sales events.
Firefly 9238 3747 www.fireflyonline.com.au
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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! n i w A Sumptuous Peranakan
dinner for four Worth $250!
Two readers will each win a sumptuous Peranakan set dinner for four at PeraMakan restaurant, official caterer for the upcoming theatrical production Dealer’s Choice.
Produced by Pangdemonium Productions, Dealer’s Choice is a dark comedy set in a restaurant where a motley crew of men come together to laugh about life, argue about women and fight about everything else. Their comic high-jinks lead to a game of poker – except that for these men, poker is never just a game. For Stephen (Adrian Pang), it is an obsessive power trip; for Sweeney (Daniel Jenkins), it’s a distraction from his domestic dilemmas; for Frankie (Keagan Kang), it’s an extension of his manhood; for Carl (Julian Low), it’s a hopeless addiction; for Mugsy (Andy Tear), it’s an escape from his loser’s life; and for Ash (Daniel York), it is his life. Dealer’s Choice won the Writers’ Guild Award for Best West End Play and the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy. It runs from 29 September to 16 October at the Drama Centre Theatre, National Library. Details at www.pangdemonium.com. PeraMakan is at Level 3, Keppel Club, 10 Bukit Chermin Road. Call 6375 5563. www.peramakan.com
To enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions Entries close 30 September 2011
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Killer Gems Th e l a t e s t M . C . L . Collection by Matthew Campbell Laurenza is a colourful range of jewellery that will add dazzle to a little black dress. The Flora Warrior earrings ($550) symbolise feminine strength – perfect for a confident woman. With their intricate designs and bold shapes, these gems will rock your outfit. Call 6509 1068 or visit www.mcldesign.net.
Fairytale Come True
Look Who’s Here H&M finally hits Singapore this month, opening in a space the size of ten basketball courts in Orchard Building on 3 September. Expect plenty of warm colours like camel, burgundy and pumpkin for the autumn/winter collection, with everything from classic tailored trousers to flirty A-line skirts. Pair these bottoms with a simple boat-neck blouse or a chunky knit and finish the look with a leather belts and bag. With its wide range of great pieces, H&M can be worn from early in the morning to late at night: choose paisley or floral prints for the day and a luxurious, silky dress at night. The store also stocks men’s and children’s wear, and has a maternity line. For women’s wear, sizes range from UK 2 to UK 12.
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Charlie Brown dress, $95
With over 500 outfits available, Cinderellas is a new boutique that sells pre-loved designer clothing. It offers something for just about everyone, with sizes from extrasmall to extralarge. We bet you don’t leave emptyhanded. Call 9781 2936 (by appointment only). Cinderellas is on the East Coast, at 31 Greenfield Drive.
It’s a Skin Thing Specialising in exotic skins and limited edition pieces, Tan & Brown offers a playful mix of European styling and the vibrancy of the Orient. Making a big impact in Australia and seen on the arms of many celebrities, this handbag and accessories label is one to watch. Visit www.tanandbrown.com or contact olivia@tanandbrown.com for private viewings.
Fashion
StyleHunter Forget the catwalk, the shop windows and the fashion-bloggers. Sometimes, the best place for style inspiration is out on the streets. Our Style Hunter roams the island, camera-in-hand, ready to snap expats who exude individuality and a style of their own. Name: Natasha Young Job: Graphic Designer From: Australia
Necklace
White gold chain with diamond cross, anniversary present from husband
Dress
Ted Baker, bought in Bangkok for approximately $240
Red Bracelet
Susie M from Australia, $180
Shoulder Bag
On sale in Target, Australia, $9!
Sandals
Charles & Keith, $40
My style is generally quite simple, clean and classic yet comfortable. I look for a great cut and I love scarves and subtle detailing, like contrast stitching. For style inspiration I often look to Victoria Beckham, whose minimalist style is simple but stunning.
Why it works: Maxi dresses are still all the rage, and long may that last! Natasha wears this figure-hugging two-tone maxi well, her figure carrying off the Bretonesque diagonal stripes. Her bright red off-the-shoulder bag complements the asymmetrical neckline of the dress and gives the outfit some colour pop, together with the matching bold necklace creatively restyled here as a bracelet. A big plus is how stylish yet comfortable this outfit looks with smart flats and the stretch jersey dress material. Good work! Beate Baldry
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POSTCODE FASHION Scotts and Stevens Between Orchard Road and the tree-lined streets of the American and Tanglin Clubs, this is a quieter alternative to the mega-malls down the road.
Dresses
If you’re looking for a flirty sundress or the perfect party frock, visit Avana: j (#01-07/08 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road). They stock fun labels like WISH and Truesse. For edgier dresses from emerging designers and international cult labels, Lula Rock on the next level has labels not readily found in Singapore. They stock gorgeous dresses and fashion finds from Alice McCall, Nicola Finetti, Sretsis, An Ode to No One and Sass & Bide (#02-02 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road). For more formal dress or evening-wear for the ball season, Avana: loft has a huge selection (#03-09/10 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road). While you’re in the area, try a more personalised shopping experience at the home of designer Kaitie Manani of Vama Style. Choose from a wide range of resort wear, including dresses in bright colours and prints (Parc Stevens, Stevens Drive, 9029 2889).
Shoes and Accessories
For statement shoes and accessories, Muse (#0216 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road) offers heels in bright colours and animal prints from their own label, also stocking Mim by Meher Kakalia’s hand-stitched and embroidered, coloured ballet flats. Accessorise from their collection of cuffs, cocktail rings and silver jewellery with semiprecious stones. On the same level, you’ll find Quintessential (#02-01). They have a huge range of trendy accessories to lift any outfit. Sportswear Stock up on sportswear basics, and train in style. You’ll find a large selection of T-shirts, shorts, sneakers and yoga wear at the Adidas Originals Concept Store (#01-09 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road). For a wide range of different brands, visit Mint by MelM on the next level up (#02-08) for yoga, Pilates, gym, aerobics and dancing gear.
Fashion
Whether it’s a first date or a company function, we have selected the best cocktail dresses for every occasion. Get set to dazzle with these pretty frocks and gorgeous accessories!
Black Cocktail Dress $95, Shopping at Tiffany’s #02-03 Tanglin Mall
Liquid Glamour Earrings in Jet $170, MIMCO #B1-29 ION Orchard
Beavaldes Necklace $3,865, Shanghai Tang #02-12G Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City
White Linen Cutwork Yoke Dress $250, Linen & More #B2-05 Great World City
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Lost Orchid Dress, $329, Ana Boutique 86 Club St
Fashion
Luca Flap Over in Metallic Gunmetal $520, OROTON #03-10 ION Orchard
Tie Pleat Dress in Wizard $299, Egg Maternity www.eggmaternity.com.sg
Yellow Halter Dress $399, Satine #02-05 Delfi Orchard
Rice Field Gradient Print Dress $870, Shanghai Tang #02-12G Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City
Cyber Heel in Black $390, MIMCO #B1-29 ION Orchard
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FASHION
By Heidi Sarna
A
nh Attewell has fashion in her blood. She’s loved clothes for as long as she can remember and even fibbed about her age when she was 15 to get a part-time job in retail, a field she’s worked in ever since. Today, as a mother of three young children whom she adores, Anh is admittedly not the stay-at-home-mum type. “I’ve got a strong work ethic. I’m Vietnamese, it’s in my culture,” she says, adding that both she and her husband grew up in Australia with self-employed parents. Her mother still works as a seamstress in Australia and has sewed for some of the biggest local designers. People have always admired Anh’s look, begging her to share where she gets her clothes. “Style just comes naturally to me, I just intuitively know what goes with what,” she says. It’s no surprise, then, that a year ago Anh started The Style Finder personal shopping service from her home. In no time, her natural eye for putting together great outfits created a loyal and exponentially growing following. Her choices for clients are based on her personal flair, an eclectic mix of everything from vintage to high glam and streetwear. “I tend to go outside the box and experiment with fabrics and looks,” she says. Ta k i n g h e r passion for fashion to the next level, Anh opened Ana Boutique on Club Street in August in a beautifully restored shophouse. Club Street seemed like
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the perfect location: quirky and unique, just like her clothes. Anh feels she’s filling a void for quality, stylish clothes that she says so many women in Singapore can’t find. “We all have had the faithful shop, say in Sydney or New York, or wherever we’re from, that we love going to and trust; that’s what I’ve tried to create,” she says. Her sharp eye homes in on hard to find, one-of-kind pieces she sources from around the world, from Australia to London, New York, Paris and LA. She chooses clothes suited to Singapore’s climate, from the feminine Bohemian designs of Fleur Wood and Coco Ribbon to Natasha’s luxurious silk party dresses, the gorgeous togs of Australian label, Tato & Memi, as well as pieces from Manning Cartell, Little Jo Woman and more. Her prices range from $50 to $1,000, with the average being $169 to $219. Anh also offers shoes, bags and jewellery to go with the stunning clothes. “I’m not following labels blindly just because they’re brands. Fashion is not about Gucci or Prada, it’s about finding your own style and feeling liberated in your choices,” she says. Catering to expats, Anh carries a wide range of sizes and looks that are frequently refreshed with new stock every two to three weeks. Her boutique comprises two floors of clothes and the third floor she uses as a workspace and office. There are six changing rooms for customers, including a large, elegant space used for personal shopping sessions arranged by appointment. Future plans include launching her own label and starting a charity to help orphanages in Vietnam. “I’ve always had big dreams,” Anh says, without a hint of doubt. eL Ana Boutique is at 86 Club Street. Call 9674 3003 or 6221 2897, or visit “Ana Boutique” on Facebook.
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on Fashion and Shopping ■ “I
have a knack for picking trends that I often later see in fashion magazines.” ■ “I don’t think just because it’s hot here we have to roam around in [shapeless] resortwear.” ■ “Women are women: we love shopping.” ■ “I have girls bashing down my door for size 40 and 41 shoes.” ■ “I want you to trust me, to let me help you.”
Wen Luxe Spa
Hair & Beaut y
What’s New
hair&beauty
Say goodbye to shaving and waxing. With SharpLight, you can remove unwanted hair painlessly in six to eight sessions. This new pulsed light procedure is a safe and effective method of permanent hair reduction. During September, Expat Living readers can enjoy 50 percent off this treatment. From GloAesthetics @ Novena, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive #09-30. Call 6397 7012. www.gloaesthetics.sg
Refresh tired skin simply by rolling the Garnier B.B Eye Roll-On ($22.90) onto the eye area. Enriched with caffeine to reduce signs of fatigue, it’s gentle on delicate skin. Available in two shades, the roll-on provides naturallooking coverage adapted to skin tone. Carry this little gem around for a quick touch-up, anywhere, anytime. Available at Watsons, Guardian, major supermarkets and selected departmental stores.
In celebration of its third anniversary, Wen Luxe Spa is offering an exclusive to Expat Living readers: enjoy a signature 90-minute Wen Anti-ageing Facial for only $33 (worth $300). Valid till 31 October 2011. The treatment involves advanced radio frequency technology that stimulates collagen production and tightens skin for an overall lifting effect. 6 Bukit Pasoh Road. Call 6227 2722. www.wenspa.com
Available in Singapore for the first time, Exilis is a new, non-surgical fat reduction and skin-tightening treatment developed in Europe and FDA-approved in the US. The breakthrough technology uses radiofrequency and ultrasound energy and is said to be the safest, fastest and most effective way to reduce fat and tighten the skin of both the body and face. Exilis can painlessly tackle jowls, double chins, love handles, tummies and other problem areas. Mendis Aesthetics & Surgery, #04-17 Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road. Call 6235 1728 or visit www.drmendis.com.
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What’s New
hair&beauty
Especially if you use a lot of products to help style and maintain your locks, you can end up with dull, lifeless-looking hair and dry, irritated scalp as a result of the build-up of product residues. Simply Organic Rejuvenating Hair & Scalp Treatment is an in-salon or at-home treatment that provides gentle skincare for the scalp and a moisturising treatment for the hair at the same time. It’s especially useful for anyone who has hair extensions, or those with scalp problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Simply Organic products use plant-based, natural and organic ingredients, including olive leaf extract and olive oil. The extract is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and extremely rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants, while olive oil naturally balances the pH of the hair, skin and body. Available from Purity Organic Hair & Beauty, #03-03 Pacific Plaza. Call 6887 4542. www.puritysalon.com
Gua Sha Face Therapy, available at Geranium Skin Boutique, aids in face-lifting and detoxification through an ancient technique involving micro-stimulation of the muscles. A smooth blade made of jade or water buffalo horn is gently stroked over the face to reduce water retention and improve blood circulation. Essential oils such as lavender and geranium improve skin recovery, lighten scars, help you relax and regulate your hormones. The Gua Sha facial reduces dark circles, puffiness and uneven skin tone, while giving the skin a new glow. $158. Call 6294 2581. #01-01 BH Building.
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OPI’s Avoplex Moisture Replenishing System helps strengthen nails and promote younger-looking skin. Keep an eye out for two new products: Avoplex Liquid Soap ($30) is rich in therapeutic essences to cleanse and softens the hands, and Avoplex Revitalizing Hand and Body Scrub ($45) polishes skin with fine, natural sugar crystals and deeply conditions it with avocado oil. Special promotion: 20 percent off the Avoplex range this month. OPI Boutique, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B293/94. Call 6688 7880. Other venues: www.opi.com.sg.
HAIR&BEAUTY
By Verne Maree
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e a n d a ( 2 3 ) h a s t wo tattoos. She had the first one done at the age of 15 – a small, discreet Hindu symbol “ohm” on her hip; her parents still don’t know about it, and she has never regretted having it done. But when her Scottish dad visited Singapore recently, he asked: “What is that hideous thing on your back?” He was referring to the rainbow-hued flame that extends from just below her armpit to her shoulder blade, courtesy of a Filipino tattoo artist that she and her sister Anya (now 27) flew out here two years ago to do the job. For Anya, he covered a lowerback tattoo of Winnie The Pooh (her own 15-year-old rebellion) with a more grownup phoenix. It looks amazing, says Leanda. But what made Leanda get her second tattoo; and why such a bold one? “My relationship had just broken up,” she confesses. “I gave the tattooist carte blanche, and this is what he did. You know how you just want to start over after a breakup, so you change your hairstyle… and, erm, you get a tattoo?” Not really, I must confess. Hair grows back, but tattoos are forever. Or are they?
For the answer to this question, we’re sitting across the desk from plastic surgeon Dr Andrew Khoo. First, a history lesson:
“Previously, all we’d be able to offer is a CO2 laser treatment, which is fairly traumatic because it breaks the skin and takes a long time to heal – three to four weeks. The laser had to go deep, because tattoos have to be done into the deep dermis in order to be lasting. The result of the CO2 laser treatment is that the tattoo is replaced by a patch of scar the same size and shape as the tattoo – pink, shiny and very ugly. “CO2 laser treatment is still very useful for removing small moles and keratoses, though – like those on Leanda’s left cheek.” The new standard technology for tattoo removal, he explains, is the Q-Switched Nd-Yag, a laser light that selectively targets and is absorbed by the ink itself, rather than the skin. “Q-Switched” refers to it being applied in short bursts, which further helps protect the skin from damage.
When Leanda removes her shrug and turns one shoulder to reveal the colourful design – about as big as the palm of one’s hand – Dr Khoo’s eyebrows shoot up almost into his (beautifully thick) hairline. “Two problems,” he says. “First, the size. The bigger the tattoo, the more likely it is that general anaesthesia will be required, and the longer it takes to remove it. “An even bigger challenge, though, is the range of colours used; this tattoo has just about every colour imaginable.”
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Counter-intuitive as it may be, black and blue pigments are the most easily removed. Red is rather difficult; but green, yellow and purple are most troublesome to get rid of. “Why couldn’t you have gone for a nice, monochromatic Maori tattoo?” he wonders. “Removing a black or blue tattoo requires fewer sessions than a multicoloured one.” He reckons it would take him eight sessions to remove Leanda’s tat, at around $2,000 per session. What’s more, it would have to be done under general anaesthesia each time, because the amount of local anaesthetic required for an area this large would be too toxic for her. After adding on $1,500 for the anaesthetist each time, she’d be looking at a whopping $28,000. Ouch. If it were my tattoo, I think I’d learn to love it – or at least live with it for a couple of years.
On the other hand, if Leanda wan te d t o h ave t he two little moles and a couple of seborrhoeic keratoses on her left cheek removed, Dr Khoo could do this quite easily. A keratosis, he explains, sits on the surface of the skin like a sticker. You don’t have to go
deep to remove it with the CO2 laser, so it leaves no scarring, and a numbing cream is sufficient anaesthetic. “On the other hand, Leanda's moles are real moles, which means they have roots that go down into the skin. They could both be removed by CO2 laser, too, but because that leaves a shallow depression or pockmark, I’d prefer to excise the larger one: a linear excision would leave only a tiny line.” Another advantage of any kind of excision is that the doctor can send a sample of the tissue removed to be analysed for possible malignancy; and to be on the safe side, this is invariably done. Laser, on the other hand, simply vaporises the tissue, leaving nothing for subsequent analysis. Are Leanda’s facial moles any cause for concern? Not now, but he says that if she continues to expose her skin to the sun – those bikini halter straps are a dead giveaway! – her moles could become bigger and darker. Malignancy could be another potential worry, but the shape and appearance of these particular moles do not indicate a problem, says Dr Khoo. And the cost? All four lesions could be treated in about 45 minutes, with a local injection
Dr Khoo tells us that the Singapore government used to pay for the removal of tattoos on the bodies of national servicemen, especially ones that identified gang affiliations; that’s no longer the case.
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for the larger mole, for around $2,000.
His professional eye well in, Dr Khoo remarks that Leanda’s warm-toned skin and tendency to freckle are a heritage of her Filipina mother; so too are her good bone structure and a thicker skin that will age well. However, it does have a tendency to scar. In contrast, he says, my own fair Caucasian skin, associated with blonde hair and blue eyes, heals extremely well. The downside is that it is very much thinner and more fragile, so it tends not to age as well. What’s more, skin that is evenly pigmented – particularly darker Indian and African skin – has a natural protection against the sun, whereas exposure to the tropical sun is a real problem for fair Caucasians. We are at risk of developing solar keratoses, raised and crusty bits that may bleed if you pick at them. These are also known as premalignant lesions, because they most commonly turn into basal cell carcinomas or, less usually, squamous cell carcinomas. If and when this happens, it’s mandatory to have them removed. Most dangerous of all, though, is the dreaded melanoma, which comes from the level of the melanin pigmentation cells. What makes it so potentially deadly is that it can spread to other organs of the body as a secondary cancer. The message is clear: keep a close watch on your skin and take careful note of anything untoward: crusty lesions, moles that change, are irregular in shape or bleed. If in doubt, ask a doctor. eL
The Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre is at #13-08 Mount Elizabeth Hospital Medical Centre. Call 6733 3712.
HAIR&BEAUTY
Life in the tropics with year-round sunshine, humidity, air-conditioning and too much partying can take its toll on our skin. Kiehl’s skincare products are formulated to restore and strengthen the skin for a healthier, more radiant, and younger look. We asked four readers to try them out.
WANTS SMOOTHER, HEALTHIER SKIN PRODUCT Tested: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate I have been the using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate for over a month now and have drastically revised my opinion on the product since my first week. This rich serum comes in a classic dark blue bottle with a dropper and claims to be a magical potion that regenerates, repairs and replenishes with a mere two to three drops per night. Expectations high and skin in need of TLC, I included the product in my regime each night after my toner. Unfortunately, the results were far from pleasing in the first week. Though my skin was beginning to feel softer and more supple each morning, this was completely negated by the swarm of spots that broke out on my forehead. As acne is a rare occurrence for me, I blamed the fact that I was applying pure, rich oil to my face and that it was perhaps clogging my pores. Nonetheless, I carried on with the product over the weeks, including during a recent trip to the UK and needless to say, the results improved massively. Particularly with the dryer climate in the UK, the spots faded and I was waking up with clear skin that looked hydrated and rested. I’m so glad I continued using it and feel that my skin is now accustomed to the concentrated oil. I will definitely continue to use it! Don’t let the big price tag and miniature bottle fool you. Three drops of this serum per day is ample, so it will last ages. Leanda Rathmell, UK Client Services Manager
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NEEDS TO REHYDRATE SKIN AND REDUCE FINE LINES PRODUCT Tested: Kiehl’s Powerful Strength LineReducing Concentrate Living in searing Dubai for three years and in humid Singapore for the last 18 months had taken its toll on my skin. I was developing fine lines around my eyes, and harsh air-conditioning had made my skin very dehydrated. I really wanted to improve the area around my eyes and also the texture of my skin. I have a good daily skincare regime and have regular facials, although not as often as I should have, but I did feel my skin needed an extra boost. The product had a really nice texture and instantly made my skin feel smooth. I used it day and night under my normal moisturiser and it has made my skin plumper. It does takes time to soak in, though, and you need to be prepared to wait before putting on makeup; but my skin feels smoother and much more hydrated, and the fine lines around my eyes and the lines on my forehead do seem less noticeable. The product smells really fresh, and although the texture is heavier than what I am used to, the overall results are very good. This is a product that I would want to introduce into my regime, and I will also be looking at some of the other products in the Kiehl’s range. Overall, it is a good product to give your skin a boost in between full salon facials. Michelle O’Connell, UK Regional Sales and Marketing Manager
HAIR&BEAUTY
NEEDS PROTECTION AGAINST SUN DAMAGE PRODUCT Tested: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ UVA My mom has been telling me about the damaging effects of the sun for years now, but her words fell on deaf ears as the lure of having beautiful tanned skin and a healthy-looking glow outweighed the cons. Now that I am a little older (and wiser), I have taken on her advice as the fear of wrinkles and age spots becomes more of a reality. I started using Kiehl’s sun cream on my face a year and a half ago. I was given a tester sachet that I used at home for a few days, and found that I liked the light scent and texture. One of the other reasons I chose it was the small size of the packaging, which meant it would fit comfortably into my everyday make-up bag, most sun creams tend to come in a big tube. I had used Kiehl’s products before and was confident that the sun cream would do the job as it is specially formulated for the delicate skin on your face. I use it religiously as part of my morning skin care routine in conjunction with a good quality toner and moisturiser. It is very lightweight and non-greasy, which is perfect for Singapore’s humid climate, and it doesn’t feel like my pores are being blocked with a thick layer of cream. My skin is clearer and I have even stopped using foundation! Now if only I could convince my husband to start using it too… Anya Proctor, UK Banking Recruiter
WANTS TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF WRINKLES PRODUCT Tested: Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler My first impressions of Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler were positive. The packaging and the actual plastic tube looked expensive and of good quality – in fact, the pointy nozzle looked as if you could use it to physically fill in the wrinkles! However, I didn’t like its smell;. I thought it smelt of chemicals, and I prefer either a neutral or a pleasant perfume for my face and body creams. I felt that it wasn’t that easy to put on and I didn’t really know how to apply it properly either. And, unfortunately, I didn’t see any difference in my wrinkles even after using most of the tube, although the product promises to instantly fill lines and wrinkles while smoothing them over time. To be honest, I am not sure how a cream would be able fill in wrinkles. I generally like Kiehl’s products, but I don’t think this particular one works for me and wouldn’t buy it again. Rebecca Bisset, UK Publisher
For more information on Kiehl's Since 1851, visit www.kiehls.com.
Join Our Panel
If you would like to be on the Tried and Tested reader panel, send an email to contribute@ expatlivingsingapore.com. Write TRIED & TESTED in the subject line, tell us your beauty problem, include your age and occupation and attach a picture of yourself.
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Slowly
Shirley
but
By Verne Maree
SHIRLEY GAN has already won a couple of awards for her nail salon Summer Haven at China Square Central. When I visited her there, I found a woman with both feet on the ground, one eye on the future and her heart in the right place.
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e f o r e I e ve n m e e t S h i r l e y, I g e t a n inkling of why she won the Successful Entrepreneur 2010 award. Over the phone, I propose interviewing her while having a much-needed mani-pedi; she cleverly reminds me that I’d be unable to write notes while my fingernails were being done. Err … right. At her suggestion, I promise to email her a rough list of interview questions; and when I’m a trifle tardy with them, she sends me a
reminder. Finally, on the morning of my appointment she sends an SMS to confirm the time. Ten out of ten, Shirley Gan! What is your background? Straight after school, I did a business diploma at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and then started working as a marketing officer at Biosensors International, a company that manufactures medical devices. While working there, I continued my studies and
completed my business degree from Monash University. That took nearly three years – longer than I’d thought, but during the second year, juggling a demanding job and my studies made me extremely tired, so I had to slow down. When I left Biosensors after almost 12 years, I held the position of Customer Service Manager. I’d gone as far as I could there, and I needed a change of career: the entrepreneurial route seemed the right way to go. Why a nail salon, and how did you do it? I had always been interested in the beauty business, and with the help and encouragement of my husband Samuel – who is an entrepreneurial industrial equipment supplier in the oil and gas sector – we opened this salon in January 2010. Samuel is my pillar of support, both mentally and financially. Being nine years older than me, he’s knowledgeable and open-
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What do you regard as your main strength? Was your degree of much help to you in this business? Completing a degree was a personal achievement, and I am proud to say that I paid my own way throughout my studies. I sometimes dabble with the idea of doing my Masters, but for now I must concentrate on my career, and it would make more sense to do courses related to the business that I am in – nails and beauty. I’d say that perseverance is one of my main strengths. Setting up a business is a major investment, and after the fun of choosing premises, compiling a menu of services and fitting out the salon, you have to put in a lot of sustained hard work to establish the business and bring it to profitability. This doesn’t happen overnight! To be a successful entrepreneur, one must be daring. Dare to take that first step. Being afraid to 196
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change, or being contented with existing security, will not take you any further. Follow your passion, not the money. Have the right mindset, the attitude of perseverance, and know what you want to achieve. Tell us about your Successful Entrepreneur 2010 award. The award was initiated by GRC Press Holdings, and nominations came from various government and tourism-related departments. An Appreciation Gala Dinner was held at the Stamford Ballroom at Swissotel the Stamford in December last year. I felt greatly honoured, especially as I am a relatively new entrepreneur! Then, in March this year, I was nominated by CozyCot as one of the 100 Most Inspiring Real Women, in a campaign to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Any plans for the future? The revamped Katong Mall – 112 Katong – approached me late last year to open a salon there – the launch is planned for October or November. Katong Mall is positioning itself as the Paragon of the East, so this is a very exciting project for us. It will be up to my experienced staff to train new colleagues to their own high standards. I have been very lucky with my staff: they’re all great therapists who both work as a team and show a lot of personal initiative. I never have to worry about them. The other day, I took them out for a manicure and pedicure at Parkway Parade, which will probably be Katong Mall’s main competition. Usually, a manicurist would never pay to
have her own nails done, but I thought it was important as a market survey exercise for my staff to have the chance to compare our services with other salons: Where are we better? And are there areas in which we can improve? I believe in growing slowly, so as not to compromise on standards. But sometime in the future, I would like to expand into other areas such as face, body and hair, and perhaps create my own product label, too. My own one-stop beauty spa would be the crowning achievement. eL
Verne’s Verdict
Treatments: Classic French Pedicure French Gel Manicure Service: Professional, pleasant and efficient, with hot tea and a biscuit D é c o r : Tr a n q u i l a n d attractive, with comfortable chairs and footbaths O u t c o m e : Tw o w e e k s later, my French pedi is still immaculate, despite having been forced to trek around a Swedish lake in a pair of Havaianas. And my gel fingertips are un-chipped and almost perfect; it’s such a pity that nails have to grow!
Summer Haven is at 18 Cross Street, #01-04 China Square Central. Call 6536 0400. www.summerhaven.biz
© Valua Vitaly | Dreamstime.com
minded; any knotty issues are easily resolved. Summer Haven offers a range of nail-related services, from basic to luxurious nail care, additional treatments relating to nails, hands and feet, nail enhancements and fancy nail art. And from our stock of more than 330 OPI original enamels, you’ll definitely find the colour you want! We also do waxing of underarms, arms and legs. I believe that we offer good value for money, and we don’t have hidden costs: for example, you don’t pay more for a sea salt scrub, or for our quick-drying basecoat and topcoat. We’re also meticulous about exercising the highest possible standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
HAIR&BEAUTY
Fancy a smaller butt, narrower waist, flatter stomach … and plumper breasts? Not only can you get rid of stubborn fat, but you can recycle it to a place where it will actually do you some good. Exciting stuff is happening in the world of cosmetic surgery, as DR DONALD NG explains.
Fat Good Lot of
By Verne Maree Many of us have fantasised about liposuction. How do you do it? The original liposuction technique consisted basically of anaesthetising the patient and then sucking out unwanted fat. About six years ago, I started using laser liposuction, an effective method of removing fat selectively in order to shape and sculpt the body. Since then, I’ve taken on other techniques as they have come along. By using a number of modalities, I’m able to achieve better, smoother results. Vaser liposuction, for instance, first melts the fat, so it’s more easily removed and with less trauma and bruising. And for areas of loose skin, especially where a substantial amount of fat is removed from the stomach, for example, there’s Body Tite: currently the most advanced body-sculpting technique as it uses radiofrequency (RF) to help tighten the skin. How much time and money would that cost? Nowadays, liposuction takes just an hour or two, and it’s done under local anaesthesia together with a sedative; this means you avoid the expense of hospitalisation and a general anaesthetic. As a result, you can expect to be back at work on the third day. You come back to me for a check-up after a week, and you can expect to feel a bit sore for a week or two. After a month, we’d start you on a three-month series of RF treatments to tighten the skin, after which we’d reassess the outcome. The total cost starts from $3,500.
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You don’t just take fat out, do you? Sometimes, you put it back. That’s right. For a long time, we’ve been using fat as a facial filler: taking tiny amounts from parts of the body – the hips, the stomach, or even the jowls – in order to plump up the forehead, the temples, the cheeks and the tear troughs under the eyes, where you lose fat as you age. Unlike other fillers, the benefits of using your own fat are not just volumetric; fat is a good source of stem cells that have been shown to rejuvenate the skin. We’re also moving fat into breasts; the same fat that we remove from the stomach can effectively be used to enhance the bust. To me, this is currently the most interesting advance that is being made in cosmetic surgery. Three years or so ago, the US Society of Surgeons wasn’t comfortable about the use of this procedure, but all that has changed.
Clinical trials in Japan have shown that fat transfer to the breast is completely safe. The effect lasts for 18 months to two years, and of course it has a natural look and feel. Sometimes, it’s used in conjunction with implants. Many of us simply cannot contemplate the invasive nature of liposuction in any form, or baulk at the painful recovery period that we associate with it. What about non-invasive procedures like fat cavitation, which claims to kill off fat cells? About three years ago, ultrasoundbased fat-killing devices were introduced to “melt” unwanted fat, which would then be eliminated via the bloodstream. But fat cavitation machines were able only to shrink the fat cells, not actually kill them. The latest technology is Zeltiq cryolipolysis, the use of cold to kill fat:
by subjecting the fat to very low temperatures, the cell membrane is inactivated and the cell actually dies three to four weeks later. Another new technology is Tite-FX, which uses radiofrequency to achieve a similar effect. These techniques allow us to remove as much as 30 to 50 percent of the fat that is present. Added benefits are the reduction of cellulite and the tightening of the skin. How long does it take, and how much does it cost? Generally, you’re looking at a series of weekly treatments for eight weeks. An eight-session package costs $2,500. eL Alaxis Aesthetics is at 360 Orchard Road, #04-02 International Building. Call 6235 0880. www.alaxis.com.sg
Astrid Dahl Studio
Art s & Leisure
ARTS&LEISURE
By Karen Gould
I t ’s 5 p m o n a Fr i d ay afternoon, and Nestlé’s commodity buying team is still hard at work. But instead of hunching over computer screens or peering up at PowerPoints, these professionals are gathered around a canvas. Though most of them haven’t held a paintbrush since their school days, today they’re dabbing deftly away, improvising stamping effects with a plastic cup rim and casting swirls of bright acrylic from foam rollers.
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t’s corporate art workshop time at artist Astrid Dahl’s Boat Quay studio, where team building gets a little more creative than the old human pyramid or trust fall activity. To a musical backdrop that eases from romantic Elvis numbers to pumping house, teams plan, paint and party together, and yes, a glass of wine is on offer to ease those nerves. Beginning with a T-shirt painting activity, the Nestlé team bonds by decorating one another’s backs, warming up further on individual small canvases before the session culminates in the ultimate teamwork challenge: three huge canvasses that must ultimately look cohesive – and decent enough to hang in the office, as this team has bravely committed to doing.
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All the usual office dynamics are at play as members of staff take on the roles of collaborator, critic and class clown. Suggestions are thrown out and met with sceptical faces or acceptance, one person splashes paint rashly while another comes to the rescue and makes it work. There’s much laughter, banter, and remarkably few appearances of the BlackBerry. A sole yellow fish in a painted school of blue is dubbed Jacob, after the team’s boss who is happily contributing to the group efforts. “We are a new team,” he says, which surprises me given how comfortably everyone is pulling together on the group task, “so we take a half-day each quarter and get out of the office together. For this activity, the social aspect is the most important – it’s a good chance for us to get to know each other.” While all this is going on, Astrid Dahl, an Australian contemporary landscape artist, moves between groups, offering advice, direction and encouragement. Astrid relishes corporate events, where participants “really enjoy entering a sort of creative oasis after being stuck behind a computer for so long”, she says. The workshops can be customised to suit a client’s objectives, from a structured session emphasising a particular set of corporate values to a messy free-for-all aimed at fun and bonding. But what about those of us who aren’t creative, or get nervous at
the very idea of painting? Astrid assures me she’s never yet had a client who didn’t loosen up eventually. “Bankers can take a long time to get started, but once they do, they absolutely love it!” she enthuses. And for those of us who can’t get the office on board, the shophouse studio is available for art parties and a range of courses and classes. Astrid says, “Art is the nectar of the human soul, distilled in the joy of creating.” Sounds like a good night out to us! eL
Astrid Dahl Studio Gallery is at 20 Lorong Telok, #03-01 Boat Quay. Call 8383 1642 or visit www.astriddahl.com for more information.
ARTS&LEISURE
Ace Is it just one for the boys, then? Definitely not! My wife Jules read it and loved it – I could hear her laughing out loud from the next room. Plus it has a wonderful cast of six hunky men; what more could a girl want?
Pangdemonium’s previous two plays, musical comedy The Full Monty and intense drama Closer, both went down a storm. So we’re looking forward to the company’s new production, Dealer’s Choice. Written by Pa t r i c k M a r b e r a n d f i r s t performed in London, Dealer’s Choice won both the 1995 Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and the Writers’ Guild Award for Best West End Play. Singapore-based expat actor DANIEL JENKINS, who plays Sweeney, tells us more. You play a poker player in Dealer’s Choice. Can you relate to your character? He is a man with family responsibilities, and as a father of two I understand the obligations and demands that come with this role. Luckily, I have never had to resort to gambling as a means of income! How much poker knowledge do you need to appreciate the play, which is set around the game? None. The play is more about the men, their lives and their relationships; poker is only a tool to explore their issues. It’s very funny, moving and dramatic – all the elements of a great play!
Tell us about your time in Singapore. Amazingly, I’ve been in Singapore for nearly 14 years now. I was an actor in the UK, though like most actors I found myself doing many weird and wonderful jobs whilst “resting” in between jobs, so my wife and I decided to come to Singapore to see Asia and have an adventure. To begin with, I worked solely as a drama teacher before slowly becoming more involved in the local acting and performance scene. I am lucky to spend my time doing what I love: acting, directing and teaching drama. How do you find the arts scene here? It has really begun to thrive, with more productions, higher standards and more creative freedom, which is good news for everyone involved in the arts. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most respected theatre companies in
Singapore, and perform challenging roles alongside Singapore’s best actors. There are increasingly more opportunities for actors and directors to make an impact, and my work has been rewarded with two Straits Times Life Theatre Awards, which is an honour. What are the challenges of being an expat actor in Singapore? As with most professionals in the arts, it’s not possible to rely solely on performing for an income. Fortunately, as a qualified and experienced drama teacher I am also able to teach at LASALLE College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. I have recently launched my own drama company, The Drama Playhouse, which aims to encourage creativity and a love for drama and performance in children by taking high quality and affordable drama programmes into schools and kindergartens. I hope to open my own studio soon. Favourite local haunts? We live at Portsdown Road, so the local area is a firm favourite, including Italian restaurant Pietrasanta, the Colbar and the many bars and restaurants in Holland Village. eL
Dealer’s Choice runs from 29 September to 16 October at the Drama Centre Theatre, National Library. Tickets from www.sistic.com.sg. www.pangdemonium.com
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JINO LEE, assistant manager at the Canon Imaging A c a d e m y, g i v e s u s a snapshot of his views on travel photography, DSLRs, clichéd subjects and more. When did you take your first photo? I think I was around 12 years old. It was with my mum’s Kodak film camera. But I wasn’t particularly interested in photography back then. As a photographer, do you look at things differently as you go about your daily life? To a certain extent, yes. Even when I don’t have a camera with me, I can’t “switch off”. Favourite photo shoot to date? Outside of Singapore: covering the blue whale migration in Sri Lanka with a film production company. In Singapore: my photographer friend’s wedding. Dream destination for a shoot? Every location can be a dream when all the elements fall into place. I always tell my students, you can take pictures of your neighbourhood and make viewers go “Wow!” You don’t need to travel a thousand miles for that kind of shot.
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Competition 2011
DSLRs are becoming more affordable. Can amateur photographers leap straight into this level of camera technology and learn the ropes as they go? Yes, because the learning curve is no longer as steep as it was during the days of film. Almost any information that you might need can be found online. Given the choice, though, learning from an expert or photography instructor is always better because it’s a two-way thing. Most clichéd photo in Singapore? Probably the Merlion or Marina Bay Sands. I try to avoid them altogether; if I can’t, I prefer to shoot them on a day with fantastic light or use a 10-stop ND filter to create some artistic blur. Do you have a faithful fallback camera or lens that you use for most shots? It has to be my Canon EOS 1DsMkIII with an EF 24-70mm f2.8L lens. Do you like iPhone photography? It’s great! I am a big fan of the Hipstamatic app.
Do you think some people squander great moments of travel by being too caught up in taking photos? Hmm… tough question. When I travel for photography, I usually travel alone or with a few photography buffs. When I travel with my family, I bring minimal gear and always put my family first. So, I guess my answer is, if you want to travel with your family or loved ones, forget photography. I f y o u ’r e travelling to take photos, leave your loved ones at home! eL
For your chance to win one of two fantastic Canon cameras, enter the Expat Living Photo Competition 2011; for details, see the August issue (page 217) or visit our website, www.expatliving.sg. Note: we are extending the deadline by five days. You now have until Sunday 5 September to send us your entries! See all the winning photos in the October issue of Expat Living.
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TECHpage
ARTS&LEISURE
Berry The BlackBerry Bold 9900 might be the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone yet, but it still packs features and innovative apps galore into its lightweight, durable frame. Together with a 1.2 GHz processor and a 24-bit high-res display, the Liquid Graphics touch screen gives fluid animations and instant response times when you swipe, pinch and zoom. Meanwhile, Augmented Reality introduces exciting new ways to interact with the world around you, and with Near Field Communication (NFC) built in, you can connect with other NFC-enabled devices and smart tags. There’s even HD video recording and an impressive 5-megapixel camera. Purchase the BlackBerry Bold 9900 together with the BlackBerry PlayBook from the SingTel shop at ComCentre, Bugis Junction or Takashimaya, and get a BlackBerry convertible case and a charging stand for PlayBook, free (while stocks last). www.singtel.com
s e i r a n o i s i v e l e T If you like your television viewing to be as close to the cinema experience as possible, the new Schmidt Marketing store at Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre is showcasing five models of Metz televisions, in screen sizes ranging from 32-inch to 55-inch. Metz is a German brand celebrated for its precision and luxury, and these new TVs showcase cuttingedge technology, brilliant picture quality, Mecasound (a new digital signal technology developed by Metz) and more. Prices from $3,500. #05-06/07/33 Ngee Ann City Tower A, Orchard Road.
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TECHpage
ARTS&LEISURE
Another
Dimension
As 3D has become more sought-after in both movie theatres and family rooms, the ability to enjoy 3D on a wireless phone – without having to wear those nerdy glasses – is set to change the way customers interact with their mobile devices. With this in mind, HTC has just released the EVO 3D, with 3D-enabled multimedia features, dual 5-megapixel cameras, and access to a large catalogue of movies, including 3D titles, to watch on the 4.3-inch screen. Available at all mobile operators and authorised retailers for approximately $895. www.htc.com
to ComPare Imagine this: walk into a shop in Singapore, scan the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode on your iPhone, and have an app immediately give you alternative prices of the identical article from online sellers in the US. Use the shipping calculator to work out the cost for delivery to Singapore, then order directly through your phone via PayPal or credit card. The item is shipped to your “personal” US address hosted by ComGateway, then repacked and shipped to Singapore via DHL – often at a fraction of the price of buying it off the shelf here. Need a US credit card? Use the BuyForMe service – fees for this are waived until 31 October this year. More details at www.comgateway.com, or download the free app – ComPare by ComGateway – from the App Store.
What We're Watching … This month’s favourite online video doing the rounds at EL HQ.
Cute babies and YouTube: it’s a match made in heaven. There was the Brazilian baby dancing the samba on the table a few years ago, that little kid having fits of hysterical laughter at every funny sound his dad made, the one with the twin boys in nappies talking to each other in the kitchen, and so on, and so on. You’d think we’d be sick of them by now – and, to be honest, we almost are. But we liked this recent one, “Interview with a one-year-old”, covering topics as diverse as the Bin Laden raid and a mother’s aggression towards turtles. Search for “interview with a one-year-old”.
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ARTS&LEISURE
On the
Stage
For the best in theatre and music, here are a few performances for your calendar this month.
liveVenue
Going Retro
Smells Like a Celebration
Returning to Singapore for the second time is the Retrolicious concert f e s t i va l , w h i c h l a s t year saw 7,000 fans being “rick rolled” by Mr Astley himself. It’s another 80s flashback, with performances by Bananarama, The Human League and Belinda Carlisle. Forgotten who they are? Then you won’t have much luck with our Retrolicious Trivia Quiz…
Th i s m o n t h ( 2 6 S e p t e m b e r, t o b e precise) marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Nevermind, one of the seminal albums in rock history. To hail the landmark, Timbre Music is holding a n i g h t o f N i r va n a indulgence, featuring five Singapore artists and bands covering songs from the album. On that note, here are five other artists you might never have expected to have covered Nirvana’s biggest hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”:
1. Which of the three acts was managed for a time by notorious Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren? 2. Continuing the Sex Pistols theme, which act did Johnny Rotten refer to as “trendy hippies”? 3. Which of the acts is deeply into Buddhism? 4. Whose debut single was sung in Swahili? 5. Which act was one of the first ever to release a “video single” in VHS and Betamax format? 6. Who released a cover of the classic Cream song, “I Feel Free”? 7. Who recorded a cover of The Beatles’ “Help” with British female comedy duo French & Saunders? 8. Who released an album called Octopus? 9. Who recorded an album featuring one-hit wonder Thomas Dolby (“She Blinded Me With Science”) on keyboards? 10. Whose music videos commonly feature “toy boys” dancing around in them? (Answers at the bottom of the page)
8 October, Fort Canning Park. Tickets from $105 ($50 for children 6-12). VIP tickets ($195) include finger food and free-flow drinks from 8-10pm. Doors open at 5.30pm. Presented by Class 95FM & Running Into The Sun (www. runningintothesun.com). Tickets from Sistic: 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com.sg.
ANSWERS: 1, 4, 7 & 10 (Bananarama); 2, 5, 8 (The Human League); 3, 6, 9 (Belinda Carlisle)
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• Paul Anka • The Ukelele Orchestra • Tori Amos • The Benzedrine Monks of Santo Domonica • Willie Nelson Check them out on YouTube. 4 October, from 7pm. Timbre @ The Substation, 45 Armenian Street. www.timbregroup.asia/timbremusic
Also... The Hossan Leong Show Singaporean sensation Hossan Leong returns with a brand new show of skits and stand-up. “All the drama of the General Election 2011 but with more tongues in cheeks and fewer tears on faces!” Opens 8 September 2011, Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building. Tickets from www.sistic.com.sg. Rock Re-awakens An exhibition of original, iconic images of rock legends of the 60s and 70s, including Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and The Who, by an assortment of internationally renowned photographers. 22 September to 23 October, Vue Privée, 20 Cairnhill Road. www.vueprivee.com
ARTS&LEISURE
On the
Screen
Whether you prefer the cinema or the small screen, here is what's happening in the world of film and television this month.
TV September Highlights on SingTel mio TV
September Highlights on StarHub Cable TV
Season Premieres (Anytime On Demand)
Premiering on Discovery Channel Bear Grylls is back, and the good news for fans in Singapore is that he has been doing some adventuring in nearby Borneo. Check out this episode description from the upcoming sixth series of Man vs Wild: Rappelling into the forbidding jungles of Borneo, Bear must somehow descend from the jungle canopy to reach solid ground. Ahead of him lie all manner of perils – he’s bitten by a snake and leeches, the rain and thundering rivers threaten to wash him away, and even the plants are out to get him. Other destinations in the series include Arizona, Norway and Scotland. An episode called “Global Survival Guide” sees Bear providing survival tips for a vast array of scenarios, from stranded on a tropical island to lost in a desert.
From 22 September – Glee (Season 3) The popular musical series returns with ongoing sagas including glee club member Santana Lopez coming to terms with her sexuality, and the relationship b e t w e e n c l u b d i r e c t o r Wi l l Schuester and guidance counsellor Emma Pillsbury. US TV Series (mio TV Ch 709) From 24 September – The Big Bang Theory (Season 5) Leonard and Sheldon are brilliant physicists who understand how the universe works. But none of their genius helps them interact with people, especially not women. All this changes when a free-spirited beauty named Penny moves in next door. US TV Series (mio TV Ch 716) From 28 September – Terra Nova (exclusive TV premiere) An epic adventure series that follows the Shannon family as they embark on a journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. US TV Series (mio TV Ch 727) All month – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Captain Jack Sparrow finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard. mio TV Video On Demand (Latest Blockbusters)
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Catch brand new episodes on Discovery Channel (StarHub 422), every Monday at 10pm, starting 5 September. Premiering on HISTORY The Kennedys is a major new eight-part series portraying the intimate story of America’s most iconic political family through public events and triumphs and very private failures. It’s the story of a dominant father, sons bending to his will, family loyalty, love, betrayal and tragedy. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. is determined that his son will one day become President. But it is his eldest son Joe Jr. that he wants to make it to the White House; second son Jack is just an afterthought. Only after his older brother’s death during WWII is John F. Kennedy pushed into politics by his father. The series received 10 Emmy nominations and stars Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear as JFK, Barry Pepper as Bobby, Katie Holmes as Jackie and Tom Wilkinson as Joseph Kennedy Sr. Premiering for the first time in Southeast Asia on HISTORY (StarHub Ch 401) from 19 September to 22 September. For more information, visit www.starhub.com/expat/sep.
ARTS&LEISURE
Film In-flight Entertainment A few of our editors have been travelling; here are some potted reviews of what they watched (good and bad) at 30,000 feet.
Hall Pass Two buffoons cry and complain about marriage and monogamy long enough to prompt their wives to grant them one week to live out their wildest fantasies. Predictably, this allows them to realise how precious marriage really is. The jokes are beyond sophomoric; the Farrelly brothers at their worst. MP
Trust A dark film about the disturbing and sensitive issue of children and online predators. A raw performance by Clive Owen. Highly recommended, even if it does leave a sour taste.
Rio A colourful and comical animated film. Similar to Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, Rio offers something for the entire family.
The Lincoln Lawyer A legal thriller featuring yet another great performance by Matthew McConaughey. Kept me awake start to finish, despite having not slept in days. LR
Just Go With It Ever been so paralysed by the awfulness of a movie that you simply can’t switch it off? Peppered with infantile scatological jokes, this vacuous farce starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston includes scenes of Sandler being socked in the gonads, someone giving a sheep mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and a cutesy American girl-child putting on an excruciating Eliza Doolittle accent. The only redeeming highlights are the shopping montage where Aniston is transformed from mouse to model – don’t we all love that! – and Nicole Kidman shaking her tiny booty in a hula-dancing showdown. VM
ARTS&LEISURE
On the
Page
Fun with Asian Food: A Kids’ Cookbook Recipes Devagi Sanmugam; illustrations Larijke de Ouden Periplus | 32 pages This beautifully illustrated cookbook features 12 recipes with Asian origins. It’s also a brief introduction to the cuisine and culture of Asia. An index section about Asian ingredients is helpful, as is the introductory information about cooking preparation and safety tips. The instructions are easy to follow, but it’s probably better suited to children aged eight and above who can read independently. The Balinese banana pancakes were a hit with the whole family.
Step-by-step Cooking for Kids: Recipes from around the world Marshall Cavendish | 103 pages A selection of recipes from 48 countries should keep the keenest cook busy during the long school holidays. Clear, step-by-step instructions and photographs mean the recipes are simple to follow and straightforward. Additional information about each country including culture, history and geography adds to the learning experience. My kids cooked Australian Anzac biscuits and Mexican guacamole – with great results! Katie Roberts
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If you're looking for a good read this month, here are our thoughts on a selection of new releases.
Bella’s Chinese New Year
Lily Chili Alamak!
Stacey Zolt Hara; illustrations by Steve Pileggi
Iskander SGCARTOONS.com
“Look, a blue taxi – just like the ones we get!” “Is Bella taking the bus to Sentosa?” “When you get on the bus you have to put your card on the box.” “Nihao means hello.” These were just some of the comments my daughter made as she looked through this colourful illustrated children’s book set in Singapore. She’s only three, but I expect that readers up to seven or eight will find plenty to enjoy in Bella’s Chinese New Year, not least of all the main character, Bella, a five-year-old with a head of wild, red curls to match the red qipao she wears. Aside from the images of iconic Singapore scenes – from streets full of shophouses to the tossing of a traditional lo hei salad – the text is full of fun cultural references. There’s even a simple Mandarin glossary at the back for budding young linguists. Shamus Sillar
Available at Motherswork, The Children’s Showcase at Loewen Gardens, Littered with Books and www.notinthemalls.com. For more information about Bella, visit www.travelwithbella.com.
Here’s a gently humorous and generally charming new book from Dutch cartoonist Iskander, who has been living and working in Singapore for nearly 15 years. It contains a collection of 180 comic strips featuring a feisty young Singaporean girl and her family – including a long-suffering little brother – and touches on topics such as durians, cockroaches, construction noise, torturing your cousin and loo-roll juggling. See also www.lilychilli.com. Verne Maree
Winners
Her e are the win ner s of last month’s Marshall Cavendish book giveaway: Danielle Uebel wins Cheesecakes and Other Cheese Desserts, by Mac Woo and June Lee, and Soups, by Christopher Tan. Gunilla Tegen wins Sensations, a Tasting Menu of Chinese-Inspired Flavours, by Sam Leong. , Kristine Ray wins Bizarre Thailand by Jim Algie. Abigail Clark wins Bangkok Design, , Thai Ideas in Textile and Furniture by tos pho , tens Mer n by Bria Robert McLeod, and Navigating the Bangkok Noir, by Chris Coles. They’re in the post!
ARTS&LEISURE
Writing for Lonely Planet
DANIEL McCROHAN was recently in Singapore to research the next edition of the Lonely Planet guide to the island and to promote the first edition of LP’s Discover China, which he co-authored. We cornered him for 10 minutes in Borders.
You’re from the UK, but where do you live? I’ve lived in Beijing for six years. I went backpacking in China for a month with no intention of staying any longer than that, but fell in love with the country. When I went back to the UK, I looked into ways of spending more time in China. I found a teaching job and I’m still living there now and loving every minute of it. How did you get the Lonely Planet gig? Kind of by chance. I was in Uzbekistan, on a monster overland trip from Beijing to London. I bumped into an author who was compiling the LP Central Asia guide. Like
everyone, I said, “Wow, you’ve got the best job in the world!” He said, “You’re a writer, you’re in Uzbekistan so you obviously love travelling, so why don’t you do it, too?” So, I went home, applied, and got accepted. I specialise in China and India, the two countries I’ve done the most travel in over the years. What do you like about travelling in China? It’s one big adventure. Everything is so different from the UK: culture, history, people, language, food. Sure, there are difficulties with travel: the language barrier, and the sheer size of the country. But the people you meet in China are so helpful to foreigners – someone always helps you out. Read the full interview with Daniel at www.expatliving.sg/travel. Discover China is available in all major bookstores. Dan has also written a new iPhone App, Beijing on a Budget, with excellent advice for making the most of the Chinese capital. Find it at the App Store.
ARTS&LEISURE
by or rug f t s e he qu e and ore, t es, peopl p a g Sin ar ti ing in e-up of p v v e r n s are our li ngine d. Here’s e 1 F the alan While New Ze ! t r o y in r sp nth fo e underwa action. o m a What acy will b catch the m u supre to help yo s e plac Amber Lounge
Entertainment at the Race With one ticket, fans can access a $5 million entertainment line-up and enjoy hours of track action. Tickets start as low as $38 for a Zone 4 Friday Walkabout pass, while a three-day Premier Walkabout ticket averaging at $149 per day offers access to all zones and over 103 stage and roving performances within the circuit park. Live music highlights include Grammy-winning rock band Linkin Park (Padang stage, Sunday), Glee starlet Charice (Padang stage, Friday; Village stage, Saturday), Shaggy (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Saturday; Village stage, Sunday) and a DJ set by Massive Attack’s Daddy G & 3D (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Friday). For more details or for tickets visit www.singaporegp.sg or call 6738 6738. The Podium Lounge 2011 The ultimate A-list event destination for the racing community and Singapore’s party elite. Attended by F1 drivers and teams, celebrities, musicians, models, ambassadors and the ultra jet-set crowd in both 2009 and 2010, the party is set to continue this year with international DJs, silent and live auctions for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (Singapore), a haute couture swimwear show by Silvian Imberg and an Aston Martin V8 Vantage S and Virage showcase. 23 – 25 September, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia poolside
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Th i s n i g h t c l u b at the base of the Temasek Reflection water wall is perfectly situated for the race track, and hosts a non-stop VIP nightlife experience with a fashion show of gorgeous F1 drivers and stunning models, and international DJs spinning the night away. 24 – 25 September, Temasek Reflection (water wall behind Millenia Walk) Red Hot Racing Weekend St James Power Station offers 12 different entertainment outlets for F1 partying, plus Asia’s first supermodel DJ, Angie Vu Ha, at the console for the Powerhouse dance club on 23 September. Guests can also race to the finish line on a Formula 1 simulator and win limited edition Ferrari merchandise every night. 23 – 25 September, St James Power Station Avalon
Combining panoramic views of Marina Bay with live acts in a multi-sensory interactive environment, Avalon’s F1 party period will include shows by The Chemical Brothers, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Daddy G of Massive Attack and Boy George, to name a few. 16 – 25 September, Marina Bay Sands, South Crystal Pavilion
Rev-Up @ Orchard 2011 Organised by the Orchard Road Business Association, Rev-Up @ Orchard will turn the Republic’s famed shopping street into a multi-sensory world of entertainment, with fashion showcases of the latest Autumn/Winter collections and free concerts with a different theme every night. 16 – 26 September, Mandarin Gallery Johnnie Walker Jet Black This award-winning party series will transform the glamorous Fullerton Heritage district into a venue featuring famous DJs and high-end interactive experiences. For a chance to get onto the exclusive guest list, visit www.facebook.com/ JohnnieWalkerSingapore. 24 – 25 September, One on the Bund New Asia Up on the 71st floor, allowing amazing views of the track, New Asia will host internationally renowned artists DJ Kid Massive, DJ Seb Fontaine and DJ Miss ROXX over the three big nights of the F1. Admission is $25++ per person; the DJs hit the decks from 10pm. 23 – 25 September, Swissôtel The Stamford KU DÉ TA Aside from a breathtaking view of the race from the SkyPark, the KU DÉ TA Club Lounge presents DJ, producer, singer and songwriter Scarlett Etienne. Put on your party shoes as she stamps her imaginative style on the dance floor. 24 – 25 September 1-Altitude The rooftop bar hosts DJ Silva, one of Japan’s most soughtafter club DJs, who has played to packed nightclubs and special events everywhere from China to Russia and the USA. 23 – 25 September Worldwide Festival Three days of cutting-edge music and three different venues. 16 – 18 September, Zouk and Velvet Underground (16 September), Avalon (17 September), Tanjong Beach Club (18 September) Insomnia Just minutes away from the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Enjoy live rock and Top 40 music, and a range of cocktails and shooters with racing-themed names like Pit Stop and Fast & Furious. 16 – 25 September Paulaner Bräuhaus Singapore All the action on big screens over all three days of racing, plus 20 percent off the total bill for F1 ticket holders. 19 – 25 September
From 9 September to 23 October, the eyes of the sporting world will be on New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. Who does Expat Living hope will win? Ask the Australian, South African, English, American and Irish members of our team and you’re likely to get a different answer! Aside from the various pubs around town – including favourites such as Harry’s at Boat Quay, Picotin on Turf Club Road, Muddy Murphy’s on Orchard Road, Hacienda at Dempsey – Rugby Village 2011 is holding a series of not-to-be-missed events. 9 September – World Cup Rugby Lunch, Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Rugby Village 2011 has secured two big-name guests for the opening day of the Cup. Peter Wheeler, arguably the best hooker ever to play for England, and Stephen Larkham, who played more than 100 times for the Wallabies, including at three World Cups, will be providing their own perspectives about rugby, before handing over to Eden Park, in Auckland, for the opening ceremony and live coverage of the opening game between New Zealand and Tonga. Schedule: Rugby Business Lunch, midday; live broadcast of the opening ceremony, 3.30pm in the Rugby Lounge; live broadcast of New Zealand vs Tonga, 4.30pm. Tickets: Single tickets are $170, a table for 10 people is $1,600. Book via Paypal, internet banking or cheque, or email enquiries@rugbyvillage2011. com with your name and contact details. 8, 9, 15, 16, 23 October – The Finals Watch the World Cup finals (quarters, semis and the big one!) live on the big screen with family, friends and rival supporters. Details to be confirmed: visit the website for updates. www.rugbyvillage2011.com
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Suzanne and Jeremy Smith have had five homes in as many years. Their Pandan Valley apartment is the third one they have bought and renovated, and VERNE MAREE suspects that it won’t be the last.
I
arrive at the three-level Pandan Valley apartment in a tropical downpour so heavy that it obscures the view from the balcony, but Suzanne tells me it was the valley view that sold her on this unit. As the rain lifts and the sun comes out, I can see exactly what she means. “In fact, when I asked the estate agent to find me an older property for renovation, I told her: ‘Anywhere but Pandan Valley’ – built 34 years ago, they’re the oldest freehold flats in Singapore. But she said, ‘A couple of units are for sale, so let’s just have a look anyway.’” That was at the end of 2010. It’s certainly not a glossy development, but the price was right; and after looking at 21 different properties, Suzanne felt that it offered the best value. In her words, it ticked the most boxes.
In the main living-room, low, contemporary sofas and a chaise longue are upholstered in thick, cream corduroy; along with matching giant urns from the Philippines, they are highlighted against a charcoal-painted feature wall. Heavy Asian timber furniture contrasts beautifully with the new, light-golden timber flooring. A number of the pieces were found at Lee’s Antiques; particularly attractive is the tapered cabinet from the Philippines. The whole is a lovely mix of pale tiles, glass, and timber in varying shades – both heavier Asian and more simple, modern, chunky items.
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Getting Here Suzanne is from South Philippines, and worked for Cathay Pacific for almost 14 years. She and Jeremy, a Brit who now works for Citibank, met in Hong Kong in 1992. All three of their gorgeous sons – Marcus (12), Tomas (10) and Luke (8) – were born in Manila, after she’d hung up her wings. Having replaced flying with motherhood, Suzanne was soon casting around for a new career, so in 2002 she studied at Toni & Guy’s and became a hairstylist: something she could do anywhere and at any age, she figured. This gives an inkling of the kind of energy the woman possesses. Roy and I having just gone through a major renovation and move ourselves, the mere thought of redoing five homes in five years is enough to bring on an impulse to fling myself off the Smith’s 14th-floor balcony.
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But when they bought their first Singapore property – a condo in Maplewoods, Bukit Timah Road – they had no plan to sell it on, says Suzanne. “Actually, when I sold Maplewoods, I cried. But I so loved the design and renovation process that I got bored when it came to an end, and I wanted to do it all over again. I also found I loved the excitement of buying and selling. Jeremy doesn’t meddle with what I do: he’s just the finance! “Within a week of the sale, while he was in India, I found and bought another property in Hume Road and then renovated it for us. It was a bigger, five-bedroom apartment with an office, where I was able to set up my hair salon.“
Below: This painting of the Buddha that hangs against a vibrant yellow wall is from Vietnam. Right: Suzanne got a carpenter to make a hole in a chunk of wood and install a light behind it; it’s the perfect way to show off a Tibetan Buddha statue.
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The Big Question Is it worth the upheaval? Is it worth the major discomfort of living in a place while it’s being renovated? Suzanne so loves the sense of achievement she gets from the renovation process, that she thinks it is. Fr e s h f r o m t h e p e r s o n a l experience of having gone hugely over budget in our own renovations, I reckon you’d need to be careful not to overcapitalise, especially if the idea is to sell on the property in a relatively short time. She agrees. “Moving from Maplewoods to Hume Avenue, we had to put a lot of our profit back into the property because the bank valuation was so low. But it was one of only two penthouses, it had a great layout, and we had to do relatively little to it for it to sell easily.”
The Job This Pandan Valley apartment was another story: there was plenty to be done. As Suzanne says, it’s most important to have a good contractor, someone you get along with. And Jeremy, who has kindly popped in for the photo-session, takes up the tale. “All the toilets and bathrooms were redone. Downstairs, we opened up the kitchen to the living area, hacked up the old quarry tiles and laid new, pale ones to bring in more light. The great slab of wood that forms the kitchen counter top is from one tree; it came from Java. “ We a l s o s t r i p p e d b a ck everything we could, including dark built-in cupboards, to open up the space as much as possible. We took the carpeting off the stairs up to the main living area
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and laid a wooden floor there; it goes well with the timber furniture we already had. There we also lifted the ceiling for a more spacious, light and airy feeling. “A good layout was important for us, especially as we were moving from a bigger home to a smaller one; at around 2,400 square feet, this is about half the size of our last place. Though we all spend most of our time downstairs – it’s where we cook, eat, watch TV and hang out – with three boys, we wanted a separate living area where we could be quiet if we wanted to.” This was a massive job; how could they possibly have lived on the premises while it was happening? “Luckily, it wasn’t for too long,” he explains. “We delayed completion of the Hume Road sale, which gave us a month; and we spent part of the second month in a hotel. We got the contractors to complete the upper level first and lived there for two or three weeks while they completed the rest. We ate a lot of takeaways!”
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Family Matters All three engaging youngsters have only recently enrolled at UWCSEA, having previously attended the Overseas Family School. The waiting list was huge, says Suzanne, and she wanted them to start together, if only to spare her an unnecessarily onerous shuttle-duty. “I’m the bus driver.” Artwork on the walls was often acquired on their travels: a painting of the Buddha from Vietnam; and a colourful one above the living-room sofa by a German artist, bought in Cambodia. “We travel quite a lot in the region, including regular visits to the Philippines; for the past eight months, I’ve been building a holiday home in Batangas that should be finished soon.” I’m surprised to hear from Suzanne that her very Occidental husband is responsible for the feng shui touches throughout the home: two turtles sit on a speaker, there’s a blue crystal in the stairwell, and a crystal frog squats in a cabinet. “He says he started it because he feels so lucky and so blessed, and he has a consultation done every year because he wants our good fortune to continue.” Long may it do so, wherever this energetic, enterprising and totally likeable family happen to make their home. eL
Recommendations: ID Home Plus, 200 Turf Club Road, #01-38 Turf City (Nancy)
United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) www.uwcsea.edu.sg Karo Teak Furniture 1 Bukit Batok Crescent #02-31 WCEGA Plaza 6762 7847 Omar Shariff Indian Restaurant 805 Bukit Timah Road 6466 3382
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In the open-plan kitchen, the organic appeal of a slab of wood used for the countertop contrasts nicely with black granite work surfaces and light grey cabinets. Jeremy has been known to cook, when he has time.
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Club Street
Photography by Lyan Bernales. All done around Club Street.
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Name: Margaret Marshall From: US Occupation: Marketing and sales director; converting Singaporeans – one taxi driver at a time – to Brewerkz bottled beer.
The Scene:
PROPERTY
When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: On a weekday morning, there is a very convenient fleet of taxis waiting outside. In the evenings, glamorous people and hot sports cars head to the hip bars and restaurants in my neighbourhood. Your street would make the perfect backdrop for a remake of: A spy movie like Bourne Identity or something romantic like An Affair to Remember. Your neighbours are great, but you wouldn’t mind a little less: Traffic! The community board would be smart to block off the street at the weekends, like at Holland Village. The unofficial uniform of your street is: Oxford shirts and tiny skirts. If a celebrity moves in next door, it will most likely be: I always imagine the cast of Melrose Place hanging around our pool. If you’re missing home, you: Head to Brewerkz for a beer and hot wings, or to Café Iguana for a margarita and a burrito. A mandatory stop for your out-of-town guests is: Foot reflexology, the fish spa and dumplings at People’s Park. You’d swap houses in a second with: A Blair Road shophouse with a pool. A common myth about your neighbourhood is: People don’t believe my condo exists. In their defence, it is tucked away. If you’re ever woken up at night, it’s almost always due to: My cat meowing between 4.30am and 7am; hence her name, Rooster Kitty. A massive late-night rager on your street is likely to be: Us! When we have cookouts with friends at our pool, we’re kicked out by the security guard at 11pm. So, we head to the Screening Room, to Dartz Place or to a karaoke joint.
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WHAT'S THE WORD ON YOUR STREET? We want to know about where you live. Don't be shy! Send an email to contribute@expatlivingsingapore. com with "Street Talk" in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we'll be in touch.
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The city gives you $5 million to jazz up your street. You use it to: I would probably need a bit more than $5 million. My top projects would be to knock down the one non-shophouse on the block and put up a tennis court; make Club Street one-way and, on weekend nights, pedestrianised; set up a neighbourhood cash-based recycling programme; and give a nice bonus to the condo staff.
SINGAPORE
38A Jalan Pemimpin #06-02 Wisdom Building Singapore 577179 CEA License No. L3009487B
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Dream home • Service above and beyond housing placement • Full after care service with complimentary in-house Concierge Service catering to your every need • Personal Invitations • Regular in-house Events • Trusted Advisor • Search Singapore wide for all properties that match your needs • Exclusive Overseas Properties • One years Free subscription for Expat Living Magazine our sister company
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6255 1027
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H
PROPERTY
ot Property Market Update
With sales noticeably dropping off over the past two months as people take a wait-and-see approach, the market has turned in favour of the buyer. For buyers committed to purchasing in the next six months, here are a few pointers to help you along. It is best to first get in-principle approval from the bank, so that you are set to go. As it is usually the seller’s agent who pays the commission, don’t try to cut costs by struggling through it alone. When you’re making such a major investment, be sure to have a professional to assist you. The required down payment is now 20 percent, and you also need to pay for the following: ■ A cheque made out to the seller for one percent of the value of the property, to accompany your offer ■ Stamp duty: one percent for the first $180K and upwards from there ■ Lawyer’s fees – ranging from $2,000 to as much as 0.8 percent of the property price. As regards rentals, we expect rents to fall, although landed properties may not be affected as much as condos. Happy hunting!
Deborah Law Executive Director, Expat Realtor
SPACIOUS AND MODERN $5.3K RENT District: 21 Size: 1,959 sq. ft Bedrooms: 3+1 Type: Condominium Completely renovated, this bright, spacious apartment is an older, larger unit with a modern touch. Living amongst lush greenery and parkland, you can escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore. It has three bedrooms (two ensuite), a main bathroom, a good sized kitchen and a large, openplan dining room and lounge leading onto a balcony, plus the added bonus of a big utility area with maid’s room and shower. Conveniently located near the AYE, PIE and BKE motorways, the development is five minutes from Holland Village and Bukit Timah Road, and good restaurants and a Cold Storage supermarket are nearby.
To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027. September11
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GOOD INVESTMENT Tucked away on a quiet road off Orchard Boulevard and yet within walking distance of shopping malls, Orchard MRT station and international schools, this condominium is located in one of the most popular residential places for expats and families. Due to its high floor location, this nicely maintained pool-facing apartment is bright and spacious with an unblocked view of greenery and the city. A big, open outdoor space with a garden, and beautiful ponds, tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts, a 50-metre pool, a children’s pool and a spa pool make this a winner with kids, too. This is one of the most sought-after developments in a prime district. It is good for mid- to long-term investment and is tenanted until September 2012.
$7.5K Rent District: 16 Size: 3,800 sq. ft Bedrooms: 5+1 Type: Cluster house
$8.3M SALE District: 11 Size: 2,874 sq. ft Bedrooms: 4+1+1 Type: Condominium
QUIET BREEZE A stunning, beautifully renovated cluster house in a quiet area. The extra large living and dining room provides lots of wall space for furnishings and paintings. This family-friendly, resort-style complex has full condo facilities including three swimming pools, a gym, playground areas, an open grass area where children can play, and a function room for parties, yoga and table tennis. It is close to the East Coast Parkway and the Bedok beachconnector, which leads to a sailing club, cafés and the cable-ski lake. Express buses to Shenton Way, Raffles Place and Suntec City are just a two-minute walk away, while Tanah Merah MRT is a ten-minute walk away. It’s just a few minutes’ drive to the new UWCSEA and Temasek schools at Tampines, Eastwood Cold Storage is nearby and Bedok Food Court is within walking distance. Changi Airport is just ten minutes away.
To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027. 240
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PROPERTY
INVESTMENT STUDIO S$650K SALE District: 16 Size: 409 sq. ft Bedrooms: 1 Type: Studio Apartment With a balcony overlooking the Laguna Golf and Country Club, this unit comes fully furnished with branded furniture and appliances. It is located in a small, low-rise project, just a few minutes by bus from the Tanah Merah and Expo MRT stations. The unit has good investment potential and is currently tenanted. Its rental yield is 4 percent.
To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027. 242
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&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania
Travel
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Who said there’s nowhere left in the world to explore? Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago state, consists of over 17,000 islands – almost two-thirds of which are uninhabited! From high-density urban areas to pearly white beaches, ancient temples and magical vistas, Indonesia offers myriad distractions and contradictions. Many parts of the country are easily accessible from Singapore, making them popular weekend getaways or short breaks.
Visa Requirements Most foreign nationals require a visa on arrival, the exceptions being citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Vietnam.
Currency 1 Singapore dollar = 7087 Indonesian rupiahs
When to Go Although the weather varies throughout the archipelago, it is guaranteed to be hot all year. The best time to visit is from May to September, when it is usually dry. October to April is the official rainy season, but areas in the north tend to be wet throughout the year.
Main Language Spoken Th e o f f i c i a l l a n g u a g e i s Indonesian, known as Bahasa Indonesia. English, however, is widely spoken.
Religion Islam is practised by the country’s vast majority, but Hinduism is followed by the citizens of Bali, who make up about two percent of the population.
Electricity 230V, or 127V in some outlying areas. Plug type C (European round two-pin plug).
Time Difference One hour behind Singapore.
Flight Time Two to three hours, depending on the destination.
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Destinations Bali: Indonesia’s biggest crowdpleaser, loved by almost everyone who visits its volcanic shores. Young budget travellers flock to Kuta and its bustling nightclubs. Seminyak is more upscale, with slick hotels, bars and restaurants. Ubud is the place for arts and crafts, and a respite from the crowds. The Balinese practise Bali Hindu, their own form of Hinduism, and have a distinctive religious and cultural identity. Jakarta: The sprawling capital city is busy and noisy, with 23 million people living in economic symbiosis. Traffic congestion, high levels of pollution, and political unrest don’t help the city’s cause in attracting tourists. Yet many are still drawn by its rich history and surprisingly cosmopolitan nature. Lombok: Dubbed the “unspoiled Bali”, this is a popular spot with independent travellers, and boasts great beaches, a huge volcano and some excellent surf breaks. From Bali, it’s 30 minutes by plane or four to five hours by boat. Unlike Bali, its population is Muslim. Bintan: A close neighbour of Singapore, Bintan is best known for the strip of resorts along its northern shoreline, with accommodation to suit every budget. The island is ideal for a weekend getaway. In little more than an hour from the Tanah Merah ferry terminal, you can be lying on the beach, cocktail in hand. eL
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Bintan or Bali? We say – why not both? If you’ve got your eye on Indonesia, take a look at our roundup of some of the best villas that these two isles have to offer.
© Simon Gurney | Dreamstime.com
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The place: The location: Set amongst the rice terraces and rolling hills of Umalas. The reasons to go: Popular with families, Albia Villa was purpose-built for families with young children. The villa is designed in a way that allows you to keep an eye on the little ones no matter where you are in the villa – be it lounging in the pool, watching satellite TV in the living area, eating in the spacious dining area, or relaxing on the bale daybed. The private swimming pool has a safe area, and the small details – like child-friendly crockery and cutlery – are taken care of. Breakfast and snacks are best enjoyed on the wooden sundeck. The villa is fully staffed by a team of eight; and a private chef is included in the rate. www.albiavilla.com
The place: The location: Just off of Bali’s Canggu Beach, known for its stunning sunsets and quiet beaches. The reasons to go: Three- and four-bedroom villas come with a chauffeured car and a full-time staff of 15. The onsite concierge service provides all the pleasures of a hotel, without any of the pain. An array of cultural and sporting activities are within five to 25 minutes’ drive, including the iconic Tanah Lot Temple and swimming and surfing opportunities. With a selection of spa treats, board games and private dining options, these retreats combine romance, relaxation and fun. The extras: The villas have privileges at the nearby Canggu Club, so you can squeeze in a gym workout or a game of tennis while the kids are entertained in the playroom. www.balidreamvillas.com
The place: The location: Villas are located by some of Bali’s best spots: Seminyak, Ubud, Tanjong Benoa and more. The reasons to go: Chillout Bali is a collection of two- to fourbedroom luxury villas, including the popular Villa Tujuh and Teman Desa Villas. Each villa is staffed and comes with a private pool, en-suite bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. A brand new Chillout Spa facility is scheduled to open in October. The owners, who started Chillout Bali after staying in private Bali villas for over a decade, can advise which villa best suits your needs and budget. The extras: Five new villas, called Tepi Laut Villas, are opening in December. Book now and be the first to stay in one at a special introductory rate of US$250 per night. www.chilloutbali.com
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The place:
The place: The location: On a cliff, 90 metres above Bali’s Kutuh Beach. The reasons to go: Five bedrooms spread out over two sleeping pavilions make this an ideal luxury multi-family hideaway. The central living pavilion has floor to ceiling glass doors that overlook a 21-metre infinity pool. You have access to the private beach house below – the perfect spot for a barbecue or sundowner while the kids comb the shore for seashells. Golf, surfing and paragliding are close by, as is the airport – it’s only 30 minutes away. The extras: If you’ve kids in tow, packing is easy as the villa is equipped with toys, books, games, videos, car seats and bottle sterilisers. There’s even a nautical-themed bunk-bed room and a special children’s menu, too.
The location: Seseh, a quiet seaside village set amongst green rice fields. The reasons to go: Close to surf, world-class golf, the Canggu Club and Seminyak’s boutiques, restaurants and nightlife, Kemah Tinggi has a relaxed, sophisticated appeal for parents and couples alike. Guests can enjoy delicious dining-at-cost, fascinating glimpses of Balinese life, and charming service from the dedicated team. A child-friendly ethos is evident in the home-from-home conveniences that come as standard and in multiple – car-seats, cots, single beds, monitors, sterilisers, highchairs, toys, games, DVDs and more. The extras: Difficult-to-find practicalities like stair-gates, a pool fence, excellent pre-arrival services and even lawns with football goals and cricket stumps make this villa a standout. Dodge the ai rport queues : www.kemahtinggi.com B o o k by 1 5 Decemb er and mention Expat Living to receive co mplimentary VIP fast-track ing
www.bali-karangkembarestate.com
The place: The location: A quiet enclave of Umalas, part of the greater Seminyak area. The reasons to go: Just 20 minutes from the airport – and only five minutes from restaurants, shopping and the beach – this villa boasts four bedrooms, lush tropical gardens and a 15-metre swimming pool. The 1,500 square metre villa has two master bedrooms, each with verandah seating overlooking lotus ponds, while an upstairs terrace has three open sides for excellent views of the surrounding rice fields; it’s perfect for an evening tipple. The extras: For a closer look, both 2D and 3D images of the villa can be viewed on the website. www.miavilla.com
guides Mia Villa is offering two free Bal i in s che Bea 21 Top – i to Bal ily Fam t fec and 101 Tip s for a Per at h bot d loa wn Do Holiday in Bali. . www.miavilla.com September11
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The place: The location: Atop an 85-metre cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean at the southern tip of Bali. The reasons to go: Stretched out over 1,000 square metres, this villa has four bedrooms and a family entertainment room. All the creature comforts are present, including a 42-inch plasma TV, book and DVD library, handmade bed linen, wireless internet and Bose stereo. Plus, there’s a pool on each of the two levels and access to a Speci secluded beach below. Relax al of f fer o r the with your own car, a private seaso Mention n: driver, and a chef who will E f o r t h e xpat Living prepare daily breakfast for discou nted nightl up to ten people. y rat e of US$1,2 00 a n ight (m in im u m s ta www.alambalivilla.net y of 3 nights, 15-perc ent and serv ice charg tax e include d). Mus not t start s tay by 3 1 O c to b e r.
The place: The location: Beachside in Bali’s fertile Tabanan Regency. The reasons to go: Kailasha means “Paradise of the Gods”, a tall order which this villa pulls off with ease. The three-bedroom villa is situated on 1,100 square metres of beachside property. With its classic tropical architecture, elegant interiors, and a blend of modern, antique and Dutch-colonial-inspired furnishings, the single-storey property comprises an open-sided living pavilion with three distinct sitting areas, a standalone semi-open dining pavilion, a master suite with its own 6-metre swimming pool, and a two-bedroom guest house. Take a dip in the 14-metre infinity edge swimming pool, and kick back in the relaxation pavilion afterwards. The extras: Rolling lawns, flowering trees and sea views are a perfect backdrop for weddings, parties and family celebrations. www.villakailasha.com
The place: The location: A gentle sloping hill in Canggu Village on Bali’s southwest coast. The reasons to go: With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, Villa Kylie is away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s busy southern region, yet the nightlife and restaurants of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian are just 15 minutes away. The main house has an octagonal living and dining room that overlooks stunning terraced rice fields. Two master bedrooms are connected to the main structure, and two additional bedrooms are housed independently within the villa complex. A 15-metre oval swimming pool has a shallow children’s pool at one end. The villa is fully staffed with a manager, chef, driver and two butlers, among others. The extras: The Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Bali Golf Club is just 5km away, while the surfing star, Echo Beach, is a walkable 2km away. www.villakylie-bali.com
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Bintan The place: The location: Stunning bay area on the northern coast of Bintan. The reasons to go: Bintan is popular among the weekend crowd, but if you’ve ever considered buying a piece of the action, look no further than this tropical resort development. The community, located just 15 minutes from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, is a picturesque beachfront development that encompasses an array of investment opportunities, from residential and commercial properties to shophouses and resorts. Situated between Banyan Tree and Club Med, this resort completes the array of resorts on Bintan’s northern coast. www.lagoibaybintan.com
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The place: The location: 330 hectares of lush, tropical land on the northern coast of Bintan The reasons to go: With five different types of holiday experiences, there is bound to be one – or two – that you’ll want to try: • Nirwana Resort Hotel – a family hotel with 245 rooms and multiple restaurants • Mayang Sari Beach Resort – rustic beachfront chalets for privacy and beach access on your doorstep • Nirwana Beach Club – air-conditioned cabana cottages perfect for sea-sport enthusiasts • Banyu Biru Villas – two- and threebedroom villas for reunions with family and friends • Indra Maya Pool Villas – luxurious hilltop villas with private pools and courtyards It’s a cinch to get there – simply hop on the 55-minute high-speed catamaran from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and catch a coach transfer to the resort grounds. www.nirwanagardens.com
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r e g a n e e T in Eden When you think of Bali, you think of its beaches and the serenity of the island – a retreat. The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel is the perfect haven, and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from a white-sand beach. By Laila Shahrokshahi
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aving arrived on the evening KLM flight – which is a fantastic deal, by the way – I was driven up a long approach towards the hotel. The road was lined with oil lamps on either side, and the smell of the flames mixed with the array of exotic flowers was beautiful. The hotel is made up of 27 luxury villas, so you get the benefits of an individual villa with all the fantastic facilities and service of a hotel. The walls are reasonably high, which means that each villa is off from others and is extremely quiet.
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Opening the gate to my own villa, I saw I had my own private pool along one side of the building. A large sun lounger was on the small patio, and I couldn’t wait to get inside and explore. In the luxurious, modern, open-plan living room, I spied the iPod dock – brilliant! Soon, I had Glee playing 24/7 throughout the villa. In the dimly lit, romantic bedroom was a king-sized bed; opposite that was a TV with Apple TV, pre-loaded with box-office movies: I’d finally be able to watch the Twilight saga. Further exploration revealed a grand rainforest shower in the en suite bathroom. One thing I cannot stand when I go on holiday is a lack of wardrobe space – I always over-pack, and of course I need loads of space for my multiple bikinis, the same style in a variety of colours. Here there was enough space for my entire wardrobe, plus my mother’s – and that’s saying something! The room could very easily accommodate a family, but the main appeal of the villa is how romantic it is. It’s ideal for couples, especially honeymooners, because you never need to leave the privacy of your villa. A nice touch is that you can arrange for a chef to cook a barbecue for you, right there. A number of activities are available. Even if you’re as talentless in the kitchen as I am, you may be interested in a Balinese cooking class. It’s a great way to gain a new perspective on the local food and its ingredients. And every Saturday, the hotel hosts a cocktail party with entertainment, where you get a chance to mingle with other guests. But for me, the highlight was
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the spa. It has two rooms: one for couples, the other a single room – just in case you need to escape for a while. In this peaceful and private haven, it’s hard to believe that you’re only a walk away from the heart of vibrant Seminyak. Here, you can visit exquisite homeware and boutique fashion outlets, sip cocktails on the beach at sunset, indulge in superb international cuisine or dance the night away. And Seminyak is just a 20-minute drive away from Kuta, popular with young people and backpackers for its lively nightlife. The Elysian provides a free shuttle service to and from Kuta twice a day, which not only saves on taxi fares, but saves your poor brain from having to do the mental arithmetic to work out how much you are actually paying – all those zeros! Breakfast is served in the Rush Bamboo poolside café and bar, overlooking the 25-metre
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communal pool – in case your own private one wasn’t enough – with the background murmur of crystal water trickling over a carved stone wall. From the exotic and varied menu, I chose a healthy Elysian fruit salad and muesli with freshly squeezed fruit juice. Then I saw a Dutch guest eating banana pancakes with maple syrup and thought I’d copy her – I was very glad I did! I was very impressed with the standard of the cuisine in general, and one night I had the most delicious salad ever; it featured mangoes, cheese, peppers, rocket and mint, and was exquisitely presented. The evening dining setting is stunning, and for something even more romantic, the fourposter daybeds by the pool are transformed into intimate dining areas. Candles float on the pool as the sun sets – the perfect ending to a day in Eden. eL
The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel is at 18 Jalan Sari Dewi, 80361 Seminyak Bali, Indonesia. www.theelysian.com
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Lazy
LonghouseDays
Aposiopesis [n]: a sudden breaking off of thought in the midst of a sentence, as if unable to continue. By Katie Roberts
B
lame it on a relaxed frame of mind, the stunning surroundings, or – most likely – the view, but this tongue twister is the perfect word to describe the collapse of my conversations during a recent stay at The Longhouse in Bali. The word unexpectedly but fortuitously popped up in the book I was reading while lounging by the pool at this six-bedroom villa in Jimbaran.
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Barely an hour after we arrived, our family of four felt completely relaxed in this amazing villa, if a little dwarfed by the scale of it. An afternoon arrival snack of banana fritters and fresh pineapple juice (served in the hollowed-out pineapple) was hastily gobbled down by hungry children, before they raced off to don goggles and swimming attire. The infinity pool was too gorgeous to resist and we spent an afternoon swimming, reading, watching the sun go down, and enjoying, it must be admitted, quite a few cold beers.
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Breath-taking arrival The quick half-hour drive along bumpy roads from the airport and the scenery of local villages left us completely underprepared for what was to come: a three-floor ascent by lift from the nondescript garage to the arrival porch in the villa and a spectacular sight. A magical 180-degree view, visible from almost every room, stretches east from Lombok Island, across volcanoes, over Jimbaran, past the landing planes at the airport and west to the setting sun. It’s no surprise that “view” is the most
popular word appearing in the guest book. It would not be a surprise if the transfer to and from the airport were the only trip many visitors made on a stay at The Longhouse. There is no need to leave this place. It is calm, tranquil, superbly appointed and encapsulates the best of Bali and Indonesia. For expats Linda and Robin Nederkoorn who built the villa in 2006, it’s important “that people know they are in Bali when they come to stay, and to share our love of the country.”
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Keeping it real The villa design by Balinese architect Popo Danes makes the most of the amazing view and incorporates many Balinese elements. In fact, the layout and design of the villa started with a decision about where the Hindu temple should be located. Every morning, the staff makes offerings and will happily help guests create the little baskets and explain the importance of religion in Balinese daily life. The pavilion-style design of the villa is centred around a communal living and dining area, with thatched roofs and open areas entirely in keeping with the Balinese communityfocused lifestyle. The pool faces that magnificent view, while the back wall is dedicated to ten classical paintings of the Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit tale. It appeared in Indonesia in the 10th century and for Bali’s majority Hindu population is an important cultural reference.
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There are many beautiful villas in Bali that could be anywhere in the world – you wouldn’t know where you were; but The Longhouse could only be in Bali. Ode to the archipelago Six bedroom suites (six queens of which two can be converted into two single beds) are named after different islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Each is authentically decorated with unique furnishings, art and antiques that Linda and Robin have collected in 30 years of travel across Indonesia. Such insight comes from strong family links stretching back to the 19th century, when Robin’s grandfather settled in Java. Over the years, the couple has visited many of Indonesia’s far-flung islands and revelled in the cultural, linguistic and
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geographic diversity. “We are fascinated by it,” says Linda simply. Thoughtfully, there is a book in each bedroom explaining the collection of objects and what they represent. Our favourite rooms (it’s a very close call) are “Sumba” and “Java”. Decorated with an ikat, the beautiful woven fabric of the region, “Sumba” also pays tribute to the locals and their skill with horses, with a large hanging wooden horse (which the children immediately gravitate to). The other favourite, “Java”, is an ode to wayang klitik, or shadow puppet theatre from
West Java. The name comes from the clicking sound the puppets make when they touch each other. The loro blonyo, or carved statue of a husband and wife, is very touching. Though museum quality, they look completely at home.
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Understated style Connecting the bedrooms are wide corridors decorated and interspersed with fishponds, beautiful landscaping, daybeds, numerous sitting areas and always a pleasant breeze. These spaces not only enhance the villa’s casual feel, but also provide space for relaxation, which is necessary if you’re travelling with a bigger group (the villa can accommodate up to 12 adults). Time out is easily arranged. We visited the spa and indulged in a pampering afternoon of massages, facials and a soak in the rose-petal-strewn outdoor bath. The staff happily watched the children (when they could find them) in the dedicated play area and theatre, where there is a large selection of movies and board games. A highlight of the children’s stay was simply roaming: up and down staircases, through the garden, the outdoor shower and stopping for a rest in the outdoor patio. Topped up with fresh
mango smoothies and banana fritters by the attentive staff, they had a fabulous time.
following up with an impressive black rice pudding.
Tastes of Indonesia
Climbing into bed on the last night of our stay, I’m reminded again how much I do not want to leave the next day. But I satisfy myself with the thought that it’s really only a few hours away at most, and I can return again for my slice of Bali heaven very soon. eL
Eating was a highlight of our stay. There is a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices – the majority inspired by Indonesian cuisine and all prepared by the in-house cook. We chose to “go local” one evening, feasting on roasted duck with Balinese spices from the delicious “Bali menu”, and
Turning in
www.thelonghousebali.com
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ERIK PETERSEN reflects on some of the less-than-stellar hotels he has endured in Bali over the years, and decides that he is very deserving of his stay at luxury beachfront villa Jagaditha.
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ver the course of seven ye a r s ch a s i n g wav e s around Bali, I have found myself in every possible type of accommodation. The introductory trip to Legian in 2004 involved a midlevel surfer hotel with a lovable staff and well-worn facilities. So well-seasoned was this place, I was actually saddened when it received a facelift! Furthermore, the improvements brought its rankings up, and I was unable to secure a room there the following year. Seeking peace and quiet I headed north to a ramshackle warung in Balian, a stunning black-sand paradise with occasiona overhead surf and no one else around, except for three local girls and a baby. After surfing a beautiful rivermouth until dark, I dined alone next to a faded pool table, before crashing in a closet-sized bungalow with paperthin walls. The sound of the surf was interrupted early the next morning by that of a motorbike tearing up the hill towards the nearby village. It returned a few minutes later carrying two of the girls and three very ripe durians. I then drank delicious, dark, locally grown coffee, while the girls attacked the pungent fruit with frenzied zeal. During subsequent trips, I returned to different parts of the island: to the almost unbearable madness of Kuta, to the refurbished summer palace of a local tribal king in Ubud, and to the cliffs of Uluwatu. While ordering breakfast at this last location, I struck up a conversation with a South African surfer and his lovely French girlfriend. This wide-ranging conversation grew to include six or seven other peripatetic souls, and it continued for the next 10 days! In short, a family
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was formed; one of those utterly unique travel families that come together like glue for a short but intense period of time, until its members scatter again to the four winds. A sensualist is one who pursues gratification of the senses and indulges appetites. I am pondering this definition now as I unwind at Jagaditha near the surf village of Cemagi, just north of Canggu. Beginning with a trip to Fiji 20 years ago, I have unintentionally followed the path towards this point for what feels like a lifetime. From my vantage next to the infinity pool, I can look across the bay towards Kuta and the Bukit, recalling incredible times in Bali, in less than incredible accommodation. I have earned this reward, I am thinking to myself. I have paid my dues and can appreciate a private compound, with manicured gardens, cascading pools of
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tropical fish, and a staff dedicated to my every whim. I do not take for granted the adjacent black-sand beach, nor the cool river running through it. I take pride in knowing that my family is basking in the warmth of Jagaditha’s staff, enjoying gourmet multi-course meals, two-level teak cottages, and smeared watercolour sunsets. I recognise in this place the real Bali, so I am not surprised when local fishermen happily give us their fresh morning catch, and I am certain that my mother, who has flown halfway around the world to join us, is having the time of her life. She deserves it, we all do. Unequivocal perfection! eL
Visit www.jagaditha.com for more information.
Jagaditha Highlights Setting: The villa occupies 4,000 square metres of landscaped gardens with a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean. An open-sided living and dining pavilion looks out to a 20-metre infinity pool overlooking the sea. Staff: Full-time staff includes a villa manager, chef, housekeepers, gardeners, and a driver for the seven-seater car. Bedrooms: Six air-conditioned bedrooms include four master suites and two adjoining twin rooms. Bathrooms are ensuite and semi-outdoors, with over-sized bathtubs and rain showers. Gadgets: Aside from free wi-fi and Bose sound docks throughout the villa, there’s a surround sound, flatscreen satellite TV, a DVD library, Nintendo Wii and a gym with state-of-the-art machines. Also: A massage room (treatments by arrangement), equipment for two babies (cots, high-chairs, monitors and so on), child-minding and babysitting services on request, and full use of the nearby Canggu Club's sport, kids’ club, bars and restaurants.
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t b r r o s u e f e R R By Shamus Sillar
While its guests laze idly in poolside deckchairs, Angsana Hotels & Resorts is busy launching new properties around the world (Mauritius, Hangzhou, Phuket) and giving a few existing resorts a tasty makeover. ANGSANA BINTAN recently got the treatment, so we took the 45-minute ferry from the Tanah Merah terminal to the Indonesian island for a look. Here are some of the fresh features that caught our eye.
Cocktail Hour “Beach” and “bar” – are there two better words in the English language? Angsana’s Pantai Grill and Bar isn’t new, but it’s been spruced up, with a chic bar area and new rattan lounges set right on the sand of Tanjung Said Bay. Our group sank into said lounges for cocktails after stuffing ourselves silly at the seafood barbecue buffet, pausing only to watch a fire-twirler do his thing and some fireworks crackle into the sky. As a first-timer on Bintan, by the way, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the beach and the perfectly swimmable water.
was ready for a refurb, and the happy news is that the 106 rooms and suites have come up trumps, thanks largely to a cool, contemporary colour scheme. The Angsana Suites looked especially inviting, with their grassy yards and outdoor spas – tailor-made for families seeking an easy, relaxing weekend away from Singapore.
Jungle Fever It’s not the Amazon, but there’s more than enough exotic flora and fauna on Bintan to keep even Bear Grylls interested. I took Angsana’s new 90-minute Ranger Trail through some shrubby jungle with a friendly and knowledgeable local who filled me in on every topic from tonkat ali (“nature’s Viagra”), to a plant called mali mali used for defogging goggles
when diving, and even the origin of the old scar on his leg (an encounter with a box jellyfish).
Working Out I’ll happily walk a Ranger Trail, but that’s about as active as I get on holiday. Those with more energy will be pleased to know Angsana Bintan has a new 240-square-metre recreation deck with billiards, table tennis, foosball and more, and a new gym with all the running and cycling gizmos you’ll ever need. Out on the water, meanwhile, you can windsurf, kayak, jet-ski, water-ski, snorkel, banana boat, sail and more. For parents of easily bored children, this place is a dream. There’s a Kids’ Club and babysitting services, too, which allow Mum and Dad to nip off to the excellent Angsana Spa. eL
Renovated Rooms A trawl through old TripAdvisor reviews suggests that Angsana Bintan
For bookings, call 6849 5888, email reservations-bintan@angsana.com or visit www.angsana.com.
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Sail Away I
t d o e s n ’t m a t t e r wh a t country you’re touring, it’s always nice to unwind with a drink in a lounge bar with ocean views, get pampered in a spa, browse the shelves of a duty-free boutique, or watch a musical production after dinner. The beauty of a Southeast Asian cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is that all of these things are available on the boat, so you won’t need a map and a phrasebook to find them! Here are some highlights of upcoming itineraries between now and early next year, covering everywhere from Bali to Russia.
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• Exotic Asia
The cruise takes passengers to Vietnam, stopping at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, laidback Hue and Danang, the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Vung Tau and Nha Trang. One-way itineraries depart from Singapore (12 November 2011; seven nights) and Hong Kong (11 March 2012; five nights).
• Russia & Hokkaido
Launching for the first time is this nine-night cruise – a round-trip itinerary sailing from Shanghai on one date only, 17 September. Discover Korea’s charming Jeju Island, Russia’s historical city of Vladivostok, Fukuoka’s iconic shrines and temples, as well as Japan’s Otaru for an overnight stay.
• Bali, Semarang & Lombok
Sailing on 13 January 2012, this eight-night cruise encompasses an overnight stay in Bali, the Javanese culture of Semarang and popular diving paradise Lombok.
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• NEW! Thailand & Vietnam
A seven-night tour departing 20 February and calling at Koh Samui, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, for an all-in-one experience of tropical beaches, culture and history. Legend of the Seas – the numbers 11 decks 2,074 guests 9-metre rock-climbing wall 70,000 tons 867ft in length 4 whirlpools and an outdoor pool 9-hole miniature golf course eL
For enquiries or reservations, call Royal Caribbean International at 6305 0033 or visit www.royalcaribbean-asia.com. September11
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By Heidi Sarna
ive-star beach resorts and trendy nightclubs might be a fun way to spend a holiday, but I always gravitate towards the more adventurous, off-the-beatentrack places. Less than a two-hour flight from Singapore, Sarawak is close to home, yet for the intrepid traveller looking for somewhere unusual, it’s gloriously remote and virtually untouched by commercial tourism. Located just east of Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah are in northern Borneo, the world’s thirdlargest island, which is also home to Indonesia’s Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. A vast expanse of dense rainforests, meandering rivers and sprawling caves, Sarawak’s allure lies in its raw natural beauty and in a fascinating cultural legacy of warring headhunters and exotic customs.
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I booked our Sarawak adventure with Pandaw River Cruises: five days cruising on Sarawak’s mighty and muddy Rejang River (Malaysia’s longest) and two days trekking in and around the enormous caves in Sarawak’s Mulu National Park. We boarded the 60-passenger Orient Pandaw in Sibu, relieved to leave the gritty port town and head into the jungle. A charming replica of the steam boats that plied Myanmar’s Irrawady River a century ago, the Orient Pandaw has attractive wood panelled, air-conditioned cabins that open right up onto promenade decks facing the river, affording great views of the rainforest landscape and life on and along the Rejang. The spacious open-air top deck is the other prime viewing area and the place where passengers gather for lectures as well as drinks before and after dinner. The windowed restaurant downstairs offers Western standards like fish 282
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and chips, and plenty of dishes typical to Sarawak, from delicious salads made of fiddlehead ferns, pumpkin and wild mushroom, to curried vegetables and prawns, nasi goreng, fried rice and fresh fruit including pineapple and durian. Every day we anchored midriver and went ashore on a small launch to visit villages and small towns, with a local guide who sails aboard all Pandaw River
Cruises. On our trip, guide Louis Yap was excellent, shedding light on the multi-faceted culture of Sarawak’s more than 30 ethnic tribes, including the Iban who practiced headhunting up until about 80 years ago, and who, along with several other groups, still follow traditions like body tattooing and hunting deer and wild boar with blowpipes. He led us into a traditional
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and still-used “long house,” a row of 10, 20 or more attached apartments with a common area that runs the length of the entire complex. We were treated to a traditional Iban folk dance there and were intrigued by clusters of old, dusty human skulls hanging from the ceiling: tribal battle booty that was once the ultimate symbol of power. Louis talked about the influence of the Chinese community in Sarawak and the historical significance of the White Rajahs, three generations of the British Brooke family who ruled Sarawak in the mid-19th century. We learned about the logging industry in Sarawak, and the state’s Christian missionary boarding schools. He explained that most Sarawakians relate more to their tribal heritage than to being Malaysian – you’ll rarely hear a Sarawakian saying “I am Malaysian.”
The week’s excursions also included a picnic set up in an isolated clearing on the river’s edge, where we were treated to chicken, rice and vegetables cooked in the traditional Iban “bamboo pot” method – inside hollowed out sections of bamboo. Another day Louis led us on a vigorous hike through the rainforest that took us through streams and down muddy slopes, and on the lookout for hornbills, wild pigs and deer. (We didn’t see any; something to do with 30 people tramping through the jungle, maybe.)
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Though many of the passengers were over 60 years of age, Pandaw attracts a well-travelled and adventurous lot eager to get their feet wet – the oldest hiker, for instance, was a spry 83 years old. The youngest were sevenand nine-year-old sisters cruising with their parents. As much as we learnt and did each day, there was still plenty of time to relax and drink in the natural beauty from the cosy comfort of a padded deck chair, a refreshing glass of local Meister beer in hand.
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We disembarked in Sibu after five nights to begin the second half of our Sarawak adventure, two nights in Mulu National Park that we also booked through Pandaw. It was an hour’s flight from Sibu to the coastal town of Miri (where Malaysia’s first oil well was drilled by Shell in 1910), then another 30 minutes in a small propeller plane from Miri to the remote and beautiful Mulu National Park to explore one of the world’s largest limestone cave systems. Some caves are accessible by plank walks through the rainforest and others via scenic longboat trips up the Melinau River, which flows right next to the rustic and sprawling Royal Mulu Resort where we stayed. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mulu National Park is set in lush equatorial rainforest and its thick green canopy is pierced by jagged limestone pinnacles, sheer cliffs and the enormous caves created over millions of years from water slowly draining from Mount Mulu towards the sea.
We visited five caves with our guide and marvelled at their size, including the Sarawak Chamber, considered the largest underground cavity in the world. It’s said that 40 Boeing 747s could fit inside without overlapping their wings. The nearby Deer Cave is another giant to explore, this one home to millions of bats that leave the cave at dusk in thick, undulating bands, in search of food. We also walked into the Clearwater, Lang and Wind caves, penetrating the
ancient darkness of the giant underground rooms via concrete pathways, packed dirt trails or wooden planks. The caves are rigged with minimal lighting, but you should bring your own flashlight as well. While the super-adventurous can sign up for off-trail cave exploring and rock-climbing expeditions, we were very content with the standard walk, a thrilling enough way to see a spectacular piece of natural history.
Until March 2012, the 60-passenger Orient Pandaw is offering five- and eight-night cruises round-trip from Sibu, Sarawak. Five-night cruises start at $1,260 per person, including all excursions and soft drinks, bottled water, local beers and spirits, and wine at dinner. A two-night add-on to the Mulu Caves National Park in northeastern Sarawak is $475 per person sharing (price includes two hotel nights, guide and airfare between Mulu and Sibu). A two-night land excursion to Kuching to visit wildlife centres and see orangutans is $344 per person sharing (includes two hotel nights, guides and flight from Kuching to Sibu). For more information, visit www.pandaw.com. eL For Expat Living readers, Pandaw will waive the single supplement for the five-night Borneo cruise and also offer a $200 per cabin shipboard credit, until March 2012.
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By Rebecca Bisset
I
have mixed views on ocean cruises. I do love the gentle lull and rumble of the engines far beneath and the vast expanse of sea and sky all around. As a way of seeing the world or getting from A to B, it’s the easiest and most comfortable way to travel. But I have wondered if it might get boring after a while. Mum was staying with me here in Singapore as she does annually and I wanted to take her somewhere. She’s not a lazing-on-the-beach person, so the trip needed to offer a bit more for us to do. Previously we’d been to Angkor Wat, but she found it really hot, even though we were up and out with the sparrows! She loved Hong Kong the time before and the temperature was just right. She was neutral about Bali, having been there a couple of times already. September11
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At the time of her visit, the Silver Spirit was on its maiden world cruise and there was availability on the Bali to Manila section. It was stopping in Sandakan, Borneo, with several options for interesting excursions. All food, drinks and entertainment are included in the price, which takes a lot of the hassle out of things. It sounded like the perfect solution.
We decided to add an extra day to the beginning of the holiday before we set sail, so we didn’t have to catch a 9am flight to Bali. At 82, Mum is still pretty fit, but she does like to go at her own speed. After a slow transfer through passport control we were met by Sumadika, the driver I always use when I’m in Bali. It’s so nice to have someone there when you arrive and his English is good. He took us quickly to the newly renovated Westin Resort in Nusa Dua. The Westin is one of the stalwarts of the Nusa Dua region and I think this might be its second round of renovations. It has that old-school Bali-resort feel that didn’t wow me initially. But the rooms were fantastic, and perfect for us. We would be sharing a cabin for the next five nights, so having a two-bedroom suite was going to be a treat. I remember travelling with small children and finding it hard to get an interconnecting room. This suite would have been perfect: it had a gorgeous living and dining area between two huge bedrooms, both with ensuites and their own TVs. There was also a “cloak room” for the living area. I got lucky and had the adult’s room to myself – the huge king-sized bed was heavenly! My bathroom was a little more luxurious, too. The place was like a mini-apartment. There is also a wonderful kids’ club with all sorts of activities to keep children entertained, including Star Gazing and Story Telling. The beach is long and fairly unpopulated; the sea is gorgeous and calm, good for when you have children
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with you; and, of course, they can always get their hair beaded. Even travelling as friends, or with another couple, this kind of room would work nicely. The resort also has a lovely bar overlooking the sea and the breakfast room overlooks ponds and gardens, in true Balinese style.
Above: The Westin's Premier Suite and Capsicum Café (where breakfast is served). Opposite (clockwise from top): Boarding the ship after a day out; a chilled way for the only babe on board to spend the day; the view from our cabin.
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The cruise liner leaves Bali from Benoa Harbour – not too far from Nusa Dua or the airport, as the crow flies, though the Bali traffic meant it took us a while to get there. The Silver Spirit is a beautiful craft: sleek, white and impressive. We walked up the gangway and were taken through to the plush reception to receive our cabin keys for the next five days. We were shown to and around our cabin by a personal butler, assigned to us for our stay. The butlers will bring you tea, turn down the beds and generally look after you, something I could get very used to. The cabins are huge – more like hotel rooms! Two large beds face a television set into a large mirror. The bathroom is a good size, too. There’s also a lounge area with another TV, with French doors that lead to a lovely balcony with two chairs and a table. This proved to be our favourite hangout for the duration of the cruise. There are a couple of options for breakfast: we tried The Restaurant for the first morning and I did my breakfast test of eggs Benedict and pain au chocolat. They both passed the test, but the ambience isn’t great. It’s a large room with very
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Right: Our own butler Below: Twin or double bed options are available in the spacious balcony suites.
few people in it. You can have breakfast in bed, but we found the Italian restaurant Trapizza the next morning where we could eat out on deck; this became our fallback place for the rest of the stay. Lunches were mostly buffet style on the pool deck, while for evening meals we had a couple of barbecues on the same deck, as well as the Italian. Our fellow passengers were a mix of nationalities, but mostly Americans and Australians, while the average age seemed to be between 55 and 65; we did see one young couple with a toddler. Th e s p a wa s g r e a t and there’s a good gym and one of those short swimming pools where you swim against a jet-
powered current. You can do as little or as much as you like, so it’s very relaxing. We watched a singing and dancing show one night, but it was mediocre. There’s a casino and a little shop, too. We loved our cabin, and watching the sun set each night. Wherever you are on board, the view gives you a wonderful sense of space; we enjoyed just seeing the clouds and the colours change. Both of us felt that two weeks would be the maximum we would want to spend aboard. It might be a better holiday option if you’re a couple – and it’s definitely a great choice for a second honeymoon. Having said that, there were quite a few older singles travelling alone and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow passengers and the option of arranged activities, too,
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so I suppose it depends on how socialable you are. The trip to Sandakan was very interesting and I wished we had had arranged to have a day out in Manila after we had disembarked. I have changed my view on arranged tours; you learn so much more than wandering around on your own. All in all, these tours, along with the luxury of the Silver Spirit, are a great way to see the world. eL
The Silver Spirit is the newest vessel in the Silversea family. This journey originated in Los Angeles. For information about all Silversea cruises and expedition voyages, visit www.silversea.com. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali T: +62 361 771906 E: reservations.00035@westin.com Sumadika (taxi or mini van) in Bali T: +62 813 38112117
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What’s New
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Phuket The family-friendly Angsana Laguna Phuket is all set to launch in December, with stylish accommodation, innovative dining, an award-winning spa, double-storey Tree House Kids’ Club, trendy Beach Club, gym, sporting activities and more. Stays between 1 December 2011 and 28 February 2012 start from THB5,400 (about S$219) per room per night, including breakfast for two plus credits for dining and spa treatments. Email reservations-lagunaphuket@angsana. com or call +66 7632 4101.
Wonderful
Whistler
Whistler might seem a bit far away for your next ski trip, but this place is a powderparadise. The World Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is world-renowned for its ski school and its family-friendly activities, and you can save up to 40 percent if you book by 31 August, or 20 percent if you book by 15 November. www.vipmountainholidays.com
If it’s a blend of relaxation and adventure you’re craving, the Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin might just hit the spot. From this tranquil base you can lift off in a spectacular hot air balloon ride across the Hua Hin hills. A three-night package costs from $400 per person, including breakfast and return transfers, and the first 20 couples who book will get $100 off the total booking price. Call Paveway Explorer Holidays at 6737 7313 or visit www.pavewayexplorer.com.
Jazzmandu!
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Live jazz in Nepal? You bet! Jazzmandu (www.jazzmandu.org) is an annual jazz festival with gigs played in amazing ancient capitals and royal courtyards. For a unique travel experience, join travel team Smiling Albino on its Jazzmandu Grand Slam (13 days), incorporating live music, a six-day trek in the Annapurna Range, sightseeing on the back of a Royal Enfield, and more. There’s a seven-day version of the trip, too, or they’ll happily tailor something to your needs. www.smilingalbino.com
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What’s New
Thailand
Trek
Not your average getaway, this four-day, fund-raising trek in Northern Thailand, promises to change your life for the better; see page 94 for more information. Register now for the January 2012 trek. Email matt@ footstepsforgood.com or visit www.footstepsforgood.com.
Holiday
Japan
If it’s easier to stay at home with the kids than to brave the aeroplane with them on board, a staycation could be just the ticket. The Sentosa Resort and Spa special family package is $488 for two adults and two children, with one night’s accommodation, breakfast and dinner. www.thesentosa.com
Walk Japan has a well-earned reputation for hosting the best walking tours in Japan, taking in local customs, monuments and breathtaking landscapes. The innovative Nakasendo Way tour is considered by many to be one of the world’s classic walking holidays. Now, the company is introducing a series of short-stay tours – perfect for a few days’ break from Singapore. Expat Living readers can enjoy a 10 percent discount on Walk Japan’s Kyoto Tour and Tokyo Tour, up to 31 March 2012. www.walkjapan.com
Looking for a honeymoon with all the trimmings? Centara Grand Beach Resort in Krabi has it all covered. A romantic five-night package includes accommodation in an ocean-facing room, a bottle of champagne, breakfast in bed, a spa treatment and a candlelit dinner for two, for THB49,999 (about S$2,029). www.centarahotelsresorts.com/KrabiHoneymoon
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OF Tanzania
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A On a recent trip to Tanzania, LARA SAGE stayed at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, best described as “Versailles meets Maasai”, and then experienced the chic African charm of a tree-house in Lake Manyara National Park.
rriving in Tanzania, we discovered that our domestic flights would be on a tiny 14-seater plane over the African wilderness – an experience not for the fainthearted! What a thrill, though, sitting close to the action, setting down along the way to collect and drop off other travellers. On this trip, the journey was a part of the holiday, and we happily slowed to Africa’s pace. We also benefitted from having the ground operators of luxury adventure group &Beyond (say: “and Beyond”) transferring us between hotels, airports and lodges. The domestic airport of regional capital Arusha isn’t much bigger than an airplane hangar, boasting a green tin roof with its name painted on it in bold white letters. We enjoyed sitting beside the runway, watching little planes land just metres from us. A bright yellow post-box was ominously labelled “Safety Suggestions”. After a short flight, we landed at the tiny Manyara airstrip on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, where our ranger Selidion met us. (His name was easy to say once he told us to think of it as “Celine Dion”!) He drove us past heartbreakingly poor villages, through changing landscapes, past a shop whose intriguing sign read “Korean, Hong Kong & Malaysia Furniture”, and finally up to the Ngorongoro Conservancy. At the conservancy boom-gate, a simple information centre with 3D models and posters gave us our first inkling of what was in store, and how
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this geological wonder was formed over millions of years. The archaeological discovery of a skull of an early man has earned this area of rich fossil sites the title of Cradle of Mankind. Unlike a national park that is devoted entirely to wildlife, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established as a multiple-use area designed to conserve wildlife and safeguard the interests of indigenous pastoralists, namely the Maasai people, who are allowed to live in the conservancy, tending their livestock in peaceful coexistence with the wildlife. There are few places on earth with such tremendous diversity of landscapes in such a small area. The turbulence of fracturing, rifting volcanic activity and ongoing erosion have moulded a contrasting complexity of peaks, craters,
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valleys, plains and lakes all alongside each other. Our first sight of the Ngorongoro Crater was breathtaking – literally, since it’s 2,300m above sea level. The result of a volcano that collapsed and began eroding two million years ago, creating an oval basin, this is famously the only intact caldera in the world. &Beyond’s Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is set on the rim of the crater looking in. The drop is about 500m down to a flat floor where wildlife abounds. This area measures 19km by 21km, or about half the size of Singapore – from the lodge, you can see it in its entirety. It houses five ecosystems – river, marsh, grassland, forest and soda lake (an alkali lake rich in sodium salts) – so various creatures live here under different conditions. Unlike safaris that typically have a morning and evening game drive, this one is a daytrip down into the crater. We left at dawn as the sunrise melted the mist, bringing out birdsong and warming the hides of abundant herds of game. Hyenas have become skilled hunters here, yet they cruised among the herds of zebras, wildebeests and gazelles, causing no apparent alarm for the moment. Solitary elephant bulls tend to stay in the crater but breeding herds usually traverse through, en route to the nearby Serengeti plains or surrounding forests. While 20 elephants milled around our vehicle, our ranger told us how a year ago a female in the herd gave birth in the crater basin. The calf was too young to climb the steep incline out of the crater, so the herd lingered. Then two more elephants gave birth, and so the herd of matriarchs and youngsters are still residing in the crater, months on.
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To our astonishment, our ranger was seven-and-ahalf months pregnant. Not one to miss a sighting, she would race across bumpy roads following the game. We fondly referred to her as “Vikki Schumacher”. Personalities have shone through on all the &Beyond trips I have taken. We remember the names of our rangers and butlers for years. Not surprising, really: after this particular dusty and rewarding day in the vehicle, we found that our butler had drawn a bubble bath and decorated it with rose petals. Tanzania is an exporter of roses, enabling the lodge to spoil guests with bucketfuls of blooms, despite its remote location. It’s enough to stay two nights at the crater, and best to see the wildlife on the day in between. This also allowed us time to visit a nearby Maasai village in the afternoon. Despite my familiarity with similar African tribal homesteads of grass and cow dung encircling a livestock enclosure, it was eye-opener. These people have no running water, and live off only meat, blood and milk, in a circular system of huts – each occupied by one of the chief’s wives and her offspring, and in a space not much bigger than a car. This particular chief boasted – wait for it – 24 wives and 111 children. There’s an opportunity to make donations to the village as thanks for their entertaining dancing and singing. This helps them buy water and invest in more livestock, the currency and symbol of wealth in much of rural Africa.
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Admittedly, it was hard to process the glaring differences between the Maasai villagers and ourselves as we returned to more opulent touches at the lodge, including fudge and Turkish delight left in the room. Following a dinner in the camp’s impressive dining hall, the evening concluded with sherry out of crystal glasses beside a fire in our room – that’s after we were walked back by security guards keen to steer us clear of roaming buffalo; the camp has no fences and wildlife regularly wanders through.
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The next morning, we set off from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Built with minimum impact, the lodge’s 10 private tree-houses exude a rustic charm. It was so quiet and peaceful that we heard the gentle cracking of branches when a herd of elephants ambled through the forest between the tree houses. This lodge was my husband’s favourite. Despite the wildlife being tougher to find in the dense vegetation, he felt this was a truly African experience with the generator being turned off from midnight and the bush sounds wafting through the flimsy gauze doors. This peaceful setting is ideal for a one- or two-night stay. Be sure to ask for an ice-blended gin-andtonic in the boma (enclosure). Lake Manyara National Park is set at the base of an escarpment, on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, which runs a distinctive scar down the eastern flank of Africa from the Red Sea to the mouth of the Zambezi River in Mozambique. Groundwater seeps through volcanic rock to this lower land, and in some parts, hot springs of water at 60-degree-Celsius bubble away. I had images of the nearby buffalo slowly stewing themselves! September11
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This park is known for its tree-climbing lions, yet these proved elusive on our visit. Two-thirds of the reserve comprises a salt lake; with a flush of colour, hundreds of flamingos lift off simultaneously, moving a few metres to settle again, continuing their endless sifting for crustaceans and algae. In addition to game drives, visitors can visit nearby communities to see how far the tourist dollar goes towards education. &Beyond have a vested interest in teaching children about the importance of conservation and community support. Guests can also donate handmade wooden desks for the humble schools. The whitewashed names of donors on the desks was indicative of previous visitors’ contributions. Tanzania truly is a poor country, and it’s easy to get carried away with the glamour of the lodges, and not see the poverty that lies just outside. I was recently astounded to read that Africa receives less than five percent of the world’s tourists. The fact bothered me as much for the travellers who are missing out on the continent’s marvels, as it did for the thirdworld countries that desperately need their tourist dollars. eL
Getting There Singapore Airlines flights arrive in Johannesburg at 7am. Connect to Kilimanjaro or Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania via South African Airways (3.5 hours) that same morning, and from either of those cities to the domestic airport of Arusha. With the short-hop flights so convenient, it would be easy to tack on two or three days in the Serengeti or a few days on the white beaches of Zanzibar. It’s best to use &Beyond to arrange all domestic transfers (air and road) in Tanzania. A good contact for travel plans if transferring through South Africa is Sally Ralfe: sally@futurenet.co.za. Where to Stay The hotels in Dar Es Salaam were clean and safe. Set on a peninsula, The Sea Cliff Hotel (www. hotelseacliff.com) offered Indian Ocean views and a fresh and well equipped room while we eagerly waited to leave for our safari destination. The Southern Sun (www.southernsun.com/hotels/dar-es-salaam) is a businessman’s hotel, well located to the airport in this city with severe traffic congestion. &Beyond can recommend hotels for Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar if you fly via those cities. Also... Visas: Check with the Tanzanian embassy. Currency: Kenyan shilling, though US dollars are widely accepted. Take small notes for tips for porters at the tiny airstrips and hotels. Health advice: It is imperative to obtain a yellow fever vaccination, and get malaria advice. Climate: Hot and humid on the coast and islands, temperate inland. June to August can be very cold on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Wettest months are March to May, and November. Generally, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day, and above 30 in the warmer months. When to go: June to August is peak season so the crater can have as many as 300 cars madly jostling for position at game sightings. Lake Manyara is closed for the month of April. Flamingos can be seen most of the year round, but are closer to view when the lake levels are high. See www.andbeyond.com for more info on safari lodges in Tanzania and 16 countries around the world.
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for All A family holiday doesn’t have to be to a theme park or a beach resort. “Soft” adventure trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations are increasingly popular, and can be lots of fun – not to mention hugely educational – for young travellers. Singaporebased Country Holidays has a range of trip options along these lines, all of them easy to reach and prime for exploration.
CHINA Fly via Kunming into Lijiang, a Unesco World Heritage city in Yunnan Province. This well-preserved town is a labyrinth of old houses, small alleys and ancient canals. Naxi women in their traditional costumes are frequently seen on the street. Stay in a charming boutique hotel or in a luxurious villa at the Banyan Tree Resort. From here, a short drive takes you to Tiger Leaping Gorge, for a two-day hike along a stunning valley flanked by snow-capped mountains, with gushing cataracts far below. The pastoral scenery is dotted with charming villages. Luggage is moved via pony, so the trek is suitable for active families; an extra pony can even be summoned to carry young stragglers. Overnighting in a clean and comfortable rustic lodge in a village is a highlight for everyone.
MYANMAR Myanmar’s lack of modern infrastructure needn’t deter families, as an affordable personal guide takes care of all logistics. With more than 2,000 temples on an enormous plain beside the Irrawady River, Bagan awes even jaded travellers. Kids might roll their eyes at the idea of endless temple-hopping, but they’ll love getting around on horse and cart, by bicycle, on a river cruise, or even in a hot-air balloon at daybreak. Meanwhile, gliding on the calm water of Inle Lake, in a boat paddled by a local using the iconic “one leg” technique, is a big hit. You and your family can spend days cruising past floating farms, visiting interesting markets or hiking in the hills. Accommodation generally features a balcony right on the water, which makes for spectacular sunsets over the rolling hills above the lake.
NEPAL With eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, Nepal is a guaranteed adventure. The best way to enjoy the Himalayas is, of course, on foot. And the reward of trekking in Nepal, apart from stunning scenery, is the opportunity to visit remote villages and experience their way of life. If that sounds a bit too adventurous, don’t fret: a personal guide and an entourage of cooks, assistants and porters can set up luxurious camp sites and cook sumptuous meals. An alternative to trekking is to take a helicopter ride to bring you face to face with Everest; land in a remote high area and enjoy a memorable breakfast, or go biking or rafting in hidden valleys and rivers. It’s not just mountains. Go on safari on the Terai Plain in Chitwan National Park, and experience jeep drives, elephant rides, dugout canoes, and the excitement of spying the endangered one-horned rhino or the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. eL
For personalised holiday options, contact Country Holidays at 6334 6120 or visit www.countryholidays.com.sg.
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Ten days in California barely touched on what this great state has to offer the traveller. We picked a couple of the best: Orange County to the south and San Francisco in the north – with a hedonistic side trip to Napa Valley. Words and photos by Verne Maree
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Gorgeous Orange County
“You’re going to put our restaurant into a magazine in Singapore? Sure, take all the photos you like! And you’re going up to Napa next week? I’ve got a contact at The French Laundry – he’ll put you on the waiting list!” Orange County is right next to LA, and in this part of the world, it seems, everyone wants to be famous. We’re at bustling Nick’s at Laguna Beach, tucking into sublime deep-fried giant asparagus, veggie-burgers and beef salad, washed down with draught beer. Historic Laguna Beach was always a tourist town. Across from Nick’s is the charming Hotel Laguna, built in 1928 on the site of the original hotel that dated back to the 1890s. The picturesque mid1930s lifeguard tower on Main Beach was originally a gas station, and brick-paved Peppertree Lane, home to chichi little shops such as La Rue du Chocolat, dates from the same period.
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Clockwise from top: Laguna Beach Hotel; Veggie burger at Nick’s; Newport Harbour view
This was our first trip to the US West Coast; I don’t think California could have been anything but fun, even if we’d been exploring alone. But having friends at Newport Beach made it marvellous. We met the Campbells while they were living in Singapore; now they’re home for good. Bounded by Los Angeles county to the southwest and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Orange County is spectacularly pretty in parts and a top tourist destination: fans of theme parks (and that doesn’t include us) visit Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. “We’ll show you the best places,” said our friend Ellie. “Don’t bother with LA. It’s ugly.” Everything we saw was, indeed, picture-postcard perfect: a series of suburban seaside villages with immaculately maintained homes, bougainvillea-festooned neighbourhoods and those ridiculously tall palm trees
everywhere. One thing’s for sure: the residents of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and Dana Point would not be impressed by Singapore’s much-vaunted cleanliness and beauty. Super-high-end cars such as Lamborghinis and Maseratis abound; this is a prosperous community by any standards. A n d a r e n ’t C a l i f o r n i a n s gorgeous and friendly! Wherever you go in Newport Beach, zip-slim women – many with startlingly enhanced bosoms and all with dazzling white teeth –
greet you warmly. That’s whether you’re shopping at Fashion Island, an amazing “outdoor mall”, or seeing and being seen at the imposing Pelican Resort’s sweeping bar and pricey Italian restaurant. It was the same at the trendy Ocean Club where we dined alfresco and I could barely dent my gigantic house salad with shrimp, avocado and blue cheese. Perhaps even better was the authentic Mexican fare at Javier’s, which has open fires, salty margaritas and superb crab enchiladas.
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Our friends like nothing better than to rent a little Duffy electric boat, loaded up with drinks and snacks, on a Saturday afternoon. Ten-year-old twins Payton and Prescott took turns to steer us fairly creditably through Newport Harbour – described as one of the world’s largest and most beautiful small-boat harbours – passing palatial villas and picturesque Balboa Island’s bayside cottages. Did we ever get that halfpromised table at Thomas Keller’s acclaimed French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, Napa Valley? Sadly, no – but when we got there a week later and stopped by to ask, our name was on the waiting list.
Getting There: We flew into LAX Airport on a six-hour United Airlines flight from New York. From there, it’s a 45-minute drive to Newport Beach if your timing is good, or up to two hours if you hit peakhour traffic.
From the top: Payton the skipper; Lifeguard tower at Laguna Beach; Palms at Corona Del Mar Facing page: San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
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San Fran Sophistication
Not only are the states of the USA so different from one another that they feel like separate countries, but parts of the same state can feel like chalk and cheese – and that’s what we found when we took a trip up north. Sadly, I can’t guarantee you the same brilliant experience we had, because we were outrageously spoilt: Ellie drove Roy and me there from San Jose in the family Jaguar and gave us a personal tour of the city, together with a To Do list that we would disregard only at extreme peril. (Heroically, she also chauffeured us on a two-day wine-tasting extravaganza around nearby Napa Valley; more on that later.) In Bill Cosby’s sketch, “Driving in San Francisco”, he says: “They built a street there called Lombard Street that goes straight down… and they put flowers there where they’ve buried the people that have killed themselves.” Before dropping us off at our hotel, Ellie plucks up the courage to negotiate the big car down all eight zig-zags, brave woman!
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Sights to Behold Hotel with History
We lucky souls stayed at The Fairmont San Francisco – the iconic hotel from which grew the global five-star brand. Our beautiful, bright room had a lovely view and all the comforts you’d expect from the top-notch Fairmont. Perched squarely on affluent Nob Hill, on the corner of Mason and California streets, it’s an ideal spot from which to explore the city: just a tramcar-ride away from Union Square, the Financial District, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. What’s more, it’s bursting with history. James Graham Fair, a “miner, fortyniner” made rich by a silver strike in nearby Nevada, planned to build a stately mansion on the site; when he died before doing so, his two daughters turned the project into a hotel instead. It was scheduled to open on 18 April 1906, but this was the very day that The Great Earthquake rocked San Francisco. The new Fairmont’s stone exterior stood unscathed, but the fire-ravaged interior had to be completely rebuilt before the hotel finally opened to the public, a year later to the day. Since then, it has hosted hundreds of famous guests, including numerous US Presidents and visiting heads of state, movie stars and other celebrities. Its lobby was used for Aaron Spelling’s TV series Hotel, and it was in the hotel’s Venetian Room that Tony Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco. www.com.fairmont/sanfrancisco
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Nob Hill is right on the crossroads of the city’s cable car lines. Sadly, the service was closed down for maintenance during our stay, and replaced by buses; just one cable car obligingly passed by so we could snap a hurried photo or two. Our first walk took us to Union Square, where one might easily be lured into Macy’s for a spot of shopping; from there, we caught a streetcar back up the hill and down the other side to Fisherman’s Wharf – a bit of a tourist trap. But along from there, at 39 Pier, is Boudin, a must for clam chowder served in a hollowed-out round sourdough loaf. A cappuccino at Blue Bottle Coffee Co. in the Ferry Building was another
From the top: Clam chowder at Boudin’s; Iconic cable car; Steep San Francisco street
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city, the bridge, the bay and the sea, dozens of walkers, runners and cyclists were lapping up the perfect spring weather. Off to one side of the bridge is the famous former penal institution on Alcatraz Island – popular with many tourists, but somehow not our bowl of gruel: we preferred the Mediterranean charms of bayside Sausalito’s sun-drenched pavements, continental coffee bars and restaurants, and eclectic art galleries; try the gorgeous Italian Poggio. Sausalito is across the bay from the city, and you can either drive there or take the ferry.
Stepping Out
of Ellie’s recommendations, but the yummy cupcake from the stall opposite was my own genius. Further along, we found a stall with the most amazing display of exotic mushrooms that cried out to be taken home and fried in lots of butter; outdoors, the sun shimmered off stands of gorgeous flowers and piles of dew-fresh produce in the Ferry Building Marketplace. The hugeness and grandeur of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is expected; but what you don’t necessarily get from the movies is how lush and green the area is, and that’s because it’s usually shrouded in mist or
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fog. Luckily for us, the sky was stunningly clear – a rarity, says Ellie. In the nearby Presidio – a park with scenic views of the
Th e t h a t ch - a n d - b a m b o o Po l y n e s i a n d é c o r o f t h e Fairmont’s Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is something of a throwback to the 80s. As you sip an umbrella-festooned tropical cocktail, a simulated monsoon shower and thunderstorm breaks out intermittently over the central pool. Quaint, yes, but perhaps not everyone’s pint of piña colada. Off the hotel lobby is the elegant Laurel Court restaurant and bar, with an upmarket menu and a popular afternoon tea. Just across the road, the Top of the Mark on the 23rd floor
Left: Ferry Building Market place Below: Bayside restaurant in Sausalito
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Presidio View, a park on the southern tip of San Francisco
of the Mark Hopkins Hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the city. Get there for sunset, and if you’re in luck, you can jive to the same slick jazz band we were treated to. But your visit probably won’t coincide with that of about 30 big guys all sporting little black dresses, hairy legs and trainers, and wearing flowers in their hair (San Francisco, the song, get it?); and that’s a great pity.
One lunchtime, we tottered down California Street to Tadich Grill at number 240 for a memorable meal of cioppino, a fragrant seafood dish that’s similar to the French bouillabaisse. This venerable institution rather tenuously traces its roots back to 1849, when a trio of Croatian immigrants set up a coffee-stand somewhere else in the city: it’s a long story, and it’s all there on the menu. You can’t book a table, so get there early.
Getting There: From Orange County, we took an hour’s flip (US$170 each way) to San Jose on Southwest Airlines; famous for its wisecracking crew, this has to be the friendliest budget airline ever. Of course, you can also fly direct to San Francisco.
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Napa Side-Trip
Vineyard adjacent to the Harvest Inn in St Helena, Napa Valley
If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to visit Napa Valley: it’s just a half-hour drive away. Be warned: pack loose clothing and punch an extra notch in your belt: Napa is as much about food as it is about wine. But I can tell you right now that you’re not going to have as good a time as Roy and I did – unless you too have a friend like Ellie to drive you from vineyard to vineyard, sipping water and staying heroically sober while you taste flight after flight of wine and your own good sense gradually deteriorates. An angel, in short. Picturesque Yountville was a good place to start and Bistro Jeanty is amazingly like a little corner of France. Think duck and goat’s cheese rillettes served with freshly delivered baguettes from Bouchon’s Bakery,
just down the road; rich onion soup and gizzard salad; and pig’s trotter b o i l e d lovingly in stock for a long time, stripped off the bone, reformed into a trotter shape, deep-fried and served with mustard sauce and fries. It is, admittedly, a heart attack on a plate. Yountville is also home to the famed French Laundry, but you need to book months in advance. We spent two nights at the excellent Harvest Inn in St Helena (US$240) loving its rustic ambience, huge fireplaces, landscaped gardens and location right next to a vineyard.
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In spring, the vines are still bare, but the rows are illuminated by strips of brilliant yellow wild mustard. St Helena is perfectly placed for forays up and down the valley and has a nice selection of restaurants that you can walk to. On the first night, after a bottle of Chateau Montelena Zinfandel at the Culinary Institute of America, we tried some pukkah Californian nosh at the heralded Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen: roasted artichoke with herbed mayo; chillies stuffed with braised beef; mushroom tamales. “Napa holds regular festivals,” says Ellie, “There’s a mushroom festival, an artichoke festival, and when it’s garlic’s turn, the plane back home reeks of the stuff.” Heading straight up the valley to the old town of Calistoga on Day Two, we pause to marvel and salivate at dozens of tri-tip (sirloin) roasts turning golden on an expansive barbecue. It’s set
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up next to a casual joint serving enormous portions of steak, fries, ribs and refried beans … nothing remotely green. Next stop is Chateau Montelena, made famous by the movie Bottle Shock. This is essential viewing before a trip to Napa, if only to get you in the mood, and our visit to this winery was something of a pilgrimage. Like all the older chateaux in this valley, Montelena took a hit when Prohibition was declared in 1913. A Chinese couple acquired it and had the Jade Lake built for their pleasure; the alcohol ban was lifted in 1933, and in the early 70s, James L. Barrett replanted the vineyard and started wine production. Auberge du Soleil is the perfect spot to stop for lunch on a terrace with entrancing views over the valley – cherry blossoms everywhere and the warm air alive with big, fat bees. We
shared a selection of small plates: blue crab cakes with coleslaw and remoulade sauce, ceviche, octopus and chickpea salad, asparagus soup and outstanding bread, together with a glass of their own divine chardonnay. Mumm Napa doesn’t offer tastings, but you can sip two flutes of their bubbly on a sunny terrace for $30, and the wellstocked gift shop is worth a visit. Next door, the boutique ZD Winery (the ZD stands for Zero Defect) produces a lovely pinot noir; and at nearby Duckhorn, you can have a flight of six delicious drops, again for $30. By this stage of the day, of course, everything tastes wonderful. Our first Californian trip was incredible, at least partly because we had local friends to show us their home state. As the song goes: somewhere in our youth or childhood, we must have done something good. eL
From the left: Chateau Montelena; The Harvest Inn, St Helena; Ellie and Roy at Chateau Montelena
Punjab Grill
Wine & Dine
What’s New
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Good
We eat our fair share of cakes and sweet stuff, but rarely does the office erupt like it did over the Peanut Butter Fudge and Truffle from 3 Inch Sin. This dessert bar specialises in molten cakes – bitter orange, mint and cherries jubilee to name a few – and the chef has a diploma in patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu. 501 Bukit Timah Road, #02-27 Cluny Court. Visit www.3inchsin.com.
Beer Brunch Akari Japanese Dining & Bar is launching a new Saturday à la carte buffet with free flow of champagne, wine, beer and sake. From 12pm to 3pm, indulge in all-you-can-eat sushi and sashimi and Japanese favourites, such as gindara saikyou yaki (black cod with miso). $98 ($68 without alcohol). With every two paying adults, one child eats free (additional kids at $15 each). Dinner buffet also available. 8A Marina Boulevard, #01-02 Marina Bay Financial Centre. Call 6634 0100.
Il Lido’s new chef Alessandro Delfanti is ushering in autumn with a signature seasonal menu of Italian ingredients and flavours. Don’t miss the sea scallops with chanterelle mushrooms and blueberries (shown here) and the pistachio and ricotta cheesecake with almond cream. Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road. Call 6866 1977.
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Every Saturday and Sunday, drink as much beer as you like for $40 at Tawandang Restaurant & M i c r o b r e w e r y ’s Suntec outlet. Choose any three-hour window from 12 noon to 9 pm to throw back authentically brewed German lager, dunkel and weizen. 1 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01A/B Suntec Convention Hall. Call 6243 2291.
What’s New
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for Mooncakes The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which falls on 12 September this year. Try the inventive creations at these three locations: The New Majestic Hotel has three new snow skin mooncakes this year, but its best seller is still the mini snow skin with king of durian (which uses only the wildly sought-after Mao Shan Wang durians). But if you ask us, we prefer the baked piglets with pandan paste and single yolk. They are too cute; plus, they’re low in sugar. Boxed set from $46. To order, call 6511 4718 or visit www. restaurantmajestic.com. Drop by TWG Tea for special tea-infused creations, like Celebration, a rich mahogany snow skin mooncake with milk chocolate mousse, a salted caramel heart, and hints of Tea Party Tea. Other fillings include blueberries, orange peel, cinnamon and praline custard cream. Boxed set from $60. Call 6538 1837 or visit www.TWGTea.com.
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Serenity’s Spanish suckling pig promotion is back. Order the chochinillo asado – a whole suckling pig roasted to perfection in a marinade of sherry, herbs and spices. The result is so tender that it’s cut traditionally with a plate, rather than a knife. Feeds five to seven. Usually $288, order one for $238 until 31 October. One day advance booking required. No.1 Harbourfront Walk #01-98/99. Call 6376 8185.
Oktoberfest Taking a cue from one of Singapore’s favourite desserts, Th e F u l l e r t o n H o t e l i s offering mango pomelo with sago mooncakes. The tropical fruit twist doesn’t end there – pair it with a honey pineapple mooncake or chocolate banana and chocolate chip mooncake. Boxed set from $58. Call 6877 8178 or visit www.fullertonhotel.com.
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Paulaner Bräuhaus presents the 12th annual “Original Oktoberfest”. Drop by from 30 September to 7 October to take part in Singapore’s version of the Munich festival. A German band will be playing Bavarian tunes and festive favourites like grilled knuckle and sauerkraut will be plentiful. Buy discounted beer coupons from 1 to 29 September to use during the weeklong event. 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-01 Millenia Walk. Call 6883 2572.
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and Noteworthy Roadhouse Block 13 Dempsey Road, #01-07 6476 2922 | www.roadhouse.com.sg If you’ve ever sat on your couch eating some uninspiring and healthy concoction while miserably salivating over the meaty-cheesy, ridiculously delicious dishes on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives then you’re going to want to know about Roadhouse. No, it’s not another TV programme. This is the real thing. It’s here in Singapore and it serves really, really good burgers. Roadhouse is a small, American-style diner with dim lighting, edgy exposed brick walls and wooden tabletops. In an unassuming spot in a corner of Dempsey, this is where the magic happens. From the moment you’re served that little basket of all-American comfort food, as you manoeuvre your hands around that warm, sauce-dripping patty ensconced in a homemade bun, to the last crunchy golden chip that you mop up the coleslaw sauce with, for that brief period, everything is right with the world. First up is the Bacon Marinated Burger ($26) – Wagyu beef, melted Gorgonzola, streaky bacon, caramelised onions, aioli and sautéed mushrooms. The patty is thick, juicy and remarkably succulent despite our request for well done, with that barbecue flame flavour from the much-lauded and Heston Blumenthal-approved Josper Grill. The Plain Jane ($24) is simple and delicious – a 200g Wagyu patty, homemade bun, pickles, ketchup and mustard – our only gripe, albeit tiny, would be for more knackig gherkins for that sweet and sour super-crunch.
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For those looking for an all-you-can-eat opportunity, there’s a wall of fame for The Terminator Challenge. Priced at a hefty $48, this burger comprises five monstrous patties (that’s a kilogram of meat!), mounds of bacon, melted cheddar cheese and a bun with fries on the side. If you can get that lot into you in 20 minutes, you get a photo of your mug on the wall. Après-marathon lunch spot found! Oh, there’s so much more to try – buttery, charred corn on the cob, salads, thin-crust pizzas and smoky, finger-licking BBQ baby Kurobuta back ribs ($28). But save room for the alluring, calorie-laden dessert menu. Think marshmallows, oozing chocolate, peanut butter and jam, Oreos and ice cream, mixed together in different combinations. This is the stuff of American dreams. It’s also what Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives makes his living out of eating – lucky bugger. Beate Baldry
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Block 7, Dempsey Road #01-03 6473 4500 | www.dempseybrasserie.com Dempsey Hill has restaurants for many tastes, but few fill a void like this does. The Demspey Brasserie is bringing good ol’ comfort food to the scene – food with powers to cure the lonely, the lovesick and the grievously hungover. Food that reminds us of home and, of course, Mum. But, don’t expect your mother’s basic mac and cheese. These are gourmet versions of your favourites backed by an impressive list of drinks, such as blackberry champagne mojito and Patron fizz: two excellent choices. Note: there are nine drinks available by the pitcher – what could be more comforting than that? Sharing soup is never a great idea, but here the reason has nothing to do with manners. I let my husband steal a taste of my Gruyère-laden French onion soup ($11), which starts an immediate tug-of-war across the table. The arrival of the charcuterie board ($22), a selection of cured meats, pickles and delicious rolls, diverts his attention, while I zealously guard my starter pot of mussels vin blanc ($20) – a generous portion in
a delicate white wine broth. We later learn that the steak frites – a perfectly cooked medium rare tenderloin ($42) – was originally sent back for being “slightly overdone”. Keen eyes on the part of the waitstaff is always a good thing. The desserts are just as they should be. A good chocolate fondant and apple tarte tatin ($14 each) need no frilly details – just good ingredients, a side of vanilla bean ice cream and an ounce of love. With exposed brick walls and white cathedral ceilings, The Dempsey Brasserie combines cool with casual, creating the perfect place to kick back with friends for dinner or a weekend brunch. Monica Pitrelli
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You don’t need to don a pair of heels and paint the town red for a night of fancy cocktails. Stock your bar at home with St Germain, a sweet French liqueur made from handpicked elderflowers, which goes with everything from white wine to fruit. Or take it up a notch with a Champagne twist, as in this recipe:
Bar on 5 333 Orchard Road 6831 6288 “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.” The famous scene between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic film Casablanca is running through my head as I sit in Bar on 5 on Orchard Road. I’m five thousand kilometres from Morocco and there is not a piano in sight, but something about the dark, masculine interior brings to mind that line. The décor is modern and suave, with black leather lounge chairs, bar stools and thoroughly modern music which is a little louder than you’d expect in a hotel bar. A large window behind the bar frames the pool, where hotel guests are cooling off on a balmy evening. There’s lots of room on the large balcony, with comfortable loungers and a view over the shopping strip for those who prefer to be outdoors; we opt to stay inside. An extensive drinks list features the usual cocktails, beers and wine; there’s also a focus on single malts such as Laphroaig, Ardmore and Highland Park. Needing a thirst quencher, we settle in with a Bellini ($26), a combination of peach liqueur and Moët; and a caipiroska ($18). Our second round is a mojito ($18) and a glass of Moët ($26) to wash down the tasty and generously sized snacks. The impressive food menu offers local and Western choices, with both snacks and larger meals available. Soft shell crab with spicy dip ($18) immediately grabs our attention, as does the mixed satay of six kebabs with peanut sauce and rice cake ($18.80). No man can resist kebabs with a beer, and I hear the blokes at the next table order a double helping. Bar on 5 is an ideal place for an afternoon or evening drink to rest weary heels after pounding the Orchard Road pavements, or recuperate from hours spent slaving in a corporate office. And for a mental escape from modern Singapore, just close your eyes and recall that other famous line, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Katie Roberts
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Ingredients: • 1½ shots St Germain • 2 shots champagne or sparkling wine • 2 shots club soda or sparkling water Method: 1. Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice into a Collins or martini glass. 2. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
St Germain is available at Nektar, Bar Stories, New Asia Bar and the Martini Bar at the Grand Hyatt. You can buy a bottle for yourself ($80) by calling 6392 3568 or emailing sales@liquidluxury.com.sg. eL
WINE&DINe
Paint the Town Pink French Terroirs is an online wine store offering Singapore-based oenophiles a choice of 20 different rosés, reds and sparkling wines from Provence. We spoke to the director of the web business, French expat LAURENT PIEL, about the allure of the region and its wines – especially the misunderstood rosé.
What is French Terroirs? It’s the first and only online store in Singapore dedicated to wines from Provence. We launched in April this year. The term terroir refers to the geographic characteristics of a place – a combination of soil type, topography, climate and vegetation – which shape and influence the wine made there.
producers keep the skins in contact with the juice for only a very short time. Then the pinktinted juice is drained, or bled off, from the skins. The resulting colour, ranging from pale pink to a deeper salmon or coral, is a delight for the eyes. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah are among the most common rosé varieties in Provence.
Why concentrate on rosé wine in particular? In Asia, red wine commands around 80 percent of the market share. Rosé is almost absent – yet it’s a perfect drink for Asian cuisine and for the weather. Even if we didn’t restrict ourselves to rosé, we decided this would be a good niche to use as an entry point; not an easy one, but one worth trying. Also, Bordeaux and Bourgogne aren’t the only two regions in France that produce good wines: Provence has some spectacular labels.
What sets a good rosé apart from a mediocre one? Good rosé is crisp and refreshing. It sets off the rich, smoky flavours of grilled foods and plays nicely with light fare like fresh veggies, fresh cheeses and salads. M y t wo f avo u r i t e g ra p e combinations are the Cinsault/ Mourvèdre (Prestige Sanglière) and Merlot/Caladoc (Thuerry l’Exception)
What is rosé? Contrary to what many people think, rosé is not made by blending red and white wines. Rosé is made from red (or black or purple) grapes, similar to the ones used for red wines. But whereas for red wine the grape skins ferment with the juice for an extensive period, for rosé,
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Is rosé good for pairing with Asian food? Yes, and it’s especially good with Chinese food, from delicate Cantonese to spicy Sichuan. While a high-alcohol wine will clash with your favourite dishes – red wine, for instance, can make green beans and tofu taste like metal – rosé matches the flavours and spices wonderfully. Pairing wine with Indian food is more challenging, though rosés can hold their own here, too.
Don’t be afraid to drink rosé with heavily spiced meats like in a lamb curry or korma. How much can I expect to pay for a bottle of wine if I buy through French Terroirs? You can pick up a bottle of Provence rosé for less than $30 for a cuvée Classique, a bit more for a cuvée Prestige and, if you really want to please your palate, our Les Abeillons rosé is $44. We have bubbles for less than $50. How does the purchasing and delivery work? Standard delivery in Singapore is two calendar days, but if you call us in the morning for a party in the evening or a dinner, we can make it. Delivery is free above $150, otherwise we only charge $10 – quite reasonable when there is no minimum order. eL For more information or to order wines, visit www.frenchterroirs.com.
Laurent Piel and Antoine Pagot
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Incredible There’s such a plethora of options for Indian fare in Singapore!
H
igh-end temples to exquisite gastronomy are mainly located in glossy malls and five star hotels; here, they’re represented by Yantra, Song of India and the swish new Punjab Grill. Affordable mid-range restaurants such as Chat Masala are to be found everywhere, especially in Little India and the East Coast suburbs. Hundreds of cheap-
as-chapatti vendors dish up aromatic platters of authentic tandoori chicken, biryani and curries in food courts and hawker centres all over the island, and Bar Bar Black Sheep is just one of these treasures. And don’t forget fish-head curry, that deep-red, savoury, tangy and above all spicy concoction. While not actually Indian – it’s a distinctively Singaporean creation – this dish is nothing short of a national icon. Don’t worry, you don’t have to eat the eyes!
Yantra 163 Tanglin Road #01-28/33 6836 3088 | www.yantra.com.sg Something is typically amiss when you push aside juicy morsels of roasted chicken, lamb and fish to get at the broccoli on your plate. Don’t get me wrong – Yantra’s skewerless kebab platter ($45) is incredible, yet the malaiwala phool ($24), broiled broccoli florets tossed in garlic and yoghurt, is the showstopper. Don’t like broccoli? I dare you to try this and not fall in love. Yantra’s extensive menu can be a tad overwhelming if you’re only used to the basics. We chose two house favourites: the kadhai jhinga ($35), spicy stir-fried prawns, and the rich and creamy signature chicken bharta ($33). The smokey flavours of the dhuan gosht ($35), clove-smoked lamb cubes, are impressive, as is the decorative bit of charcoal propped up by a piece of lettuce (shown here). The new paneer aur anjeer ke kebab ($25), a pan-seared cheese and fig patty stuffed with blue cheese, makes for an interesting accompaniment. Wrap it all up with mushroomwali naan ($11), or almond-, pistachio- and cashew-encrusted, honey-drizzled peshawari naan ($12), a bread so heavenly it could have been dessert, but for the stillsweeter gulab jamun ($15), milk dumplings soaked in rosewater syrup. Don’t sweat the small stuff? Yantra disagrees. Fresh lemon for the water glasses, warm plates for the mains and a steamy washcloth après dinner – this restaurant has the details down pat. Service is spot on, as was each of the dishes we tried – and the pineapple and cardamom mojitos ($15). Monica Pitrelli
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Punjab Grill by Jiggs Kalra #B1-01A The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7395 No beaten copper, elephant heads or lurid gilt-andvelvet curtain here – this is as sophisticated a venue as you’ll find. It’s well placed for the MBS post-theatre crowd: at 8pm we’re one of a handful of tables; by 9.30 it’s fairly full. In order to taste as many dishes as possible, we go for the degustation menus: one vegetarian and the other meat ($75 each). In the same way as most bars and cafés give Roy the pint of beer I ordered, and plonk his silly little cup of tea in front of me, our waiter unilaterally decides that I’m to have the vegetarian and Roy the meat. Never mind; I have long arms. Both menus start with a delightful interpretation of a New Delhi street food staple: a golgappa platter. Also known as panipuri, it’s a row of crispy wheat shells filled with vegetables and flavoured water – here, either tamarind water or mint water. Manager Siddharth Malhotra tells us that the average girl on a New Delhi street will gobble down a good dozen of these delectable morsels. Does the water spill out or dribble from the bottom down your new blue dress? For me, oh yes. For Roy, no. Second up is delicious and piping hot soup, mine a light tomato infused with coriander and cumin, Roy’s a consommé of chicken and almonds. Appetisers come next: a platter of three items for each of us. We love the hot plates. Mine is all very well – paneer tikka multani, tandoori broccoli and a yoghurt kebab, very tasty, good for the cholesterol and all that – but my fork makes regular forays into the salmon tikka, tandoori lamb chops and giant tandoori prawn on the other side of the table. It’s all outstanding. Our main courses both include the signature daal and a memorable biryani; mine also has asparagus and paneer dishes, and Roy’s has butter chicken and lamb. What makes the various sauces so velvety, explains Sidd, is that they are strained five or six times. So generous are these degustation menus that we barely make a dent in our basket of finger-searing garlic naan and parontha. We bravely tackle the dessert platter, though: an amazing mango saffron crème brûlée, plus a rich chocolate confection. And to drink? A couple of glasses of Prosecco ($18) for me, and one lonely beer ($14) for Roy. He’s driving. Verne Maree
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Song of India 33 Scotts Road 6836 0055 | www. thesongofindia.com It seemed a good omen that the cab driver I hailed on the East Coast not only knew where Song of India was but offered me two different routes to get there. This, I realised later, was in equal parts due to its longevity, its central location and its award-winning reputation for wonderful food. This month, September, Chef Milind Sovani has launched a revised à la carte menu. Set in a gorgeous black-and-white house in lush gardens, it’s a haven of calm off busy Scotts Road. There’s alfresco seating, but on a balmy August night it’s more comfortable to sit inside. Heavy white tablecloths, chandeliers and modern Indian art create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. From the 300-bottle selection of wines, we choose an old favourite, Geisel ($85): a crisp NZ sauvignon blanc that is a safe bet for Indian food. From several set menus at different price points, we choose the non-vegetarian Journey through India ($95), which features traditional dishes with a subtle twist. First up is the multani chicken soup, creamy and with a subtle hint of coriander. The entrée comprises two dishes: tandoori chicken and mustard enhanced smoked salmon, tender with a pleasant and spicy bite. A lime sorbet is served to cleanse the palate. The main course platter includes Chettinad prawns, spicy and cooked to perfection; Kashmiri lamb rogan josh, which we both agree melts in the mouth; chicken in potli masala, a creamy, sweetly spiced dish; spinach and cottage cheese, a long-time favourite; and delicate saffron rice. We mop up the rich sauces with naan bread and don’t feel embarrassed doing so. From the à la carte menu, we also order a serving of Goan fish curry; spicy and made with sea bass, it’s something to go back for. Small individual portions mean we haven’t over-indulged, so we can start on dessert without undoing the top button. Artfully presented, the dessert platter comprises kulfi, an Indian style pistachio ice cream; and a non-traditional but heavenly chocolate mousse and fresh fruit. We’re not worried about the calories; this is a special dining experience to savour, remember and repeat again soon. Katie Roberts
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Chat Masala Too! 18 Greenwood Avenue | 6762 2133 Set in leafy Greenwood Avenue, Chat Masala Too! serves North and South Indian fusion cuisine in a minimalist setting. Modern oil paintings line the walls – no excessive soft furnishings or Bollywood tunes in the background here. The staff are courteous and friendly – another tick for any favourite curry house contender. The food will keep you coming back even if this place is not your local. The Kerala fish curry ($15.80) gets good reviews, as does the tandoori chicken (two pieces for $8) and the butter chicken ($16.80). We can also vouch for the vegetarian dishes – the aloo goobi ($11.80), chickpea masala ($8.80), yellow daal ($8.80) and raisin and nut flecked biryani rice ($12.80) were all very decent. The naan wasn’t as fluffy or warm as we’d like – it was served already sliced. But all in all, this is a very pleasant and reasonably priced place to spend an evening, sipping a beer or a spice-quenching mango lassi and dipping into the various North and South Indian offerings. Many have Western ingredients or flavourings that add a fusion element. Incidentally, the restaurant’s name, Chat Masala, refers to the spice mix – also called chaat masala – typically used throughout India in much of the food, including snack food, and even sprinkled on raw fruit. This outlet is an offshoot of the original Chat Masala on the East Coast (158 Upper East Coast Road), another popular eatery that’s also worth a try.
© Ppy2010ha, Rohit Seth | Dreamstime.com
Beate Baldry
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© Branislav Senic | Dreamstime.com
courtesy of Punjab Grill Term
Meaning
Aam papad
Mango pulp mixed with concentrated sugar solution and sun-dried
Ajwain
Carom seeds, an uncommon spice except in certain Asian countries such as India
Basmati
Variety of long-grain rice grown in India and Pakistan and notable for its fragrance and delicate flavour
Bharme
Stuffed
Boondi
Fried snack made from chickpea flour, often served mixed with raita
Chutney
Spicy condiment made of blended herbs and spices
Guchchi
Jumbo morels
Gulab jamun
Popular dessert made of a dough consisting mainly of milk solids, rolled into a ball together with some flour, deep-fried and then dipped in sugar syrup
Jeera
Cumin seeds
Kadhai
Deep, thick round cooking pot (similar in shape to a wok)
Kalonji
Onion seeds, used to add piquancy to food
Kasoori methi
Dried fenugreek leaves
Khoya
Milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan
Kofta
Dumplings made of minced meat or vegetables
Kulche
Type of flat bread made from refined flour and baked in the tandoor
Machchi
Fish
Makkai
Maize flour
Mukta pishti
Pearl powder
Murabba
Sweet pickle
Naan
Leavened flat bread baked in the tandoor
Pakodas
Fritters
Paneer
Cottage cheese
Parontha
Unleavened wholewheat flat bread fried on a tava
Raita
Side dish of yoghurt usually flavoured with salt and red chilli powder, and sometimes with chopped cucumber or other vegetables and spices
Sarson
Mustard leaf
Tandoor
A clay oven often used for barbecuing; mainly North Indian
Tava
Large flat or concave disc-shaped griddle
Tikka
Small pieces of meat or vegetable marinated in a spice mixture
Sher Bar Bar Black Sheep 879 Cherry Avenue, off Bukit Timah Road People look for different things when they’re hunting for a new apartment: a balcony, an open kitchen, decent condo facilities, a nearby MRT station. My requirements are dictated by appetite alone: I need hawker food within 200 metres and, if possible, a place with a pint for under $10. Living near Bar Bar Black Sheep in Bukit Timah ticks both boxes. Eight-dollar beers aside, this popular beergarden establishment has Thai and Indian restaurants and a burger joint, while nearby you’ll find an Italian bistro, a Malay stall, and a Chinese zi char place, oddly named B.K. Forture. The Indian is probably the pick of the lot. It’s called Sher – as in, “Sherly they can’t cook all those dishes in such a tiny space.” But they can, and they do them very well. Veggie curries start at around $5 (the daal and chickpea dishes are a standout), while chicken, lamb and seafood curries are mostly $10. Reasonable prices, no doubt about it. A tandoor oven in one corner works overtime producing satisfying breads and grilled meats. My only disappointment is that the food, while boasting great flavour and texture, lacks the kind of blow-your-head-off heat that I welcome. In fact, the green-chilli tang of the pappadam dipping sauce is about as challenging as things get. It’s almost as if my wife – who reacts to chillies the same way vampires do to garlic – has been down there and had a little chat to the cooks. Still, they’re a friendly bunch at Sher, so I’m sure if you ask them to crank up their curries (to put the “loo” back in “vindaloo”, so to speak), they’ll be happy to oblige. Shamus Sillar
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M
uthu’s has to be one of the very top places for fish head curry, and here are their recipes both for this favourite dish and for a delectable lamb curry. If you can face
Fish Head Curry Ingredients: ■ 1 teaspoon each of fennel, cumin and fenugreek seeds ■ 3 tablespoons of chilli powder ■ 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder ■ 1 ½ tablespoons of fennel powder ■ 1 ½ tablespoons of cumin powder ■ Salt to taste ■ 10 grams tamarind pulp soaked in water ■ 300ml coconut milk ■ 2 onions (diced) ■ 4 tomatoes (diced) ■ 10 cloves of garlic ■ 5g fresh ginger ■ 10 curry leaves ■ 1 cup of oil ■ a large fish head
those sad, fishy eyes looking at you as you lower the head into your curry pot, it’s easy to score a head or two at your local wet market and make it at home; otherwise, head to 138 Race Course Road for an authentic Singaporean experience. www.muthus.com
Method: 1 Heat the oil in a wok and add the fennel, cumin and fenugreek to it. 2 Stir in the garlic, ginger, onions and fry till golden brown. 3 Add the tomatoes and fry till the juice separates. Put in all the spice powders and fry till the oil separates. 4 Add the tamarind juice. Bring to the boil and pour in the coconut milk. 5 Add salt to taste. Allow the gravy to boil for about 10 minutes, or until the oil separates.
Lamb Mysore Ingredients: ■ 1 piece star anise ■ 1 inch of cinnamon stick ■ 1 bay leaf ■ 1 teaspoon each of fennel, cumin and fenugreek seeds ■ 2 tablespoons chilli powder ■ 1 teaspoon turmeric powder ■ 6 tablespoons fennel powder ■ 6 tablespoons cumin powder ■ Salt to taste ■ 100g onions (diced) ■ 75g tomatoes (diced) ■ 25g garlic paste ■ 25g ginger paste ■ 20 curry leaves ■ 50ml oil ■ 750g boneless cubed lamb, boiled
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6 Slowly immerse the fish head into the gravy and simmer it until cooked through and opaque. 7 Serve hot, garnished with pineapples and coriander leaves.
Method: 1 Heat the oil in a wok and add the star anise, cinnamon and bay leaf followed by the fennel, cumin and fenugreek. 2 Stir in the garlic paste, ginger paste and onions, and fry till golden brown. 3 Add the curry leaves and then the tomatoes and fry till the juice separates. Put in all the spice powders and fry till the oil separates. 4 Add the pre-boiled lamb and cook on a slow fire with the pan covered. Add salt to taste. Cook until the meat is tender (approx. 20 minutes), stirring occasionally). 5 Serve hot, garnished with roasted cashews and fresh coriander leaves. eL
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Of Proverbs By Natasha Young; photography by Gavin Young
H
ari hachi bunme is an ancient Japanese proverb that means “Stop eating when you’re 80-percent full”. If I only I’d remembered this in advance of my dining experience at Restaurant Hoshigaoka, instead of sadly after the fact. Located in Isetan Scotts, Hoshigaoka seems the perfect choice of venue for delicious, reasonably priced Japanese cuisine before heading upstairs to the movies. Husband Gav and I are greeted by Johnson, the restaurant manager, whose attentive, professional service makes him a worthy ambassador for Japanese hospitality. We relax in the serene dining area, admiring traditional Japanese lanterns and vases of cherry blossoms. Striking black-and-white artworks adorn the walls, each one depicting a different species of fish found in Japan. Gav washes away the woes of his day with a Kirin beer. I opt for plum wine, deliciously light and fruity and the perfect accompaniment to our starter of hamachi, yellowtail sashimi. It’s beautifully fresh and tender – we hear it’s flown in from Japan twice a week. Our main course is a selection of starters served in tasting portions, a great option for those whose eyes tend to be bigger than their bellies. It’s been said that Japanese food is created for the eyes, and the presentation of our meal certainly bears this out. The flower-shaped dishes of delicate colours and textures look almost too pretty to eat. Nevertheless, I attack the ishiyaki steak with gusto. Kiwis will be proud to know that these grilled and sliced tenderloin steaks are from beef sourced directly from New Zealand Silver Fern Farms. Gav, a world-class steak-snob from way back, declares the steak tender and perfectly cooked. Next, we feast on agadashi (deep-fried) salmon belly. Johnson assures us that this part of the salmon is jampacked with Omega 3 – good enough reason for a second helping. There’s also light and crispy tempura prawns with a delectable dipping sauce, and amaebi (whole sweet prawns) and cubes of sashimi. It’s all served with rice, miso soup and chawanmushi, a savoury steamed egg custard. Chef Michael Teng then comes to the table with a special dish of deep-fried prawn heads. It’s the first time we’ve eaten full prawn heads, complete with eyes, and they’re better than
I expected. “Surprisingly goo-free!” chimes my husband: “Like a crunchy snack you could enjoy at the footy.” Despite being way past the stage of elegant sufficiency, we order dessert: apple pie with red beans and matcha (green tea) ice cream. Gav hijacks the plate and offers me a single red bean between mouthfuls of pie. I’m so full I let him get away with it; and it’s at this point I remember hari hache bunme. I decline another plum wine and finish with green tea instead. At least I’ve drawn the line somewhere. eL Restaurant Hoshigaoka is at 350 Orchard Road, Level 4 Isetan Scotts. Call 6734 9725 or visit www.jppepperdine.com/hoshigaoka
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Whip up these delectable Italian recipes at home – courtesy of Otto Ristorante.
Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga Spaghetti with sea urchin and grey mullet bottarga
Risotto al Midollo e Vino Rosso Risotto with bone marrow and red wine reduction
Serves 4
Tiramisù delle Venezie
Ingredients 10g chopped garlic 60ml extra virgin olive oil 120g sea urchin meat 60g grey mullet bottarga (cured grey mullet roe), grated 20g chopped Italian parsley 20ml white wine 5g chopped chilli 320g spaghetti Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Slowly sweat the chopped garlic with the olive oil. 2. Add the sea urchin meat and let it cook slowly until dissolved. 3. Add the grated bottarga and parsley and drizzle with wine. Then add the chopped chilli and set aside. 4. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until almost cooked, drain and then toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated. 5. Serve on a plate and garnish with more grated bottarga.
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Classic Tiramisu Serves 6
Serves 4 Ingredients 20ml extra virgin olive oil 40g onion, chopped 280g Carnaroli or Arborio rice 600ml vegetable stock 100ml red wine 160g beef bone marrow, cut into medallions 60g Parmesan cheese, grated 40g unsalted butter, chopped and chilled Salt and pepper to taste Method 1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and fry the onion until translucent. 2. Add the rice and cook until very hot. 3. Drizzle with some stock and slowly simmer, continuously adding stock and stirring with a wooden spoon. 4. Cook for 16 to 17 minutes for an al dente result. 5. In another saucepan, reduce the wine to half, add the bone marrow and let it rest. 6. Remove the risotto from the heat and add Parmesan cheese and butter. 7. Beat with a wooden spoon until fluffy. 8. Serve on a plate with the bone marrow and red wine reduction.
Ingredients 4 egg yolks 150g caster sugar 40ml Marsala wine 400g mascarpone cheese 200g whipped cream 200g Savoiardi biscuits (boudoir or ladyfinger biscuits) 6 cups espresso coffee 60g cocoa powder for dusting Method 1. In a bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar and Marsala wine until fluffy. 2. Slowly add the mascarpone cheese, a little at a time, making sure that the mixture doesn’t break. 3. Fold in cream and set aside. 4. Soak the biscuits in the coffee and use them to line a mould (either an airtight plastic box or a glass bowl). 5. Cover the biscuit layer with some of the mascarpone mixture. 6. Add another layer of biscuits, topped with another layer of the mascarpone mixture. 7. Repeat until all the ingredients are finished, making sure that the last layer is mascarpone. 8. Leave to set in the fridge for two hours. 9. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
www.ottoristorante.com.sg
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Oriental Chicken Salad with Glass Noodles Recipe courtesy of Expat Kitchen. Serves 4 Ingredients: • 500g minced chicken • ½ teaspoon salt • 200g vermicelli (glass or rice noodles) • 10 calamansi limes, juiced (approx. 4 tablespoons lime juice) • 2 teaspoons caster sugar • 2 tablespoons fish sauce • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 x 10cm piece lemongrass (white part only), finely chopped • 1 large carrot, grated or finely julienned • 1 small cabbage, finely shredded • 2 sticks of celery, finely julienned
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced • 2 kaffir lime leaves, middle vein removed, thinly sliced • 2-4 chilli padi, finely chopped (optional, depending on your spice preference) • 2 cups tightly packed coriander leaves, roughly chopped • Additional ½ cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish Method: 1. Prepare noodles according to packet directions, drain and set aside. 2. Combine lime juice, sugar, fish sauce and soy sauce in a small bowl and stir until sugar has dissolved. Set aside. 3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok on high and stirfry garlic, kaffir leaves,
chilli and lemon grass for 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add chicken mince and cook for a further 3 minutes until browned. Keep stirring to break up any lumps. 5. Stir in salt and remove from heat. 6. In a large salad bowl, combine chicken mince mixture, noodles, carrots, cabbage, celery, spring onion and half the coriander. 7. Pour over dressing and toss to coat. 8. Sprinkle remaining coriander on top. 9. Serve immediately. Cook’s Tip: Substitute chicken for pork mince or seafood such as prawns and squid. eL www.expat-kitchen.com
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Lotsa Laksa in
Katong Story and photography by Kevin F. Cox
To many, East Coast Road in Singapore’s Katong neighbourhood is just another bustling strip of old shophouses and new construction. But, in fact, it’s a densely concentrated museum of Peranakan history and architecture, and the battleground for one of the nation’s great wars – food wars, that is. If you’re driving, park at Katong Village, the old Joo Chiat Police Station. Start your foodwalk at the nearby overpass across East Coast Road, making sure to stop in the middle for a good (and possibly last) look at the former Katong Baker y and Confectionery, also known as the Red House Bakery (75 East Coast Road). For over 80 years it was famous for its Swiss rolls, curry puffs and Singapore’s first multi-tiered Western-style wedding cake. It’s been closed since 2003; whether it will be given a new lease on life remains to be seen. At the bottom of the overpass you are entering the “laksa war zone,” a historical battleground between three principal food establishments, each claiming to be the original makers of Nonyastyle laksa. Often referred to as Katong laksa, and the laksa standard in these parts, it is
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characterised by a heavy fish and coconut-based curry gravy with short-cut noodles, eliminating the need for chopsticks to supplement your spoon. Sample Singapore’s most popular soup by turning left and crossing over Ceylon Road to Famous 49 Katong Laksa (49 East Coast Road). Old-schoolers will avoid the modern addition of raw cockles; they’ll opt for the original rich spicy flavour garnished only with a dollop of chilli paste and minced laksa
(screwpine) leaves. At Famous 49 you can’t go wrong – but not so fast – because just across the street is another laksa warrior: 328 Famous Katong Laksa. And across the road, inside Roxy Square, is Marine Parade Laksa, also known as The Original Katong Laksa (#01-64 Roxy Square), once run at the site of the present Famous 49 by laksa master Janggut (so named due to the long hairs growing from a mole on his
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Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, at 21 metres, is one of Singapore’s tallest.
Clockwise from top left: Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to the elephant God. Katong Antique Shop; as much a museum as a store. A sample of Chin Mee Chin’s delectable pastries and homemade kaya. A serving of tao kwa pau at Mary’s Corner. Kueh and other sweets and pastries at Kim Choo Kueh Chang.
chin). Whose was the original Katong laksa? Whose is best? The debate raged for years, with each establishment insisting theirs was the real McCoy until eventually reaching a détente. Today, each vendor has a loyal following who won’t go anywhere else. Walk up Ceylon Road to Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple (19 Ceylon Road). This Elephant God temple – one of Singapore’s tallest – dates back to 1875. Passing through the five-tiered tower you’ll experience a cool, peaceful haven, complete with ornate carvings and art. Back at East Coast Road, make a left, heading in the direction you came from. For the sake of comparison, stop for a small bowl at 328 Laksa (51 East Coast Road) on the corner. Or continue to Kim Choo Kueh Chang (109 East Coast Road), an eclectic store specialising in Peranakan treats like Nonya kueh (sweet soft rice cakes in vivid greens, pinks and yellows), Nonya rice dumplings and pastries. Next-door is Rumah Bebe (113 East Coast Road), where you can browse authentic Peranakan arts and crafts, learn the art of Peranakan beading and even take Nonya-style cooking classes. This restored Peranakan store, museum and artists’ gallery was
once Tay Buan Guan shop – a 1920s shophouse turned popular department store. At the corner, cross Joo Chiat Road then cross East Coast Road and continue left up to Block 150. Down the side street is a row of conserved terrace houses in pretty colours (150 East Coast Road). It’s hard to believe that these attractive properties were once seafront homes. They were built above ground to protect against high tides, especially during the monsoon rains, and have roomy basements. Continue toward Still Road, past the towering arched roof of the Church of the Holy Family (200 East Coast Road) until you reach 328 Katong Laksa (216 East Coast Road). If you haven’t already done so, stop to compare the noticeable differences in taste and texture from the competition
back at Famous 49 and Marine Parade Laksa. After slurping down a bowlful, you are at the turnaround point in your foodwalk. A couple of doors back is the Katong Antique House (208 East Coast Road); you can dig around the many Peranakan artefacts and decorations behind its authentical Straits Chinese façade. Then wander to the corner of Chapel Road and the traditional Chin Mee Chin Confectionary (204 East Coast Road) where the cream puffs are like pillows and the Peranakanstyle coffee is superb. Heading back down East Coast Road, you can discover the wonders of tao kwa pau: a luscious envelope of bean curd skin stuffed with minced pork, eggs, fishcakes and crunchy vegetables then doused with a rich brown duck sauce and
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a dollop of chilli. Beneath the green awning of the 126 Beer Garden Foodcourt (216 East Coast Road), (Original) Tao Kwa Pau/Duck Rice serves up an old school example of this popular dish. The sign is quick to call itself the “original”, since across the street in Ali Baba Eating House (125 East Coast Road) sits Mary’s Corner Tao Kwa Pau in the former’s original location. Sound familiar? Cross over and try their claim to fame, too. You will be surprised at the differences between the two seemingly identical dishes.
Finally, shift your gustatory gears and sample fine French food with hawker stall ambience and prices at Saveur (Stall #3; also in Ali Baba Eating House). It opened in June this year, and the two classically trained chefs have brought modern, fine dining to the street. What better way to end your foodwalk than with foie gras with Parmesan foam, or duck rillettes? By the end of your journey you will see that though Katong’s face is shifting, its culture is not. Old shops and food stalls give way to new ones that conduct business
the same way as always – locally. And despite the appearance of progress overtaking history, one gets a feeling that the more things change in Katong, the more they remain the same. eL
Clockwise from left: Ali BaBa Eating House, from local to fine French hawker food. Preparing tao kwa pau filling. Tao kwa pau at Mary’s Corner. Preserving shophouses in the Peranakan tradition is good for business. Rd
Joo Chiat Community Club
Rd Terrace View
Ceylon Crest
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Grand MErcury Roxy Hotel
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The Palladium
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East View
Parkway View
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Church of Singapore
Roxy Square
Brooke
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Paramount Hotel
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Ceylon arshall M iam nK Ea The Odeon Katong
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For a full, delicious day of foodwalking, you can connect this walk with the Joo Chiat Foodwalk in Expat Living’s January 2011 issue.
e n i W WINE&DINe
Words on
Grape Expectations
Mancunian ANDREW BASSETT has been involved in wine investment for eight years, and has lived in Singapore for four of those. He heads up the Australian Wine Index (AWI) as the company’s managing director.
Why Aussie wine specifically? Why not French fine wine? As long as you have the correct wine and vintage, there are more opportunities to effect high investment growth with Australian wine; this is what makes it such an exciting prospect at auction. Small boutique wineries like Two Hands and Torbreck, for example, are fast achieving cult status overseas, particularly in the United States. Torbreck’s RunRig cru has generated a lot of interest, with a healthy market developing around its vintages. French wine is an old world wine with a proud history, so it’s more expensive than others and has an established market value; you buy high, and sell a little higher. Australian wine is a new world wine that is internationally recognised for its excellent quality and highly rated by leading critics.
How does an investor get started with AWI? Typically, an initial investment would be around $10,000 and the investor would usually familiarise himself with a range of fine wines by attending wine tastings and appreciation classes. With AWI, this sum includes procurement, shipping, three years of storage and insurance. Where is the wine kept? Should an investor suddenly feel thirsty, can he or she dip into the supply? Wines are kept at the temperature-controlled Menlo Worldwide Logistics facility in Boon Lay Way. Yes, investors can make arrangements with Menlo to withdraw some of their wine at their discretion. How is the wine sold? Through auction houses internationally. Any investment success story you can share? One investor who purchased his first label, a case of Torbreck Descendants 2001, followed by Parker Terra Rossa First Growth 1999 and Clarendon Hills Astralis 2000, managed to sell off his latter acquisitions at 25 percent profit. He now has as much as $150,000 invested with AWI. What’s new on the horizon for AWI? The Shanghai office of AWI will organise the first ever auction of Australian fine wines in China, a move which we believe will further open the mainland market to Australian wines. For more information about AWI, call 6327 8975 or visit www.australianwineindex.com.
Gold-medal Golf Established in 1966 by Mr Wolfgang Blass in a small tin shed in Australia’s Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass wines are known around the world; they’re also the number-one selling brand in Singapore, from everyday favourites such as the Yellow Label range to more refined drops such as the Platinum Label Shiraz. This month, Wolf Blass is sponsoring the Asian PGA Tour’s Handa Classic Golf Tournament at Orchid Country Club (8 to 11 September). Whether you’re a connoisseur of golf or wine, it’s a great opportunity to watch international golf stars in action and to sample award-winning Wolf Blass wines at the same time. Wolf Blass is available in all major supermarkets and hypermarkets in Singapore.
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www.wolfblass.com.au www.asiantour.com
WINE&DINE
Sparkling Prices Importer and distributor Le Vigne Wines can cater to individual tastes, budgets, occasions and menu settings by making recommendations from a large selection of wines. In addition to offering reduced prices, the company trims 10 percent off the cost for cash purchases. Email le.vigne@pacific. net.sg.to be put on their mailing list. This month’s special: high-end sparkling wines Kreglinger Brut $58.50 Ninth Island Brut $40.55 Reversanti Prosecco $33.20 Flichman Rosé Extra Brut $32.10 Note that the 10 percent discount for cash applies to these specials, too. 38 Holland Grove Road, Henry Park Apartments 6314 1597 or 6314 2287 | www.singaporewines.com.
Wine Trivia What is ullage? Sounds like a drunken way of saying “spillage”, right? In fact, it’s the word used for the air space that appears between the level of the wine and the bottom of the cork or screw cap in a bottle of wine. It comes from the Latin word oculus, “eye”. A “high fill” or “normal fill” is the level you expect to find in young wines but rarely in wines over 10 years old. Levels below this are known as “into neck”, “mid neck fill”, “base neck fill”, “mid shoulder”, “lower shoulder”, “low shoulder” and “below low shoulder”. Anything below mid shoulder means the wine is potentially a bit dodgy in terms of storage conditions and corkage; below low shoulder generally means a teenager has opened the bottle to sample a nip of the stuff with friends while you were out doing the grocery shopping. eL
WINE&DINE
, e n i s i u C e v i t a Cre By Beate Baldry
CHRIS SALANS, chef and owner of Mozaic in Ubud, Bali, is surprisingly down-to-earth and modest, despite having racked up some impressive awards and accolades – among others, Mozaic is one of only two Southeast Asian r e s t a u ra n t s t o be named in Les Grandes Tables du Monde.
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merican-born and French-raised, Chris moved to Indonesia 15 years ago after being introduced to then-exotic Asian ingredients like ginger, lemongrass and coconut by a chef he worked with in NYC. In advance of the release of his new cookbook, he tells us that local ingredients still inspire him. At what age did you start thinking you wanted to become a chef? I’m the third and last child, so once my older siblings had left home, my food-loving parents took me along with them when exploring their passion. Living in France, we would pick mushrooms, collect mussels and hunt crabs in summer, and on weekends we would try something new, such as a fancy restaurant or a simple crêpe by the seaside. That exposure is what really started my love of food. You studied science at college before you decided to change paths. Did that help with the cooking? Having done biochemistry and physics definitely helped. I think it’s important to analyse food and understand the technical side, like how to make sure a duck stays crispy while keeping the perfect moisture balance inside. What are the challenges of running a restaurant in Bali? An alternative to importing ingredients into Indonesia, which can be difficult, is to be creative. To make a good red wine sauce, for example, I can’t rely on the quality of the local wine, so I make a reduction of it with super-
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sweet local grapes. Through trial and error comes a great sauce! For this reason, the food at the restaurant is quite complex. For example, to combat the bitterness of kaffir lime leaf in a particular dish, we use candied lemon and orange to bring a balancing sweetness. You can pinpoint what we have to import by looking at the menu: lamb, caviar, celeriac, truffles and foie gras. We do use local ingredients, too: coffee beans, coffee leaves, pork and a lot of fish and shellfish. And our honey is either from lychee or mango blossom. I’ve always had staff whose sole job is to go knocking from door to door to find out what people have in their back gardens – we’ve found all kinds of vegetables and herbs, cactus fruitsand forest berries this way. The Indonesian Discovery platter is a big part of the dining experience here; it allows diners to see the core ingredients of a dish first, so they can understand how it is transformed onto the plate. It is great to see you employ local staff and teach them what you know. Part of our concept was to have a Balinese yet professional service. I wasn’t going to change who they were, and there is something about them that’s so nice – they’re always smiling, always gentle. But you have to understand the culture here. For example, many of the locals have no sense of career. They work to bring food to the table and that’s it. If you say “I’ll double your salary tomorrow; I want you to be my chef”, they say “no”, because they don’t want to have to tell their friends what to do. They don’t want to be the boss; it creates too many headaches. When I first moved to Bali, if you were a dishwasher, you were the king of your village because you had a job in a hotel. Often, the goal is to just get a job rather
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than always look ahead to the next level. Here, the culture is to be accepted by your village and family, and religion is extremely important. So they have different values, and that could explain why it’s difficult for them to grow professionally. How do you maintain your passion for food when cooking every day is your job? For me, it’s the ingredients. On my day off, I’ll go to the market and look at what is rare and what’s coming in. For example, in the rainy season there’s much less variety, and then you can see my fire is not as bright. But reading cookbooks, eating out and having experiences abroad, all those things help. What do you eat or crave in your free time? Well there are things I crave and there are things that I actually eat. At my age – or should I say, my size – you have to be careful! My wife’s Javanese home cooking is awesome; you’ve never tasted true Indonesian food until you’ve had a home-cooked
meal. That realisation has helped me a lot in my work, as I have discovered different flavours that you wouldn’t get access to in restaurants or from street food. But the other thing I crave is junk food. Do you mean… the M word? Yeah. I mean, it’s not my favourite, but if you do want to meet the top chefs in Bali, go to McDonald’s at midnight! Every time I go there I meet two or three chefs, because as a chef I don’t want a meal where I can analyse the food and think how to do it better. The last thing I want is something fancy. I want something quick, hot, satisfying. Okay, I’m exaggerating here, I probably haven’t had McDonald’s in years; but in some ways Indonesian food is junk food because a lot of it is fried. As they say here: “If it ain’t fried, it ain’t food!” eL
sit nggingan, Ubud. Vi t is at Jalan Raya Sa an lans’ ur Sa sta ris Re Ch aic . oz on M more informati r fo m .co ali -b e Flavours, will be www.mozaic h Cuisine, Balines nc Fre : er. aic oz M , cookbook re from mid-Septemb okstores in Singapo bo jor ma in le ab avail
WINE&DINE
By Sarah Porter
Singapore’s latest import from the Antipodes is a knockabout Aussie butcher with a passion for meat and a head for business.
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he newest employee at The Butcher, 36-yearold Peter Cole, is new to Singapore and loving it so far. Mind you, this is a bloke whose only focus outside his work, it seems, is to join a dragon boat club and to work out how to better field the frequent calls from his mum, who is apparently missing him. When we meet outside The Butcher’s retail outlet in Chip Bee Gardens, Pete is dressed comfortably in jeans and a T-shirt. He says he didn’t ride his (very big) motorbike to work today because of the rain, “So we’ve got plenty of time for a wine and a chat!” Born in Penang, Malaysia, i n 1 9 7 4 , a n d s ch o o l e d in Melbourne and outer Sydney, Pete isn’t new to moving around. During the 70s, his father was a fitter and turner with the RAAF in Butterworth and the family didn’t move back to Australia until Pete was five.
“I remember some things about Butterworth – mainly because of photos Mum’s shown me,” Pete recalls. “I’ve been in and out of Singapore a lot as an adult though, so it doesn’t feel unfamiliar. In fact, it’s almost scary how easy it was for me to feel at home.” “Easy” is also how Pete describes his transition from high school to a career as a butcher. “We were living in Hawkesbury then and I just wanted to work,” he says. “So I went down to the butcher shop and asked for a job. There was lots of heavy lifting involved and they looked at me and said, ‘Yeah, you’ll do.’ I first picked up a knife when I was 13.” Pete took to butchering like a duck to water. He started his apprenticeship after completing Year 11 and worked his way up the ranks. Soon enough, he was working 100-hour weeks, owning and managing his own shops, and being crowned Sausage King three years in a row. But the industry has changed over the last 20 years, and Pete acknowledges that customers today need a lot more than a simple kilo of mince or bag of sausages. “Back in the old days,
butchers were a bit rough. But it’s totally different today,” he explains. “Customers lead busy lives and they need a lot more from us. A ‘new school’ butcher is polite and well spoken,” he says. “If you haven’t got customer service, you haven’t got anything.” After just four months in town, Pete admits he’s a long way from remembering every customer’s name, but he’s making his mark in other ways. “I’ve changed the whole shop display, to give it more colour and depth; and I’m in the process of making some phenomenal fresh marinades.” As a man who loves his job so much, it’s difficult for Pete to pick a favourite product of the month. But I ask him to try. “Okay, I’ve got a little pork fillet stuffed with blue cheese, pumpkin, sage, onion and bacon. I fill it up, top it with a sage leaf and wrap it tightly. Thirty minutes in the oven and it’s done. Serve it with salad – it’s a delicious dinner.” Too easy. eL
The Butcher is at 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-50. Call 6472 0073 or visit www.thebutcher.com.sg.
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The Pantry’s inaugural Mini Chefs Competition was won by 12-year-old MILLIE WRIGHT, who wowed the judges with a fantastic chocolate cake (recipe, below left). One of her prizes was to spend a day with the team at The Sentosa Resort & Spa, including a first-hand experience in one of the resort’s kitchens, where she helped prepare The Cliff’s signature dessert, The Cliff Lemon Tart. We asked Millie to describe her day.
Millie’s winning Ingredients: 2 eggs 1¼ cups water ¾ cup butter, room temperature 2¼ cups plain flour 1 2/3 cups of sugar 2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa /3 1¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla Method: Mix all ingredients Set oven to 180 degrees Celsius. tric mixer for 30 elec an in a bowl then mix with sandwich cake sed grea two into seconds. Divide or until a skewer tins and bake for 20 minutes comes out clean. Frosting 1 cup chocolate chips 1 tablespoon butter ¾ cup milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½ cup sugar colate and butter In a saucepan, melt together cho and sugar and ch star corn the over low heat. Add e stirring constantly mix well. Add milk and continu re use. until frosting thickens. Cool befo
I was feeling anxious but very excited when I arrived at The Sentosa Resort & Spa. I met one of the resort’s executive chefs, Ryan Sonson, in the lobby. He had been been a judge in the competition at The Pantry. Ryan showed me around the resort. He said he particularly liked working there because it felt like you weren’t in Singapore. Ryan gave me a tour round all his kitchens and introduced me to a few of the chefs and staff. Every morning, the group meets in his office, so I got to listen to all the things that needed to be done that day (and there were a lot). There are two executive chefs at the resort, both called Ryan, so that confused me! Next they put me in a chef’s uniform (which was a bit too big) and Ryan left me with the other Ryan (Ryan Jette). He told me that they were planning on making a new menu, and I helped him make some of the new food for the other staff members to taste. Afterwards, I rejoined Ryan Sonson and we had lunch together in the restaurant. There was food from all over the world, because they want to respect other people’s cultures and let people try new things. I then went to The Cliff, the resort’s awardwinning restaurant. While there, I watched all the chefs in action. I even saw one of them preparing frogs, which I found interesting, though it completely grossed me out. Behind The Cliff is the pastry kitchen. There I was taught how to make a really interesting pistachio cake, and also a pistachio crisp using one of their fancy gizmos. Next, I piped macaroons and put together a lovely lemon tart dessert. I had an amazing time with the two Ryans and the other chefs. I would just like to say a big thank you to them and everyone involved in the competition. eL Millie also won a fridge worth $800 from Fisher & Paykel, a $300 voucher from Harvey Norman, and specialist children’s cooking equipment from Egg Culture. The Pantry is at 75 Loewen Road. Call 6474 0441 or visit www.thepantrycookeryschool.com for more information.
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Healt h & Fit ness
What’s New
HEALTH&FITNESS
Meditation cannot be done; meditation happens. But what happens before meditation happens? Find out by enrolling in Tirisula Yoga’s new course,“Meditatio”, conducted by Master Teacher Paalu who has nearly 25 years of experience. The course will teach the art of moving into meditation using various techniques without the struggle of trying to control the mind or having to sit motionless for a long time. To check schedules and fees, call 8571 5701 or visit www.tirisulayoga.com.
Continuing an exercise programme after injury can be tough. Often the underlying problem remains, leading to further deterioration. Pilates is low impact and therefore a great way to build strength, flexibility and balanced muscle tone in the initial rehabilitation phase; Focus Pilates has four physiotherapists trained in Pilates to ensure this phase is more effective. Expat Living readers can enjoy 20 percent off an initial physiotherapy appointment, valid until 31 October, 2011. Call 6235 3938 or 6733 8785 to book at Raffles Place or Orchard Road respectively. www.focuspilates.com.sg
Stealth Bike If, instead of his signature sports car, James Bond had to hunt down a villain on two wheels, he’d definitely be riding a Schindelhauer bike. Instead of a clunky chain, these stylish rides have a carbon fibre belt with teeth, so they’re almost silent and require very little maintenance. Prices start from $2,668; from The Urban Bike. www.theurbanbike.com
Described as the “Yoga of Awareness”, Kundalini yoga aims to unlock the vast potential in every individual, so after each session you feel more focused on your daily activities. Fans include Madonna, Cindy Crawford and even Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Try Kundalini yoga with experienced instructor Tripta Kaur at Isha Yoga. Four classes cost $80 (maximum seven students). For more information call 9686 7267.
New hormonal treatment Visanne has been shown to provide effective and long-lasting relief of pain associated with endometriosis in addition to reducing endometriotic lesions. Take it daily in tablet form, and significant pain relief can be experienced within a month, while menstrual bleeding also becomes less frequent and less intense with time. GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic, #04-03A Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard. Call 6733 8810 or visit www.gynaemd.com.sg.
If you love to teach children and nurture them, the SoulKids Mentor Training programme could be for you. This flexible, modular training paves the way for tremendous personal growth while providing the opportunity for you to share essential life-skills for happiness and success with children. Free talks about the training programme will be held on 1 and 15 September (10am or 7pm). Call 9875 2372 or visit www.soulkids.org for information.
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HEALTH&FITNESS
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. As the Breast Cancer Awareness month of October draws near, we ask DR GEORGETTE CHAN how to spot it early for the best chance of survival. Who is at greatest risk of breast cancer? Women who have hereditary breast cancer such as those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation. In their normal form, these genes suppress the growth and progression of tumours, but if one has inherited a mutated copy of either gene, one has a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Many other risk factors are associated with breast cancer. Some of these cannot be controlled: • Being a female • Growing older • Having a family history of breast cancer • Having previously had an abnormal breast biopsy • Having had chest radiation for lymphoma The following, however, can be modified with lifestyle changes: • Not having children, or having one’s first child after the age of 30 • Using oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy • Being overweight • Being sedentary What are the early signs of possible breast cancer? You should watch out for: • Breast lumps • Breast or nipple pain • Nipple retraction • Persistent nipple rash • Bloody nipple discharge • Skin irritation or dimpling
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How can you spot these signs? By Beate Baldry Regular check-ups are essential, including: • A monthly breast self-examination done seven days after your menstrual period, when your breasts are less lumpy from hormonal influences • A yearly clinical breast check by your doctor • Yearly mammograms from the age of 40 to 49 years; then once every two years after the age of 50 If a member of your family has had breast cancer, you might want to start screening from 5 to 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed with the disease. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 48, it would be prudent to begin your own regular mammogram screening at 38. Visually check both breasts – it may be useful to check them in front of a mirror. Use the fingertips of your middle three fingers to check for lumps. Move your fingers in a circular motion starting from the outer circle of the breast and gradually moving in closer, in a spiral towards the nipple. You may find it comfortable to do this check standing up in the shower or lying down in bed. eL
Dr Georgette Chan is at The Breast Surgery Centre. Call 6535 8833. www.thebreastsurgerycentre.com
HEALTH&FITNESS
Ever watched a colleague beautifully coast through a work crisis that would have brought you to the brink? Or witnessed a mum patiently herd around a gaggle of whiny kiddos without losing her cool? What is with these people? And what about the rest of us – those prone to obscenity-laden tirades every time the printer jams? Is there any hope?
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t’s no secret that stress affects people differently. What merely energises one person may cause the next to fall to pieces. We all have our triggers: mine, just theoretically, of course, may be traffic and the way my husband eats frozen yogurt; his, theoretically, may be work and the way I lick envelopes – but people are generally good at identifying sources of stress. Rather than focusing on the causes of stress, doctors Lynelle Kerr and Frederick Swann of Innate say that understanding how our bodies process stress is the first step towards a happier, calmer life.
By Monica Pitrelli
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How does the body handle stress? We have grown accustomed to identifying outward manifestations of stress – a snappy retort to a stranger, a messy house, comic book-style frazzled hair – but few of us understand how stress affects us on the inside. “People, especially Type A personalities, are usually not aware of how they process stress”, says Dr Kerr. “They believe that if they’re good at their job, they must handle stress well. Others think that it’s a sign of weakness to admit that stress is disturbing their life, so they mentally block it out.” To learn how your body reacts to stress, Dr Kerr recommends a stress response evaluation (or SRE). This test measures how stress affects brain activity, heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, perspiration and muscle tension in the shoulders. She asks if I would like to sit for the test. Sure. I’m not the worst, but also not the best, when it comes to handling stress, and it would be interesting to find out why. Dr Kerr explains that if I can pinpoint areas that overrespond, I can then take measures to address them. After I’m all hooked up, it hits me that in order for my stress to be measured, I need to be feeling stressed – hmmm, an unpleasant realisation that, of course, causes me stress. What exactly is going to be done, I enquire. Some mental tests (okay), a series of noises (no problem), and a mental maths test (nooo, I’m a liberal arts major!). Twenty minutes and one failed arithmetic problem later, my report is produced and confirms my suspicions; I’m all over the charts. The good news: my brain is balanced, meaning my right and left brain share the mental workload, and my respiration rate is steady. But my system could use some work in other areas. 378
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Where to start Since ridding our lives of stress is not possible, the doctors at Innate suggest going straight to the source, in other words, our nervous systems. The major components of the nervous system are the brain and spine. Most of us have no trouble accepting that stress affects the brain, so why not the spinal cord, too? Dr Swann explains that unchecked stress takes a toll on the spine itself as well as everything controlled by the spinal cord. So that’s why we say that annoying people get on our nerves, right? What does your nervous system control? The short answer is, a lot. Basically, the nervous system controls all your movements, sensations and thoughts. Touch a hot pan, jump during a scary movie, ruminate over an offcomment made by your mother-inlaw – the nervous system is behind the wheel. So when stress causes our nervous systems to get out of whack, a host of problems, both physical and mental, can occur. So you’re stressed. Now what? Drs Kerr and Swann practise a form of chiropractic care that uses light touches to the spine to draw on the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. The neck and back are not popped or cracked, and the therapy works on a physical and emotional level to make corrections to the body. Once the body learns how to correct abnormalities in the spinal cord, the entire nervous system will begin to respond better. Results range from decreased pain to increased concentration. The theory is that if we can “teach” our nervous systems to respond correctly, everything, from stress and anxiety levels to posture, will improve.
Stress and posture, really? Sure, on good days we tend to walk tall with an air of confidence, while on hectic days we’re more likely to slump, but isn’t this more about energy levels than anything else? Not really, says Dr Swann. “Your posture is a window to your spine,” he says. “It affects everything from breathing to blood pressure.” He takes photos of me against a posture analysis grid. The report shows that my posture is good, but my shoulders are uneven and I hold my head 5mm too far forward. Every 2mm puts an extra kilo of stress on your spine. I’ve been told that this is why I experience recurring neck spasms. Dr Swann says it is more likely to be the other way around; my posture and muscular problems are the result of an abnormally functioning nervous system, rather than its cause. To stress test or not? All new clients at Innate are given an SRE along with a postural assessment and physical examination. After a series of sessions, you can be retested to see how your body is learning to cope with stress. “People know that they feel better,” says Dr Swann, “but they like to see the empirical data, too.” I ask him if it is even possible to get a glowing stress report in this day and age. “Sure. Just the other day, one of our longterm clients had spectacular results. She practises yoga and meditation regularly, too. She was following Innate’s total approach to wellness by addressing the mind, body, spirit and spine.” eL
To schedule a stress response evaluation, call 6835 9538 or visit www.innate.com.sg.
HEALTH&FITNESS
� By Rebecca Bisset
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recently received a text from a friend who had just tried the new Anti-Oxidant Centre. It read “It was unusual, a hot room with a tiled bed to lie on. About halfway through, my head felt lighter, and my stomach didn’t feel full even though I had just had lunch. I was sweating up a storm, but afterwards my skin was so smooth, it felt like I had just had a facial. I am thinking of taking up a package!” To be honest, I have never really understood the whole concept of anti-oxidants, and what a centre for it could possibly do was beyond me. So I did a little research before I took advantage of the free trial they offer to all first-timers. Apparently, as our bodies use oxygen, they generate chemicals called free radicals. These free radicals are now positively charged molecules that attack and drain energy from the body’s cells in a process called oxidation. A certain amount of free radicals is fine, but if the level is too high they speed up the ageing process and cause disease at a cellular level. Absorbing negative ions from the environment neutralises the free radicals and stops oxidation and its effects – hence they are anti-oxidants. Negative ions are naturally released into the atmosphere through waterfalls and greenery. Unfortunately there are not enough of them around us to keep us balanced, especially in cities.
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What are some of the benefits of increased negative ions? ■ Improves
blood quality which affects hormone, sugar and cholesterol levels. ■ Increases the metabolic rate and helps the body absorb oxygen more efficiently. When the blood contains more oxygen, nutrients are more efficiently absorbed. ■ Helps detox the skin which alleviates skin problems like eczema, reduces insomnia and slows ageing. ■ In cancer patients, the increase in serotonin, the body’s own pain relief system, allows pain-relief medication to be reduced. I knew about the link to cancer, but the fact that anti-oxidant healing on a cellular level can relieve other ailments such as arthritis and sports injuries makes it universally a good idea to hang around negative ions as much as possible. It’s clear from my friend’s comments that it improves skin quality – an additional benefit that we are all looking for! Anti-oxidant centres have been available in Japan for the past 15 years and in Malaysia for over five years. The Anti-Oxidant Centre opened here in February this year. It has rooms of different sizes, so you can hang out with friends for the 45-minute session if you prefer. It is really hot, but not like a sauna or a steam room and not unpleasant. I could really see the appeal of it in colder climates, perhaps more so than in Singapore’s humidity. After the session, a lovely enzyme drink is provided – there’s a selection of them and they’re all delicious. eL
The Anti-Oxidant Centre is at 1 Thomson Ridge near Thomson Plaza. Call 6756 0636. www.anti-oxidantcentre.com.sg
art & photography / fashion
REGULARS HOROSCOPES
STARS
FOR
September
BY SHELLEY VON STRUNCKEL
August 23 – September 22 It could be said that September’s most pivotal day is 29 August, when the Virgo New Moon marks a sort of personal new year for you. This begins a lengthy cycle of intense reflection on the past and future. Thrilling as these insights are, planning the resulting changes takes time. In certain situations, however, you’ll just have to plunge in and learn from experience. Challenging as this is initially, what you do and who you meet are both intriguing and reassuring.
November 22 – December 21 During September’s first half, your past efforts will bear fruit and you’ll encounter amazing offers. However, in many cases you’ll either have to justify plans to certain rather narrowminded individuals or be forced to fit in with restrictive situations – both of which you loathe. Try to be flexible, as this is a small price to pay for the progress you’ll be making. Bizarrely, what you learn from these experiences will be informative now, but also prove incredibly helpful in the future.
September 23 – October 22 The last thing you’re inclined to do is delve into, and sometimes discuss, certain sensitive issues you dislike even thinking about. Not only do circumstances demand it, once you’re actually talking about them, your perspective improves considerably. This spurs you to tackle other worrying situations, and you achieve the same success. Thus, by the pivotal Libra New Moon on 27 September, you’re confidently thinking about making changes that, only recently, you wouldn’t have dared mention, much less propose to others.
December 22 – January 19 Intriguing ideas or offers involving projects or, perhaps, people you’re passionate about, aren’t just exciting; they could take you into new territory intellectually, via travel or even spiritually. While some of the results of this exploration are clear immediately, other benefits will appear over time. Some may be eager to finalise arrangements before the month’s end. If so, agree to what you must, but ensure they’re loose enough you’re able to rethink them when the coming months’ events give you reason to.
October 23 – November 21 Watching others organise changes that could reshape your life is worrying enough. Getting involved with their ventures while still short of facts is one step too far. Except you may have no choice. Unappealing as this seems, take things further. The more involved you are, the more you’ll learn. The resulting revelations alter your perspective enough to shift your thinking and, to your surprise, even long-standing plans. Going with the flow may be out of character, but the results justify what seem risky choices.
January 20 – February 18 Trusting your instincts is easy when situations are straightforward or others will support whatever decisions you make. And there are several such situations. Now, what you’re facing is more contentious, so sticking to what feels right is challenging. If in doubt, imagine you’re viewing this in retrospect. Would you be glad you relied on your feelings? Then do. These choices open up new options for you, which means living by the day and savouring the numerous unexpected delights that result from your choices.
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Do you want to know more about who you are and what you’re meant to be doing? The answer is to have your personal year and chart done. Visit www.shelleyvonstrunckel.com for more information.
February 19 – March 19 Because the rather dramatic developments of September’s first half are even more unsettling for others than for you, certain personal plans, projects or issues are left unattended to. Thus when the emotionally intense Pisces Full Moon on the 12th brings matters to a head, you could feel overwhelmed. The key is discussion. Seek others’ advice, listen to their practical suggestions but not so much to their ideas that regard your feelings and priorities. These are yours to decide. March 20 – April 19 During September’s first half, your past efforts bear fruit while stunning offers appear suddenly. You’re confident about these developments, but others aren’t. Explain once why their concerns are unmerited, but if they’re still worried, withdraw diplomatically from discussions. Instead, focus on taking action. Soon the results will testify just how right you were. Thus, by the mid-month those doubters are optimistic. This is the moment to raise and resolve persistent differences about both past issues and new plans – and without facing time-consuming dramas. April 20 – May 20 I t i s n ’t t h a t t h e o f f e r s o r opportunities triggered by the Sun’s stunning alliance with Jupiter, planet of good fortune – which is actually positioned in Taurus – aren’t thrilling, but taking advantage of them would require you to worry. The secret is to act first and think later. Forget about discussion and let experience be your guide. Once you’re actually involved, your knowledge and confidence will grow every day. Ironically, this so boosts your spirits that relations with loved ones improve as well.
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May 21 – June 20 After August’s confusion, you begin September with lots of questions. Take time seeking answers, since some are neither obvious nor easy to get. Still, once you begin exploring, you not only enjoy the process, but discoveries send you in new and intriguing directions. Yet you also need to reflect on your way of living and working, and who and what you care about most. This ensures you’ll be well-informed when, as the month comes to a close, you must make last minute and life-changing decisions. June 21 – July 22 With Mars, planet of ego and courage, having moved into Cancer in early August and remaining until 19 September, you’re in a period of intense personal review and, even more important, exploration. If ever there was a time to take chances on who and what you believe in or want to do or achieve, it’s now. Seek facts or reassurance where you can, but if they aren’t available, plunge in anyway. You’ll only regret what you didn’t try, not what you did. July 23 – August 22 Having been cornered into making changes you’re not enthusiastic about, you begin September annoyed and irritated. However, events during its first half reveal how wise these were, enough that you’re soon agreeing to new ideas that, only recently, you’d have refused flat. If in doubt, say yes first, try things out, then eliminate what doesn’t work later. Obviously this applies to practical matters. But this new, more easygoing attitude also has a positive influence on those close relationships where recently tensions have seemed inescapable.
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ADVERTISER LIST Aesthetics & Beauty Alaxis Medical & Aesthetic Surgery 258 Alison Kerlin Hair Design 352 Amaris B.Face & Body Shaping Clinic 379 Anti-Oxidant Centre 385 Ayuthaya Spa 375 Cele Venus Aesthetic Clinic 151 Dermatology, Lasers & Aesthetics 343 Diana King 365 Dr Valentin Low Aesthetic & Laser Clinic 13 Face Bistro 385 FE The Nail Lounge 215 Le Papillon 375 Mendis Aesthetics & Surgery 175 OPI Nail Colour 173 Purity Organic Hair & Beauty 182 385 Renique Spaboutique 379 343 Summer Haven The Sloane Clinic 155 194 The Wellness Clinic Trimmings @ Loewen Gardens 292 199 & 376 Visage The Salon Art Art Glass Solutions 382 263 Astrid Dahl Studio Gallery CdeM Atelier & Art School 382 275 Fairprice Antique Framing Angie 2&3 292 Li Bai Arts & Antiques Living Portraits 382 4&5 Ode to Art Red Sea Gallery IFC & 1
Art & Leisure Art & Wine Appreciation Night 105 ArtScience Museum - Dalí Exhibition 227 Shop @ The British Club 359 The Diwali Fair 310 The Fair at Goodwood Park Hotel 75 Inspector Singh Books 159 LAMC Productions - Whitesnake 200 Loewen Gardens Fair 252 Pangdemonium! - Dealer’s Choice 346
Carpets Hassan’s Carpets Hedger’s Carpet Gallery Jehan Gallery Lotto Carpets The Orientalist
60 71 78 68 OBC
Legend: (*) IFC - Inside Front Cover
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Family & Education Academ Asia School of Language and Education 351 Agape Little Uni 333 Australian International School 107 Antonija Gros 305 Avondale Grammar School 97 Bouncy Castles 391 Canadian International School 286 Carpe Diem Kidz 306 DAS International 94 EtonHouse International 128 Forest Adventure 110 German European School 269 Go-Go Bambini 391 Hollandse Club 99 117 Integrated International School Karosi Tennis Academy 370 114 Kids Gallery Kindermusik 333 370 La Petite Montessori Las Lilas School 359 309 & 319 Learn Different Academy Little Newton 391 391 Marsden Swim School Medley Music School 328 391 New Concept Mandarin Nexus International School 50 118 Odyssey One World International School 109 362 Pet Loss Support Group Shaws Preschool 45 340 SoulCentre Stamford American International School 23 Stuck On You 113 351 Swallows and Amazons Tanglin Arts Studio 359 33 The British Club The Children’s Showcase 376 391 The Talent HQ The Wright Gift 146 Tip Toe Joey 244 Trampolines Asia 391 United World College of South East Asia 122 White Lodge 103 Yuquan Preschool 352
Fashion Boutique Nicole BrandsFever EGG Maternity Firefly
IBC - Inside Back Cover
288 173 376 379
Linen & More 348 Mohan’s Custom Tailors 19 Nutri-Style 352 Pure Earth 88 Rouge 382 Sam’s Custom Tailors 321 Satine 365 Shopping at Tiffany’s 264 Ziegler Shoes 288
Finance Joseph Manuel CPA 385 Asia Plantation 138 Chartwell Associates 348 Consilium Law Corporation 375 Expat Insurance 53 365 Gloria James-Civetta & Co HSBC 29 57 OCBC SMATS (Australian Taxation Services) 314
Food & Beverage Bar on 5, Mandarin Orchard 170 62 Emmanuel Stroobant Group Expat Kitchen 362 248 FairPrice Finest Farmer’s Market 247 335 Four Seasons Organic Market Huber’s Butchery 285 391 K9kulture Modesto’s 230 362 Natural Springs Nuoc 204 157 One Rochester Group Original Sin 93 381 Outback BBQ Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore 355 362 Paulaner Brauhaus Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant 35 331 Shahi Maharani Singapore Dine 331 The Butcher 321 Lenard’s 327 The Pantry Cookery School 328 Vintry 361
Furniture & Home Décor 2010 Lifestyle Accentuate Home Apex 5 Art Trend Gallery Asiabox Bambu Interiors
OBC - Outside Back Cover
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306 66 368 351 280 217
Centrepiece Furnishing CrossCom Ergonomic Lifestyle Curio Home Accents Danish Design Design Intervention Galanga Living Gallery 278 by Esco LeasingL Gorsia Design Grafunkt House of Huanghuali John Erdos Home Journey East Livingscapes Just Anthony Le Mercier Lemon Zest Natural Living OHMM Only Zest Livings Origin AsiaL Originals Piccolo House Ploh Prinz Enterprise Scandic Wonders Skyline Design Spin by Essential Lifestyle Taylor B Fine Design Group Teak & Mahogany The China Collection The Past Perfect Collection The Shophouse The V Furniture Verandah Living Whitewoods Living Window to the PastL Wood Farm Lifestyle Woody Antique House
324 303 143 IBC 27 90 135 283 39 337 15 220 48 47 368 11 161 225 163 25 309 31 140 197 310 327 127 125 181 83 17 41 269 37 345 324 8
Health & Fitness Cambridge Weight Plan Advantage School Of Tennis Alliance Professional Counselling Andrea’s Digestive, Colon, Liver And Gallblader Clinic Body Temple Cutis Medical Laser Clinics David Forrest Destiny Match Evolve Mixed Martial Arts GMC Services GPA Dental GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic Health & Fertility Centre for Women
337 286 379 312 370 182 43 213 59 165 187 346
Legend: (*) IFC - Inside Front Cover
Healthway Medical 345 Hypnae Center 368 Innate 191 International Paediatric Clinic 322 International Medical Clinic 237 J H Kim Taekwondo Institute 319 Jerry Tan Eye Surgery 188 Neuro Spine and Pain Centre 312 One2One Fitness 385 Osteopathic Treatment Centre 366 Parkway Cancer Centre 167 Parkway Health 206 PhysioAesthetics 179 Power Moves 373 Privé Clinic 250 Regional Hypnosis Center 352 145 Singapore Cricket Club Singapore Sports & Orthopaedic Clinic 366 Singapore Vein Centre 185 Smile Inc. 8&9 Specialist Dental Group 297 SW Yung Orthopaedics 295 The Body Firm 200 The Breast Surgery Centre 339 The Counselling Place 370 The OBGYN Centre 340 The Vein Clinic 21 Tirisula Yoga 385
Home Services A-Team Amahs & Cleaners 381 280 Allied Pickfords AngloINFO 348 376 Comfy Homes De Hygienique 303 381 Hyperlink Services Kev Posh Pet Services 381 359 Mrs Sparkles Not in the Malls 351 Packeverything 385 Petscity 381 Santa Fe 322 SingBound 368 SingTel 133 StarHub 211 Tarot Reading by Sharan 366
Mah 276 Presto Expat Motoring Services 243 Volkswagen 71 Wearnes Automotive 76 & 283
Movers Asian Tigers K.C Dat 169 Relocasia 295 SIR Move Services 297
Photography Brilliant Prints 348 Giveitashot Photography 381 Gronow Photography 365 Le Studio Photo 385 Light Poet Photography 382 382 Littleones Photography Tomato Photo 275 382 Zosia Zacharia Photography Zurina Bryant Photography 382
Property Expat Realtor 238 137 Pontiac Land Singapore Service Residence 243
Travel & Leisure Alam Bali Villa Albia Villa Asia to Africa Safaris Asta Hotels & Resorts Bintan Resorts International Bonvo Travel Capella Singapore Chill Out Bali Eastern & Oriental Express Kemah Tinggi KLM Marketing Villas Mia Villa Neptune Group Nirwana Villa Kylie VIP Mountain Holidays
276 299 299 64 6&7 203 87 299 209 267 255 264 299 267 241 257 314
Motoring Services Audi AVIS Dave Motor Evergreen Rent A Car Expat Motor Singapore
IBC - Inside Back Cover
55 121 366 305 285
OBC - Outside Back Cover
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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency • Ambulance Service 995 • Ambulance Service 1777 (non-emergency) • Civil Ambulance 6333 3000 • Fire 995 • Green Crescent Ambulance 6788 8911 Service • Police 999 • Police Hotline 1800 353 0000 • Traffic Police 6547 1818 • 24-hr Emergency Road 6748 9911 Service • 24-hr Sewerage Services 1800 282 4336 • 24-hr Water (Pipes) 1800 284 6600 Services Hospitals
Public: • KK Women & Children’s • National University (NUH) • Singapore General (SGH) Private: • East Shore • Gleneagles • Mt Alvernia • Mt Elizabeth • Raffles Hospital • Thomson Medical Centre Churches • Danish Seaman's • International Baptist • St Andrew’s Cathedral (Anglican) • St Bernadette (Catholic) • St George’s (Anglican) • St Ignatius (Catholic) Postal Enquiries • SingPost Customer Service
6293 4044 6772 5000 6222 3322 6340 8666 6473 2222 6347 6210 6737 2666 6311 1555 6350 8812 6274 6344 6466 4911 6337 6104 6737 3529 6473 2877 6466 3225 1605
Associations & Organisations • Africa Society 9677 1042 • American Assoc. of Singapore 6738 0371 • American Women’s Assoc. 6733 6170 • Amitabha Buddhist Centre 6745 8547 • ANZA 6733 1215 • British Association 6339 8229 • Canadian Association 6734 5954 • Career Resource Centre 6733 4257 (CRCE) • Consumer Associations 6463 1811 (CASE) • French Association www.afsingapour.com • German Association 6467 8802 • PrimeTime Business & Professional Women’s Assoc. 6234 0973 • Protea Group of South Africa 6465 6908 6733 9249 • SACAC Counselling • Scandinavian Women’s Assoc. 6468 0568 • Singapore Oilwomen's Club 6365 2096 • Spanish Speaking Women’s 6254 7843 Assoc. • St Patrick’s Society 6466 6758 • Swiss Association www.swiss-sg.org • Friends of the Museum 6337 3685 Business & Trade • AmCham • Association of Dutch Businessmen • AustCham • Belgium & Luxembourg Business Association • BritCham • CanCham • Danish Business Association • EuroCham
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6235 0077 6263 4600 6738 7917 6324 4271 6222 3552 6622 5485 6318 3557 6532 5746
6322 2451 • Finnish Business Council • French Business Assoc. (FBA) 6895 8188 • German Business Assoc. (GBA) 6235 3733 • Irish Chamber of Commerce 6534 5100 • Italian Chamber of Commerce 6223 0356 • Japanese Chamber of 6221 0541 Commerce • New Zealand 6235 7119 Chamber of Commerce • Portuguese Business 6334 1231 Representative • Spanish Business 6224 2707 Representative • Swedish Business Association 6423 0610 • Swiss Business Association 6415 3812 Taxis • Comfort & City Cab • Comfort & City Cab Limo Cab Service • SMRT Taxis • Silver Cab • Singapore Explorer
6552 1111 6552 2828 6555 8888 6363 6888 6339 6833
Transportation • Bintan Resort Ferries • Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal • Harbour Front Info Services
6542 4369 6545 2123 6377 6311
Volunteer Organisations • Business Coalition on Aids • Dover Park Hospice • Green Volunteer Network • Kids’ Nature Society
6737 5451 6355 8200 6337 6062 6741 2036
6325 0955 • National Volunteer Centre • Riding for the Disabled (RDA) 6251 7020 • SPCA 6287 5355 Charity & Donation Outlets • East Coast Care Centre • Salvation Army • New2U Thrift Shop Flight Enquiries • Changi Airport • Departures & Arrivals • Seletar Airport Entertainment • SISTIC • Ticket Charge • The Esplanade Theatres
6241 8539 6555 0188 6837 0611 6542 1122 1800 542 4422 6481 0017 6348 5555 6296 2929 6828 8222
Help Lines & Support Groups • Alcoholics Anonymous 6475 0890 • Anti-Narcotics Association 1800 733 4444 • AWARE 6779 7137 • Drug & Poison Information 6423 9119 Centre • New Mothers Support Group www.nmsg-singapore.com (NMSG) 6221 2122 • Samaritans of Singapore • SOS Hotline 1 800 221 4444 Property • Expat Realtor 6255 1027 www.expatrealtor.net • Property Guru www.propertyguru.com.sg
WEBSITES Entertainment • www.eventshub.sg - Information on cultural and entertainment events • www.sistic.com.sg or www.ticketcharge.com.sg - Online bookings for events • www.gv.com.sg or www.cathay.com.sg - Online movie bookings Food & Groceries • www.coldstorage.com.sg • www.e-mart.com.sg • www.fairprice.com.sg • www.theorganicgrocer.com.sg • www.carrefour.com.sg Information • www.angloinfo.com - Online information and free interaction • www.can.com.sg - Local search engine •www.expatliving.sg - Online magazine, years of useful archive material, facts about the magazine, unique content •www.expatrealtor.net - Properties for sale and rent - previously Expat Rentals • www.google.com.sg - Singapore-specific search engine portal • www.hardwarezone.com.sg - Up-to-date computer prices in Singapore • www.gov.sg - For official matters pertaining to the government • www.primetime.org.sg - Meeting the networking needs of professional women • www.sg - An extensive site about Singapore services and what’s available • www.singaporefairs.com - Forthcoming fairs and bazaars • www.singapore-forum.com - A useful expat message board • www.singpost.com - Have you got the right postcode for your mail? • www.singtel.com - Directory of phone numbers and addresses • www.stb.com.sg - The Singapore Tourism Board • www.singaporeair.com - Flight information on SIA and Silk Air
FAMILY & EDUCATION
REGULARS
By Yelena Ganshof
“H
ow old is your child?” the flight attendant asks. “He’s two,” I say. “Then he is no longer eligible for a baby belt. He must stay buckled up in his own seat during takeoff. In case something happens, the insurance would not cover…” – her voice trails off. My husband and I look at each other, thinking “if something happens during this flight, who the hell would care after all?” From the moment we stepped onto the plane, it’s been clear that this hour-and-a-half flight from Brussels to Geneva won’t be as easypeasy as we were thinking. For one thing, our two-year-old refuses to sit in his seat during takeoff, preferring to jump around like he’s at a playground. Fortunately, another flight attendant rushes in with a baby security belt. Oh yes, I think, there is someone here with brains! But a few seconds into takeoff, my son is startled by the noise and starts to scream for Daddy to rescue him. Daddy and I look at each other again. “Let’s swap quickly!” I yell out. Of course, during our switch, the first
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flight attendant runs up to admonish us: “Stay in your seats!” A minute passes. Then, I hear my son calling “Mummy, Mummy, Mummy” – he wants to be taken back. I look at my husband and then at my son. It’s their problem now. I turn on a DVD player for our two girls so we can try to enjoy a quiet journey. I’m even able to open my book. The stewardess appears again, unsmiling as usual. We buy some water. At last, the landing sign comes on. Mummy’s turn to hold the baby again. Then, our five-year-old says she needs to go to the loo. She went twice at the airport – how is this possible? The flight attendant flashes us the look of a tiger that clearly says “no loo allowed during landing”. “Please hold on,” I beg my daughter, “we’re almost there!” Meanwhile,
the two-year-old on my lap starts to scream as soon as the tight seatbelt goes around him. The five-year-old is crying now, too, saying she can’t wait any longer, while the six-year-old is loudly encouraging her sister to hold on. Daddy is so annoyed by the crew that I think steam might start coming out of his head. Suddenly, he finds a paper bag from the seat pocket and hands it to me. I hesitate. Well, it’s coming... in a paper bag, a bottle, a cup, whatever my hands can find. Done. Relieved. My husband, a frequent business traveller, once said that flying alone is like taking a cruise, and that flying with kids is like working on a cruise. So true! In any case, whether you are taking a cruise or working on one, just come prepared – you don’t always get as much help as you might be hoping for! eL
Tell us your thoughts! Do you have any tales like this reader’s? What’s your take on her predicament or on travelling with children in general? Tell us your thoughts on this story or send in your own on any topic under the sun. We welcome comments and contributions that are funny, poignant, practical, biting and even controversial. Email contribute@expatliving.sg.