Living in Singapore Magazine - September/October 2023

September/October 2023

GEMS IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR CITY-STATE

An overview of some of Singapore's best parks

SAVORING SAFELY ABROAD

Eating out with food allergies

EXPLORING CULINARY DELIGHTS AT RAFFLES

A look at some of the food and beverage offerings at the iconic hotel

SRI LANKA - THE ISLE WITH EVERYTHING

Learn about all there is to see in Sri Lanka

Bringing Two Iconic Brands Together

Jack Daniel’s and McLaren Racing announced a multi-year partnership making Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team beginning in 2023. Jack Daniel’s has over 155 years of heritage in crafting whiskey and will enter Formula 1 for the first time with McLaren to evolve its global presence and reach new consumers.

In celebration of Jack Daniel’s partnership with McLaren Formula 1 team, fans now have the opportunity to own a piece of brand history – in a bottle. This limited edition bottle design for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey commemorates the two pioneering founders behind each of these iconic brands –Mr Jack Daniel himself and Bruce McLaren.

This limited edition bottle is available at selected supermarkets across Singapore and Brown-Forman Flagship Store in Lazada & Shopee. Grab yours now!

who we are

Just like that, the summer is effectively over: kids are back in school, and everyone is back to the grind. To make the transition a little bit easier, we held a Welcome Back Celebration with our title sponsor, XCL American Academy, at the new Bird Paradise Mandai, and we had a wonderful time! It was so much fun to see everyone back from holidays, and really neat to see so many birds up close.

We've got a lot coming up this fall, including a Pickleball Bash. We hear pickleball is all the rage back in the States, so we wanted to get in on some of the fun ourselves, and give our members the opportunity to try out this hot new sport.

Our softball team, the Yankee Noodles, is about to start its season, and we're happy to be able to continue partnering with ACRES to offer our members the chance to volunteer. If artwork is your thing, we've got a session coming up on investing in art; or if you'd like to show what you know, we have a quiz night that is sure to be fun.

Make sure you save the date for our annual Toys for Tots event on December 4. It's always a nice time and for a wonderful cause. And of course, you won't want to miss the 88th George Washington Ball, taking place on January 27, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. Start

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Susan Williams communications@aasingapore.com

Publishing Editor: Melinda Murphy generalmanager@aasingapore.com

LAYOUT

Graphic Designer: Susan Williams graphics@aasingapore.com

ADVERTISING

Advertising Manager: Thila Chandra thila@aasingapore.com

COLUMNIST

Andrea McKenna Brankin

CONTRIBUTORS

Asif R. Chowdhury, Tiara Giles, Maisie H., Richard Hartung, Kyle D. Hegarty, Lillian Hudson, Selina Joyelise Hudson, Melanie Elyse McDonald, Sophia Ragland, Simon Thomas, Logan W., Susan Williams

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS

President: Ashok Lalwani

Vice President: Mkulima Britt

Treasurer: Naureen Rasul

Secretary: Jennifer Yarbrough

Directors-at-Large: Ed Fitzpatrick, Aaron Kim, Daniel Moss, Michelle Reeb, Priyesh Shah

AmCham: Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei

AWA: Julia Tan

SACAC: Dan Levine

SAS: Kyle Aldous

The American Club: Adam Radicic Non-Voting Members

US Embassy: Lisa Liao

US Navy COMLOG WESTPAC: Rear Admiral Mark Melson

AAS: Melinda Murphy

PUBLISHER – AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

The American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, notfor-profit organization established to enhance the well-being and living experience of Americans residing in Singapore and to promote relationships, both business and social, between Americans and those from different cultures and nationalities.

56A Boat Quay, Singapore 049845 • (+65) 8030 6183 admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com

Living In Singapore magazine will be released six times per year, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.

SUBSCRIPTION

Editor-in-Chief

A subscription to Living in Singapore is complementary with an AAS membership. AAS annual family membership is $120.

To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have Living in Singapore magazine delivered to your inbox. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. Living in Singapore welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material.

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what’s in...

Community News

Gems in the Middle of Our City-State Learn about Singapore's beautiful parks.

44 Exploring Culinary Delights at Raffles Hotel Raffles Hotel is more than a place to lay your head.

Savoring Safely Abroad

Eating out with food allergies can be tricky - here are some

Sri Lanka - The Magical Isle Everything you could want in a holiday is here.

56 Exploring Komodo National Park

A 3-day, 2-night cruise is a great way to see Komodo.

message from the president

By Ashok Lalwani

It has been a very busy summer for AAS. We celebrated July 4th at the Bay East Bridge in Bay East Garden. It was a fantastic and fun family affair! There were games, watermelon eating contests, pie bake-offs that had many sumptuous entries vying for the top prize, a roving Dixieland band, and lots of food and drinks. A special thank you to all of the volunteers and the AAS team that pulled the event together. The July 4th event will go back to its usual home next year, the campus of our lead sponsor for this annual celebration, Singapore American School.

We kicked off the new academic year with our Welcome Back Celebration at the brand new and recently opened Bird Paradise Mandai, Asia’s largest bird park. People were clearly excited to be back and sold out this event. A special thanks to the lead sponsor, XCL American Academy, for their support.

We have been told by members that they want to get more involved with the community and get out and do things and volunteer. With that in mind, we hope to bring more activities that fit the bill. The Yankee Noodles, our softball team, will be playing their first game of the new season on September 10. They are still looking for players, so please do sign up. Another season of Fantasy Football is kicking off soon, and you can join the American Dragons if you like to row. There are also opportunities to volunteer. Check out our website for details.

Finally, we are excited about the newest edition of the Living In Singapore Reference Guide, which is here and available for purchase. AAS has published this bible for living in Singapore since 1977. The book is available in both hard and soft copy.

American Community Organizations Directory

AAS aasingapore.com

AmCham amcham.com.sg

American Dragons americandragons.sg

Scouts

BSA Troop 07: www.bsatroop07.org

BSA Troop 10: www.sgtroop10.org

AWA awasingapore.org

Navy League nlus-sgp.org

SACAC Sports safl.sacac.com

BSA Troop 1010: sgtroop1010@gmail.com

SAS sas.edu.sg

SAIS sais.edu.sg

The American Club amclub.org.sg

US Embassy sg.usembassy.gov

Cub Scouts Pack 3017: cubscoutsusa.com.sg

USA Girl Scouts: www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org

member benefits

225SmokeHouse

AAS members receive 10% off. Valid through 5/31/24.

AmCham Singapore

AAS members have access to select events, normally only accessible through corporate membership.

American Dragons

AAS paid members receive 20% off the American Dragons membership fees.

Core Holistic Nutrition

Get 10% off the initial consultation rate. WhatsApp: +65 8789 9064. contact@ coreholisticnutrition.com. Valid through 10/31/23.

Estheclinic 15% discount for all treatments. Valid through 12/30/23.

Expat Dental

AAS members enjoy a corporate partnership. Contact Expat Dental for details on pricing.

Expat Living magazine

Free six-month subscription. Valid through 12/30/23.

Hard Rock Cafe

15% discount on food and beverage upon showing a screenshot of your membership. Valid through 12/30/23.

Hedgers Carpet

Free high-quality underlayment with every purchase at our store (while stocks last). Valid through 12/15/23.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

15% discount for à la carte food bill for dine-in only. Blackout dates apply. Valid through 12/20/23.

Maharaja's

AAS Members enjoy 15% discount off tailor-made clothes (Men & Women) at their two outlets. Valid through 12/30/23.

Motorist

15% off car insurance quotes. Valid through 12/30/23.

New World's End

AAS members enjoy a 10% discount. Valid through 12/31/23.

Poke Theory

AAS members get a 10% discount. Flash your membership profile to the friendly staff to redeem this perk! Exclusively at Katong Square #01-12. Valid through 12/30/23.

PrimeTime

Female AAS members enjoy 10% off published rates for PrimeTime events.

Raffles Hotel

20% discount at Raffles Spa Mon-Thu; 15% off regular-priced items at Raffles Boutique & Floral Boutique; 15% off total bill at Raffles restaurants. Blackout dates apply. Valid through 12/22/23.

Solescape

AAS members enjoy 15% discount on initial consultation at Family Podiatry Centre and 10% discount on their purchase of a pair of shoes. Valid through 12/30/23.

Telunas Resorts

Book a minimum 2-night stary at Telunas Private Island or Beach Reosrt to enjoy a complimentary 60-minute massage for 2 adults. Valid through 12/19/23.

The Counselling Place

AAS members enjoy 10% discount for their first session. Valid through 12/30/23.

The Fullerton Hotel

AAS members special rates on various dining options. Valid through 5/31/24.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

AAS members special rates on various dining options. Valid through 5/31/24.

The Residence Bintan

AAS members get 15% off Best Available Rate, 10% off Recreational Activities, 10% off Spa Treatments. Valid through 12/30/23.

Winesave

AAS members get 15% off Winesave PRO and Avina Champagne and Wine stoppers. Valid through 12/30/23.

Zest

AAS members enjoy 15% off first-time purchases. Valid through 9/30/23.

Scan or click here for our full member benefits page and more details on each benefit.

Click Through to Find Out What’s Planned at AAS and at Our Sister Orgs

American Women’s Association Navy League

AAS at ACRES Sep 16, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Investing in Fine Art Sep 21, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Quiz & BBQ Night Sep 28, 7:00 – 10:00 PM Teachers Night:

Cabaret

The American Club US Embassy

AAS Strategic Partners

Patriot Partners

TO BE FIVE! We’re Happy

Raise a roar as we amp up the vibe with 5 mind-blowing inclusions for an epic stay!

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EXCLUSIVE: UNITY™ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% SAVINGS

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During your stay, enjoy free access to the Adventure Waterpark, breakfast, 15% discount on dining and Rock Shop®, and one complimentary Rock Shop® 3R Water Flask (while stocks last), valued at RM100. (Terms and conditions apply.)

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Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Johor Darul Ta'zim, 81930, Malaysia

We had an amazing time at our Fourth of July celebration! Thank you to our long-time title sponsor, Singapore American School! The venue gave us a great view of the marina, and sheltered us from a few sprinkles that passed by over the course of the evening.

Congratulations to our Best Dressed winners! Our family winners took home a family four-pack of movie tickets, while our individual winner received a $100 voucher to Hard Rock Cafe.

Our watermelon eating contest, sponsored by Little Farms, was a blast. Who knew eating watermelon could be so much fun...or messy?! Congrats to our winners!

The New Stream Brass Band brought the party to life with their upbeat roving performances. We had lots of carnival games, crafts by Whizz Kidz, face painting sponsored by Stamford American International School, a photo booth courtesy of Harley-Davidson, and bouncy castles sponsored by XCL American Academy.

Thank you to our speaker Deputy Chief of Mission Casey Mace, and to our AAS President Ashok Lalwani for emceeing the official ceremony.

Our child and teen champs, Marius Camacho and Shaanvi Lahiri, each took home four tickets to Adventure Cove Waterpark. Our adult winner, Rob Reynolds, traded in watermelon for beef with a $250 gift certificate to Lawry's the Prime Rib.

Best Pie Baker in Singapore!

Congrats to Christy Lam who won our Pie-Baking Contest with her delicious and traditional apple pie! Christy took home a bespoke apron, chef's hat and engraved pie server, as well as a $200 voucher to Lawry's The Prime Rib! Thanks to our judges Paige Okun, Joel Yarbrough, and AAS President Ashok Lalwani.

Of course, it's not the Fourth of July without great food! This year we had a huge selection from vendors including The American Club, Hoe Brothers Catering, Vatos Urban Tacos, and 225Smokehouse. They provided the perfect fare for the occasion. We also had popcorn and cotton candy sponsored by Allied, as well as snow cones. Jack Daniels provided cocktails, while Specific Gravity brought the beer,

Our Volunteers Rock!

We truly couldn't have done it without our fabulous team of volunteers! Thanks to everyone who pitched in a bit of time to help make our event a success. It's true what they say, "Many hands make light work." All of the games, crafts, and competitions added such a fun element to the day.

A big thank you to all our prize donors for the day: Twenty Five Degrees, ABA Productions, Amped Trampoline Park, Greenwood Fish Market, Guzman y Gomez, Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel G, Huber's Butchery, Kinokuniya, Lawry's The Prime Rib, Little Farms, Maharaja's Custom Tailors, Mega Adventure Park, Singapore Repertory Theatre,

Skyline Luge, Telunas Resorts, The Fullerton Hotel, The Little Showcase, Tribe Tours, Weber, and Winesave. It was also great to have Raffles Medical on hand to provide first aid services (just in case!). Thanks also to International Medical Clinic, SmileFocus, and White Glove for sponsoring games; American Women's Association, Canadian Association of Singapore, USAGSO Singapore, the Navy League, and the American Dragons for helping to run games; and Allied for providing logistics support. And, of course, a huge shout out to our title sponsor, Singapore American School.

We can’t wait to celebrate again next year!

Thank You!

Title Sponsor

Prize Sponsors

Game Sponsors

For more photos of the event, click here.

Bouncy Castle Sponsor Beverage Sponsors

Medical Support

Logistics Partner

Watermelon Sponsor

Photo Booth Sponsor

Face Painting Sponsor

Craft Corner Sponsor

We had an amazing time at our Welcome Back Celebration, sponsored by XCL American Academy, and hope you did, too. it was great seeing everyone reconnecting, getting their faces painted, photos taken, and enjoying breakfast. And wow! What a bird park! We hope you all had as much fun as we did. It was truly wonderful getting to meet you one and all.

Thank you to our title sponsor, XCL American Academy, and to Expat Dental for sponsoring the photo booth, and International Medical Clinic for sponsoring the face painting!

See more photos here.

FIND YOUR EXCELLENCE HERE

Discover the benefits of a world-class education for your children. As one of the best international schools in Singapore, we are dedicated to providing a well-rounded education that will help your children find their unique passions and reach their full potential. Our experienced teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic curriculum offer a unique learning experience that will challenge and inspire them. With our focus on innovation and excellence, and by providing a nurturing environment, your children will be able to find their excellence here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to give your children the best education.

Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D

Period of registration: August 9, 2022 to August 8, 2026

HoneyKids Asia Singapore Education Awards 2021 International School of the Year

HoneyKids Asia Singapore Education Awards 2022 International School of the Year

Scout Life

By Logan W., BSA Troop 10

Camping off-island is a fun experience because you can explore new places in the tropical region without much urbanization. I especially recommend Pulau Hantu because it is quiet and secluded, with few visitors, making it feel like a real jungle. During off-island campouts, you get to do more survivalist and wilderness activities, such as building fires, learning hands-on jungle survival tips and tricks, and – depending on where you are there are special activities like kayaking, fishing, and hut building. You can even go to places like Malaysia and Thailand to do campouts there. One of my favorite off-island campouts was Pulau Ubin. We did several activities, including fishing, bonfire building, and performing skits. We saw some animals there: a snake, an orb weaver spider, monitor lizards, and birds. I was grub master for my patrol on that campout, which meant I was responsible for lunch and dinner on Saturday. I prepared burgers for lunch, and we had pasta and vegetables for dinner. It was fun to cook outside on the camping stoves.

We needed to take a bum boat over to the island to get to Pulau Ubin. We met at Changi Point Ferry late afternoon on Friday. It only takes about fifteen minutes to get to the island. When we arrived, my friend and I went in a minivan to our campsite. We immediately started to set up our tent as it was getting dark. Once the tent was up, we unpacked and relaxed.

When everyone had set up, we did a night walk along the beach and saw loads of hermit crabs.

The following day, we woke up, ate breakfast then went fishing. No one caught very much in the morning. We went back to camp to have lunch, then tried fishing again. Everyone caught something this time. We caught many needlefish, which were easy to catch, and I think I caught the same one twice. All the fish were returned to the water after catching them. I really enjoyed the fishing as it was relaxing. When we’d finished fishing, we went back to camp for dinner. After dinner, we sat around the fire pit and performed our skits, which we had been preparing for during the day. It was good fun performing the skit in front of the rest of the troop. I was exhausted after a busy day and slept well that night. During the night, it was pleasant and mild. This was very different from the day, which was hot.

Sunday morning, I was awake pretty early. We had breakfast, packed up all the stuff, and took the minivan back to the dock. We went by boat

back to the mainland, unpacked the boats, and headed home.

In short, off-island campouts are a fun way to disengage from the modern world and live in the beautiful wilderness, even for only two and a half days.

Girl Scout Convention

by Maisie H., Senior Troop 82

Girl Scout Convention occurs once every three years. However, it was unfortunately another victim of Covid and wasn’t hosted in 2020, making me extremely excited for this year’s convention. In addition to the painfully long wait, this year’s convention was at Disney World in Florida, so I simply had to go!

The first night was the Opening Ceremony where many celebrities spoke, such as Susan Egan, who played Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway and voiced Meg in Hercules; That Girl Lay Lay; and many of the female stars of Disney on Broadway. When “Let it Go” was sung, every one of the 10,000 girls from across the globe in attendance sang along in a mighty show of togetherness.

At the actual convention the next day, there was the Hall of Experiences with a huge number of fun activities to choose from such as touching a real space rock, exploring a Coast Guard boat indoors (I am still not sure how they managed to pull that off), throwing axes, making crafts, climbing rock walls, and my personal favorite, of course, eating Girl Scout cookies. I am not ashamed to admit that I went into the cookie queue three times, and I could tell by the line that I wasn’t the only one.

In addition to games, there were booths set up with specialists in various professions, where my cousin, an aspiring engineer, could learn about what steps she should take to reach that goal. I learned about different careers I might want to consider pursuing.

Overall, I found this experience to be very exciting and enlightening and, if you are willing to make the trip, I would definitely recommend going.

Cecelia, a Daisy from Singapore, also went to the convention

The Trilogy

By Sophia Ragland, Scouts BSA Troop 1010G

Perhaps a decade ago, the Far East Council (FEC) established the “Trilogy” - a series of three, high-adventure, week-long Scout summer camps cycling between Mongolia, Thailand, and Nepal. During these camps, Scouts meet fellow Scouts from troops all over the FEC and work on merit badges, do community service, perform skits, attend flag ceremonies, and generally have a blast. This summer’s trilogy camp rotation was six nights in Nepal at the Kakani Scout camp near the Himalayan mountains, just north of Kathmandu. It was super rainy, which caused the campgrounds to be extremely muddy. Still, the views were absolutely amazing, and camping in cool weather was a nice change from the tropical heat and humidity here in Singapore. I attended the Trilogy camp last year in Thailand as a Scout.This year, since I’ve turned 18 and aged out of Scouting, I went to Nepal as a merit badge counselor for the Archery merit badge. Instead of shuffling between merit badge sessions and going on group hikes, I spent my day talking to the Scouts and teaching them about archery. I did presentations alongside the other adult leaders on safety and technique, and – once they got to the actual shooting – I helped correct their form and encouraged them as they worked to earn the merit badge.

While I missed the fun of doing all the different merit badges as a Scout, it was rewarding helping Scouts and watching them learn and improve their Archery skills. It was also an excellent opportunity to gain teaching experience and hone my communication skills. However, since I was closer in age to all of the Scouts than the other adult leaders, I still had the benefits of many Scouts coming and talking to me like I was a fellow Scout. While I recorded their scores, Scouts would run up to me either excitedly to tell me about how well they did or to explain that they were disappointed with their scores, giving me a chance to encourage them and help them figure out how to improve. The Scouts nicknamed me “Katniss,” after the archer protagonist in the Hunger Games trilogy.

Though I was sad to have aged out of Scouting, Camp Nepal was a cool reminder that Scouting doesn’t have to end when you turn 18. It can be a life-long adventure. Next year, the Trilogy camp will be in Mongolia. If I still want to be an archery merit badge counselor, I may need to up my game and learn to shoot while riding on horseback. I’m just kidding, but you never know.

A Culture of Sustainability and Wellness

By Simon Thomas, Director of Facilities and Services

Singapore American School continues to strive towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. With SAS Reimagined, our sustainable design vision creates an environment where students can feel and see its significance and are empowered to make changes. The design promotes sustainability education and equips students with knowledge, innovation, and experiences. The campus is a living laboratory, where every corner becomes a potential learning experience, allowing students to explore and engage with sustainability concepts in various aspects of their education.

“Sustainability is an integral part of education today and a vital part of the SAS vision for cultivating exceptional thinkers prepared for the future. The plans for the new elementary school provide potential possibilities to integrate the important lessons of sustainability throughout the curriculum by providing opportunities for the kids to not only create their ideas but to execute and be hands-on throughout the process so they can learn to be proactive and active, responsible and respectful environmental stewards.”

—Shalyn Wong, Parent

Sustainable Building Design

Our campus upgrade project, SAS Reimagined, is designed with sustainability in mind and features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting. Focusing on optimizing human performance, we continue to work towards an environment that encourages students and adults to perform at their best and feel well while learning.

Biophilic design, good air quality, natural light, and acoustics are part of the SAS Reimagined design process. The aim is to contribute to the overall well-being of our students and

educators and offer enhanced learning experiences. SAS has also implemented standards like WELL and the Living Building Challenge to go beyond energy and water efficiency. Factors affecting wellness, such as acoustics, carbon footprint reduction, and even choice of materials, have been taken into consideration throughout the design process.

Sustainable Operations

Over the years, SAS has implemented several energy-saving measures, such as motion-sensor lights and water-saving fixtures. SAS also has a zero-waste goal and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce waste, such as composting and recycling.

Our sustainability initiatives have helped to greatly reduce our environmental impact, including our carbon footprint, water usage, and waste production.

Student Engagement and Environmental Stewardship

SAS provides students with opportunities to learn about sustainability and environmental stewardship through its curriculum and extracurricular activities. As part of the interdisciplinary sustainability unit, sixth-grade learning communities at SAS spent time exploring the complexity of sustainability through an introduction to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainability Compass, issues of sustainability on our nature, society, economy, and well-being, and considering factors that influence and the impact of actions we may take to address issues of sustainability. They also examined local sustainable practices in Singapore’s new Tengah

“A school is a place where people come together and share the same values. Forty years ago, few people cared about the fragility of the earth, but today we do care about energy use and climate change. Our new campus is important because it can be the best expression of our responsibility toward sustainability. This value will be applied not only to the visible part of the buildings, but also to the science and knowledge behind it and will inspire students to be good stewards of the environment.”

— Francesca Pauletto, Parent

town, with the role of running a sustainable design architecture company and creating a specialized and sustainable HDB apartment in Tengah for their client.

Collaboration with the Community

Located in a quiet enclave of Woodlands, next to the west fields at SAS, the SAS Community Garden offers 99 plots for neighboring residents. Gardeners come in daily to nurture their greens and find a space to relax, bond, and socialize with fellow gardeners. "The community plays a key role in the stewardship for nature, and this partnership with the Woodlands community is instrumental in encouraging cooperation, volunteerism, a respect for diversity, and ecological awareness among those who engage in this work," said SAS Superintendent Tom Boasberg.

HEAD SPACE

Welcome to the Head Space column, where we’ll discuss all matters related to mental health and how it relates to our lives here in Singapore. By Andrea McKenna Brankin.

Trying New Things Opens Up New Pathways

Many times, we find ourselves doing the same things over and over. And then there are times when the whole world gets turned upside down, and we have to figure out a new way to think, live and thrive. Maybe it’s a move to Singapore from the US or elsewhere, or maybe your kids are going into Middle School and High School at the same time. Whatever the change we face, our brains and mental capacity are making adjustments to the new way of doing things.

I faced my own fear-induced pathway change while on vacation this summer. We crisscrossed the US and hit cities, towns, and beaches via planes, bridges, trains, and ferries. But it was the cycling outing that really forced me to move forward in my thinking. Our family decided to Bike the Bridge on a layover in San Francisco – The Golden Gate Bridge, to be exact! The salespeople made the hills sound marginal and assured us we could handle them. Going up was hard, and we often ended up walking, though my daughter pushed through on a few parts, impressing even the local cyclists. But then there was the downhill part.

OMG. Downhill biking in San Francisco is no joke!

The back story is that our daughter has never been very interested in cycling. And, of course, Singapore has NO hills at all, so even if she ventured out with her friends, I didn’t worry about her flying over her handlebars like my husband and I did as kids. (Chris still has the scar on his upper lip!)

Fast forward to August 1 when we were in single file flying headlong from the Golden Gate down, down, down, spiraling into the quaint town of Sausalito. The road was uneven, cars were flying by us, and my daughter was lined up behind me, where I couldn’t watch her. “Ride the brake!” I kept yelling at her, but with 30 MPH wind, you couldn’t hear anything from anyone. My mind was racing so fast to try to manage this “flying blind” parenting situation. But it turns out the learning curve was just as much for me as it may have been for my daughter, who thought the hills were awesome. Consider my brain pathways challenged and changed.

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Once I had a chardonnay in my hand off the bike, I could wrap my head around the fact that we got through a reasonably dangerous trek as a family, both internally (for me) and externally (for all). And I learned that my daughter could handle it. She learned how to ride a bike downhill in San Francisco.

The good thing about new ventures is starting a new routine. As we know from brain science, learning something differentcreates new brain pathways that allow our minds to grow and continue to learn rather than staying stagnant and idle. New pathways can also help people overcome mental distress, such as overcoming fears, quelling anxiety, and even lifting out of debilitating depression.

So, if you’re facing significant changes, new surroundings, and a whole new life as you know it, I hope you will learn to embrace it and let those pathways clear the way for a fulfilling life here in Singapore. Since we’ve returned, I’m hearing a new pathway from my daughter, “Mom, I want a bike.”

105 Cecil Street, #11-00 The Octagon, Singapore 069534

Gems in the Middle of Our City-State

By Asif R. Chowdhury

For a tiny nation, Singapore has a surprising abundance of nature reserves and parks all around the island. Almost all of them have nice and pleasant walking, jogging, hiking, and biking trails adorned by the lush greenery of the forest and some by large water reservoirs resembling beautiful lakes. The country is only 281 square miles, about 31 miles from east to west and 17 miles north to south. So, the value of land is of the ultimate premium in Singapore. Yet, the city-state has avoided becoming an island of concrete jungle like many of its other Southeast Asian cousins. Amazingly, this tiny country has more than 300 parks, four key nature reserves, and more than 25 hiking trails. These parks and forests scattered over the island are true gems harmoniously coexisting with the otherwise bustling city landscape. Clearly, Singapore lives up quite well to its “Garden City” nickname.

This “garden city” vision goes back to the very early days of Singapore, introduced by its founding father and visionary leader Lee Kuan Yew. He envisioned a city with not only concrete buildings and skyscrapers but one with abundant lush greenery and a clean environment for a healthy and balanced lifestyle for its citizens and residents. He also rightfully believed that having a well-planned,

well-designed, well-managed, clean, and safe city-state would encourage and entice foreign investment and tourists alike. The first step in implementing the initiative was an islandwide, tree-planting program spearheaded by the Parks and Tree Division in the late 1960s. By the end of 1970, 55,000 new trees were planted. By June 2014, that number had grown to 1.4 million. In 1975, the government enacted the Parks and Trees Act to ensure that lands and spaces for greenery, parks, and nature reserves were set aside as the country was slowly emerging as an important business center and local economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia. What we see today is the

result of decades of planning and developing the city with Lee Kuan Yew’s original “garden city” vision in mind.

Despite its small size, the island is divided into five regions: South East, North East, Central, North West and South West. Check out the map where a list of major parks and nature reserves is summarized alongside a map of Singapore. The approximate distance of a typical trail in each park and reserve is also provided in parenthesis. Many of them also have multiple sub-trails off the main trail, allowing for a longer

route if one is inclined to go for a more strenuous hike. There are just too many of them to describe individually, but a few are worth mentioning, hopefully providing you with a broader idea about these parks and natural reserves.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park: MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s largest and the first-ever built park. Completed in the 1860s, it enabled the first-ever public water supply system to be implemented. Today, it is one of the more popular places for hiking, jogging, and walking for locals and expats alike. The main trail, which circles the park, is seven miles long, but there are quite a few sub-trails to choose from, making the hike longer. The most popular subtrail leads to the must-visit TreeTop Walk. It is a suspension walkway about 800 feet long, at a little over 80 feet height, connecting the two highest points of the reservoir. The name is appropriate as it is literally the same height or taller than most treetops in the forest. There is also a 1.2-mile-long boardwalk that adorns the water on one side and lush green forest on the other, providing some stunning views and vistas. Located a mere five miles from the city center, this park is one of the best places in Singapore for a reasonably challenging hike or a long leisurely stroll.

Coming Soon!

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This park has one of the most challenging hiking trails, as the primary path goes straight up a hill leading to the highest point of Singapore. Even though it is only 538 feet high, it can be a challenging hike if you aren’t in reasonably good shape. Bukit Timah Reserve contains one of the largest swaths of forest that remains in Singapore. As in most other parks, there are quite a few smaller trails off the main walkway providing a fantastic feeling of being in the middle of a rainforest. These sub-trails have significant uphill and downhill walkways and are excellent places for people who desire a more challenging hiking experience. It is almost impossible to imagine that you’re still in the middle of a city while walking up and down these trails in the middle of this forest. The tranquility of the surrounding nature, views of the lush green forest, and the soothing sounds of the constant birds chirping make this park a truly charming place to visit and provide a quick and easy escape from the busy, congested, and humdrum of the metropolis.

Changi Beach Park: Despite being an island, Singapore has surprisingly few public beaches. Located on the east coast, this park is one of the

handful of places that offers a nearly two-milelong, pristine white beach with coconut trees that retains an original kampong (local village) setting. This is one of the more popular parks for locals and expats. There is a seafood bistro in the park, while the nearby Changi Village offers a variety of dining choices. It is common to see families gathering at the park for barbecues, picnics, and swimming, especially in the evenings and on the weekends. The new Changi Bay Park Connector opened in 2022, and it connects the Beach Park to the East Coast Park and a few other parks in the same area. The connector offers a longer and more scenic coastal route for bikers and hikers. This is one of the nicer places to visit, especially if you long for the beach.

Upper Seletar Reservoir Park:

The park is filled with lush greenery along with the vast reservoir on one side and the Mandai Executive nine-hole golf course on the other. With 37 acres of natural vegetation, the park is a favorite spot among local nature lovers and bird photographers. However, it is less popular and well-known than other nature reserves, especially within the expat community, as it is a bit further removed from the city center. Apart from the greenery of the surrounding forest, there are three main attractions at Seletar Park: the lone Casuarina tree, the out-of-thisworld Rocket Tower, and of course, the vast lake of the reservoir itself. The lone Casuarina tree against the backdrop of the vast mass of water provides a stunning view of the reservoir. There are two benches symmetrically placed on each side of the tree, making this a lovely spot to watch the amazing colors of the sunrise and the sunset. The tree is a very popular photo shoot spot for newlywed couples. The Rocket Tower literally looks like a spaceship from a

throughout the park’s entire length, creating a beautiful waterfront promenade. As the sun sets over the horizon across the vast lake, the color of both the water and the sky turns pink, then orange, and finally to a blazing fiery red, providing some amazingly stunning views. While relatively secluded, it is a worthy competitor to some of the island's other parks and nature reserves.

sci-fi movie and is especially popular with kids of all ages. It has a spiral staircase to the top, providing an unobstructed 360-degree view of the park and the reservoir, which adults are equally likely to enjoy. The reservoir stretches

Woodlands Waterfront Park: This scenic coastal park along the Singapore Causeway provides an exceptional view of the skyline of the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru, a small distance across the sea. Located in Woodlands, the park is the northernmost tip of the island. The place is quite popular among the Woodlands residents, but is a relatively well-kept secret from the rest, especially the expatriate community, perhaps because it is pretty far from the city center (far by Singapore standards). This 27acre park boasts amazing fauna and a variety of wildlife; it is not uncommon to see monitor lizards crossing the narrow street along the seaside leading into the park grounds. The park has a few winding walking trails, but the best place to walk or jog is the mile-long promenade along the causeway overlooking the water with a panoramic view of the skyscrapers of Johor Bahru. The often crowded “First Link,” or the

bridge between Singapore and Malaysia, can be seen from most parts of the park and the promenade. A 1,300-foot-long L-shaped boardwalk jetties out into the ocean from the middle of the Waterfront Park. There is also an authentic local seafood restaurant in the middle of the boardwalk called Rasa Istimewa Waterfront, offering delicious chili and pepper crab, among many other choices. One of the best times to visit the park is during the evening, as nature provides a mesmerizing twilight show as the sun slowly goes down the horizon across the causeway over Malaysia, and the city of Johor slowly lights up, providing an equally gorgeous night view. Lush greenery, gentle waves, the calming sea breeze, and the open sky, along with the panoramic view of the high-rises of Johor across the causeway, make it another great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Most of the parks and nature reserves are accessible using public transport. Almost all of them also have parking spaces, and the larger ones have multiple parking spots around the entrance areas. All the parks are equipped with restrooms and drinking water located around them. Each park has its own webpage with detailed descriptions of the trails, amenities, and recommendations. It is always a good idea to consult these web pages to understand the area before visiting it for the first time.

Despite the tropical heat, most hiking trails are surrounded by large trees providing ample shade. While this will not offer any protection

from the high tropical humidity, it does protect against direct exposure to the sun, providing a sense of coolness. Besides, what’s the purpose of a hike if you’re not prepared to sweat?

It is worth exploring some of these trails while in Singapore. Visitors will likely be pleasantly surprised as the surrounding lush greenery will seem to transport them deep into a forest with wonderful natural sounds of birds chirping, monkeys playing on trees, and occasional sites of wilds boars, lizards, snakes, and otters (if you are lucky). There is quite a collection of wild animals on the island, even today. It is a side of the island that many visitors rarely see and explore, as people rarely equate Singapore with nature and hiking. The new expatriates to Singapore, especially those who covet to be around nature, will find these tranquil greeneries a welcoming change-in-pace from everyday city life. So, gear up and enjoy walking, hiking, or biking on these beautiful trails. But most importantly, please ensure to drink plenty of water and keep hydrated.

AN EDUCATION THAT OFFERS EVERYTHING

Dover Court International School is a community with inclusion at its heart. As the only fully inclusive international school in Singapore built upon the framework of the National Curriculum for England, DCIS is unique in providing diverse academic paths that enable every student to go further than they thought possible.

Over its more than 50-year history, DCIS has established a reputation for providing outstanding teaching, a comprehensive learning experience, and a nurturing environment that builds confident global citizens prepared for whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Inclusivity inspires success at Dover Court International School, where happy, supported students from more than 60 nationalities achieve remarkable things – including world-leading academic results. We build strong foundations for learning and self-discovery, cultivating agency so that students are empowered and equipped to take on global challenges. Celebrating multiculturalism and

neurodiversity, we champion inclusivity to ensure success for every child.

The three flexible education pathways – where every aspect of learning is adapted to individual needs – ensure each child goes further than they ever thought possible. All students across the three pathways closely interact with each other, creating a nurturing environment where an awareness of a truly diverse world is formed.

We place great importance on developing the whole child –physically, academically, socially, and spiritually. To achieve this, we collaborate with parents to understand their different views on education and their expectations of our school.

Multiple programmes in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) ensure there is a route to success for all students, whether it’s through the IB Diploma Programme, with students continuing to world-class universities, IB Courses, or a more vocational education, such as International BTEC Levels 2 and 3 in Business.

Part of the Nord Anglia Education family of 80+ premium international schools, students benefit from exclusive collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and the IMG Academy.

Singapore’s Understory

By Kyle D. Hegarty

Eighty percent of Singaporeans live in one of the one million government-built apartment units. They’re agreeable, pleasant even. Slide open a large window in the living room or bedroom, and you will likely find two small hooks embedded in the painted concrete facade roughly one meter apart.

To understand Singapore, these little hooks are a good place to start.

These hooks exist to display the Singapore flag. But you would be wrong if you were picturing one million flags draped in unison. Displaying the flag is not required; it is optional. You could imagine a head of state insisting that those little hooks be used always, and that would have made Singapore a very different place. No, these hooks come with a more practical and limited set of instructions. Not only is it optional to fly a flag, but a flag can only be hung up from July 1st through the end of September. Nationalism is good, but too much or too little can lead to problems. This “Goldilocks nationalism” seems to work here.

Oh, and no other flags are allowed to be displayed, thank you very much.

Yes, this is a place that likes to plan. Someone planned this, and someone executed it, and a series of rules and laws took the plan from theory to reality. Singapore is a place not only comfortable with rules, but it is a place that seeks them out before moving forward. Past proofs are better than future gambles. In an era of growing uncertainty, Singapore continues to engineer a society with a fairly robust, protective umbrella, right down to those painted hooks.

And speaking of umbrellas, cast your gaze down from the high-rise towers with the sporadic red and white flags (assuming it’s flag season) and consider the rain trees that line so many

roads crisscrossing the 190-kilometer city-state. Like many of the citizens, these gorgeous trees are transplants from other parts of the world. Singapore truly is an island of immigrants. These trees create a practical wide canopy that protects everything underneath. They rarely shed their leaves, preferring not to litter. In other words, these trees fit right in.

It’s easy to appreciate the canopy of a rain tree and its functionality, but if you want to understand Singapore, really understand Singapore, pay special attention to the branches that squirm and twist in all directions underneath the clean protective canopy. Some branches look arthritic and disorderly, others spread out almost

horizontally, defying gravity, yet they work. They are the only things that make the canopy effective. This, too, is very Singaporean, and this uneven system makes Singapore a place worth getting to know.

Now look at the ground underneath the rain tree. Look at the roots that slowly rise and frequently break through the concrete. Is that even allowed here? Sometimes the rules must be broken to protect the rules. Or maybe, like the flag hooks, these roots have options, more than we are led to believe. Perhaps it is in those twisted support structures and the cracks where new life thrives.

When I think about Singapore, I think about those hooks, both used and unused, and I think about the rain trees that protect us while they quietly break apart the organized path on which we walk. And there’s a lot we can learn from both.

What is sleep?

Sleep is a rapidly reversible state of reduced responsiveness, motor activity, and metabolism. An adult aged 18 to 64 needs around 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

Why is there a significant need for greater emphasis on sleep health?

Sleep is a natural phenomenon, and human beings take it for granted. In the era of modern life, we are busy with many professional and personal duties. Everyone wants to have their own personal or social time to breathe, and frequently it is done at the expense of sleep. Insufficient quantity or quality of sleep can lead to many emotional, mental, and physical dysfunctions.

Despite sleep being one of the essential pillars of health, many people are unaware of its importance. Sleep is of the brain, for the brain, and by the brain. Sleep helps rejuvenate brain centers and removes waste products from the brain.

There are many myths and misbeliefs related to sleep in Asian communities. People are not able to accept sleep disorders and are not open to the treatment of sleep disorders.

What happens if there is inadequate sleep?

Lack of adequate quality or quantity of sleep results in daytime sleepiness, irritability, distractibility, poor motivation, fatigue, malaise, lack of energy, restlessness, incoordination, and memory problems such as attention deficits, reduced vigilance, decreased concentration, and logical reasoning.

Inappropriate daytime drowsiness or unplanned naps may be a source of embarrassment and friction at work or in society.

It can also lead to reduced immunity and immunodeficiency.

Daytime sleepiness and microsleep during physical inactivity can lead to road traffic or workplace-related accidents or errors.

Circadian factors can also be affected. Sleep and wakefulness may become disconnected from their proper body temperature, and an individual may be unable to sleep at a socially acceptable time.

A lack of sleep may also increase cardiovascular morbidity. Sleep deprivation (< 6 hours of sleep per day) is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Inadequate quality or quantity of sleep can also increase the risk for heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms such as irregular heart rate, heart failure, or stroke.

Short sleep hours (less than 5 to 6 hours) are associated with an increase in mortality.

Sleep deprivation in middle age can affect healthy aging and increases risks for dementia and Parkinson’s disease, among others.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Sleep disorders are diagnosed by proper history taking, including comorbidities, physical examination, and sleep study. The type of sleep study varies depending on the suspected sleep disorder.

How are sleep disorders treated?

It depends on underlying sleep disorders. For example, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is treated by an auto-continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, whereas neuromuscular disorders are treated by bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. Patients with insomnia need cognitive behavior therapy, sleep hygiene, actigraphy, certain medications, and also treatment of any concomitant sleep disorder.

AITFCC helps individuals and couples address difficult relationship and life issues. We specialize in difficult cases related to anxiety, depression, infidelity, anger and life transition. We provide sleep help through product Babysleepfairy. We have a portal, www.mynewbeginningsclub.com,  and a wide range of hours.

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EXPLORING CULINARY DELIGHTS AT RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE

BY SUSAN WILLIAMS

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling cityscape is the legendary Raffles Hotel, an emblem of timeless luxury and historical charm. We are all familiar with the hotel as a destination for Instagrammable rooms and courtyards. Yet, beyond its iconic architecture and lavish interiors lies an exceptional array of food and beverage options that make Raffles Hotel a destination for more than a slumber.

Opened in 1887, Raffles Hotel is one of the last 19thcentury hotels still operating today. As one of the first buildings in Singapore to have electricity, its lights beckoned those sailing past, as the hotel used to stand on the waterfront before modern land reclamation. It has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2017, closing for two years and reopening just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. These renovations have updated the hotel while keeping it true to its colonial roots and maintaining its iconic charm.

Come along as we take a leisurely stroll through a selection of the food and beverage offerings at Raffles Hotel.

Tiffin Room: An Excursion into North Indian Cuisine

Tiffin Room, a longstanding establishment since 1892, invites you to savor the vibrant North Indian cuisine, combining colonial charm with delightful Indian dishes. The restaurant offers a range of options, from aromatic biryanis to flavorful curries and fresh naans, blending tradition and modernity for a memorable dining experience reminiscent of the streets of India. Adding to the charm, dishes are served in tiffin boxes, the traditional lunch box of India.

Raffles Courtyard: A Relaxing Oasis

Raffles Courtyard makes you forget that you are still in the middle of the city. The outdoor restaurant resembles a Mediterranean garden, providing a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Serving Southeast Asian bites and offering daily happy hour specials, the relaxed setting makes Raffles Courtyard an ideal choice for leisurely evenings after work or casual gatherings with friends.

A Tale of Two Bars: Long Bar and Writers Bar

Raffles Hotel offers two distinct yet equally enchanting bar experiences. Long Bar, steeped in history, entices with its colonial charm and iconic creation, the Singapore Sling, amidst a tropical setting that whisks you back in time. Don't forget about the peanuts, whose shells line the floors! On the other hand, Writers Bar pays homage to literary legends, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a cozy and sophisticated ambiance adorned with books and memorabilia. The quieter atmosphere of Writers Bar lends itself to working on your next book over a drink or enjoying a quiet date with your beau. Whether you're indulging in the classic allure of Long Bar or toasting to literary excellence at Writers Bar, both destinations offer unique spaces to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories.

Bar & Billiard Room: Indulgence Beckons

Originally established in 1896 as a recreational haven, the Bar & Billiard Room (BBR) has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. BBR is not merely renowned as a space for leisure but also for its captivating connection to Singapore's past, notably being the refuge of the last tiger to roam the island. Legend has it that the tiger, having escaped from a circus, found shelter beneath the elevated BBR. Today, the BBR is a luminous and contemporary space, seamlessly interweaving modern design with its timeless architectural heritage. Under the creative helm of Chef de Cuisine Natalino Ambra, BBR has evolved into a culinary haven, treating

guests to a delightful journey through Italian gastronomy.

BBR offers an enticing array of dining experiences, from delectable set lunches to aperitivo and à la carte menus. The pinnacle, however, is the BBR Tentazioni Experience. Translating to "temptation" in Italian, the seven-dish extravaganza more than lives up to its name, tempting you to finish every last morsel. Having had the pleasure of experiencing the Tentazioni recently, I can certainly attest to its irresistible appeal.

Starting with an enticing amuse-bouche of tuna tartare accompanied by artichoke puree, the journey was set to awaken our taste buds for the culinary pleasures that awaited us. Served familystyle, the meal began with the freshest burrata paired with delightfully flavorful tomatoes, punctuated by the subtle sweetness of charred peach

slices. Our journey continued with octopus with cannellini beans and pancetta, as well as a slightly spicy, slightly citrusy beef carpaccio. Temptation could not be denied.

We moved on to a pasta course, where we delighted in perfectly al dente casarecce pasta with chunks of succulent Maine lobster in an orangescented bisque. The pasta was followed by a tender beef tenderloin, served with roasted cauliflower and au jus. We were further tempted with dessert when we thought we couldn't eat another bite. The vibrant strawberry sorbet paired with poached rhubarb carried me back to childhood, evoking memories of my grandmother's strawberry rhubarb pie—a fleeting springtime delight. A homemade version of a Ferrero Rocher, paired with hazelnut gelato, rounded out the Tentazioni Experience,

leaving us stuffed and ready for a nap!

Although the Tentazioni Experience isn't an everyday affair, it offers a fantastic showcase of Chef Natalino's culinary brilliance, leaving you longing to revisit.

Whether you stay overnight at Raffles Hotel, enjoy drinks at its bars or courtyard, or relish a fine lunch or dinner, you'll surely be charmed by this urban gem's rich history and inviting ambiance.

AAS MEMBER BENEFITS: RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE

Did you know that AAS members enjoy member benefits at Raffles Hotel Singapore? Paid members may receive a corporate privilege room rate, as well as 15% off at Raffles restaurants and 15% off regularly priced items at the Raffles Boutique and Floral Boutique. Members also enjoy 20% off of treatments at Raffles Spa, Mondays through Fridays.

SAVORING SAFELY ABROAD

Finding Allergy-free Food in Singapore

BY TIARA GILES

Moving to a new country with a food allergy is difficult. You need to figure out where to go. You need to figure out where to eat. And if they don't speak the same language, you don't know what dishes might send you to the hospital. So you might as well cook at home, right?

What if you're a social butterfly? What if you absolutely hate cooking, but absolutely love food? How do you figure out navigating the food world, then?

Six years ago, I moved abroad from America to South Korea. I had only been abroad in Canada. I had never branched out of the comfort of eating the same few guaranteed nut-free dishes.

But moving abroad requires you to be brave. It requires you to branch out. You need to find friends that feel like family. You need to figure

out the local language. And most of all, find food that brings you comfort.

I had to learn as many food words as I could in Korean. I had to learn various ways to explain my allergies at a restaurant. I also had to explain what foods were nuts and what foods weren't nuts.

"Yes, almonds are nuts. No, corn is not a nut. Yes, I can eat eggs. Sesame and soy are okay."

Not only did this help me learn the language, but it also helped me develop a list of restaurants that I could frequent. These

restaurants had good food and a friendly, understanding staff. I could also share this list with friends with allergies or dietary restrictions. And my friends with dietary restrictions (allergies, vegetarians, vegans, halal) grew, as well.

After a while, Korea no longer felt like home. I visited Singapore to see my childhood best friend right before the pandemic. I felt the tug of Singapore calling to me, "Move here! It feels like home." However, I was very nervous about the food. Many of the dishes in Singapore contain a variety of allergens. So it was

essential to do as much research as possible on how Singaporeans handle food. Korea isn't a country that takes allergies seriously, but Singapore is. So I told myself, "If I could do it once, I can do it again."

I took the leap and moved to Singapore.

During my first ten days, I visited many restaurants and took pictures of the food. I began to review places that I had tried. I noted if the place had nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, or halal options.

I also described how the food tasted and whether I'd return.

Throughout the years, I've had a few hiccups with nuts. Thankfully Korea and Singapore have reasonably priced healthcare. Also, hospitals are pretty near. So a trip to the hospital was less scary than in America. I survived, I got through, and I continued to try again.

I even felt brave enough to travel to Bali with a nut allergy and survived the entire trip.

Of course, you must act with caution. Take allergy pills, carry your EpiPen (they're cheaper outside of America), look at the menu, carry an allergy card, and explain the severity of it. No restaurant can guarantee complete safety, but doing your part helps put the chef and your friends at ease.

I hope you can read this and think, "I can do it! I can find a new home. I can eat safely." You've got this. Food should not hold you back from trying new things.

FINE ART FOR THE DISCERNING INVESTOR

DOWNLOAD THE EXPERT’S GUIDE TO FINE ART INVESTMENT

SRI LANKA The Magical Isle with Everything

By Richard Hartung

Want to go to the beach on your vacation? Hike in the mountains? Get up close with wildlife? Visit temples? And experience thousands of years of history? Sri Lanka has all that and more.

Even though I have visited Colombo frequently for business, I hadn’t experienced the breadth and depth of the wonders of Sri Lanka until we took our children there for a week in their early teens. We set up a full itinerary to see as much as we could in the time we had, and – while everyone has different preferences – our trip shows the variety of places you can enjoy in a short time.

We started before we left by hiring a driver/guide who

drove the four of us around for the entire week, getting us to where we wanted to go and providing excellent explanations. It’s easy to find such a driver online or through friends.

Our driver picked us up at the airport in Colombo and took us to our hotel, where we stayed just one night. The range of hotels is vast, from budget hotels to a Shangri-La in the center of town. My favorite is the Galle Face Hotel, which

opened in 1864 and has a rich history as one of the iconic hotels in capital cities across South and Southeast Asia. Although standards fell several decades ago, it has been restored and is charming.

We left the following day for Galle, a UNESCO world heritage port city on the beach in southwest Sri Lanka, arriving at midday. We spent much of the afternoon touring old Dutch colonial buildings and churches and making stops in several

shops. We enjoyed the history and our time at a hotel along the beach. If you want to spend more time at beaches, there are plenty of resorts up and down the coast.

After a day alongside the ocean, we headed inland to Yala National Park for a safari to see elephants, buffalo, deer, leopards, and other wildlife in this fantastic nature reserve. We spent hours traveling through the park in a jeep, spotting multitudes of wildlife, before heading to our hotel towards the end of the day. Rough and crowded roads meant longer traveling times between destinations here and elsewhere than we expected just by looking at the distances.

The following day, we headed toward Nuwara Eliya, a hill station from British colonial times that celebrates its colonial style and has the Grand Hotel that dates back to the 1800s. While the

weather at elevations as high as 7,000 feet in the hills can be chilly, our room in a tea plantation factory converted into a hotel was quite cozy and had beautiful views over the countryside. Rather than heading off along one of the many hiking trails in the region, we opted for leisurely tours

of a tea plantation and the botanic gardens.

Our next stop was Kandy, a UNESCO heritage site. We enjoyed our walk through the gardens around Kandy Lake, the explanations of spices in a visit to a spice garden, and visits to some of the many temples in the city. The Temple

of the Sacred Tooth Relic is especially important because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the country’s governance. The former royal palace dates from Kandy’s time as the last capital of the Sinhalese kings.

Carrying on with our focus on history, we headed on to Sigiriya, a gigantic rock with near-vertical sides that soar upwards and a narrow walkway that ends at the ruins of ancient buildings on the flat-topped summit. Sigiriya Tourism says the surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhibited for several thousand years, with the plateau of the rock serving as a monastery starting in the third century BC and being turned into a royal residence in the fifth century for King Kasyapa.

We also visited Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO world heritage site built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD as the second capital city of Sri Lanka, after Anuradhapura.

Areas of interest included the ruins of the Royal Palace and statues of Buddha.

After circling through many sites, we returned to Colombo and arrived in time for lunch. While we all enjoyed the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine

thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of shopping in outlet stores and ODEL, an upscale retail and lifestyle brand.

We headed home the next day, fully satisfied at having seen such an excellent combination of history,

along the way, our children were delighted to find that McDonalds is thriving in Sri Lanka. And since garment factories are such a big part of the Sri Lankan economy, our daughter, in particular,

wildlife, temples, beaches, and high-altitude tea plantations within just a week. And the souvenirs, spices, tea, and clothes we brought back were reminders long afterward of a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.

Exploring the Wonders of Komodo National Park: A 3-Day, 2-Night Cruise Adventure

By Susan Williams

Nestled in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago lies a natural wonder that seems to have sprung from the pages of a fantasy novel – the Komodo National Park. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world's largest living lizard, the Komodo dragon, and boasts a unique ecosystem that draws adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. One of the most captivating ways to experience this enchanting destination is by embarking on a 3-day, 2-night cruise that takes you on a whirlwind journey through its most spectacular sights. This cruise promises an unforgettable adventure from the mesmerizing Kalong Island and its awe-inspiring flying foxes to the breathtaking vistas of Padar Island's sunrise hike and encounters with majestic manta rays at Manta Point.

Day 1: Embarking on the Expedition

As the cruise ship sets sail from the busy harbor at Labuan Bajo, a sense of anticipation fills the air. This first evening we stopped near Kalong Island, where the skies come alive at sunset with the spectacle of thousands of flying foxes taking to the skies. As the sun dips below the horizon, these majestic creatures begin their nightly journey in search of food, creating a breathtaking scene against the backdrop of the darkening sky. Watching the silhouettes of these fruit bats against the colorful canvas of the twilight is a sight to behold.

Day 2: A Day of Natural Wonders

The second day of the journey greeted us with the promise of another day filled with unique experiences. A pre-dawn departure took us to Padar Island, a destination that promises a hiking adventure like no other. The ascent to the island's vantage point is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is an indescribable panoramic view that unfolds as the first rays of the sun peek over the horizon. The trio of the island’s bays, each adorned with different colored sands, stretches out below like a painter's palette, a testament

to the artistic prowess of Mother Nature.

The voyage continues to the enchanting Pink Beach, named for its blush-hued sands resulting from a unique combination of coral fragments and white sand. Here, we snorkelled amidst vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, a kaleidoscope of colors beneath the crystal-clear waters. As we swam through this underwater wonderland, we realized that the allure of Komodo National Park extends far beyond its land-based attractions.

Day 3: Encounters with Legends

On the final day of this extraordinary journey, we set course for two of the park's

most iconic destinations –Komodo Island and Manta Point. The very mention of Komodo Island conjures images of the mighty Komodo

dragon, a creature that has inspired both awe and unease for centuries. Guided by experienced park rangers, we had the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent reptiles in their natural habitat, a humbling experience highlighting conservation efforts' importance.

The adventure seamlessly transitioned from land to sea as we travelled to Manta Point. This is where manta rays, with wingspans that seem to defy reality, glide gracefully through the waters. Snorkeling or diving alongside these majestic fish offers a chance to glimpse the elegance of these underwater giants.

Preserving Paradise

The allure of Komodo National Park is undoubtedly its unparalleled natural beauty, but with such appeal comes the responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. Ecotourism and responsible travel practices are crucial in preserving this delicate ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to strict guidelines to minimize their environmental and wildlife impact. From respecting the creatures' habitats to minimizing waste, every action ensures that this beautiful and delicate ecosystem remains intact for generations.

A 3-day, 2-night cruise through Komodo National Park is more than just a vacation; it's a transformative experience that immersed us in our planet’s astonishing diversity and splendor. From witnessing the flight of thousands of flying foxes to standing in awe of sunrise over Padar Island, every moment is a testament to the Earth's artistic prowess. As we bid farewell to this enchanted realm, we carried with us not just memories, but a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and a commitment to preserving its magic.

Do not attempt photos like this on your own! Park guides are very skilled at getting great angles while keeping everyone safe. Listen to them and always keep your distance from the Komodo dragons.

A festive tradition since 1938

With exquisitiely crafted menus and intimate party arrangements, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Singapore is perfect for creating cherished moments with your loved ones. Toast to the perfect backdrop as you are served up not just a delightful meal but an unforgettable experience. There’s truly nowhere else to celebrate but Lawry’s!

Two Families Reunite for One Unforgettable Adventure

By Lillian Hudson, Selina Joyelise Hudson, and Melanie Elyse McDonald

Three now-tween girls met in 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany. Their families have made a point to keep in touch and see one another whenever they’re in the Washington, DC area at the same time, but with the Hudson family being stationed in Okinawa and the McDonald family nearby in Singapore, they had a unique opportunity to do what they did back in Germany – explore together. Both families love a good beach holiday but decided to intertwine many historical and cultural sites into their Vietnam Adventure. These are the reflections from the girls’ shared experiences during their long-overdue reunion.

Ho Chi Minh

SJH: The first place in Vietnam we visited was Ho Chi Minh. We arrived in the middle of the night, but it was still so hot! At the hotel, the staff gave us watermelons while we waited for our room to be ready. That was where we met the McDonald family, our friends we first met in Germany many years ago. This was one of my favorite hotels.

We did many things in Ho Chi Minh, but some of the things that were my favorite were getting manicures and pedicures in a nail salon and going on a journey for boba tea. We shopped in the Ben Thanh market and rode bicycles on the local streets. Throughout this trip, we saw lots of scooters, and it was like the game of Crossy Road [editor’s note: Crossy Road is like Frogger, for us old folks, but in real life!]

LH: The hotel was excellent. My sister and I had no problems with our room, but

the shower in my parents’ room flooded. We had two separate rooms with one main door, making it like a small apartment just for us! The hotel’s restaurant had a pretty good selection of food. The hotel has a spa that my parents enjoyed, a gym, and a pool.

We got our nails done together at Jeng Nails. The place was tiny, but cozy and had massage chairs to sit on. They had many colors to choose from. My friend and I added some great designs to our nails. After getting our nails done, we enjoyed boba tea from Bros Tea Shop.

MEM: We flew directly from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. When we landed, we went to a restaurant with fantastic food. They also had hookahs, so my dad tried one and let me try, too.

On our way to get manipedis, we went to the local market, and it was not my favorite experience. The smells of the fresh meat and

entrails for sale, fish, and the number of people there were not my cup of tea. But there was good tea, so we bought some.

A Visit to the Delta

MEM: We spent one of our days in Ho Chi Minh exploring the life of the locals. We started off the day driving to the delta, then rode a tuktuk further. From there, we boarded a luxury boat, eating fresh mangoes, sipping on fresh coconuts, and more. We stopped at a small local brick factory where we saw how they make bricks by hand. We went to two family homes to learn how one family made and sold coconut-flavored rice paper, and another made and sold fresh honey and rice wine. We enjoyed delicious local food for lunch.

LH: We got off the boat at several places, including where coconuts are cleaned and cut up for different uses. We also stopped at a place to see how bricks were made. After that, we took a golf cart to see how rice paper is made and made some ourselves! It was pretty fun!

Cu Chi District

MEM: Another area we explored was the Cu Chi district. We first went to the Cu Chi tunnels, where we learned about the war that Americans call the Vietnam War, but the Vietnamese call the American War. Afterward, we went to a beautiful building called the

Independence Palace. It had a giant water fountain, an enormous bunker, and so much greenery. It was the White House of Vietnam, but the architecture was old-timey French/ Vietnamese influenced.

LH: With our tour guide, we saw how some traps at the Cu Chi tunnels work (some were brutal), what life was like underground, and more. Getting through the tunnels is tight and very hot. You might even need to get on your knees to reach the other side. I didn’t go in the tunnels because I have claustrophobia, but when my family came out, they were all sweating buckets.

Hoi An

SJH: In Hoi An, we stayed at a resort with a beach and a pool! We enjoyed both!

LH: We stayed at the Palm Garden Resort. The resort is huge! They had a giant pool, a game room, a small gym, and a kids’ area; the beach was nearby, too. They also have two different restaurants located in the area. The rooms themselves were nice. Every day we got little treats every time they cleaned the room like chocolate or a cookie.

MEM: We explored the hidden streets of Hoi An. We saw historical buildings and structures, saw and learned about Hoi An’s heritage, and more. We spent a half day exploring Old Town. We saw former merchants’ homes, too! For

example, we visited one man’s home who was one of many generations to teach Vietnamese martial arts. We watched their multiple different acts and then tried some moves! We got pins at the end. We visited another man of many generations to make and sell tofu by hand. He let us try making some ourselves, too.

Cooking 101

SJH: One of the activities we did in Hoi An was a cooking class. It was a long way there, so we had to take a van, golf cart, and a tuk-tuk They welcomed us with delicious drinks when we arrived and led us to a farm. We put on work clothes and started farming. After that, we went fishing. They told us how to fish and demonstrated if we wanted to try it. My favorite dish that we made was a spring roll. It was hard for me to get the rice paper right, but I got it with the help of the staff. We also made a sauce for all dishes. I never like any sauces, but I enjoyed this one! Overall, the cooking class was enjoyable!

LH: Before we started cooking, they let us smell different plants and herbs, and we even tasted one. It was sour, but I like sour. I’ve never cooked anything but eggs at home, so this would be challenging. But it turned out that it wasn’t. We made spring rolls first which was the easy part. The second dish was shrimp and bacon wrapped with green onion. For the last course of the meal, we made shrimp with bacon and put eggs on top of that to make a sort of egg pancake.

Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge

MEM: We took a roughly two-hour drive to Ba Na Hills. We rode a cable car, taking in beautiful views of the hills on the way. The cable car ride ended, but we still weren’t at the top! So, we took another cable car to continue to the top. Once there, we checked out many stalls that went from food to souvenirs, drinks to rolled ice cream, and more.

LH: After getting off the cable car, I felt short of breath and tired because of the altitude. After grabbing something to eat, I felt much better. The change in weather felt great. It was pretty cool up there, not hot at all.

SJH: When we reached the top, we were inside a cloud! I inhaled as much air as I could to remember that moment. It was also cool up there. Everybody was shivering and saying, “It’s so cold!” Not

me. I love the cold! The giant castle at the top reminds me of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. When we got inside, we saw a short 3D movie that showed different parts of the world.

MEM: We explored and played on the other side after the bridge. We saw statues, listened to live music, and looked at the garden maze. We took pictures there, too. Unlike the city, it was cool. Cold, even. We took another cable car to a newer Ba Na Hills attraction, the Louvre station. It was a giant castle!

Outside was a garden, and they called the place the Moon Palace, home of the Moon Kingdom. All of Ba Na Hills were literally in the clouds.

SJH: Overall, the Golden Bridge and the other activities on the mountain were super cool, wet, and fun! If you go, be prepared for the long ride back in the cable car. It was about 20 minutes straight down.

Final Thoughts

SJH: I thought Vietnam was fun, cool, very crowded with many people, but beautiful. I would give Vietnam an eight out of ten. I recommend visiting. But don’t just take it from me; I’m just a girl traveling the world. See for yourself!

LH: The trip was great. I enjoyed the place, but I mostly enjoyed spending time with my friends and family.