Expat living singapore april 2012

The Referral Guide for SINGAPORE

April 2012 Issue 117

Health Alert You & Your Helper

SHANGHAI & BEIJING • BRUNCHES • BATHROOMS & Kitchens

KITCHEN

Gear

April 2012

BEAUTY Treatments Galore

Brilliant Brunches

Journeys

stralia AuCroatia

S$6.50

e v i t a e r C

China

SHOPHOUSES

NEWS WELCOME MAT

Editor’s Letter It’s good to laugh. And it’s good to see others laughing, too.

On my recent trip to Okinawa, a well-built man was struggling to get his leg into a wetsuit. The first leg had gone in with a little “help” from others, but the second leg was turning into a major operation for all involved.

One person was holding his chair, another was holding his leg up in the air and there was a lot of puffing and huffing going on. Everyone (including the man) was having a bit of a chuckle but this changed to howls of laughter when they realised what the problem was. They were trying to get his leg into one of the arms of the wetsuit!

By the time he had broken the chair – through the process of trying to remove his leg from the armhole – everyone was hysterical. He was on the floor with a portion of the wetsuit still around his ankles and all spectators were on the floor with him, tears running down our faces. The more he laughed, the more we did.

He eventually got down to the beach, barely able to breathe, for his underwater ocean walk, amidst clapping and congratulations from all around. It didn’t stop there though. At the airport, on our way back to Singapore, we got chatting to him. Apparently even when he had been loaded up with the headgear (a glass dome) for the walk, he wouldn’t sink, although he now weighed in at 130kgs. g The watersports guys got very annoyed because he kept bobbing up!

So, after all that effort, he never actually got to walk on the sea floor. But he made our day. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and we were definitely all on a bit of a high after that.

If you want a few laughs yourself, do have a look at the video from our 10th Anniversary Disco Party on our website, and there are plenty of photos on our Facebook outfits and wigs. Thanks to everyone who came along page. There were some groovy ou for the fun! fo Remember, if you have a wetsuit, a 70s outfit or anything else that you can no longer use or fit into, our an Noticeboard is a free and quick way to get rid of any N secon dhand stuff. It’s updated online weekly. We have s a new competition format, too – one big prize and four smaller ones. So if winning a complete makeover f worth $5,000 will make you smile, turn to page 366. w Happy April!

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief Front Cover: Furniture by Originals

next month LOOK OUT FOR

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• Consoles & Sideboards • Beach Breaks • Beachwear Trends • Laser Treatments • Movers & Removalists

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NEWS WELCOME MAT

Editor-in-Chief Group Editor Executive Editor Editors

Rebecca Bisset Shamus Sillar Verne Maree Kate Mallord Monica Pitrelli Alex Westcott

Copy Editor

Harriet Empey

Junior Editor

Yusrina Yusoff

Editorial Intern Online Team

Michelle Ng Katie Roberts Rene Yutiampo

Client Services Manager & Production

Sherah Brown Leanda Rathmell Maricel Jordan

Graphic Designers

Michael Bernabe Lia Subagijo Natasha Young

Subscription & Circulation

Anna Tserlingas Uma Kandasamy

Sales & Marketing Business Development Advertising Sales, Singapore Advertising Sales, Hong Kong Finance HR Contributors

Michelle O’Connell Laura Keeling Harsharan Kaur Karin Galley-Dick, Sarah Purchase, Danielle Rossetti, Lara Sage, Jacqui Young Tracie Pangrazio Norliza Mohd Karen Thomas Juliet Keys Beate Baldry, Jennifer Gargiulo, Heidi Sarna, Hart Tan, Claire Locking, Kevin F. Cox, Shelley von Strunckel, Lyan Bernales

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 subscription@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 NEWS

101 143

What’s New in Town

26

Dates for Your Diary

30

Open House:

40

Forum:

48

Seen around town

Readers’ letters & competition winners

What Happens on an Interior Design Course

News

54

Showcase:

56

Centrespread:

75

Restoring Indo-European Antiques

82

Showcase:

84

Inside the owner of FairPrice Antique’s home Kitchen & bathroom ideas

Integrity and comfort on Everitt Road

99

PROPERTY Hot Property:

103

Smart Moves:

108

Street Talk:

122

What’s on the market?

Loving local living in Joo Chiat

HOME

Life on Balmoral Road

LIFE & FAMILY News

128

Notice Board:

132

Open House:

134

Mandarin Immersion at EtonHouse International

138

Births, weddings and more Seen around town

Have You Made a Will Yet?

140

Inspirational Women:

143

Domestic Helpers

152

Centrespread:

165

Interview with Legal Eagle Franca Ciambella

169

Earthwatch:

172

Advice for expats

Psychotherapist Eugenia Gajardo Hiring tips and serious illness case studies Baby shower gift ideas

SUBSCRIBE See NOW! page 334 20

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108

Environmental news that matters

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CONTENTS ARTS & LEISURE Spotted:

Seen around town

WINE & DINE 176

309

News

208

New & Noteworthy

212

Bar Tab: Loco

218

Staycation:

180

Fairs & Bazaars

186

Interview with Chef Chuck Hughes

221

Bale Equestrian & Country Club

188

Flavour Forager: Lemongrass

228

Golf Lessons at Urban Fairways

192

Top Breakfast & Brunch Picks

230

Tech News

194

246

On the Stage

198

Tasting the Menu at Michelangelo’s

On the Screen

200

Words on Wine

248

On the Page

202

The St. Regis The Indian Bazaar

165

188

TRAVEL News

252

Beijing in 72 Hours

258

Shanghai: East Meets West

268

Kidding Around in Melbourne

279

Croatia by Sea

288

314

FASHION Style News

302

Maternity Dressing for Every Occasion

306

Fashion Spread: Children’s wear

309

Pediped Children’s Shoes

313

Maternity Style Around the World

314

The latest styles plus a fitting guide

179

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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

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

#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

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CONTENTS HAIR & BEAUTY 320

The Hair & Laser Clinic

325

Good Grooming for Guys

329

Phoenix La Beauté

330

All about hair transplantation

The Cocoon facial reviewed

Tried & Tested:

332

The Body Firm – Celebrating Five Years

335

Petronille Cosmetics

335

Five Fabulous Prizes up for Grabs

366

REGULARS Solutions for Sagging Eyelids & Eye Bags

330

Pigmentation Reduction in the Limelight

342

HEALTH & FITNESS News

346

Fighting Fit with Muay Thai

348

Health Screening at Sincere Medical

350

“Leaky” Veins Begone!

355

Reawakening the Body’s Innate Healing Powers

356

The Counselling Place

358

Children’s Dental Dilemmas Answered

361

Holistic Wellbeing at Casa Santosa

362

Facing the challenges of expat life

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COMPETITIONS

366

News

279

Subscribe Now!

368

Horoscopes:

386

Advertiser List

388

Numbers & Websites

390

Diary of a Single Girl

391

Parting Shot

392

Shelley von Strunckel’s forecasts for April

366

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What’s NEW

NEWS

Another Mother

a s o t Sen dig

Shin

Celebrate your mum this Mother’s Day by giving her a beautiful hand-woven silk scarf that supports a mother in Cambodia. Each scarf that is sold provides one month of vocational training for a mother and one month of healthy meals and daycare for her child. $24.95. Postage in Singapore is free; flat rate of $2 for overseas postage. To order, visit www.theriverkidsshop.com.

Don’t miss Sentosa’s Pool Party Rendezvous on 27 April. Enjoy shadow dancing, water basketball, Woof Ball, pool floats and unlimited free popcorn, lollipops and candy-floss as Asian star DJ Big Kid spins the latest hits. The dress code is bikinis and pareos for ladies and beach wear for men. 7pm to 11pm. ONEo15 Marina Club, Sentosa Cove. To book, call 6305 6988 or email concierge@one15marina.com.

Trend Alert Double honours go to The Quincy Hotel, named the Trendiest Hotel in Singapore and the Trendiest Hotel in Asia by Tr i p A d v i s o r ’s 2012 Travellers’ Choice awards.

New Majestic Hotel and Wanderlust rounded out the top three places for Singapore’s trendiest places to stay.

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Walk to Remember Twenty markers around Singapore have been included in the new World War II Trail, linking the island’s most important WWII sites into a comprehensive self-guided walk. Download the route for free at iTunes. In addition, three Resilience Trails, including Temasek Trail – Story of A Nation, are being created this year to guide walkers through Singapore’s colourful history and heritage. To join a Resilience Trail, contact the Singapore History Consultants at 6221 3804 or visit www.shc.com.sg.

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NEWS

What’s NEW

Long Overdue Effective 1 January 2013, the Singapore government is requiring that maids be given a weekly day of rest. Acknowledging that a weekly day of rest is internationally regarded as a “basic labour right”, Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin, who announced the new rule in March, said that a significant majority of maids who suffered work-related injuries or who committed suicide between 2007 and 2010 were not given days off. Currently, the new measure will apply only to maids whose work permits are renewed or issued after this date. The non-profit organisation, Transient Workers Count Too, is urging the government to apply the legislation to all maids working in Singapore.

Coffee Culture

Add some culture to your morning coffee with these beautifully patterned tumblers from the Asian Civilisations Museum’s Patterns of Heritage series. The patterns are inspired by Indian textiles from Singapore’s national collection, some of which are over 600 years old. $18. Available at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Call 6332 2982 or visit www.acm.org.sg.

Got Milked?

The Worldwide Cost of Living 2012 from the Economist Intelligence Unit reports that Singapore is the ninth most expensive city in the world.

Zurich was rated the most expensive, followed by Tokyo, Geneva, Osaka and Kobe, Oslo, Paris, Sydney and Melbourne. If you’re fed up with Singapore’s rental and grocery prices, you may want to try Karachi, the city ranked as the th least expensive in the world..

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Fashion

For those days when you yearn to ditch your handbag, these necklaces make it easy to keep your essentials close at hand while still looking stylish.

Clip on your credit card, loose change, hand phone and house keys, and set out for a hands-free day on the town. Braided leather necklaces and key chains available at Galanga Living. Call 6475 2633 or visit www.galangaliving.com.

Brand New There are two types of American expats – those who have switched to local brands and those who still use precious suitcase space to smuggle in their favourite household products from home. For the latter group, we bring great news. Tide, Mr Clean, Bounty and Gain are now on sale island-wide. Available at Cold Storage, Fairprice Finest, Fairprice Xtra, Giant and Market Place outlets.

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NEWS

April CALENDAR 1

THE TANG SHIPWRECK (1 APRIL – 24 JUNE) An exhibition of rare Tang dynasty (618 to 907 AD) objects from one of the earliest shipwrecks in Southeast Asia. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place. www.acm.org.sg

SCULPTURE: MOMENTS BY VAL (1 – 14 APRIL)

French artist Val’s latest collection of bronze sculptures is inspired by moments in time.

9.30am to 9pm, daily. Redsea Gallery, #01-10, Block 9 Dempsey Road. www.redseagallery.com

WICKED (1 – 22 APRIL) This brilliant Broadway hit tells the story of the witches of Oz, long before Dorothy arrived on the scene. Grand Theater, Marina Bay Sands. Tickets from Sistic. wickedthemusical.com.sg

CELEBRITY CHEFS AT SAVOUR Join master classes with celebrity chefs such as Alain Passard, Enrique Olvera and Emmanuel Stroobant, plus a host of other foodie activities. Free and paid events; see full programme at www.savour.sg.

EXHIBITION: THE TITANIC (1 – 29 APRIL) This month marks 100 years since the Titanic went down, and this fabulous exhibition brings the story to life. Don’t miss it. The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. http://titanic.sg Exhibition: New Beginnings

EXHIBITION: MOOD FOR CHEONGSAM (1 APRIL – 27 JUNE) Explore the history and development of the cheongsam, the traditional Chinese dress, from the 1920s to today. 10am to 6pm daily. Free. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road. www.nationalmuseum.sg

THREE LITTLE PIGS (1 – 15 APRIL) A classic tale that will huff, puff and blow you away! DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road. Tickets from Sistic. www.srt.com.sg

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POP ART (1 APRIL – 12 AUGUST)

NEW BEGINNINGS (2 – 30 APRIL)

A collection of Andy Warhol’s work marking the 25th anniversary of the death of the acclaimed American painter, printmaker and filmmaker. ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. www.marinabaysands.com

CLASSY SHOPPING (4 – 5 APRIL)

EXHIBITION: INDIAN TEXTILES (1 APRIL – 17 JUNE)

A presentation of more than 70 brightly coloured Indian trade textiles, some over 600 years old. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place. www.acm.org.sg

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An exhibition of 24 inspirational and bright watercolours by Vijay Kiyawat. 11am to 5pm. The Art Loft, 249 Alexandra Road. www.fiidaaart.com4

Boutiques at Fort Canning is on again, with an array of quality products including clothing for kids and adults, homeware, jewellery, shoes and more. 4 April 9am to 8pm and 5 April 9am to 6pm. Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park. www.facebook.com/ BoutiquesatFortCanning

Pop Art

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NEWS

April CALENDAR

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VISUAL ART EXHIBITION (4 APRIL – 19 MAY)

FARMERS’ MARKET

Koort Boodga (meaning heartland) is a solo exhibition by Australian Aboriginal artist Lindsay Harris. Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 7pm or by appointment. Free.

ReDot Fine Art Gallery, 39 Keppel Road. www.redotgallery.com

THEATRE: ROMEO AND JULIET

Stock up on gourmet meats, wines, organic vegetables, cheeses, breads and homebaked goods. Loewen Gardens, Dempsey. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com

(12 – 28 APRIL)

PRISMS (4 APRIL – 12 MAY) Prisms is an eclectic programme of plays and performances, including Freud’s Last Session. Various timings. Esplanade Theatre Studio. www.thestudios.com.sg

5 GOLF: HANDA CLASSIC (5 – 8 APRIL) The third ISPS Handa Singapore Classic, with prize money of US$400,000, promises four days of world-class golfing action. Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Club Road. Call 6755 9811. www.asiantour.com

RETURN OF MAD CHINAMAN (5 – 6 APRIL) A musical collaboration between The Singapore Chinese Orchestra and singersongwriter Dick Lee. 8pm. Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic. www.sco.com.sg

JUNIOR FUTSAL TOURNAMENT For boys under 13. 3pm to 6pm. $180 per team. The Cage, 38 Jalan Benaan Kapal. www.futsal.espzen.com

9 TOY BOX PERFORMANCE A free, interactive story performance for all ages, presented by The Toy Box (lasts about 30 minutes). 4pm. Loewen Gardens, Dempsey.

THE INDIAN BAZAAR (9 – 10 APRIL) Jewellery, accessories, clothing for men, women and children, plus linen, sweets and snacks. 9 April from 10am to 7pm and 10 April from 10am to 5pm. The Hilton Singapore, Orchard Road. Free. Call 6235 3608. www.fairsandbazaars.com

11 WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN

Lots of Easter fun with egg painting, a massive egg-hunt and a giant bunny rabbit for the kids to cuddle. 9.30am to 6pm. Forest Adventure, Bedok Reservoir Park. Call 8100 7420. www.forestadventure.com.sg

This workshop will help parents teach their children how to handle new or frustrating situations and teach ways of managing and coping with anxieties and worries.

SACAC Counselling Workshop. 9.30am to 11.30am. The American Club Atrium Room. Call 6733 9249 or email admin@ sacac.sg. www.sacac.sg.

VIOLIN PERFORMANCE (6 – 7 APRIL)

COMEDY CLUB (11 – 14 APRIL)

Internationally renowned violinist Sarah Chang will perform Vivaldi favourite The Four Seasons with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall.

Tickets from Sistic. www.sso.org.sg7

The Comedy Club Asia presents a hilarious line-up featuring Jen Brister, Phil Myrehaug and Sol Bernstein. 8.30pm. Blu Jaz, British Club, Klapsons Hotel and Dutch Club. Call or SMS 9007 5651. www.thecomedyclub.asia

6 EASTER ADVENTURE (6 – 8 APRIL)

The world’s greatest love story is retold in this modern version by Singaporean theatre company, Wild Rice. 3pm and 8pm. Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street. $39-$69.

Tickets from Sistic. www.wildrice.com.sg

BOAT ASIA (12 – 15 APRIL)

This year, Boat Asia features an exclusive luxury private charter yacht display.

2pm to 9pm. Marina @ Keppel Bay. www.boat-asia.com

OUT OF ORDER (12 – 15 APRIL)

Billed as a farce by Ray Cooney and starring Robin Kermode, Out of Order won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in London’s West End. Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel. Tickets from Sistic. www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com

13 EXPAT LIVING MUMS AND KIDS MORNING Join us for a coffee, let the kids bounce on the trampoline and meet some new people. Babies are welcome, of course! 9.30am to 11am. The Pantry, Loewen Gardens.

RSVP to events@expatliving.sg.

ART FAIR A night of creativity and art with homegrown musicians, illustrators and over 50 artists and designers showcasing their work.

5pm to midnight. Free. Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Road. www.maad.sg

14 FUTSAL TOURNAMENT Not enough time to commit to a full season?

Join a one-day futsal league for adults. 3pm to 6pm. The Cage, 38 Jalan Benaan Kapal. www.futsal.espzen.com

SATURATION (14 APRIL – 14 MAY)

Comedy Club

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Contemporary photographic works from Indonesia. Element Art Space. 140 Hill Street, #01-10 MICA Building. Call 6883 2001. www.elementartspace.com

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NEWS

April CALENDAR 15

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CIRQUE DU MARCHE Family-friendly indoor gourmet market with gastronomic delights, lifestyle products, festive acts and culinary programmes. Free.

10am to 8 pm. 30 Victoria Street, # 01-28 Chijmes Hall. Call 8111 9652 or email cirquedumarche@gmail.com.

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ETONHOUSE OPEN HOUSE (20 – 21 APRIL) EXPAT LIVING NEWCOMER EVENT Relax, imbibe a good drop from Treasury Wines and meet some new faces at our popular event. Limited tickets. $35. 7pm. Vintry at Royal Selangor, #01-01 Clarke Quay.

RSVP to events@expatliving.sg.

Learn more about their trans-disciplinary curriculum and meet the teachers. 20 April from 9am to 3pm, 21 April from 9am to 1pm. EtonHouse International School, 51 Broadrick Road. Call 6346 6922. www.etonhouse.com.sg

FASHION SHOW

Recently moved to Singapore? The New Mothers’ Support Group is organising a talk to share ideas and advice to help mothers settle in with ease. 10am. Members only. $25 annual fee. Camden Medical Centre, Level 9, 1 Orchard Road. www.nmsg-singapore.com

Enjoy an afternoon of champagne and canapés with the American Women’s Association, plus a fantastic fashion show with a terrific line-up of brands. 12pm to 3pm. Victoria Street, Chjimes Hall. $75 members, $95 guests.

Call to register 6734 4895. www.awasingapore.org

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QUICHE AND SALADS (17 AND 24 APRIL)

JUST FOR KIDS SALE

TALK: SETTLING IN SINGAPORE

Learn how to make great quiches and perfect salads with The Pantry chefs. Enjoy creating dishes and dressings that add zest to your meals! 10am to 1pm. $220. The Pantry at Loewen Gardens. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com

Buy or sell used baby and kids’ items such as toys, clothing, books and strollers at a fraction of the original price. Profits to charity. 9.30am to 12pm. SCWO, 96 Waterloo Street. Contact American Women’s Association to book a table. www.awasingapore.org.

ALADDIN (17 – 19 MAY) Watch the students recreate Aladdin, the mystical Arabian tale. 4pm and 6pm. $10.

Nexus International School, 201 Ulu Pandan Road. Call 6536 6566.

CANADIAN BALL The annual charity Maple Leaf Ball organised by the Canadian Association.

7pm to 1am. The Fairmont Hotel. www.canadians.org.sg

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FARMERS’ MARKET Stock up on gourmet meats, wines, organic vegetables, cheeses, breads and homebaked goods. Loewen Gardens, Dempsey. www.thepantrycookeryschool.com

FASHION EXCHANGE (18 – 19 APRIL) Liberate your wardrobe by donating, or build it up by taking, at a clothes swap in aid of charity. 18 April from 7pm to 10m; 19 April from 10am to 2pm. Cover charge of $20 includes drinks and nibbles. Astrid Meadow Clubhouse, 50 Coronation Road West. Contact Britt at 9298 8127.

ZUMBA FITNESS PARTY Try out Zumba fitness with Master David Velez from Columbia in a 90-minute highenergy workout. 6.30pm to 8.30 pm, doors open at 6pm. Zouk Club, 17 Jiak Kim Street.

Tickets from Lisa at lisakongKL@gmail.com.

FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP Learn how to perfect flower arrangements for your home and how to choose, arrange and present the perfect bunch of flowers.

9am to 12pm. www.indirose.com

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CORPORATE CHASE CHALLENGE A 5.6km road race open to full-time employees of local businesses and corporations. Keen racers, joggers and walkers are all welcome.

Flag off at 6pm. Esplanade Bridge. www.jpmorganchasecc.com

20 TEXTILE ARTWORKS (20 – 21 APRIL) Textile artist Deborah McKellar showcases her artworks, inspired by Singapore’s black-andwhite heritage homes. Opening 7pm on 20 April. Artist talk at 5pm on 21 April. CdeM Atelier & Art School, Westbourne Road, Block 5 #01-02 Wessex Estate. www.cdem.com.sg

MUSIC EVOLVED (21 TO 29 APRIL) UK string quartet Classy Cool presents favourites from the world’s greatest composers, with a dollop of comedy, singing and dancing. For ages three and up. Genexis Theatre, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Fusionopolis, Level 6. Call 6735 9986. www.act3international.com.sg

22 CARPET AUCTION Hedger’s is auctioning quality carpets, all certified and guaranteed. Viewing 11am to 12.30pm; auction from 1pm to 4.30pm.

Traders Hotel, Cuscaden Road. Call 6462 0028. www.merchantshub.com/hedger

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NEWS

April CALENDAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Catch the action as the Singapore Slingers play the Bangkok Cobras in the ASEAN Basketball League. 4pm. Tickets from Sistic. Singapore Indoor Stadium. www. singaporeslingers.com

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TRAINSTOPPING (26 APRIL – 3 MAY) Trainstopping is a comical musical revue created as a tongue-in-cheek response to the train delays and other crazy happenings in Singapore. 4pm and 8pm. Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane. sightlines.com.sg

ART FOR CAMBODIA

WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT (23 APRIL – 3 MAY)

A veritable food feast: ten days of epicurean delights and exceptional dining experiences in a celebration of distinguished traditions and brilliant innovations. Various venues and times. www.worldgourmetsummit.com

Support the Goutte d’Eau Residential Center for Disabled Children in Phnom Penh by purchasing the work of budding Cambodian artists. 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Redsea Gallery, Block 9 Dempsey Road.

RSVP to eventscambodia@gmail.com.

Trainstoppping

FLAVOURS OF INDOCHINE

25 OLIVER TWIST (25 – 28 APRIL) An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. 8pm. Raffles Jubilee Hall. Tickets from Sistic. www.adg-europe.com

REIKI FOR BEGINNERS Experience first-hand the wonderful healing properties of reiki with Reiki Master Elaine Grundy. 7.30pm to 9pm. Free. The Reiki Centre, 42A Joo Chiat Place. Email elaine@ reikicentre.com.sg to register. www.reikicentre.com.sg

EXPAT LIVING COFFEE MORNING Join us for a coffee and find out more about The Sloane Clinic and Astrid Dahl Studio Gallery.

Registration at 9.30am, ends at 11am. Astrid Dahl Studio Gallery, 20 Lorong Telok, Boat Quay. Limited numbers, booking essential. RSVP to events@expatliving.sg.

SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS (25 APRIL – 20 MAY)

Not to be missed! Discover the magic of Shakespeare in the park through the quirky and endearing comedy Twelfth Night.

7.30pm. Fort Canning Park. Tickets from Sistic. www.srt.com.sg

Learn to cook the best of exotic Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian dishes including Vietnamese savoury crêpes and Laotianstyle eggplant dip. 7pm to 10pm. $100.

Register: shalu@littlegreencafe.com.sg or 9763 1483. www.littlegreencafe.com.sg

TALK: HAPPINESS EVERY DAY Join Vikas Malkani and Sally Forrest as they share useful tips on staying happy. 10am to 11.30am. Free. #01-15 One North Gateway. Contact Sally on 9875 2372 to register. www.soulcentre.org

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION CONFERENCE (26 – 28 APRIL) A three-day conference for educators and parents, organised by EtonHouse Education Centre; includes special guests from Reggio Emilia preschools. Call 6746 3333 or e-mail reggio@etonhouse.com.sg to register.

27 EXPAT LIVING MUMS AND BUMPS MORNING Pregnant? Join us for a coffee and meet other mums and mumsto-be. Babies are welcome, of course! 9.30am to 11.30am. The Pantry at Loewen Gardens. RSVP to events@expatliving.sg.

26 EXPAT LIVING WINE CLUB

HELPERS’ COOKING COURSE

At our fourth Expat Living Wine Club event, taste some fabulous wines from ewineasia. Limited tickets. $40.

7pm to 9.30pm. Graze, Rochester Park. RSVP to events@expatliving.sg.

Chicken’Licious! Send your helper along to learn recipes for fabulous chicken recipes to satisfy the whole family. $130 includes lunch. 10am to 1pm, Expat Kitchen, 9 Norris Road. Call 6299 4221. www.expat-kitchen.com

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Art for Cambodia

NEWCOMERS’ LUNCH Meet and greet other newcomers to Singapore in a relaxed, informal setting.

Hosted by Expat Realtor. To book and for venue details call Expat Realtor, 9171 3392.

28 MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST CLASS Spend the morning at Expat Kitchen so your mum can spend Mother’s Day relaxing in bed! Whip up yummy (and healthy) creations that mum will love. All ages welcome. $50 per father and child. 10am to midday. Expat Kitchen, 9 Norris Road.

Call 6299 4221. www.expat-kitchen.com

PRE-LOVED CLOTHING AND SHOE SALE In sizes suitable for expats, a collection of pre-loved and some new clothes from US brands such as Banana Republic and Calvin Klein. Shoes sizes 39 to 41.

10am to 5pm. 25 Jalan Merah Saga, Holland Village. Phone Amanda on 9111 4804 for more details.

29 WISH A DISH Mark World Wish Day by dining at restaurants such as Garibaldi and Tippling Club, which will donate 50 percent of their “Wish Dish” proceeds to the foundation. www.makeawish.org.sg

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NEWS

REMINDERS Important Dates

Calendar PLAN AHEAD MAY 2012 (1 – 5 May) COMEDY MALE BALLET The all-male international dance group Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performs hilarious classical ballet excerpts, from Swan Lake and others. 8pm. Esplanade Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

(8 May) MORRISSEY IN CONCERT Cult rock icon Morrissey, former frontman of The Smiths, will perform his greatest hits for one night only. 8pm. Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park.

Tickets from Sistic.

(11 May) OPEN HOUSE The Stamford American International School holds a fun open house. 9am to 11.30am.

Call 6602 7247. www.sais.edu.sg

(11 – 13 May) SHORT FILM FESTIVAL The Very Short International Film Festival showcases the best international films of less than three minutes’ duration. Tickets from Sistic. www.vsiff.com

Important Pages

(11 – 20 May) CONTINENTAL CULTURE The European Union Film Festival features Europe’s most commercially successful films plus lesser-known gems, from drama and comedy to documentaries. www.euff.sg

(15 – 16 May) FANCY FAIRE Fabulous summer shopping with a wide range of unique vendors from around the world. Free. 15 May from 10am to 7pm. 16 May from 9.30am to 5pm. Orchard Hotel. www.fancyfaire.com

(18 May – 10 June) ACE! FESTIVAL A month-long celebration of exciting, top quality art experiences for children: local and international productions and some surprises. Goodman Arts Centre and Alliance Française Theatre. www.itheatre.org

Morrissey in concert

(19 May) BEETHOVEN LIVES UPSTAIRS Just for children, this rendition of the master’s music includes Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise and the great symphonies. Concert lasts one hour, suitable for ages four to 14. 11am and 1pm. School of the Arts Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic. www.sso.org.sg

(26 May) SUNDOWN MARATHON Had enough of daytime running? Try a new race experience – a night marathon. www.sundownmarathon.com

(26 May) AOTEAROA BALL The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Kiwi ball with top food, wine and entertainment. 7pm. Grand Corpthorne Hotel. www.nzchamber.org.sg

AUGUST 2012 (31 August – 2 September and 7 – 9 September) BALI RETREAT Be refreshed and inspired at the Women Who Lead retreat in Ubud, Bali. www.womenwholead.net

For more, go to www.expatliving.sg and click Calendar.

To post an ad, email your text and a photograph if available to calendar@expatliving.sg. It's free!

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Scene Around Town

NEWS

Happy 10th Birthday to Us! Expat Living celebrated its tenth birthday in February with a retro disco party at Hard Rock CafĂŠ. Over 200 fancy-dressed guests danced the night away to disco music spun by DJ Mr Max. Log on to www.expatliving.sg to see a video of the night!

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Eat, Drink and Be Merry At the opening of the month-long Austrian Wine Festival, The Balthazar Night at Brasserie Wolf, magnificent 12-litre Balthazar bottles of Austrian wine (each equivalent to 16 standard ones) were seen for the first time in Singapore.

An Eclectic Evening Helle Espersen hosted a fun event at her FairPrice Antique premises on Outram Road, supported

by Underground Wines, Sigrid Handmade Jewellery, Layard Art Consulting, florists The Blue Leaf, BODE Home Furnishings and Laytana Poterie.

From top: • Jenny Lewis of BODE, Betina Falster-Hansen of Caspoll, Sianne DixonHall of Underground Wines and Chris Edwards of Honeycombers.

• Amber, Quinn and Arjan de Boer; Skye Wellington and Anna Layard • Tina Milcevic and Judy Hinde; Jane Iversen and Sigrid Wauters • Sianne Dixon-Hall and Sarah Hall of Underground Wines; Trudi Collis and Daniella MacKay-Cruise • Stacey Holcroft and Helle Espersen

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Here’s to the next 20!

John Erdos’s charming parents, John and Daphne, were the guests of honour at the spiffy party he threw in honour of his 20 wonderful years in business. Where did it all happen? At the gorgeous John Erdos Home showroom at 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, of course.

From top: • Doug and Nancy Foy and John Erdos; Robin Lokerman, Bojan Tercon, Daphne and John Erdos, Florence Lian and Woon Tai Ho • John Erdos, Karin Galley-Dick, Marie and Jens Boelslund; Roy Titchmarsh, Ivan Heng, Verne Maree and Tony Trickett

A Romantic Affair Ana Boutique got into the spirit of romance on Valentine’s Day. Bubbly flowed while the group of 100 women discovered more about the boutique’s newest labels and admired the artwork on display.

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Mad Hatters The Singapore Oilwomen’s Club presented a Mad Hatter Party at Bartini, and guests went to town with costumes full of feathers, flowers and fascinators.

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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 telling us what she wants to see more of, Phoebe Archer wins a bottle of champagne.

Party Animals We had a fantastic time at your 10th anniversary disco party at the Hard Rock Café. It was amazing that so many people took the trouble to dress up, and well done to your team for putting on such a good show. I haven’t danced so much in years! What’s more, congratulations on your ten successful years in business, and may you go from strength to strength.

Jerry Banks Ed: Thanks for celebrating with us, and for your kind wishes.

Red Faces More, Please!

M Can we please have more articles like the m March issue interview M with Jonathan Cooper w about Adam Park and a its history as a battle site in World War 2?

With Singapore being such a shiny, modern city, it’s fascinating to find out about its past.

It’s also interesting to read about expats who make a valuable contribution to the community during their time in Singapore.

Phoebe Archer Ed: They inspire us, too.

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Kudos for getting the kids involved! I was flipping through the March 2012 issue and was pleasantly surprised to see the announcement on page 38 for the Happy Expat Kids Expat Living Wine Club. I have some friends here with teenage kids who spend most of their weekend nights drinking Tiger with their mates at Newton Hawker Centre. Thank you for giving them a new option to enhance their cultural education. I’m sure they will be happy indeed after a couple glasses of wine.

Karsten Cramer Ed: Oh dear! What an unfortunate glitch. It’s funny how whenever a stray line of copy infiltrates the text, like “Happy Expat Kids” did here, it manages to do so in an embarrassing way. But thanks for pointing out our glaring error, and with a dollop of humour!

Correction: In the March issue of EL, the title of editor Monica Pitrelli’s great piece on Doha was printed incorrectly. It should have read “Nothing is Old in Doha”. See our online flipbook for the corrected version: www.expatliving.sg/currentissue/online-magazine/2012/march/index.html#/268/

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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WINNERS Email us at info@expatliving.sg

Disney Hamper Helen Barrowcliffe was the happy winner of our online competition prize of two tickets to see Disney on Ice, Disney plush toys and colouring books, valued at $250.

Hotel Fort Canning

Guru of Chai

Lachman Ganwani was the lucky winner of the Sweet Valentine Package, a romantic two-night staycation at Hotel Fort Canning.

Each of the followingg won a pair of tickets to this Singapore Repertory tory Theatre production: Joel Toh Tania Waters Karihn Seidel Chew Sze Mun Kirsten Ackland

Hair & Beauty at Loewen Gardens Cindy Widjaja and Koh Yan Yan (pictured) were the winners of two $250 vouchers for services from either Spa @ Loewen Gardens or Trimmings @ Loewen Gardens.

The Reiki Centre Lucky Sue Day won a package of reiki sessions, yoga sessions and an eco-friendly yoga mat.

Congratulations to our Winners!

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Lord of the Manor

Sweet Dreams Classic British brand Ercol and luxury Italian brand Cassina are now available at Dream Interiors. Reflecting the current trend towards colours, Ercol’s clean-line designs in beech and elm wood are now available in a range of colours, as seen in the Evergreen two-seater shown here (above). Nearly a third of the 15,000 sq. ft showroom is dedicated to Cassina’s contemporary designs, including the celebrated Veliero bookcase (below), a system of steel, wood and glass that seems to float in space. 456 River Valley Road.

Call 6235 0220 or visit www.dream-int.com.

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Capella Singapore is now offering one of its two colonial manors for long-term stays.

Formerly available only to short-term hotel guests, the 436-square-metre heritage building, which dates back to the 1880s, has three stylish bedrooms, a stately dining room, a designer kitchen and a private pool – all for a cool $42,000 per month. For more information, visit www.capellasingapore.com.

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Capable Contractors If you are going to spring for premium home products, make sure that your contractor installs them properly. In an effort to improve industry standards, Blum South East Asia is conducting free training sessions for carpenters, contractors and designers. To date, more than 200 carpenters in Singapore have attended and passed Blum’s course. To locate one of them, call 6547 1760 or visit connect.blum.com/ certifiedpartners.

Raising the Bar The China Collection introduces Qing, an exclusive range of antique furniture and accessories that date back to the late 18th to mid19th centuries. It comprises the store’s finest acquisitions to date, representing a new level of quality, age and provenance. Each piece is sourced in its original condition, which ensures that age and quality are accurately authenticated prior to restoration. To view the new collection, call 6235 1905 or visit www.chinacollection.com.sg.

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Photographs by Hart Tan of Tomato Photo

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By Ver erne ne Mar aree ee Photog Phot ogra raph phyy by Har artt Tan Ta n of Tom omat ato o Ph Phot oto o

Ever wondered if anyone actually lives in that old, white house on the corner of Devonshire and Grange roads? HELLE ESPERSEN invites Verne Maree into her home.

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uring the four years I lived in nearby Oxley Rise and regularly passed that mysterious white house at 7 Grange Road, I never thought I’d get to see it inside. At last, here’s my chance: I’m going to meet Helle Espersen, Danish owner of the popular FairPrice Antique.

Nothing much has been done to the house since it was built in the late 1940s. That was confirmed by a friend of Helle’s, who got hold of the original plans when she was doing the final project for her interior design course – converting it into a children’s library, in case you’re interested. (It would be perfect for that purpose, I think.)

Photographs by Hart Tan of Tomato Photo

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The History When Helle, her husband John and their two boys, Oliver (now 20) and Caspar (18, pictured here with his mother) moved to Singapore ten years ago, their first home was a spacious apartment in The Arcadia, next to Adam Park. From there, they moved to one of those huge Pandan Valley penthouses with the enormous roof terraces. “It was so cheap; we should have bought it,” she says ruefully.

Four years ago, in 2008, one of Helle’s customers told her that the house at 7 Grange Road was available.

“I knew it would be perfect for us,” she says. Not everyone would have

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taken the risk, though. Standing as it does on such very, very valuable land, the house is clearly destined to be knocked down and replaced with an upmarket condo development – or, conceivably, another shiny Orchard mall or another luxury Orchard hotel; two other plots to the rear of this one belong to the same owner.

Not only did the landlady not want to do anything to the house, but the tenancy agreement allows either party to give the other just two months’ notice – most unusual in Singapore, where a two-year lease is the usual minimum.

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The House As you go in, the first room is a smallish entrance hall; beyond that, a corridor is flanked by two big reception rooms: the dining room to the right, the living room to the left. Next comes another, square-ish room that looks like a central entrance hall.

“Yes, it’s a strange house,” agrees Helle. “To start with, we used this central hall as a dining-room; what is now the dining room used to be a sort of playroom. I move things around a lot!”

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Deciding to paint the original but by then badly marked wooden floors white lightened up the whole interior. There was no kitchen at all, so there was nothing for it but to call in a carpenter to install a basic one; when it’s not your house, you’re not inclined to do more than that.

But what about the large pool and exterior decking? It looks as though it must have cost a fortune, but no: “It’s all rented!” Helle tells me. “We just called in Mr Ong.”

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This famous individual, I have been told, is responsible for most of the pools, decking, gazebos and so on that grace the various colonial black-and-white bungalows so beloved of expats in Singapore. These houses come more-or-less bare; you pay for whatever additions you desire, and when you leave, you bear the expense of having them all removed – unless the new tenant agrees to take them over from you.

The Furniture Helle’s home is an advertisement for her furniture business, and I mean this in the best possible sense. Mainly featuring the eclectic assortment of Chinese antiques and reproductions that she’s been shipping in for the best part of a decade, it’s nevertheless a welcoming, comfortable and unpretentious sort of place.

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“I like things; I like stuff,” admits Helle. “Furniture, soft furnishings, candles, artworks, knickknacks of all descriptions. And I love to mix old and new; that way, you get to see each piece.”

Her living room is proof of the effectiveness of this design philosophy. The oversized contemporary sofa is softened with cushions and throws, highlighting a couple of older, distinctly European pieces from Denmark: a curvy wavefront cabinet with drawers and a delicate display cabinet with glass doors.

To the left, the earth tones of an abstract painting from Bali warm up the neutral space; opposite, a whimsical composition of butterflies and flowers by local artist Idris Johor. Idris also painted the two mannequin forms displayed in the dining room; each of them is an exquisite work of art.

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A cityscape by Danish artist Larsen dominates the dining room, and Helle herself painted the red abstract opposite it. She took painting classes about five years ago, and various examples of her work enliven the plain white walls of the house.

Galanga Living supplied much of the furniture for the expansive outdoor entertainment area, she says, but the ceramic stools and other items are from FairPrice Antique. She found one of the tables and a lamp in Bali: “Whenever I see anything portable on my travels, I bring it home.”

And the table-tennis table gets a lot of use, she says; “Caspar and I are very competitive!”

The Business How does one go about establishing a business like FairPrice Antique? I imagine that having done a degree in sales and marketing back in Denmark must have stood Helle in good stead.

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It took her family a little while to settle properly into Singapore, she remembers, not least because the boys were not fluent in English when they arrived here.

To overcome that hurdle, they chose the Overseas Family School (OFS) mainly for its programme of integrating students who have English only as a second language; Ollie was in the first grade, Casper in the fourth grade, and after a mere six months they were able to enter the main stream.

With her boys thriving at school, their mother felt able to take up a new challenge. So when Lulu Tian, another tenant at The Arcadia, proposed that they start up FairPrice Antique together, Helle thought: “Why not?”

Lulu was mainland Chinese and had a contact in Beijing. “We both went to Beijing,” recalls Helle, “and we simply chose what we ourselves liked. We thought that if the business did not make it, at least we’d have imported some gorgeous furniture for ourselves.”

They did make it, of course. At the start, they shared the contents of each container between their two huge apartments, and during the weekends their respective sons would be on duty to guide potential customers to the “showrooms”. Before long, they had set up a website with pictures and prices; much of the business was done, and continues to be done, through that portal.

After a while, the URA came knocking at the door; running this sort of outfit from a condo was a no-go, apparently, and they had to find a more appropriate place to keep their stock. An old house in Andrew Road was their next address, followed by five years in a warehouse at Henderson Road.

Lulu’s husband was relocated in 2006, and Helle bought her share of the business. “I’m really happy to be on my own,” she says.

After the rent shot up by 120 percent, she found her current

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Outram Road premises, on the ground floor of Tan Boon Liat Building. “It’s working very well,” she declares happily, noting that her neighbours include Journey East, Jehan Gallery and Eastern Discoveries on the third floor, “a lovely quilt shop on the sixth floor, a knife-seller and sharpener on the ground floor, and a great organic shop on the 11th floor.” What’s more, there’s plenty of free parking.

Since October last year, FairPrice Antique has been hosting regular Eclectic Evenings that feature an assortment of vendors and service providers. Underground Wines, Layard

Art Consulting, ceramics from Laytana Poterie, Sigrid Handmade Jewellery, BODE home furnishings and florist Stacy Holcroft’s The Blue Leaf were at the February event.

The Leaving They came here in 2002 for three years, or possibly a maximum of five.

Before that, Helle and John had been back in Jutland, Denmark for eight years, after three years in Sydney and four years in Holland, where the boys were born.

“I’ve been very pleased each time our stay has been extended,” says Helle. “When you have boys who are

in high school, Singapore is a very hard place to leave.” But it’s now definite that the family will be moving home to Denmark next year. John retires soon, Caspar has finished high school, and Ollie is already back in Denmark, planning to study hospitality management in Switzerland.

As she says, it’s nice to know in advance and to have time to plan for the move and for the future of her thriving business. But what, I ask, will she do with all the lovely stuff that she has collected around her?

“Fortunately, our home in Denmark is big enough to hold all of it!” eL

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RECOMMENDATIONS: FairPrice Antique 315 Outram Road #01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building www.fairpriceantique.com Galanga Living 211 Henderson Road #01-02 Henderson Industrial Park and 7 Joo Chiat Place www.galangaliving.com Overseas Family School 25F Paterson Road 6738 0211 www.ofs.edu.sg

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SINGAPORE

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HOME Contemporary kitchen featuring solid counter top, white high gloss cabinetry, wood offset with brushed stainless steel appliances, Design Intervention, 75E Loewen Road, 6506 0920, www.designintervention.com.sg

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3 1 Suite towels made of 100% cotton, from US$9 to US$49, Ploh, 6832 5602, www.ploh.com. 2 Bathroom furnishings and accessories, AF Home, 274 River Valley Road, 6733 7012, www.afhome.com.sg. 3 Rattan box, $78, John Erdos Home, 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, 6735 3307, www.johnerdos.com.sg. 4 & 5 Butcher’s block kitchen cabinet collection made from acacia

hardwoods and heavy duty nickel and brass hardware, from $695, Taylor B Fine Design, 43 Keppel Road #04-02 & 1557 Keppel Road #01-02, 9651 0700. 6 Indian teak wood cabinet, $500 to $1,200, Originals, 896 Dunearn Road, #02-03 Sime Darby Centre, 6471 9918, www.originals.com.sg

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7 ORGA-LINE film cutter, $58.34 +

GST, Blum, 6547 1760, connect.blum. com. 8 ORGA-LINE dividing system, Blum. 9 Stainless steel food mill, $49.80, Lemon Zest, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, 6471 0566, www.lemonzestlife.com. 10 Ceramic tart dish, 24 cm, $18.60, Lemon Zest.

11 Enamelled lime-squeezer, $28.60; 15� pizza stone, $43.20, Lemon Zest.

12 Cuisinart soft serve ice cream maker, $448, ToTT, 896 Dunearn Road #0101A, 6219 7077, www.tottstore.com.

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13 Set of 6 Laguiole steak knives, $390,

House of AnLi, 18 Mount Pleasant Drive, 6224 8077. 14 Colourful 24-piece Laguiole cutlery set, $695, House of AnLi. 15 Condiment set, $88, John Erdos Home, 7A & 7B Dempsey Road, 6735 3307, www.johnerdos.com.sg. 16 Urban storage bench, $1,850, John Erdos Home

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TAPPING THE Anglo-Indian mahogany cupboard

Before

The Restoration Process Indo-Dutch satinwood and ebony chest

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It has been more than ten years since Singapore antique dealers Pieter and Marie-Hélène van Houten started collecting Indo-European furniture, a hybrid genre of furniture and by-product of the spice trade that brought the Portuguese, Dutch, French and English to the Indian subcontinent. Inside their store, The Past Perfect Collection, MARIE-HÉLÈNE spoke with Monica Pitrelli about the restoration process and why the chances of becoming an amateur antique hunter aren’t nearly as good as you might have hoped.

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How old are the antiques that you sell?

Everything that we sell dates back to India’ss colonial era. Between the 16th and 20th centuries,, three distinctive furniture styles developed on the e Indian subcontinent to reflect the tastes of the ruling colonial powers: Indo-Portuguese, IndoDutch and Anglo-Indian. Later, the term IndoEuropean was coined to cover all these styles.

Where do you find them?

The British pieces that we sell are mainly from Bombay, Calcutta and Gujarat. We find the Portuguese pieces in Goa, and the Dutch furniture on India’s south-eastern Coromandel coast.

I’m headed to India later this year. What are my chances of finding treasures like these by combing a market in Goa? You’d have to find a unique piece that has historical value and that is made of top quality wood, and then you’d have to find someone who

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Indo-Portuguese rosewood cupboard

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can restore it. Finding good pieces isn’t easy, and preserving the value of such precious items can be quite a challenge. We have that part done by a dedicated team of craftsmen in India.

I thought pieces like these would have been safeguarded. Are you saying that even this immaculate furniture suffered wear and tear?

Sure. These pieces were passed down within families, so they underwent normal wear and tear like all furniture.

If someone didn’t like the natural colour of the wood, they may have painted it blue or red. We restore each piece to its original state – to its former glory, so to speak.

How do you know if a piece of furniture is a good candidate for restoration, or whether you should give it a pass?

First, the piece must be in good condition. If it’s badly broken and missing important parts, like a table that’s missing one or two legs, we won’t buy it. We select only those that need minimal repair. Second, we check the originality of brass fittings like handles and lock-plates. We are most excited when we find furniture with the original maker’s label, because it supports the authenticity and increases the value of a piece. For example, we have a desk

with a label that says, “C. Lazarus & Co, Cabinetmakers, Calcutta”. It tells you that you have a late 19th-century treasure that was made by a top furniture maker, the equivalent of Chippendale or Sheraton.

How long does the restoration process take?

It depends on the size and amount of carving on the furniture. A large, extensively worked cabinet can take

a week. Either Pieter or I go to India every six weeks to source new pieces.

Each time we go, we follow up on the previous month’s purchases to see how the restoration is coming along.

The furniture in your store comes in so many different colours. Is that due to the finish?

Everything that you see is the natural colour of the wood. Satinwood has a yellowish hue; it’s named as such because the grain of the wood resembles satin in the light. Teak has a more rustic grain. Rosewood is darker, and its name is derived from the scent that is released after the wood is worked. Just smell the inside of this cabinet, and you’ll understand.

Nothing we sell is painted, even the pieces with black edges – that is ebony, as is the inlay work. Combining ebony with other, lighter types of wood is typical of Dutch furniture.

Since you are passionate about colonial antiques from India, you must often be tempted to buy. Does your home look just like this showroom?

(Laughs) No, we like to blend modern furniture with antiques. I do love the combination satinwood and ebony pieces though, but maybe that’s because I’m Dutch, too.

The Basics of the Restoration Process 1. Stripping Strong chemicals are applied to the wood to dissolve old layers of paint and finish.

2. Sanding The surface of the furniture is sanded to remove nicks, scratches and imperfections.

3. Shellacking Shellac, a resin made from the resinous secretions of lac insects, is freeze-dried and dissolved in alcohol to form a liquid. Using the French polishing method, the shellac is applied by repeating long, soft strokes in the same direction. Widely considered to be the most challenging part of the restoration process, shellacking creates a flawless finish while sealing and protecting the wood beneath.

4. Finishing A layer of protective beeswax is applied for a matte, refined finish. eL 480 River Valley Road | 6737 3078 | www.pastperfect.sg

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By Rebecca Bisset

When Meryl and Paul MacShane bought this lovely shophouse on Everitt Road, it had already been renovated. Meryl has kept the dĂŠcor in harmony with the age and style of the building, mixing some lovely retro pieces with Asian antiques. As a Singaporean who remembers water shortages and other hardships, she appreciates what she has now and has two key requisites when choosing products and services: integrity and comfort.

You are Singaporean and your husband Paul is American.

Have you always lived in Singapore?

I was travelling a lot at the time with my work in business development but I met Paul in Singapore through a friend. We complement each other. I am the gregarious one – if we were both like me, no one would get a word in. But we have the same core values.

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We married in 2003 and then went to live in Connecticut for a while. It was in the suburbs and I don’t drive so I felt a bit cut off. Winters were very long, from September to March, although the autumn was beautiful. It was the first time I’d lived in a cold climate, so it wasn’t exactly easy. When Paul decided to take on a new opportunity

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in Singapore, it was easy to say yes to a return to the motherland. Paul is in shipping and, Singapore being a shipping hub, he was eager to be back here too.

What made you decide to buy this shophouse?

We rented when we returned and then bought a penthouse condo but after a couple of years we felt it was too small. I think Paul wanted to work me skinny because we have no helper and I have to do it all (laughs). Jokes aside, I think he wanted a house again.

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He jogged around this area and saw the For Sale sign. We both agreed that it would be a meaningful investment, and a heritage house is a wonderful gift to pass on to our son in the future. The sale was particularly stressful. The handover of the heritage house was delayed by three months by the developers, and our penthouse was to be handed over on the same date that the new house was made available. It was cutting it way too close.

The white TV cabinet and the white bookshelf-cum-shoe cupboard were designed by Meryl and custom made for her

by Just Anthony. The other pieces in white including the large figurine of Kwan Yin are also from there.

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What changes have you made?

It was renovated nicely when we bought it, but I think if I were doing it from scratch, I would have opened up the stairwell and created a bit more light in the middle as it is usually dark centrally, being a terraced house. We did open up the kitchen area. We knocked down a wall and put full-length sliding windows in, so that’s nice and bright now. However I did have to put an electronic shutter outside because it gets too sunny in the afternoon.

I also changed the kitchen design to this very simple single bench.

I do plenty of Chinese stirfries, so when I cook, I want the stove, the preparation area and the sink to be on the same counter top – neat and tidy. If we have people round it’s more of a buffet and drinks party affair, and for anything more formal we’ll go out to eat.

I like the kitchen because the finish of the cupboards is the same inside and out, using high-quality melamine which is a stronger material, rather than having the insides finished in white PVC, which is not durable. The cupboard doors lift up effortlessly and the worktop is easy to maintain.

As I do it all myself, that’s important.

It’s a Mudian kitchen; they are in Defu Lane. Kinbo Construction did all the masonry, the electrical rewiring and the flooring, and knocked down the back wall.

The house is two storeys but there is a smaller attic or third-storey space where we have our bedroom.

Although it isn’t as big as the other rooms, it’s quieter. We have turned the master bedroom into our TV room.

The downstairs living room is mainly for entertaining and showcasing Paul’s eclectic music collection.

As it’s a conservation house we can’t change the façade, and

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because this area is in the flight path for Paya Lebar Airport, there can’t be any high rises, so we know we are fairly safe from being engulfed.

Do you like the area?

We are used to living in the east. Our son, Ian, is studying at the Singapore American School in Woodlands, up north. It’s quite a long way from here, so I get him by taxi in the afternoons otherwise he gets home really late. But yes, we like the area, there’s lots of great food we can order in or eat out.

There are plenty of places to walk or jog, too. The Siglap connector takes you down to the coast from here within minutes. It is a good place for us to be as we do enjoy jogging and cycling.

What are your prerequisites when choosing furniture?

I like mid-20th century American-style Art Deco pieces. The key word is integrity – in design and in the structural functionality.

Integrity in the supplier is very important as well – not the kind where you buy and they say adios!

Easy maintenance is important, too. The chandeliers are Swarovski crystal and just don’t attract dust. I only have to clean them about once a year.

The countertop in the kitchen is an American brand, Corian – it’s a 100-percent solid acrylic material that will last and cleans really easily.

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The sofas from Abitex are well constructed, long-lasting and ultra-comfortable. Quite a few of my armchairs are from John Erdos – they tick all my boxes in service and quality. But the one place I have bought most from and had quite a bit custom-made is Just Anthony. I have been buying from them since 1999 and took an open-top 40ft container over to the US when we moved!

I designed the bookshelves to hold books on top and shoes below, and took my design to Danielle at Just Anthony to have it made up. I also had the vinyl record console, the glass-topped modern table in the front music room, the coffee table in the TV room, the mirror in the dining room and the white TV sideboard in the middle room custom-made. eL

Meryl and Paul's Restaurants in the Area Chilli Padi Nonya Restaurant 6275 1002 | www.chillipadi.com.sg Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant 6334 2761 | www.guanhoesoon.com Fei Fei Wanton Mee 9777 7988 Margarita’s 6440 8030 Al Forno 6348 8781 | www.alfornoeastcoast.com.sg Furniture Just Anthony 6283 4782 | www.justanthony.com John Erdos 6735 3307 | www.johnerdosgallery.com Mudian (kitchen cabinets) 6733 7378 | www.mudian.com.sg Kinbo Construction (masonry and electrics) 6555 6998 Abitex (sofas) 6745 7711 | www.abitex.com.sg Other Blum & Co. (dresses) Various locations www.blumnco.com Straits Commercial Art Co. (arts supplies) 6338 1710

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By Alex Westcott

There’s no better way to grasp the principles behind interior decorating than to visit an interior designer’s exquisitely decorated yet comfortably liveable home.

Nikki Hunt’s stunning house on Garlick Avenue serves as the perfect platform for DESIGN INTERVENTION’s interior design class, led by Zoe Hawkins.

Nikki’s home – built from scratch following the architectural tradition of a black-and-white house and incorporating meticulously executed thematic harmony throughout – is a testimony to her success as an interior designer for Design Intervention.

The three-hour class begins with Nikki chatting to the group about her approach to design. “There’s no formula,” she begins. “However, there is a set of principles that you need to grasp before you can play around with them.”

Nikki and Zoe take the class through each room, addressing the importance of having a design brief for each room; consider whom that room is for, what mood you’re looking to create and how that can be achieved.

Nikki emphasises maintaining a sense of overall harmony throughout a home. “I don’t believe things need to match, but you do need to consider the elements’ relationships to one another.

Keep in mind that not every item in your home needs to be a statement piece.

Too often, people restrict themselves to buying exclusively beautiful pieces.

Too many handsome pieces can clutter a room and overwhelm the viewer; you need to have simple filler items too. You need to feel a connection between all the objects.”

When working with an open plan design, Nikki and Zoe place particular emphasis on the line of sight. “Your rooms can be in different colours and have a completely different feel and purpose, but you still need a point of continuity; something that carries

t through from one room to another, whether it’s a colour, a texture or w a pattern,” says Nikki. “Even in an aapartment where every room can be sshut off, there should be a common ffeel,” adds Zoe. After Nikki has taken the group tthrough the entire house, she leaves Zoe to go through the rooms a second Z ttime to focus on the finer details and underscore the principles learnt in u tthe previous three lessons. Up till now, Zoe has addressed a thorough n sspectrum of design principles – from how to maximise space to choosing h ffloor and wall finishes, curtains and blinds. During the tour of Nikki’s home, Zoe also touches on what will be addressed in the final four classes: colour schemes, fabric and soft furnishings, elevation and lighting.

By the final lesson, each student will have compiled a design brief for a bedroom and living room that they will present to Zoe and the class.

Zoe helps them through the entire process from week to week, supplying detailed notes for easy reference and providing them with fabric samples so they can experiment with colour schemes to create mood boards for their presentations. Aside from inspiring their creativity, Zoe also teaches them highly practical DIY skills that will prove useful for when they renovate their own homes. eL The next course begins on 16 April and costs $920. There are two time slots (maximum class size of 10) per week, including a Tuesday evening class. For more details call 6506 0920 or email info@designintervention.com.sg. www.designintervention.com.sg

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Market Update DEBORAH LAW Executive Director, Expat Realtor

As supply outweighs demand, the rental prices for both residential and commercial properties are dropping, especially for more ordinary properties.

Resale prices for private homes without land remain generally flat and in some areas have fallen; in the central districts of Singapore, for example, they have dropped 2 percent in the past two months. In some of the outlying regions, they have seen slight increases of up to one percent.

The ABSD (Additional Buyers Stamp Duty) has definitely dampened foreigner interest in purchasing Singapore property, and investors are currently preferring to snap up properties in the UK and the US.

Sales have also been affected by Singapore’s stricter immigration policies.

As for PRs wishing to purchase landed properties, there has been a very noticeable drop in the number of applications being approved, particularly for houses on larger plots over 10,000 sq. ft. Figures as low as two out of ten have been mentioned.

Sales figures are being bolstered mainly by new launches of mass-market projects like Watertown, Parc Rosewood and The Hillier.

Prices of private homes are likely to remain stable and possibly drop slightly over the next few months. If the economic situation remains stable they should not deteriorate too drastically and we could be reaching the bottom of the cycle. Happy hunting!

HOT Properties

STUNNING VIEW $25K RENT District: 4 Size: 6,000 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4+1 Type: Duplex penthouse This stunning duplex penthouse enjoys sea and marina views from the bedrooms and the living and dining rooms. The roof terrace and private swimming pool are a big plus. It is spacious, with four bedrooms and condo facilities. What more could you ask for?

To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027.

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SENTOSA BUNGALOW VIEW TO OFFER District: 4 Size: 6,264 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4+1+1 Type: Bungalow This three-storey bungalow has a beautiful waterway view. It has four bedrooms, plus a study, an entertainment room, a bright, very spacious living room, water features and both gourmet and wet kitchens. There’s a swimming pool and potential for a berth.

SPACE AND LOCATION $4.7K RENT District: 5 Size: 1,582 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 3 Type: Condo A spacious three-bedroom apartment close to eateries and shops. Just across the street is the Pasir Panjang MRT station (Circle Line), which will take you to the city, Holland Village and many other places in Singapore.

The apartment is very well laid out, with lots of space, natural light and good facilities.

To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027.

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BEAUTIFUL & SPACIOUS $7.5K RENT District: 15 Size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4+1+1 Type: Semi-detached

This lovely two-storey home, at the end of a one-way street, has a private, gated driveway and a beautiful spacious garden where children can play, run and ride their bikes. A bright, open living and dining room looks onto the garden, and upstairs are four bedrooms with a small family area off the landing. The kitchen has an eating area, and next to the kitchen is another room that could be used as a family room, a music room, a study or a maid’s room.

SUPERIOR & CENTRAL $6M SALE District: 9 Size: 2,605 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4+1 Type: Condo

This spacious unit with superior finishes comprises four bedrooms, two living rooms, five bathrooms and a maid’s room. Perfect for your own accommodation or as an investment property, it is very quiet yet close to Orchard Road, a large 24-hour supermarket and eateries in Killiney Road. Plus you have a beautiful, relaxing view of greenery with an extensive array of condo facilities.

To view properties, call Expat Realtor at 6255 1027.

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Loving Local Living

By Alex Westcott

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andra and Anthony Oundjian bought their new home on Onan Road because of the flavour of the multicultural m neighbourhood; they loved Joo Chiat’s urho local, bohemian atmosphere. “Joo hemi Chiat struck a chord with us because it didn’t feel like an a ‘expat bubble’; there’s a solid mix of cultures,” says Sandra.

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The French couple met at a friend’s place in Montreal in 1998 and were married in 2004. Today, they have three children: two sons, Milos (8) and Agathange (6), and a daughter, Massilia (4).

“I always think of an expat as someone shipped around on a company package; I certainly don’t think of myself as an expat in that

sense,” says Sandra. “I prefer the term ‘migrant’. I’ve lived in the US, the Czech Republic, Canada, Belgium and now Singapore. We plan to settle here for the long term, which is why we decided to buy this house.”

This is the couple’s second stint on the Little Red Dot. When they moved to Singapore in 2001 for Anthony to do his MBA at INSEAD, they stayed in a condo in Buona Vista, Dover Parkview, which was conveniently close to the campus. “We arrived with one suitcase each and did a trip to Ikea to get the basic bits and pieces,” recalls Sandra.

“We had no furniture to speak of. But before we left Singapore, we did a trip to Bali and filled a container with furniture to take back to Brussels.”

Their first real home together was in Belgium. “There are some amazing buildings in Brussels and I still have a soft spot for Belgian architecture.

They employ natural textures with a minimalist philosophy that I appreciate. The architectural design allows a lot of light to fill the rooms, compensating for the lack of light that results from the generally dreary weather.” Their children were born in Belgium, but the couple returned to Asia regularly for holidays.

In their sixth year there, they took another trip to Bali and sent yet another container filled with furniture back to Brussels. In 2008, about a month after it had arrived, they decided to return to Singapore.

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“A lot of factors influenced that decision,” says Sandra. “The weather was a major issue. We’d grown tired of the bleak Belgian skies. Our families were in France, so there was nothing really keeping us there. I don’t want to sound too negative, but I feel that being a working mom in Europe took a lot out of me. Commuting to and from work took a long time; the kids were often sick. Anthony and I were completely exhausted by the time we went to bed. We mutually decided that it was time for a change.”

As is the case for many expat parents, one of the massive appeals of Singapore was that they might expose their kids to different cultures and afford them the opportunity to learn Mandarin from a young age. “The kids had travelled a bit in the region and we’d had Chinese babysitters in Belgium, so moving here wasn’t much of a culture shock for them,” she says.

Back in Singapore, they found a condo on Grange Road. It was a bit small for a family of five, and after 22 months, they cut their lease short

when Sandra found a lovely home in the city centre.

“It was a great five-bedroom house behind Ion, close to Paterson Road,” recounts Sandra. “Aside from the fact that we got an amazing rental deal, it was also in a prime location – my son didn’t even have to cross the street to go to school. We had a pretty garden with a big jackfruit tree that had a squirrel living in it.”

Unfortunately, the dream was interrupted. After only 10 months, Sandra and Anthony received notice

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that it was to be torn down to make way for a new development, like so many of the older houses in that area.

“We were so sad to leave it, but we still really value the fact that we had an opportunity to live in a house like that in the city centre. What happened was a travesty. We’d leave for work in the morning and the house next door would be there; we’d return that evening and it had vanished into a pile of rubble.”

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As you might expect, it was difficult to adjust to a small temporary apartment after the luxurious space of their previous home. “We moved three times within the same block, which was pretty disruptive,” sighs Sandra. “It was a strange time for us, living out of a suitcase again with our furniture in storage but not yet knowing what we wanted. Thankfully, the kids were on holiday in France for most of that time, but when they returned in August, things spiralled into chaos.”

Finally, they settled on the house on Onan Road. “We’d actually visited this house sometime before we decided to buy it, but we weren’t ready at the time.”

Apart from the appeal of Joo Chiat, the couple also liked the house’s proximity to East Coast Park. “I don’t think Joo Chiat is ideal if you have very young kids, as there’s very little pavement area here to take a pushchair along, but with our kids being that bit older, it’s great. They often go

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wake-boarding after school. There’s a fabulous bakery nearby called The Bread Project, which is an absolute necessity for a French family like us!

“Everything we need is close by, from convenience stores to a selection of nice restaurants as well as a wet market. We’re not close to the MRT, but the bus system is so good here and taxis are always available on the main road, so it’s still perfectly convenient to get where you need to be.”

Sandra and Anthony are very happy having their children enrolled in a local school. “As we’re here for the long-term, we want to be part of the social structure in Singapore. We feel that the local schools are of a high standard – they’re very structured. Our boys attend the Cantonment Primary School while our daughter is in a local kindergarten.”

Sandra is currently having a break from full-time work, which is a totally new experience to her. “It’s getting better now, but in the beginning I felt completely lost! I didn’t know what to do with myself. Before I stopped working, I had this long list of things I was going to do with my time off. It sounds silly, but having so much free time is actually overwhelming after having worked full-time for so long. Anthony works as a management consultant, so he is often away. It’s not bad in the afternoons because the kids finish school and then they have activities to get to, and that keeps me busy.”

Of course, having extra time has meant that Sandra can explore her creativity in her new house, although it’s very much a work in progress. Some of the previous owner’s furniture, in a style very different to Sandra’s, is still scattered throughout the house. She intends to phase these extra items out over time.

The previous owner had altered the four-storey, four-bedroom house with entertainment in mind. “There were seven TVs in the house!” exclaims Sandra, wide-eyed. There’s also a

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mini movie theatre equipped with an entertainment system, which Sandra and Anthony use since it’s there, but which they would not have included had they designed the home from scratch.

Similarly, the previous owner had installed indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas, which they never use; and the shower off the main bedroom has a colour therapy lighting system,

allowing lighting changes with the flip of a switch. “The kids like it, though,” she smiles.

Between the dining area and kitchen is a glass-walled room-within-a-room, where Sandra stores cookbooks, French ingredients and wine. Glass dominates throughout the house, in room dividers and massive windows that let in plenty of light. The upstairs

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lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows with glass sliding doors leading onto the roof terrace, which Sandra plans to fix up a bit “and remove the Jacuzzi”.

From a decorating perspective, Sandra loves to mix and match. “I like to have objects in my home that mean something to me,” she says. Her style of décor is evidence of this philosophy, with many pieces collected during her

travels: paper vases from Cambodia, candlestick holders from Israel, a terracotta horse from India, several pieces from a trip to Myanmar and scores of items from Bali displayed throughout the house. Buddhist motifs are a particularly notable presence, which Sandra says she cherishes because of the “sense of peace and tranquillity” that they bring.

She also loves hunting down artefacts locally and has sourced several pieces from boutique shops in Little India and Chinatown. “Shopping in these areas is an adventure; I feel like Ali Baba! It’s a real treasure hunt.”

While her objets d’art are predominantly Asian, the art on her walls shows her European interests – from the map of France hung in

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the boys’ room to a piece by Hungarian artist Börzsönyi in the passageway, and a painting

by French artist Jean Moulin “that Anthony hates,” smiles Sandra. “I love it because it reminds me of a typical papi from a village in France.

He doesn’t understand this affection; he thinks he’s creepy.”

The family loves to travel, and Anthony and Sandra always take their kids along.

Palawan in the Philippines was a particular highlight for them. Piled up on a Rajasthani chest in the living room is a collection of hardcover photo albums. “ L iv i n g i n A s i a i s j u s t marvellous, given the accessibility to so many different countries in the region,” Sandra beams. “And every time, it’s an adventure.

Who knows what beautiful things I might find?” eL April12

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Sandra’s Recommendat ions Ni-Night 7 Joo Chiat Place 9829 7961 / 6440 7567 www.ni-night.com

Utterly Art 229 South Bridge Road 6226 2605 www.utterlyart.com.sg

The Bread Project 174 Joo Chiat Road 6440 9228 www.thebreadproject.com.sg

Gokulam Jewels & Crafts 48 Serangoon Road #01-02 & #02-01 Little India Arcade 6298 9184 / 6298 6275

Tai Shek Hei House of Bamboo Noodles 285 Joo Chiat Road 6345 5095

Space 77 Bencoolen Street 6415 0000 www.spacefurniture.com.sg

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Balmoral Road

Kirsten Murphy N Name: From: Sydney, Australia Occupation: Teacher’s O aide… re-skilling into teaching a after a doing time as a sales and a business development manager m in fashion, recruitment and a publishing.

The Specifics:

Photography by Lyan Bernales.

All taken around Balmoral Road

What street do you live on?

Balmoral Road.

Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?

Balmoral Road, please… Balmoral …

B.A.L.M.O.R.A.L. ... yes – do you know Stevens Road? Yes? Great, at Raffles Girls’ School turn right onto Balmoral.

What’s the name of your neighbourhood?

Bukit Timah – District 10.

Closest MRT station?

It’s a lovely ten-minute stroll past construction sites and new luxury condos to Newton MRT. Why here?

We fell in love with the apartment’s high ceilings, generous sized rooms and great location. Most importantly, it was in our price range because of the bloomin’ construction next door!

How long g have yyou lived here?

Twenty-two months.

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The Scene: When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: A Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes or Audi attempting to exit the condo and being blocked by a cement mixer.

The closest store to your front door is: Balmoral Plaza, where you’ll find Spizza, The Straits Wine Company, 7-Eleven, two dentists, The Big Bird, Waffletown, Smiths Fish and Chips, Bojangles, Traditional Balinese Massage, Presto Expat Motoring, English and maths cram schools – there’s something for everyone, really.

Your street would make the perfect backdrop for a remake of: A Village People music video.

Your neighbours are great, but you wouldn’t mind a little less: Obsessing about the fish in the condo pond.

When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you: Take my kids, Max and Mia, on a tadpole-spotting mission down at the murky condo fishpond where we await the arrival of our vigilant Singaporean neighbour. He worries we may be stealing his fish – it makes me laugh!

If you’re missing home, you: Go to the movies. Movie theatres are fairly similar around the world. Movies take me out of myself. For two hours I forget my funny little life, and any hint of missing Oz is eradicated.

A mandatory stop for out-of-town guests is: Kenko Fish Spa on Tanglin Road, followed by a two-hour heritage walk around Chinatown or Little India and a visit to The Screening Room – a cool yet unpretentious rooftop bar on Ann Siang Road.

You’d swap houses in a second with: The lucky duckies living in a stunning black-and-white house that we can see from our living room. They even have a pool!

A common myth about your neighbourhood is: That it is really pricey. All the construction has lowered rents in our humble domain.

If you’re ever woken up at night, it’s almost always due to: Midnight construction! Can you believe it?

A massive late-night rager on your street is likely to be: Maids sneaking out to meet their “boyfriends” at Orchard Towers.

If a celebrity moves in next door, it will most likely be: David “Scar” Hodo, reliving his memories as a construction worker in the Village People.

The unofficial uniform of your street is: Construction hat, reflective jacket and a Stop/Go lollipop sign.

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WHAT'S THE WORD ON YOUR STREET? We want to know about where you live. Don't be shy! ore.

Send an email to contribute@expatlivingsingapore. ude com with "Street Talk" in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we'll be in touch.

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Teen Talk Teen Talk

Expat Teens Talk is a new book released worldwide that addresses the specific challenges of expat teens. Through personal stories, the book explores issues related to living abroad as a teenager, while providing advice, solutions and support from three important groups: fellow expat peers, expat parents and expat professionals. $24. Available on Amazon. For more information, visit www.expatteens.org. xpatteens.org.

Godfer | Dreamstime.com

What’s NEW

LIFE&FAMILY

Imagination Station For unique children’s gifts, look no further than LouBeLou. This recently launched online store sells fun and imaginative products from hanging tents and hair bands to beanbags, bunting and handmade playhouses. The founders, Louise Courtenay and Belinda Warburton, say their goal is simple – to provide quality, imaginative pieces for active little ones. www.loubelou.com

Toon Time

If you’ve a quirky sense of humour and a knack for sketching, sign up for cartooning classes. One-day workshops and four-week courses are available.

All ages welcome. Programmes held at the Singapore Cartooning Institute, Goodman Arts Centre. Call 9873 7663 or visit www.sgcartoons.com.

sewn d n a H Style After struggling to find stylish and functional clothing for her young son, Aussie expat Emma Laué starting making them herself. Soon, Emma Laué Children was born. With a degree in fashion and ten years of experience in the Australian fashion industry, Emma creates classic and contemporary designs that are made of cotton and linen to keep cool in the “season of the eternal summer”. For ages 0 to 3. To view the collection, drop by the W Boutique Fair at 96 Woodleigh Park on 19 and 20 April. Call 9384 0696 or visit www.emmalaue.com.

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How To Be Happy Join authors and life guides Vikas Malkani and Sally Forrest for a free talk where they will share their Top 5 Tips on Staying Happy Every Day. 26 April, 10am to 11.30am. SoulCentre Academy, 7 One North Gateway #01-15. Registration is required. Call 9875 2372 or email soulcentresingapore@yahoo.com.sg.

Little Lovelies Tomato Photo is having a special photo shoot promotion for babies from three to nine months old. Parents are welcome to join in the shoot. For $550 (U.P. $1,050), you’ll receive a weekday studio session and a 6-inch x 6-inch leather album with 20 images of your choice, plus a CD of the images. Call 9147 5123 or visit www.tomato.sg.

Double Vision School Reunion This year marks Dover Court’s 40th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, former students, staff and parents are flying in from all over the world for school performances, a school-wide picnic and a grand gala dinner. Student Hejo Bay, age 9, designed the winning anniversary logo, shown here. www.dovercourt.edu.sg

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They say mothers have eyes in their back of their heads, but the Luvion Prestige Touch gives mums eyes all over the house. This seven-inch, splitscreen digital video monitor allows you to keep an eye on your newborn and any other room that needs your attention. The monitor comes with night vision, talk back, temperature and digital zoom features. $888.

Available at Motherswork stores, Takashimaya Baby Department and www.babysingapore.com.sg.

Open Arms

Instead of swaddling your baby with his or her arms down, the Love to Swaddle UP gives a warm, womblike fit while allowing the baby to calm itself down by touching its own face and cheeks. This gives the baby – and the parents – a better night’s sleep. $49.90, available in three sizes and in “Lite” (made from lighter fabric for hot climates) and organic versions at Motherswork, Mother and Child Centre, Spring Maternity, Egg Maternity, Baby Zoo, Parentlink and at www.babyonline.com.sg.

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NOTICE

Chloe Marguerite McMahon was born on 7 October 2011 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Parents Tim and Caroline and siblings Connor and Ella are thrilled with the new addition to their family.

Harry James arrived on 23 November 2011 at Gleneagles Hospital to the delight of proud parents Dustin and Melanie Yates.

Natasha Watson and William Banwell are delighted about the arrival of Lily Amelia Banwell on 6 December 2011 at the National University Hospital. Š Young-sun Teh, David Castillo Dominici | Dreamstime.com

Josh Caden Davies, born at Gleneagles Hospital on 24 October 2011, is a little brother for Will and a second son for Rob and Tracy Davies.

JUST HAD A BABY? NEWLY MARRIED? RECENTLY ENGAGED? Moved back to Singapore and want to let people know you’re back in town? Whatever your announcement, we will get the message out. Email us at editorial@expatliving.sg.

All readers whose babies are featured on this page will receive a photography session with Associate Master Photographer Kate Griffiths and a complimentary framed image worth $520 from Littleones Photography (www.littleonesphotography.com) and a pair of Pediped Originals*, valued at $63.90. So keep those birth announcements coming! *Style may differ from image shown

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BOARD For Sale

Panasonic Core Trainer

Moving Sale

Core Trainer engages the thigh, back, abdominal and other core muscles and is designed for no-impact strength training.

Used infrequently and in good condition. Asking $900 (paid $1,600). Interested? Call Elaine on 9017 5850.

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L-shaped sofa and coffee table from Le M e r c i e r ’s . A s k i n g $3,000 for sofa and $1,200 for coffee table.

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Block coffee-table from John Erdos. Asking $1,300.

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Antique chest box.

Asking $1,000.

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More items available; email for complete listing.

Rollerblades Size 38 EU or 5 UK rollerblades with 80mm aluminium frame wheels. Comes with knee, elbow and wrist protection pads. All in excellent condition.

Asking $60.

Interested? Call Mattie at 8157 4758.

Interested? Contact Rachel Khanna at rakhanna@optonline.net.

Abstract Paintings

© Young-sun Teh, David Castillo Dominici | Dreamstime.com

Two large abstract canvas paintings for sale. Brand new, includes frames. Multiple hanging hooks on the back so can be hung either way.

Dimensions: 119cm x 110cm. Asking $380 each or both for $700.

Interested? Contact James at 9668 3820 or mrjamesnorman@googlemail.com.

Vintage Carpet Vintage Berber 100-percent wool carpet for sale. Off-white, measures 3m x 2m.

Hand-knotted in Morocco. Asking $2,000 (negotiable). Cash upon collection.

Interested? Contact Pamela at 9726 8933.

Child’s Car Seat Brand new Britax Compaq car seat. Suitable up to 18kg. Has a five-point safety harness.

More details at www.britax.com.au. Collect from Boon Keng/McNair Road. Asking $280.

Interested? Contact Veena at 9105 6150.

Gym Membership Pure Fitness Knightsbridge gym membership for sale (seller leaving Singapore). Valid from mid-April 2012 to end of March 2013. Usual monthly membership charges are $180-$190.

Asking $130 per month with a one-off $214 transfer fee.

Interested? Email Laura Hale at laurajhale@hotmail.com.

For more, go to www.expatliving.sg and click Notice Board.

To post an ad, email your text and a photograph if available to noticeboard@expatliving.sg. It's free!

Looking for a job? Check our new online listings, www.expatliving.sg/all_joblistings

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Scene Around Town

LIFE&FAMILY

Rolling Out The Welcome Mat Avondale Grammar School hosted a Parents’ Association cocktail party to introduce the school’s new principal, Jan Hart, recruited from Scott’s College in Sydney. They’ve also expanded the number of classes and opened a new campus within Phoenix Park on Tanglin Road.

From top right: • Mary Anne Vicente, Marena Matthews, Cate and Justin Foot, and Joanna Jones • Ron and Sally Fortune; Kay Maree Edwards and Alex Walker; Nikki and Jamie Newbold and Laura Shephard • Lucinda Bertram and Cate Worsley; Tony and Marlo McCarthy; Anthony and Nicole Mervin • Bridget and Peter Phelps; Sam Sgroi, Jules Smith, and Sophie and David Vander; Sandra Chua and Jessica Lee • Felicity Pope, Kerry Lawson and Lisa Wydenbach; Rob Wydenbach and Todd Lawson; Michele Khan and Chris Woolley

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Won’t You Do the Fandango?

Fandango Tapas and Wine Bar was the place to be on 16 February, when EL hosted its monthly newcomer evening. Essential Wines supplied a fabulous range of white wines, teaching us what to look for in a chardonnay or a sauvignon blanc. Teams then had to guess which variety of white wine they were tasting, and the winning team won a bottle of bubbly. Log on to www.expatliving.sg to see the photos.

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From top left: • Luca Castellazzi, Nina Reim, Geraldine Laborie, Elodie Vincentelli and Adam Myers; Sally Hustler, Sandra Sanoner and Jacquie Little • Rosie Medina, Helen Chapple, Nina Reim, Juan-Paul Accorsi, Geraldine Loborie and Mie Kon; Marguerite Brooks, Kirsten Olosky, Kim Izzo, Karen Barnes and Christy Machulsk; Nicola Wittekindt, Lucy Richardson and Carmen Malle • Molly Fassbender, Shanny Shen, Heidi Haines, Ole Jacob Oeverseth and Marc D’Espagnac; Adam Myers, Elodie Vincentelli, Scott Dowdell, Kaia-Reet Parv, Jacquie Little and Zac Smith • Nora Donohue, Cleo Goh, Marguerite Brooks, Jo Watering, Nicola Wittekindt and Lucy Richardson; Joanna Meadows, Sally Hustler, Carmen Malle, Luca Castellazzi and Kazuyoshi Mukai; Kerri Izzo, Mike Hughes, Vivian D’Espagnac, Alex Medina, Andre Methot and Zsuzsanna Tungli

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Scene Around Town

LIFE&FAMILY

A Swimmingly Good Day Nexus International School Singapore (NISS) played host to the ACSIS Middle School Swim Meet. The Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools is an organisation set up to provide students with an opportunity to compete in a broad and balanced interschool athletic programme.

Art Smarts The Stamford American International School held an Opening Night for the Grade 1 Art Exhibition last month.

Students served as both artists and guides, walking visitors through the exhibition while explaining each piece.

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Doing It For Themselves Over 280 women and men attended AmCham’s International Women’s Day Panel Discussion on Success Stories from the Boardroom at the Conrad Centennial Singapore. The panel featured some of AmCham’s most successful women members.

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By y Ale lexx We West stcott

The children in the bilingual programme at EtonHouse’s Broadrick campus (an IB World primary school) express themselves in both English and Mandarin; they can read, write and speak in both languages and switch between the two. “It’s very exciting to watch them operate,” says Principal Cheryl Kelly, who before Singapore worked in Australia, China, the Middle East and Brazil. “When you learn a second language, you go through a mental process of translating a phrase in your head before you speak it; the essence of this bilingual class is that the child learns to think in both languages.”

She recalls a parent relating a story about being in a taxi where’d there had been miscommunication with the cab driver. Her young daughter came to the rescue and started speaking fluent Mandarin to explain.

The bilingual programme follows the same International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum as the rest of the school.

EtonHouse also offers a Mandarin immersion programme in Nursery 1 and 2 as well as Hindi and Japanese classes.

In the bilingual programme, two teachers “co-teach” – one

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in English and one in Mandarin.

The children use both languages constantly in every subject. “It’s a demanding environment. In the process of setting up the classes, we were very careful in our staff selection as well as our evaluation of the children in terms of their being able to cope,” says Cheryl. o She emphasises that for a child to be successful in this programme, there has to be sound home support. “A child p with learning difficulties or a behavioural issue would w sstruggle; another child may simply not be emotionally prepared for that environment just yet. Each case is assessed p on its own merits. Many parents want to know – quite o rrightly – whether certain subject capabilities would be aaffected, such as maths, for example. We had to build their understanding of what is possible. So far we’ve found that u kkids thrive in this environment.”

If the parents don’t speak Mandarin, there’s the problem of how they might help their child with homework. “You o need families that are willing to provide the extra support,” n ssays Cheryl. “It requires a joint effort. Some parents employ a Mandarin tutor or Mandarin-speaking helper to assist after school hours.”

At this stage, there’s only one bilingual class, but the plan is for the programme to be an optional pathway throughout the school; the programme is currently offered in Year 2, the first year of primary school, and will be offered in Year 3 as of August this year.

“We haven’t had anyone drop out from the programme thus far, and I have a stack of enrolments for Year 2 and Year 3 through word of mouth. That’s evidence enough for me that parents are happy that this programme works,” says Cheryl. eL With over 5,000 children of 54 different nationalities, the EtonHouse International Schools and Pre-Schools are spread across eight countries in Asia.

A new international pre-school branch is opening this month at 15 Claymore Road. EtonHouse (Broadrick campus) will host an Open House on 20 and 21 April.

Visit www.etonhouse.com.sg or call 6737 3322.

Julia Petukhova | Dreamstime.com

Most people are familiar with language immersion programmes or the process of learning a second language at school; operating bilingually in one classroom is a completely different concept, though. EtonHouse launched its unique primary bilingual programme in August 2011.

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What are the implications if a person dies intestate in Singapore, particularly if they have children? What if both parents die?

All countries have legislation that spells out the distribution of a deceased person’s assets if they die intestate (without having made a will). In Singapore, if there are children, the surviving spouse is entitled to one half and the other half is divided amongst the children. If the children are orphaned then everything passes to them equally. The problem here is that if there is no will, probably no one would have been appointed to take care of the children or sort out the estate.

Normally, the relatives who can take this on are in the home country, so having a will is especially important for an expat’s young children who cannot look after themselves or their money.

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If a will is made in Singapore, but most of your assets are in your home country, will your home country recognise it?

A will made in Singapore, where you are currently resident, will be recognised as valid by every state which has signed up to the Hague Convention. Countries that do not have common law, for example most of continental Europe, may have laws which override the provisions in your will.

If your will is drawn up in your home country, but you have assets in Singapore, like cash in the bank, do those assets need to be included?

Yes, but it is important to realise that probate (to establish the validity of a will) will need to be obtained in all countries where you have assets. So, for example, if a UK national dies having assets in France, Singapore and Thailand, probate would have to take place in each of those countries. If you do not have a valid will this could delay the process of probate and the eventual distribution of the estate, possibly by years.

If your assets are located in countries of the Commonwealth, the process is much more simple as a probate obtained in your home Commonwealth country can be used to realise assets in Singapore.

Aprescindere, Bjørn Hovdal | Dreamstime.com

Death is not something anyone really wants to think about, so many people tend to put off making a will, sometimes until it’s too late.

HARRIET EMPEY asked Chartwell Associates what special considerations expats need to make when drawing up a will.

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Is it best to draw up your will in your home country, in the country where you have most assets or in the country where you currently reside?

Bearing in mind the main aim of a will is to ensure that your assets are distributed as you wish, it could be that the answer to this question is “yes” to all.

This is where the position of expatriates is typically more complicated than that of people who remain in their home country. If you have assets in more than one country it is a good idea to have a will that can handle multiple jurisdictions. You may even need more than one will, especially if you have property in other countries, which then of course raises the issue that the wills must be compatible and able to work together.

Aprescindere, Bjørn Hovdal | Dreamstime.com

Is it necessary to meet with a lawyer or solicitor to draw up a will? Are there any legal implications if you don’t? Is it all right to use a DIY will kit?

Again this depends on your nationality and where your assets are situated. In certain European countries you can only do it yourself, and in others you must instruct a lawyer in your home country to make your will.

However, it is strongly advisable not to do it yourself but to take professional advice as even a small mistake could become very costly and result in your assets not passing to your intended beneficiaries. If you have to consider assets in different jurisdictions without due consideration or professional guidance, the result could actually be worse, and more distressing for the surviving family and relatives, than having no will.

Also, by taking professional advice, issues such as Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax or other death duties can be identified early and solutions put in place, which could save tens or even hundred of thousands of pounds (or euros or dollars), and a lot of stress and heartache.

When making a will in Singapore, is it better to find a lawyer who trained in your home country to assist you?

It is not easy to find a lawyer here who trained in your home country and has continued to specialise in will preparation. In Singapore it is better to find a lawyer who has the experience to know the legal requirements for wills in your home country and also the countries in which you have assets and beneficiaries. eL

Philip Duckworth, a UK lawyer based in Singapore, works in conjunction with Chartwell Associates to draw up wills. He is one of few lawyers here who understand the issues faced by expats in dealing with assets in multiple jurisdictions.

April is Chartwell Associates’ Will Awareness Month. To encourage EL readers to make a will, they are offering a $200 discount off the cost of the service. If you haven’t made a will yet, contact Chartwell Associates on 6321 9125 for an appointment. www.chartwell-associates.com

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riginally from Santiago in Chile, EUGENIA GAJARDO first came to Singapore in 1975. She reinvented herself many times: as a student, first at the Sorbonne and later on a trilingual secretarial course, as an employee of the BBC’s Latin Services, and in careers in fashion, advertising, PR and marketing.

For the past twenty years or so, her personal journey into self-awareness and selfactualisation has taken her through dozens of courses in mindfulness and meditation therapy, yoga, counselling – including three years in an ashram – and now to the role of professional psychotherapist. I met up with this charismatic woman at her apartment in leafy Taman Serasi, off Cluny Road.

By Verne Maree, photographs by Hart Tan of Tomato Photo

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What brought you to Singapore?

As a young woman, working in the fashion business in London, I met a Chinese Singaporean man and followed him here in about 1975.

Then I fell in love with and married another Chinese Singaporean man. I have a soft spot for Asian men! He is the father of my child, Talennia Phua Gajardo (now 27), who lives with me half of the time and in London the other half.

invented! – so I sold my share in the business.

Working in fashion here wasn’t much of an option, either; Lucky Plaza was then the main fashion centre, can you believe it? So I worked for the Argentine Embassy for a while, then for an advertising company and later for Hill & Knowlton, before establishing my own PR company.

Whew, I have reinvented myself a few times over the years!

What did you do when you arrived here?

For a couple of years, I kept up the business partnership I had with a fashion designer in London, producing an edgy fashion label that we had been selling to boutiques in King’s Road, and eventually to Harrods.

It was just too difficult doing it at a distance, though – it was only around then that the fax machine was first

It’s a big jump from PR to psychotherapist. How did you become interested in counselling?

R u n n i n g i n t a n d e m w i t h my corporate career path, there was always a second path of personal development. I did numerous courses, one of the first and initially most inspirational being the Alpha Dynamic approach to mind training and personal empowerment.

At that stage, I never thought I’d become a yoga or meditation teacher, let alone a psychotherapist. But I had become aware of the power of the mind, and from then my question has been: if I want to go to B, what what am I doing in C? After studying all the books, I knew that they did not hold the answers. I still found myself unable to follow through with appropriate actions and be the woman I wanted to be.

Most importantly, I knew how I wanted my relationship with my daughter to be; and yet I found myself inclined to repeat with her the same unacceptable patterns of behaviour that my mother used with me. To me, that was intolerable, and that’s when I started doing alternative courses.

In striving to overcome my own childhood conditioning, I have for many years been my own research and development laboratory; I am my own work in progress.

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Do you think the relevant academic degree is enough to qualify someone to be a psychotherapist, or does he or she need to go through a self-awareness and self-actualisation process?

We all have to go through the experience of personal growth. Anyone who has not done the necessary work on their own issues is not fully qualified to help others along the path to self-actualisation. We all have issues; it’s the human condition, whether you’re in the jungles of Brazil or the middle of Manhattan. Each one of us must come face to face with the fundamental questions: Who am I? What is my life’s purpose?

I d e c i d e d t o d o my Masters degree – focusing on counselling, not psychology – because I felt I needed to finish my studies and that was the way to consolidate my role within the profession. That said, whenever I have sat with a client, I have always had the greatest confidence in myself as a fully competent psychotherapist.

With my ongoing thirst for knowledge, I’m enjoying the course enormously!

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How do you approach the practice of counselling?

I bring to my counselling practice two core beliefs: firstly, a profound belief in the goodness of human nature; and secondly, the human potential for selfactualisation. The person is a whole being with cognitive, emotive and behavioural components, plus a spiritual component: an intangible consciousness that is bigger than the mind, the emotions or the body.

This consciousness is the most important part of the being. For me, consciousness is where the power of the individual lies. I am not my thoughts or my emotions; instead, I have them.

You’re an experienced meditation teacher. Tell us about that.

Mindfulness meditation is an integral part of my life, and of what I do with my psychotherapy clients. Even now, my approach is that they must learn meditation and mindfulness.

In the early 2000s, I had a female client – let’s call her Lisa – who was the director of a German bank. She found meditation impossible; but she was so stressed, and desperately needed it.

Using the step-by-step instructions in a book on yoga-nidra (or “yogic sleep”) that an English friend had given me, I was able to help Lisa find peace from her thoughts. After that, I used the same powerful principles with great success to help another client who was so full of anger, resentment and self-pity that she struggled to meditate.

At that stage, I was teaching meditation to groups of up to ten people. I started to incorporate yoganidra practice into these classes, and developed a practice that I called VisMed – from the words visualisation and meditation. But this is something that is very delicate, that goes deep into the sub-conscious, and I wanted to learn more.

Couldn’t you have done that without signing up for three years in an ashram?

By that time, I’d already started doing counselling, though I was still in the corporate world, and I wanted to teach meditation. In order to consolidate 15 years of research and personal work, I felt I had to remove myself not only from the corporate world but from the high stimulus of daily life.

So I wrote to the then Bihar Yoga Baharati University for Advanced Studies in Yogic Science – the address in the back of my book on yoga-nidra – and they referred me to the Satyananda Yoga Academy, their ashram just a couple of hours from Sydney. Instead of the short course I’d imagined, it offered a three-year programme encompassing 2,240 hours of study and practice – by comparison, my Masters is taking two years and 1,000 hours!

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Research showed me that it was the best in the world, based on the original yogic teachings. So I closed up everything, gave stuff away, put the rest into storage and booked myself in for three years, starting in January 2005.

I was prepared to eat, drink and live as humbly as the ashram demanded; the only rule I negotiated with them was that I’d be able to visit my daughter every two-to-three months, in either Singapore or London.

What was the ashram experience like?

Transformational. To go into an ashram, shave my head and become a yogic nun was, for me, a dream come true.

If you can imagine, the only yoga I had done was five classes, just before

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I went in, but of course yogic asanas (postures) were only part of it; there were 14 topics, including anatomy, physiology, business study, marketing and much more. I learnt so much.

After leaving the ashram, I spent some time in London and then returned to Singapore. Incomprehensibly to many people, I did not want to teach yoga; I realised that my passion was for counselling.

as a measure of compassion and understanding. There is so much drama in addiction, so much pain and shame for the sufferer and his or her family.

We all know someone who is dependent on alcohol, sleeping pills, tranquillisers, or uppers and downers.

Yet this condition is still hugely stigmatised; it’s like homosexuality was, 35 years ago.

How did you get involved with the substance-addiction advocacy group We Care?

I was invited to sit on the board of We Care by a top psychiatrist here who appreciated that I brought self-awareness and mindfulness to the problem of addiction, as well

What are you looking forward to in 2012?

There’s a fundraiser for We Care on 5 May, where the Speaker of Parliament, Michael Palmer, will be guest of honour. And in August, I will graduate with a Master’s degree – at the age of 60. That’s plenty to look forward to! eL

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ne advantage that living in Singapore offers is affordable domestic help. Some expats – especially singles or couples without children – find that a maid service once or twice a week is enough.

But for others, especially those with families, a fulltime maid to help with cooking, cleaning, shopping, ironing and childcare can be a blessing. Most helpers in Singapore are from the Philippines or Indonesia and are diligent, conscientious women who are working to support their families back home.

The Cost Part-time maids are available for between $10 and $20 an hour, and can be hired independently or through a company.

Full-time, live-in maids can be hired for as little as $350 per month, although expats often pay them $500 or more, depending on their level of experience. Employers must also pay a monthly levy (currently $265) to the Singaporean government, plus a one-time security bond of $5,000. Employers are responsible for providing accommodation, insurance, food and medical care for their maids, in addition to hiring costs, airfares for bi-annual home leave, transfer costs and an annual bonus.

Responsibility First-time employers must complete an Employers’ Orientation Programme, which involves attending in person ($20), or taking a three-hour online course ($30). Visit www.mom.gov.sg for more details.

Holidays

Hiring For a fee of around $350, a maid agency will find you a maid, and will usually give you the chance to interview several. Alternatively, you can source a maid yourself (log on to the Ministry of Manpower website), but the process can be confusing. Some expats who are leaving Singapore help their maid to find work by advertising on notice boards or by word of mouth.

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The Association of Employment Agencies (AEA) requires that maids be given at least one day off a month, but most expats give them every Sunday and public holidays off.

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Tips for a successful interview Ask your potential helper to write down her strengths, what appliances she can use, what she can cook, and why she would like to work for you.

Be upfront about what you want your helper to do. If you eat dinner late, or want your helper to be a nanny rather than a housekeeper, mention this during the interview. The helper also needs to make an informed decision about you!

Check her English skills. Ask her to read a recipe out loud from one of your cookbooks.

Some helpers have good “interview English”, but not necessarily good general English.

Ask if she has a family to support back home. Knowing her circumstances will help you understand her reasons and motivation for working here.

After your helper starts to work for you If you have children, pay attention to whether or not they are happy. They are a great barometer of how she interacts with them when you are not around. They should also treat her with respect.

An annual bonus is a good way to show your appreciation and will encourage loyalty.

Communication can be a challenge. You may need to repeat what you say to your helper; even though she speaks English, we often sprinkle our speech with idioms she may not understand. If she looks puzzled, you may need to rephrase what you have just said.

Tell your helper to come to you if she needs money, even though you may not be able to give it to her. This avoids the risk of her approaching a loan shark, and she may respond with gratitude and a renewed commitment to work hard for you.

Tell your helper that dishonesty is grounds for dismissal.

Give your helper a schedule, and let her know the hours you want her to work and the rules of the house. It’s easier to relax the rules later than institute new rules after something has gone wrong.

Expect to spend up to a month training your helper the way you like things done, such as setting the table, cooking and learning the daily routine. eL This story is excerpted from Expat Living’s City Guide 2011.

Recommended Agencies Some of these agencies provide full-time helpers and some provide part-time cleaning services. For a full list of approved agencies, visit The Employment Agency Directory page of the MOM website.

A-TEAM Amahs & Cleaners 6846 0428 / 6846 9247 www.a-team.com.sg Aatas Employment Agency 545 Orchard Road #06-14 Far East Shopping Centre 6737 8681 / 6737 8089 / 6737 3762 www.aatas.com.sg

Mop Squad 22 Lor Putong, #14-01 9746 4900 www.mopsquad.com.sg Mrs Sparkles 43 Sandilands Road 6298 2923 www.mrs-sparkles.com.sg

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Comfy Homes 11 Geylang Lorong 21A #06-00 Lam Thong Building 6844 4523 www.comfyhomes.biz Hyperlink Services 19 Tanglin Road #05-38, Tanglin Shopping Centre 6836 6471 www.hyperlink.com.sg

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What happens when a foreign domestic worker wo becomes seriously seriou ill?

By Katie Kati Roberts

As an employer, you are responsible for your FDW’s medical needs. You are required to bear the full cost of her medical care should she require medical treatment, on n. including hospitalisation. err – Ministry of Manpower

Alexandre Zveiger, Sabri Deniz Kizil | Dreamstime.com

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hey are largely invis invisible but, by taking care of household chores, fforeign domestic workers make the lives of eexpats and Singaporeans alike much easier. But B have you read the fine print on the health insurance insuranc policy for your helper?

Not just quickly at the agency agen at the time of signing, but thoroughly and with cconsideration? With the benefit of hindsight, many expats are wishing they had done just that.

Statistics from the Ministry of Manpower state that there were 201,000 foreign domestic workers (the majority from Indonesia and the Philippines) on work permits at the end of 2010, which equates to about one for every five households in Singapore. househo

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Sick with a Capital C The 43-year-old helper of expatriate Victoria Newman and her family was diagnosed in November 2011 with cervical and lymph node cancer.

During the four years she had worked for them, the family had come to respect her peaceful personality and competence.

Burmese, and with three grown children, it is unlikely that her illness would have been diagnosed and treated if she had been in her home country. When symptoms of sporadic bleeding started, she visited the doctor twice, thinking quietly to herself that it was the onset of menopause. Aware of these visits, but not willing to pry, Victoria suggested that she see her own gynaecologist. “The specialist ran tests and found that it was cervical cancer,” Victoria said.

Th e s e t e s t s , t o g e t h e r w i t h exploratory surgery conducted by a private surgeon, added up to $5,000, and Victoria was unaware that they were not covered by the insurance policy. “I had read the policy, but when I contacted the insurance company for clarification they advised that it only covered treatment in a government hospital,” she said.

On the advice of the insurance company, Victoria decided to move her helper’s treatment to the public system, which was cheaper than the private system. She has nothing but praise for the care her helper has received, but as she points out, “You still pay for it.” There can be three differential charges for some types of healthcare: not being either a permanent resident or a Singaporean means you are charged the full rate, regardless of your income.

“After the initial diagnosis, more tests revealed it had spread to the lymph nodes, so our helper started chemotherapy and radiation which finished at the end of January. Every treatment cost $600 and thankfully

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The 2011 Made to Work study commissioned by UN Women Singapore, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) and Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) found helpers work an average of 14 hours per day. In a normal week of the year, only 12 percent have at least one day off, with employers citing reasons such as “We want to avoid our maid falling into bad company” and “Our maid doesn’t want a day off.”

Whether this lack of time off is linked to falling ill can be disputed, but it is true that no one is in perfect health every day of the year. Regardless of nationality, wealth, race or religion, we all fall sick from time to time – whether from a common cold, an accident or, in the worst-case scenario, a terminal illness.

By right of their nationality, Singaporeans have access to a world-class healthcare system. The majority of expats have employer-provided healthcare policies, and for others it is a priority to sign up for health insurance on settling here.

Although helpers are covered by a government-mandated and employer-paid insurance policy of $15,000, falling ill can be a time of uncertainty and fear, as their fate rests largely on their employer.

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there have been no hospital stays, but to date it has cost about $15,000,” says Victoria.

After taking a deep breath and pausing for a moment, she adds that, in retrospect, she should have shown more interest as an employer in the wellbeing of her helper, and wishes she had paid a small premium to increase her health coverage. “I also should have seen to it that she had a proper check-up every year, but it didn’t cross my mind. Having a pap smear is such a private matter.

“Above all else, we have to remember that we are all women, despite the employer and employee relationship.

We have to show compassion, and take care of each other.

Most of us have children, and as women we are heavily depended upon. This is about humanity.

“There will be more tests at the end of the treatment, but at the moment the prognosis hangs in the balance,” said Victoria. “Up until now our helper has been her usual smiley self, but she is starting to show signs of tiredness and she has admitted that her appetite is waning. It won’t be long before she starts losing her hair and I know this will be difficult for all of us, but especially for my two daughters.

“No matter who it is, when someone is sick in your own home it does affect everyone.”

Monkey Business Images, Patrick | Dreamstime.com

We are all women and regardless W of the employee and employer relationship, we all have to take care of each other – this is about ty. humanity. ia Ne – Victoria Newman

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No Worker’s Rights The Humanitarian Organization ation for Migration Economics (HOME) is a nongovernment registered charity for all ll migrants working and living in Singapore, and runs a shelter and hotline for them. Executive ve director Jolovan Wham says that HOME receives eceives an average of 60 to 70 enquiries a month from helpers.

Foreign domestic workers are not ot covered by the Singaporean Employment Act and as such have no statutory right to sick leave.

Jolovan says many helpers have told ld them of employers who give them no time to o rest when they are sick. “This is exacerbated d because helpers work where they live, so there is no dividing line between work and personal rsonal time for them,” he adds.

The other big issues are that some employers don’t send their employees to healthcare services, and that some helpers are afraid to ask because they fear losing their jobs.

“Domestic workers are totally dependent pendent on their employers for access to healthcare.” hcare.”

Jolovan says it is likely that some me helpers are sent home when they are ill. “Even ven though our laws state that employers are responsible esponsible for paying medical expenses, the mandated minimum coverage may be insufficient ent in some cases, and employers may find themselves hemselves saddled with huge medical bills,”” he says.

HOME is publicly calling for the legislation gislation to be changed to offer helpers more protection otection by including them in the Employment Act.

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Mandatory Health Checkss

Cost of Health

Employers are only obliged to see ee to it that their helpers have a compulsory six-monthly check for TB, HIV and pregnancy. According to the Ministry of Manpower, “This helps to ensure that FDWs do not carry infectious diseases which might harm them or the people they come into contact with.” The employer bears the cost of the examination and any medical expenses arising.

There are no regular recommended health checks for foreign domestic workers. This is in stark contrast to the recommended health tests for Singaporean women aged over 18 (see table, next page). There is no requirement for the employer to provide or offer such checks.

HOME says a major impediment to healthcare is cost. As with any non-PR expat residing in Singapore, helpers are not entitled to subsidised healthcare. “This may be why some employers baulk at providing more medical care,” says Jolovan Wham. His organisation is advocating for safeguards that “ensure migrant women workers have easy access to comprehensive and affordable health services at costs not higher than local workers.”

In 2008, HOME, TWC2 and the Singapore National Committee for UN Women banded together to promote the right of helpers to have one day off a week. A spokeswoman says, “Through the ‘Day Off’ campaign, UN Women Singapore believes in educating and encouraging employers to grant regular days off to foreign domestic workers, and calls for government legislative support. Regular access to rest days is an important aspect to address and help to reduce health issues resulting from long working hours and work-related stress.”

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Against the Odds

Kevin’s helper, Ruth, is currently doing well and living in Manila. Victoria’s helper’s treatment continued until the end of February.

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The Health Promotion Board recommends the following screenings for Singaporean woman aged over 20: • Body mass index and waist measurement (yearly for over-18s) • Blood pressure (every two years for over-18s) • Pap smear (every three years for over-25s who have had sexual intercourse) • Diabetes and cholesterol (every three years for over-40s) • Test for colorectal cancer (every year for over-50s) • Mammogram (every two years for over-50s)

More information Health Promotion Board HealthLine 1800 223 1313 www.hpb.gov.sg SingHealth Polyclinics (low-cost services including pap smears and dental checks) polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics home.org.sg Helpline 6341 5525 Transient Workers Count Too www.twc2.org.sg Singapore National Committee for UN Women unwomen-nc.org.sg Insurance A check of the major health insurance policies available found a policy from AVA Insurance Brokers offering coverage of $30,000 per year (www.ava-ins.com) and one from NTUC offering optional coverage up to $25,000 (www.income.com.sg/insurance).

EDITOR’S NOTE: As we go to print, the Ministry of Manpower has announced a review of foreign labour to “ensure an equitable balance of rights and responsibilities between employers and workers”. This will include a review of employers’ obligations for medical and repatriation costs for exceptional circumstances that employers have little or no control over.

They also announced changes that will require employers to give helpers a weekly rest day, or compensate them with extra pay if they agree to work on their day off. This is a recognition by the MOM that a rest day “helps to improve productivity at work”, and “is regarded internationally as a basic labour right”. The new ruling will apply from 1 January 2013 for all new work permits or renewals. eL

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Kevin F Cox, an expat who has been living in Singapore for three years, recounts the story of his Filipina helper Ruth, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2010. Like many expats, he did not fully comprehend the magnitude of his responsibility.

In the early hours of the morning, Ruth was in serious pain and vomiting. Kevin immediately drove her to the nearest hospital, where she underwent two brain operations. She remained in the Critical Care Unit for over a week.

Ruth was released after a month in hospital and after the second month, with only one brief hospitalisation, she fully recovered, despite the poor odds. Kevin says he handed over his credit card “like a blank cheque” when he first entered the hospital emergency room.

After the numerous operations, hospital stays and medication bills were tallied, he was charged over $40,000. Of this, the mandatory health policy covered just $5,000; this coverage has since been increased by the government to $15,000.

“It was our legal liability to pay. And we were lucky; Ruth squeezed into that rare category of not requiring therapy or followup care, so it could have been much worse,” he said.

He had been horrified by the options presented to him by hospital staff when he initially arrived at the hospital. “I was told it is common to dump the employee by cancelling her work permit, and forcing her to leave the country as soon as she is stable enough to travel, thus relieving the employer of further obligation,” he says.

“For just a couple of hundred dollars in extra insurance, we could have avoided the heavy financial burden that fell on us; but instead, like many expats, we never considered the worst-case scenario. We won’t make the same mistake again and nor should anyone else,” he adds.

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International School Broadrick on the East Coast

Inspired Learning for Global Citizens OPEN HOUSE 20 April, Friday 9am to 3pm 21 April, Saturday 9am to 1pm

We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School located on the East Coast in a quiet, leafy residential area.

We are Singapore’s first international primary school to offer an optional bilingual programme in English and Mandarin.

For 17 years, parents have valued the EtonHouse pedagogy for its research-based international inquiry programme, diverse facilities and vibrant multi-cultural community, which has now grown to include 48 nationalities. The learning environment has been carefully planned to foster inquiry and a life-long love for learning.

Limited Vacancies from Nursery 2 to Year 6 • Dynamic learning engagements • Excellent Second Languages Programme • Close-knit community of learners • Specialist classes in Art, Music and PE • Extra curricular activities

For more information, email us or visit our website at www.etonhouse.com.sg EtonHouse International School 51 Broadrick Road, Singapore 439501 Tel: 6346 6922 Fax: 6346 6522 Email: broadrick@etonhouse.com.sg

EtonHouse International Education Group Singapore • China • India • Malaysia • Indonesia • Japan • Korea

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For Turkish expat FATOS CELIM, finding Fo a suitable part-time maid was easier than ed. expected.

In hiring professional domestic help, we were looking for someone to handle the overall cleaning of the house but we didn’t want to commit to the obligation of having a live-in domestic helper. This was the first time we had enlisted the help of a professional domestic cleaning service in Singapore.

Pictures taken by Lyan Bernales

aners A-TEAM Amahs & Cle 9247 Call 6846 0428 or 6846 www.a-team.com.sg

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We found out about A-TEAM Amahs & Cleaners in an issue of Expat Living, and we held an interview with Sue, the lady they recommended to us. We chatted about her family background, where she was from, how many children she has, about her husband, her work experience and so on, so we could gain a better understanding of her and see if she would be suited to meeting our needs. We wanted a person who could take responsibility and who would be totally reliable. The last thing we wanted was to make an incorrect decision and have to look for someone else a few weeks down the line. We decided that she met all our requirements and committed to employing her part-time: three times a week, four hours per session.

Sue is Singaporean, and we have been very happy with her to date. She is a very reliable, responsible person who never gives us any hassles. She does her job well without any distractions or complaints. She is always on time and is flexible to changing times and dates based on our occasional need to reschedule. We strongly recommend her.

The service we got from A-TEAM Amahs & Cleaners was great. They were thorough in their evaluation, asking us about our family size, whether or not we had pets, young children and so on. After taking our information they recommended the most suitable person who they believed would be the best for us. So far, they were right!

It has been almost two years since we hired our part-time maid through them.

One of the main reasons we decided to look to a professional domestic service was that we didn’t want to employ a full-time maid to live with us. We have had previous negative experiences with a live-in before we moved to Singapore and we didn’t want to venture down that road again. Although it is more expensive to hire a part-time maid through a professional company, compared with employing a full-time live-in maid, we feel that the overall benefits of having an organised, professional set-up that is complication-free is absolutely worth it. eL

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1 Nursing cover, $36.90, Not In The Malls, www.notinthemalls. com 2 Nappy changer, $49.90, Not In The Malls 3 Folding pram

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with optional carrycot, $1,199, Mothercare, 1 Maritime Square, #03-07 HarbourFront Centre, www.mothercare.com.sg

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8 4 Sleepsuits, $35, hobby horse, $59,

personalised chair, $250, teddy bear, $30, two-handled cup, $12, set of cup, plate and spoon, $29.50, rattle, $20, bib, $15, painting, $75, wrap, $25, cot elephant hanger, $25, Ni-Night, 7 Joo Chiat Place, 9829 7961, www.ni-night.com 5 Shaped blanket for babies, $34.90, The Gro Company, available from Motherswork, Mothercare, Mother & Child Centre, www.cutiesjuniors. com.sg 6 Large sheriff’s house, $425, floor quilt, $125, beanbag, $115, LouBeLou, 9672 7479/8123 3516, www.loubelou.com 7 Lamp, Casa Kidi, www.casakidi.com 8 ICEmount, $91, Brilliant Prints, 38 Genting Lane #07-04, 6842 2571, www.brilliantprints.com.sg

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14 16 9 Cap, $17.90 and boy’s footie, $49.90, Motherswork, #02-16 Great World City,

#03-11C Tanglin Mall, and #B1-58 The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands, 6738 5886, www.motherswork.com.sg 10 Pearhead brag book, holds 24 4”x6” photos, $12.90, Bloom & Grow, www.bloomandgrowasia.com 11 Pearhead first year frame, $29.90 and keepsake box, $39.90, Bloom & Grow 12 Organic hooded apron towel, $79, Not In The Malls, www.notinthemalls.com 13 Baby shoes in 100% soft natural leather, $74-$119, Motherswork 14 Ewan the Dream Sheep, with light and sound features that calm babies and toddlers, $69.90, Bloom & Grow 15 TOLO Musical Play Centre for 0-3 months old, attachable to crib or playpen, ATZ, available at Kidz Story Millenia Walk, Tanglin Mall, Great World City and Action Toyz OUB Centre, Parkway Parade, HarbourFront Centre and IMM Mall 16 Smart-swaddle 3-pack muslin wraps made of 100% cotton, $31-39, Motherswork

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By Verne Maree

Efficient, squeaky-clean Singapore is not a place to find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Like everywhere else, the legal rules evolve continuously, so a lawyer like FRANCA CIAMBELLA has to be alert to the latest developments – any of them could have important implications for her clients, both corporate and private.

W Which areas do you specialise in? yo Two main areas: the first is corporate and fi commercial law, and the c other is family law and o litigation.

Consilium l Law’s corporate and commercial clients are either Singapore-based entities, or they are companies that are engaged in foreign direct investment in one of the ten countries that belong to ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).

What sort of corporate clients do you have?

They’re all MNCs, and come from a very wide number of sectors. Generally, they set up a business here first, using Singapore as a launching pad into the region. We have everything from a Middle Eastern oil and gas company setting up in Indonesia, to a global defence industry player setting up in Brunei, a manufacturer establishing a factory in Vietnam and an insurance company expanding into Malaysia.

For these direct foreign investors, the trick of success often lies is knowing how the process works, and failure is often because of a lack of due diligence. One of the main things is to make sure that they are talking to the right people in the company. Recently, we were advising an aerospace company who’d been trying to negotiate with an Indonesian company for two years. In that sort of case, if you’re not dealing with the director you’re wasting your time.

For local input on the ground, it’s also important for our clients to be talking to the right people in government, and for us, their lawyers, to have good connections and advisors in the country where they’re investing. We work with local lawyers, notaries and professors in each of these countries.

And in addition to all that, you need competent, experienced lawyers who will understand your needs and help you achieve them. As a member of the Singapore Law Society, I’m licensed to practise Singapore law; but I’m also licensed to practise internationally. I’ve been in this line of work for 20 years, and I’m currently working on a revision of my book Investment in Southeast Asia – Policies and Law, originally published in 1996.

Though Singapore itself is famously clean, corruption is a fraught issue in this region. Some say there are places where you can’t do business unless you’re prepared to grease palms. What’s your stand on that?

We have zero tolerance for corruption and will turn down a client who wants us to get involved in it. It’s not worth it; it’s not worth losing our reputation for. Not only is it against the law, but it’s against our sense of morals.

There are other ways to do a deal for a project; one is by offering such a good product that you don’t need to bribe anyone. If my client wanted to offer a sweetener, I’d rather they made a donation to the community. In a recent deal in Vietnam, we proposed a donation of English language books to a small village library. That was very well received – it benefitted the whole community and it was legal.

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Most of our readers were brought to Singapore by either their or their spouses’ careers, so differences in the employment law here and back home might be of special interest.

That’s right. Not only do we advise our corporate clients on employment law, but it also forms part our private litigation law, for example in cases of unfair dismissal.

It’s a fascinating area of law. The recent Singapore case of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken v Asia Pacific Breweries set a whole new precedent: it widens the scope of employer liability for intentional wrongdoing committed by employees, placing a greater burden on employers to be watchful of their employees’ actions.

In this case, a finance manager of APB obtained credit facilities from financial institutions through forged documents and under false pretences. The court found that his duties gave him the opportunity to commit the acts and that they were connected closely enough to his job to make APB liable for his wrongdoing.

Expatriate couples are of course not immune from divorce. Any examples of how Singapore family law might differ from other legal systems?

It’s important to be aware of the many differences, and also of ongoing changes and developments. In a new move to ensure the prioritisation of the best interests of the child, the Family Court has introduced a Child Focused Resolution Centre (CFRC), and made it compulsory for parents who have filed for divorce to undergo counselling and mediation.

This service by the CFRC is free of charge. Managed by experts in family law areas such as custody, care and control, and access or visitation, it keeps the child as the primary focus, mediates on issues from the child’s perspective and encourages parental cooperation to ensure maximal stability for the child.

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Anything else on the horizon?

I’m looking forward to a proposed Data Protection Law, scheduled to be passed later this year, that will protect each of us from the risk of our personal information being improperly used.

It has long bothered me that we are continually being asked for our names, IC numbers, phone numbers and addresses – even for something as everyday as a supermarket lucky draw! – with no assurance of the privacy of the information.

The new law will protect the data that flows from a consumer to a business, with regulations on how the information is obtained (including your consent for that), and how it is used or disclosed. This will be an important step forward, I believe. eL Consilium Law 1 Scotts Road , #16-02 Shaw Centre Call 6235 2700.

Stock Images by Dreamstime.com

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earth watch

We’d like to hear from you on environmental topics.

If you have any comments or news to contribute, send an email to editorial@expatliving.sg

By Yusrina Yusoff

Four-Degree Impact It’s generally agreed that global warming is causing severe climate change all over the world, and that human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels are contributing to the global rise of temperatures. While some regions face major flooding, others suffer extreme drought. According to the UK Met Office’s Hadley Centre, a global rise in temperature of four degrees Celsius would have a negative impact on weather, crops and marine life.

Read on to find out what effects global warming is expected to have on Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

Only 53 percent of those polled said they had even heard of climate change or global warming.

BLUE AREAS Countries in low-lying areas of Asia are most vulnerable to flooding and coastal land loss. According to the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) launched

by The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), changes in Singapore’s rainfall may affect its coastlines, and the melting of the polar ice caps could lead to a higher sea level that might cause both inland flooding and coastal erosion. Neighbouring countries, such as the Philippines, may be exposed to more frequent cyclones and other extreme weather conditions.

GREEN AREAS Higher global temperatures have the potential to threaten both marine life and land crops. In the ASEAN context, this would affect Indonesia’s fishing industry and cause rice production in Thailand to drop significantly. In the US, maize and wheat yields could fall by as much as 40 percent.

YELLOW AREAS Human health is at great risk from the global warming phenomenon. Not only will diseases be more widespread, but they will occur more frequently.

According to National Geographic, places in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe have more heat waves, while Asia may face an increase in illnesses and deaths from cholera and diarrhoeal diseases due to flooding and drought.

Singapore’s geographical location makes rising temperatures a further health concern. We could see an increase in heat-related mortalities and we may be affected by more haze pollution due to the expected increased risk of forest fires across Indonesia.

From all this, it is clear that we should be doing all we can to slow, if not halt, the process of global warming.

According to a survey conducted by NCCS in Singapore, only 53 percent of those polled said they had even heard of climate change or global warming. Let’s raise awareness and spread the word to the other 47 percent. eL

BROWN AREAS While some areas experience torrential rain and flooding, countries in Southern Africa may suffer terrible droughts. In Asia, Vietnam and southwest China are expected to undergo twice as much drought as in the past, which would of course affect water supplies.

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For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com, www.metoffice.gov.uk and www.app.nccs.gov.sg.

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WINE CLUB

Discover some high-quality wines from well-known winemakers in the biodynamic and organic field. These niche wines reflect the terroir and the passion of the winemaker.

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WHEN: WHERE:

Thursday, 26 April 2012 Graze 4 Rochester Park Singapore 139215 TIME: From 7pm to 9.30pm COST: $40 – limited tickets available REGISTER: Call 6259 0058 Online: expatliving.sg/events Admission includes a welcome drink and canapÊs, with biodynamic and organic wine tastings.

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Art and Kiwi Wines Unite Art and fine wine – a match made in heaven! REDSEA Gallery was the venue for EL’s February Wine Club get-together, a cultural evening of art and wine appreciation. Guests drank amazing wines from Matua Valley while working as teams on an art quiz. Log on to www.expatliving.sg to see all the photos.

From top right: • Aiko and Darren Harrison and Marc D’Espagnac • Samantha Mather, Natalie Turner and Vena Ramphal; James Healy, Carla Schneider, Lynette and Stuart Sullivan; Amy McGuigan, Cherie Harbutt and Kylie Jensen • Kym Swaby, Marion Ryan and Andrew Labute; Constantine Kipnis, Denise Morris Kipnis and Carl Hinds; Kristie Gibson and Samantha Kosky • Michelle Stender and Nikolaj Kellum; Chris Brooks and Fiona Brooks; Sandi Smith and Kathy Longden • Marion, Jann Chan, Katharina Grimm and Fiona Brooks; Sharan Fah, Julie Day and Christian Fitsch; Marc D’Espagnac and Heidi Haines

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Cool Performance Four hundred invited guests gathered at the School of the Arts (SOTA) Drama Theatre to catch the launch of Wild Rice’s restaging of Cooling-Off Day. Guests mingled at a cocktail reception afterwards and had the opportunity to meet the show’s cast, playwright Alfian Sa’at and director Ivan Heng.

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Indie Fans Flock to Festival The 2012 St Jerome’s Laneway Festival saw 8,000 fans of indie pop and rock gathered at Fort Canning Park for a 12-hour music extravaganza. Among the 14 international acts were San Franciscan rockers Girls (actually a group of guys), Chairlift, Anna Calvi, Austra, Yuck and The Drums.

We’re looking forward to next year’s instalment already!

Photos by Alex Westcott

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Duty-Free Festivities Guests gathered to celebrate the opening of Vine & Leaf, an interactive wine and cigar store in Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 departure hall.

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The St. Regis is a little misleading from the outside. It’s not one of those buildings that shouts “Here I am”, but once you’re inside, it’s a different world. An interesting collection of artwork, including a couple of Picassos, textured wallpapers and flooring all make it stand out from the rest of Singapore’s excellent hotels.

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By Rebecca Bisset

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An Executive Deluxe Room

The Remède Spa

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s you walk out the door, to your left there’s the old faithful Tanglin Mall; Tanglin Shopping Centre and all the myriad shops on Orchard Road are a few strides away to the right.

As a staycation venue, shopping is obviously a top priority – that is, when you’re not enjoying your room! And the bed… the linen is all from Ploh and it’s just heavenly – definitely worth staying for a night just to enjoy lying between those sheets. I must order some for home!

Fortunately for us, I think the standard rooms, the Executive Deluxe Rooms, are the best. The large room still has space for a sofa for TVwatching, and a huge bathroom, as opposed to the Suites which have a separate lounge area but a smaller bedroom.

The bathrooms are stunning. A large central standalone bath can be “created” by your personal butler – all guests have a butler. Unfortunately we got too caught up on Orchard Road and had to rush off to dinner, so we didn’t have time for the full treatment.

The butler will also bring tea and coffee whenever you desire, but I did miss having a kettle in the room. You can have three items pressed free-ofcharge, so as soon as we arrived we arranged to have what we were going to wear that night ironed. How do things get so crushed after just a short drive down the CTE?

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The Remède Sp

a

I am probably a bit biased about the rooms because the décor is done in my favourite colour, duck-egg blue. The carpets throughout the hotel are lovely, too – different from other hotels; more feminine and homey. The Orientalist was the source for a lot of the carpets, apparently. The rooms are still unisex, though; there are enough areas of dark wood to balance the lighter hues to appeal to men, too.

The Remède Spa has a very stunning steam room in black-and-white

marble. There’s a selection of hot ot pools, heated loungers and an ice e shower to stimulate the blood – and d everything else, I should think. The e Warm Jade Stone massage is one of the Spa’s specialities. The smooth feel el of the beautiful stones over the skin n is amazing. I was a bit concerned d initially at how hot they were, but it is manageable and you get used to it fairly quickly.

I was so relaxed after the massage e but I knew I had to get ready for the e

A large central standalone bath can be “created” by your personal butler.

Tea Dance so I forced myself back to the room to get ready.

Tea Dances are held in the large and slightly glitzy Brasserie Les Saveurs from Thursday to Saturday. You could go with a group of girlfriends as there are dancers available (really good ones), or if you are lucky enough to have a partner who likes dancing you could drag him along. The live band plays everything from Sinatra to Glenn Miller, and everything in between. But don’t eat too much beforehand, as we did! The hot scones and cream were heavenly, and the delicate sandwich selection including cucumber and egg all disappeared fairly rapidly. From the hot food spread we chose baby quiches and dim sum.

Dim sum lovers will enjoy the hotel’s Saturday champagne brunch – the St. Regis is one of the few hotels that holds something like this on a Saturday – and I think it’s a much better idea than a Sunday brunch.

No work the next day! They also hold a regular Sunday brunch at the Brasserie. We chose the champagne option for the Tea Dance ($66) – it comes with just one glass, so it’s

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manageable. The tea selection is vast and tea is free-flow. I was beginning to gurgle.

Then, when we were fairly full, the dessert tray appeared. As you can imagine, we lost all desire to dance!

We decided to work it off by heading all the way down Orchard Road. It’s been a while since I just wandered along its length, and it felt like I was on holiday and seeing it for the first time. I’d forgotten just how long it was, hence we were late getting back for dinner.

We dined at La Brezza, a semi-alfresco Italian restaurant next to one of the pools. It was quite casual, with a couple of families with children dining as well as a few couples.

The staff was excellent and we had a good meal. I went there for a friend’s 50th a few years ago, and we had a table set out by the pool – very nice.

The Brasserie is also the venue for breakfast and the buffet was excellent. The scores on my worldwide test on eggs Benedict and pain au chocolat? 11/10! eL

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TripAdvisor has voted the St. Regis Singapore the Number One Luxury Hotel in Singapore and the Number Nine Luxury Hotel in Asia. With the standard in the region, this is a huge achievement.

The Remède Spa was ranked tenth in the Top 10 Hotel Spas Worldwide (three being in Asia) – the only Singapore spa to receive this recognition.

Price-wise, for what is perceived to be a 6-star hotel, the St. Regis is reasonable at around $450 per night for a package that includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and a few specials. Overnight guests have complimentary parking.

Reservations: Brasserie Les Saveurs (lunch, tea, dinner and brunch) d db h 6506 6866 Hotel reservations and bookings at La Brezza 6506 6868 www.stregissingapore.com

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Fairs and Bazaars – the brainchild of long-time event organiser CHUMKIE BANERJI – brings the Indian Bazaar to Singapore this month for its second year running. Alex Westcott chatted to four of the exhibitors.

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he Indian Bazaar will bring together over a hundred exhibitors selling a range of goods from the Subcontinent, for locals and expats alike to get a taste of Indian creativity. The event also promises to provide great business and networking opportunities for participants by encouraging small business development and imaginative entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on the past few years of organising Fairs and Bazaars, Chumkie

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Banerji says she’s found that many vendors are introducing new products to retain the interest of fair-goers. “The thematic Indian Bazaar will showcase homeware, fashion accessories, art and crafts, and services ranging from henna painting to Indian tarot card readings.

On a spicier note, some popular, freshly prepared Indian snacks will be on sale too.”

The participants’ motivations are as varied as their merchandise: Sujata Medepalli aims to help underprivileged craftsmen in India through providing them with sustainable business; Neita Sehgal offers a specialised range of clothing to practical women who still want to be stylish; Maryam Sithawalla hopes to find a fashion niche that balances Indian ethnicity with Western chic; and Purnima Gupta is driven

to continue her family legacy of five generations of jewellery-makers.

“After participating in last year’s fair, I was very impressed by the exposure it offered to entrepreneurs and small business owners,” says Maryam, who specialises in bespoke Indo-Western wear. “It serves as an excellent platform for people like myself to showcase our collections to a large and varied audience. As my collection Maryam S is Indian-inspired, the Indian Bazaar had obvious appeal. Another factor that influenced my decision to participate was Fairs and Bazaars’ established reputation. I had heard friends and family mention Chumkie’s fairs for some time before I even considered becoming an exhibitor. I feel that a bazaar offers a great platform for business owners just getting started, as it allows you to reach out to a large audience at a relatively low cost. For the consumer, these events present products and services that they may not have previously heard about or would not normally have access to.”

Sujata, who will be exhibiting evening bags and linen from India, as well as a selection of antiques from all over the world as part of her label Sujata Se, agrees. “Bazaars should be encouraged in Singapore as they are a fantastic means of showcasing your business in a relaxed environment.

Plus, you get to meet so many people.”

“A n i n c r e a s i n g n u m b e r o f international brands are sourcing products from India,” says Neita, who will exhibit her Emage Storr range of ladies’ garments and jewellery. “The Indian Bazaar is an opportunity to purchase high quality handmade items at fair prices.”

Purnima feels that bazaars encourage people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds to come together and interact. “People from other communities get a glimpse of Indian culture through Indian products,” she says.

Evgenya Shchipanskaya, Serrnovik | Dreamstime.com

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The Indian Bazaar will take place from 9 to 10 April at the Hilton Hotel, Orchard Road. Visit fairsandbazaars.com for more information.

■ For evening bags, antiques and linen contact Sujata Medepalli: 9726 0594 ■ For ladies’ clothing and new age jewellery contact Neita Seghal: email ateen19@hotmail.com or call 9710 4149 ■ For bespoke Indo-Western wear contact Maryam Sithawalla: email maryam_s_designs@hotmail.com ■ For precious enamelled jewellery contact Purnima Gupta: 8168 9610

Evgenya Shchipanskaya, Serrnovik | Dreamstime.com

The ladies are emphatic that there will be something for everyone at the fair. While they admit that it will in all likelihood attract mostly women, they also encourage men to come and have a look, whether it’s to shop for their wives or daughters or to simply to have fun browsing. They also agree that they’d be reluctant to pigeonhole the event to catering to any one particular demographic, despite the event showcasing exclusively Indian products.

They’re unanimous that Chumkie deserves congratulations for having started the Indian Bazaar.

“People are committed to her and her business. She is a brand in herself who has come to be seen as synonymous with quality,” says Neita. “India is a country with a rich heritage and a variety of artistic talent. Chumkie has taken the initiative to bring Indian culture and creativity to Singapore. If the success of the Indian Bazaar is anything to go by, I think other nationalities should also be encouraged to showcase their countries’ creative efforts through similar endeavours.”

“Besides,” concludes Maryam, “Why go to India to shop when India and more comes to you?” eL

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TRAVEL

By Shamus Sillar rior to my recent visit to Leisure Farm Resort, I thought getting to Malaysia by land meant contending with snarling queues at the causeway. That might be the case on a Friday night up at Woodlands, but on the morning of our trip we breezed through the Tuas checkpoint in no time. From Bukit Timah Road, it took just 40 minutes (including Customs formalities) door to door. I’d struggle to get to Boat Quay in less.

I’m a fan of things with the word “leisure” in the title, and Leisure Farm didn’t disappoint. With 1,765 acres of rolling meadows, landscaped gardens and quiet waterways, it feels like a rural retreat. Not surprisingly, an increasing number of Singaporeans and expats are moving into the resort’s villas and townhouses, either to embrace a greener lifestyle or to get more bang for their buck (or ringgit) with property prices.

One of the focal points for Leisure Farm residents is the Bale Equestrian & Country Club. The first thing you’ll notice about this place is its roof – a succession of gigantic thatched cones that are among the biggest of their kind in the world. It also has a swimming pool, a mini gym, a large dining area and 50 acres of facilities for horses and their owners.

Over a teh tarik at the Club, I chatted with German expat NADJA POIGNEE about life at Leisure Farm and her love of horses.

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When did you first come to Southeast Asia?

My parents moved to Singapore in 1982 when I was three. I grew up there, went to the German school and did my A-Levels there. Then I went back to Germany, studied biology and worked.

What brought you back?

My parents moved to Leisure Farm nine ine years ago because my dad has his own manufacturing company and Malaysia was cheaper than Singapore. Then he asked my husband to join him in the company. We had always wanted to be back in Asia, so we said yes. We’ve been here for four and a half years.

And your parents are still here?

Yes. There wasn’t much around when they came – plenty of empty lots. Today there’s so much more activity, with more and more people moving from Singapore. The Club was here from the start and the stables were up and running, but it was more focused on polo – now the concentration is on horse riding.

Have you been riding since you were young?

I started when I was nine and took lessons at the Singapore Polo Club. I rode for ten years until I graduated. Back in Germany, I had a share in a horse.

And now you have a horse at Leisure Farm?

Yes, Tola, who actually belongs to my mum. I take her out every day, give riding lessons to friends on her, and take my two small children for rides. They’re three-and-a-half and 19 months.

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Tola wears a girth that they can hold on to – they just sit there with their little helmets on and enjoy the ride. We now have a second horse, Shaz, who we got from one of the polo players in Singapore and share with another horse-crazy family living nearby.

Tell us a bit about the Club.

Quite a few Singapore-based people have privately owned horses here. They like the open stables – horses can look out both sides so they’re not bored; they have sand paddocks, too. You don’t usually get those features in Singapore because of space limitations.

Also, in Singapore, a horse often has a better chance of getting in a stable if it is a good polo horse or competes at a certain level in dressage or jumping. Here, anyone can keep a horse for leisure riding. There’s a little trail that starts behind the stables; it’s about a 30-minute ride. I also discovered a new trail with Tola, and Leisure Farm is planning on adding more in the future.

The other important factor is price – it’s so much cheaper to keep a horse here.

Do you like living at Leisure Farm Resort?

We’re really happy here; we love being outdoors, and it’s especially great for the kids; they run around everywhere, fly kites, go fishing. The community is very close-knit, too – everyone helps everyone. We have a monthly potluck at the Club, and for Halloween we all go trick-or-treating around Leisure Farm. People who live here have similar views on life: they like peace and quiet, nature and fresh air, so they all get along really well.

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Where do you do your shopping?

There’s a local supermarket called Mydin – we get our basic groceries there; it’s in the nearby town of Gelang Patah. Bukit Indah, at the beginning of Johor Bahru town, has a big Tesco and Jusco with an indoor playground and will soon have a cinema. I do most of my shopping there, including at the wet market. We also go to the German shop in Singapore for German bread, salami and so on.

Apart from buying German delicacies, do you go into Singapore much?

My son is at the German School, so I go three mornings a week, while my husband and my mother-in-law go once each. We leave the house at 6.45am and we’re usually there by 7.30am or 7.45am. The checkpoint is generally fine, except on public holidays like Chinese New Year. But there’s an iPhone app so you can see how busy it is before you leave.

Jean will be starting at Marlborough College soon; it’s opening in August. We are all very excited to have such an excellent school nearby and we won’t have to commute to Singapore every day.

What are your plans for the future?

Next year, I’m hoping to do my British Horse Society exams – it’s a stable management exam and a riding exam. When the kids are older, I’d like to give more lessons. Hopefully more people will stable their horses here, the facilities will develop, and we will have more competitions and gymkhanas and so on. eL

■

■

■

The Bale Equestrian and Country Club offers a variety of private lessons, group lessons, trail rides, lead rides and pony rides.

Daily riding hours are 7am to 11am, and 2pm to 7pm.

If you have a horse and would like to keep it at the Club, the livery stabling fee is around S$800 a month. Nadja adds: “Stable hands will do whatever you ask, including riding the horse or lungeing (walking the horse in a large circle at the end of a rope). Ask them to draw up a programme. I often get them to take Tola for a run and a shower afterwards. Horses have the same basic needs as humans, but if there is anything extra, just let the stable hands know.”

baleclub@leisurefarm.com.my (+607) 556 3155

Leisure Farm offers a range of getaways from Singapore. These two-to-three-day stays focus variously on horse riding (for example, learning to ride, stable management, or riding over fences), playing golf at the 36-hole Porresia Golf & Country Club, or taking advantage of cheap local shopping. For companies, there are seminar packages and teambuilding packages.

All stays include free use of the Club’s swimming pool, mini gym and wireless internet.

For those who are ready to make the move across the border, Leisure Farm has seven themed precincts with a range of different accommodation options, from hill-view courtyard homes to semi-detached water villas.

For enquiries about resort stays, call (+607) 556 3360; for enquiries about purchasing a property, call the Singapore sales office at 6254 8280. www.leisurefarm.com.my

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By Deborah Goldman

It’s been years since I held a golf ball, and the last time I used a club was to retrieve a piece of Lego from behind the sofa. Still, I love the game – even despite the fact that I’m borderline terrible at it. And now I’ve found a British PGA y to help p me perfect p g at Urban Fairways myy swing.

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his bar-cum-indoor-golf-simulator is located in the heart of the financial district and according to the new instructor, 25-year-old Chantal Scott (pictured), it has become a haven for office workers wanting to whack a few balls around during their lunch break.

With double-height ceilings and a well-stocked bar, Urban Fairways has the look and feel of an edgy New York watering hole, but with one noticeable difference: it houses three large and separate golf simulators. Chantal leads the way up a steel staircase to the mezzanine floor, where I find myself face-to-screen with one of the simulators. The brightly lit animated image of a putting green spanning the entire back wall is an inviting space that’s just begging to be pelted.

Chantal taps something into a control panel on the wall, and then asks me about my golfing experience. I rattle off my limited but enthusiastic encounters with the game: a handful of rounds in Batam and a smattering of driving-range sessions. Not exactly Tiger Woods, but Chantal simply nods before lining up a ball on the faux green for my first shot.

Thwack!

On screen, a graphical simulation of my ball lands some distance from the hole, but like a close encounter of the third kind, I’m just glad to have made contact. After several more shots, Chantal shows me where I’m going wrong and demonstrates my collapsing front knee and a swing that would probably be more at home on a baseball field. But, with some positive encouragement and straightforward tips I begin to show a bit of improvement.

The advantage of playing an indoor simulator is the staggering number of international courses to choose from – 56 in total. “You could play St Andrews during your lunch break, or just practise your swing,” explains Chantal. Unlike a round on the driving range, you’re guaranteed to reach the 18th hole with the skin of your nose still intact, and a simulator will record your shots so that you can examine them afterwards.

Chantal’s golfing career began at the tender age of three. Her “golf-obsessed” father, who incidentally played professional football for Torquay United once upon a

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time, introduced her to the game as a toddler, and she qualified as a British PGA pro two years ago. With numerous caps for England and an impressive collection of trophies under her belt, she moved to Singapore in 2011, and now lives on Sentosa – coincidentally as my next-door neighbour – with her boyfriend, Wade, and their gorgeous dog, Cyrus.

She has a distinctive approach to teaching: “I video each lesson and use the recording to help people visualise their swing. The combination of this and the golf simulator is very effective in helping to refine technique,” Chantal explains. Then she adds: “You have the potential to become a good golfer,” which is a surprise, given that I get my birdies and bogeys mixed up and that my last caddy flat-out refused keep score of my round.

Nevertheless, her generous observation sends me away with renewed vigour and a firm resolution to dust off my pink (is there any other colour?) golf clubs and take to the green once more. eL

Urban Fairways offers lessons with Chantal every Monday and Thursday from 8am to 8pm by appointment. Fees start from $64 for members and $80 for non-members for a 30-minute lesson and 30 minutes of simulator practice time. Call 6327 8045, email dilip@urbanfairways. com, or drop in at 168 Robinson Road, #01-07 Capital Tower. www.urbanfairways.com

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THE FORCE WILL NOW BE WITH YOU

One feels a bit crummy about having given the Star Wars nerds in high school a hard time; their conversation may have focused exclusively on quotes from the films and yes, they may have dressed up like star troopers at every opportunity. But with the launch of the Kinect Star Wars game and the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars console bundle, we now understand the fanaticism.

Pre-order either the game ($59.90) or the console bundle ($649) from participating retailers in Singapore and receive a free Star Wars figurine from Hasbro worth $19.90.

StarHub will also be offering the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars console bundle free to its customers as part of its 50Mbps Fibre Home Broadband Plan or 50Mbps Cable Broadband two-year plan ($81.32 monthly). Now more than ever, it’s time to release your inner Star Wars geek. Visit www.xbox.com.sg and www.starhub.com.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH APPS Goinout is a nifty new (and free) mobile app for people who like to party in Singapore. The app allows you to scout out the best party or club so you’re always in the loop as to what’s hot and happening and where it’s at. The nightlife network combines a check-in function with a real-time review tool and also includes free messaging. In addition, you can collect points to claim great rewards at Goinout parties. More than 600 venues are currently participating. www.goinout.com

Straight To The Point Get the sleek look without the damage with the new Philips ProCare Hair Straightener HP8339 ($109.90). Advanced EHD+ technology ensures that heat is evenly distributed at high temperatures – goodbye to damaging hot spots on the heating plates and hello to healthier straightened hair.

Also check out the new Philips ProCare Hairdryer HP8260 ($139). www.philips.com.sg

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BERRY, BERRY BlackBerry has stiff competition from other smart tech brands at the moment, so it’s little wonder that they’ve just come out with the improved PlayBook 2.0. New features of this tablet include a powerful unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as personal and work email accounts; a social integration app with calendar and contacts features, as well as an updated BlackBerry Bridge app that provides a Bluetooth c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n yo u r BlackBerry PlayBook and core apps on your BlackBerry phone.

They’ve also improved mobile productivity with new document editing functions. Visit www.rim. com or www.blackberry.com.

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APPLE OF OUR EYE THEIR OWN

Apple unveiled the new version of its hit tablet last month – the much anticipated iPad3 – adding more power, an optional 4G internet connection and a super-sharp HD display, but keeping the overall look and feel of the previous model.

With the new device running for up to ten hours, boasting a stunning Retina display, 5MP iSight camera and ultrafast wireless, it’s love at first sight. Prices start at $658. Visit store.apple.com/sg and check out their launch ad on YouTube.

Tired of moisture and dust damaging your camera equipment? Panasonic has released the HX-WA20, a full-HD camcorder designed to allow outdoor enthusiasts to relax and shoot to their heart’s content in harsh conditions, from wakeboarding and snorkelling to rock-climbing and snowboarding.

Panasonic also has new additions to its popular Lumix camera family. If you’re looking for a diverse techno travel companion, the new Lumix DMCTZ30, with its versatile wide-angle lens, 20x optical zoom and video-recording capability, is the perfect happy-snapping gadget to capture those once-in-alifetime travel moments. This model also boasts a built-in GPS (just how hightech can cameras get?), so you won’t get lost. Check out the newest models at www.panasonic.com.sg.

What We're Watching …

A regular column devoted to our favourite online videos doing the rounds at EL HQ. Everyone’s talking about the hit British TV series Downton Abbey. Good reasons to get hooked include a smart script and Maggie Smith in the starring role. If you haven’t watched it yet, orientate yourself with this slapstick spinoff. Don’t let it put you off the series, though; this clip is just a bit of silliness: www.collegehumor. com/video/6736895/the-fresh-princeof-downton-abbey

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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.

Previews Prev

Ace up the Sleeve

Big Month for the Bard

Next month sees the return of the ACE! Festival after a one-year hiatus. The only family-focused performing arts festival in Singapore, ACE! (which stands for Arts and Creativity for Everyone) runs for 24 days and features a selection of seven local and international productions, workshops and even a mini-carnival.

April is a Shakespeare-fest in Singapore.

First comes Wild Rice’s fresh adaptation of The Bard’s classic story, Romeo & Juliet, at the Drama Centre Theatre from 12 to 28 April. Check out our story about the production in last month’s issue, and pick up your tickets from Sistic.

Meanwhile, the fifth production in the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) successful Shakespeare in the Park series kicks off on 26 April.

“If music be the food of love, play on” – so begins Twelfth Night, regarded by many as one of Shakespeare’s finest works, filled with music, pranks, farcical misunderstandings, and of course, love. A whopping crowd of 30,000 saw SRT’s Macbeth during its run at Fort Canning Park last year, and this year’s show is likely to prove popular, too – there’s nothing like watching a stellar production while enjoying a picnic under the stars.

Twelfth Night is directed by Bruce Guthrie, associate director of Kevin Spacey’s Richard III, and stars Adrian Pang and Daniel Jenkins. It runs from 26 April to 20 May at Fort Canning Park. Tickets (from Sistic) are priced from $35 for picnic seating and from $75 for Pavilion seating, including two glasses of wine and canapés.

The shows Dreamer in the Deep Hare Brain The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark Hakim and the Giant Turtle Just So? The Little Mermaid Our Island Three of these shows are original productions

by I Theatre, whose artistic director Brian Seward is also the festival producer.

Among them is Our Island, an international collaborative piece that is premiering here before showing at the Edinburgh Festival in August. Here’s the synopsis: “Three diverse and comical characters are washed up on a mystery island. Why? We don’t know. How? We don’t know. What we do know is that they really don’t understand each other! They must work together to share their new home.”

Sounds like a combination of Lost and Lord of the Flies – but for kids, of course!

The ACE! Festival runs from 18 May to 10 June at the Goodman Arts Centre and Alliance Française.

Tickets for single shows are $28 with discounts for multiple shows and for families. Show times are around 50 minutes, and productions are recommended either for ages three and above or five and above. Tickets from Sistic. www.acefestival.org www.itheatre.org

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Our favourite line from Twelfth Night: You Y are now sailed into the north of my lady’s opinion; where you will hang like an icicle on a Dutchman’s beard.

Also This Month ...

PRISMS, Esplanade’s new theatre season, 4 April to 12 May Sarah Chang, internationally renowned American violinist, 12 April Out Of Order, comedy play presented by the British Theatre Playhouse, 12 to 15 April Oliver Twist, a production by TNT Theatre Britain, 25 to 28 April

To find out what else is On The Stage this month, check the Calendar pages of this issue.

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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

What We Watched The Artist I was keen to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on a recent flight back to Singapore – it sounds like exactly my kind of film – but the first minutes were all black shadows on the tiny seat-back screen and whispered voices lost in the drone of jet engines. From reviews, I knew I was going to be hopelessly confused by the plot anyway, so the thought of being hopelessly confused by the plot and not seeing or hearing anything was too much to bear. I watched The Artist instead. It’s a perfect film for a plane – bright, monochromatic images and only a handful of spoken words. On the other hand, it’s not a perfect film – the storyline felt sluggish in places. It is, however, a fantastic idea, brilliantly executed for the most part, and with two standout leads – three if you count the dog (who has apparently sparked a global demand for Jack Russell terriers).

Shamus Sillar

The Iron Lady It’s ironic that the last punch in the life story of a lady devoted to upending the male-dominated status quo in politics has been dished out by a woman, screenwriter Abi Morgan. The Iron Lady largely depicts Margaret Thatcher’s current battle with senility and, sadly, pays only token gestures to historically important events. The Falklands War, the miners’ strike and the election of the first ever British female prime minister have been “Hollywoodised” and reduced to five-minute grabs in a crazy old bat’s flashbacks. While Meryl Streep’s performance is well worth the Oscar, the story is a bitchy and incoherent reflection on an astonishing woman’s life.

Kate Mallord

The Help One of the most moving and poignant films I’ve seen in a long time. It probably resonated strongly because I have lived in Africa and Asia most of my life, where home help is a way of life.

I have seen the prejudice and ignorance portrayed in this story and I feel it’s an honest and true reflection of this and the stifling social politics of suburban 1950s. Viola Davis well deserved her awards for her role as a housekeeper and was ably supported by Emma Stone and Sissy Spacek. After seeing the film, I’d definitely like to read the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett that the film is based on.

Rebecca Bisset

The Lorax Based on the Dr Seuss book of the same name, and with Danny DeVito in the title role, this bright and busy animated film will appeal to both kids and their parents. We’d read the book several times and were au fait with the storyline, but it would be easy to follow anyway.

Like all Dr Seuss books, the tale has an underlying message that is subtle but accessible to children.

We saw it in 3D, but it would be fabulous in digital.

Katie Roberts

Our Oscars Scorecard In our February issue, Expat Living’s guest columnist Tom Brook (host of Talking Movies on BBC World News) predicted the outcome of the seven big awards on Oscar night. How did he go? Tom got a pass mark of four out of seven, slipping up with his choice of Clooney over Dujardin, missing out on Woody Allen for

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best screenplay, and selecting the right film for Actress in a Supporting Role, but the wrong person (Octavia Spencer won for The Help, rather than Jessica Chastain).

But we reckon he was right in his prediction about the host role reverting to old-hand Billy Crystal: “I’m not sure it will work.”

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ARTS&LEISURE

ON THE

PAGE

If you're looking for a good read this month, here are our thoughts on a selection of new releases and recent classics.

Leonardo Learns to Paint

Affordable Contemporary Art

Antonija Gros Atelier Resources www.antonijagros.com

Beatrice Hodgkin Vivays Publishing | 205 pages

Illustrated and written by popular Singapore expat artist and teacher Antonija Gros, this charming book for children tells the tale of a Florentine mouse called Leonardo and his five-year apprenticeship to master artist Verrocchio. Though Leonardo is keen to start painting at once, he has to start at the very bottom and work his way up: making tea and running errands, preparing paints and materials, being allowed to paint backgrounds and drapes, and finally getting his own commissions, culminating in the acclaimed portrait of “Mouse-a-Lisa”.

Verne Maree

Th i s g u i d e t o b u y i n g a n d c o l l e c t i n g contemporary art advises would-be art collectors to immerse themselves in the art world: how best to take advantage of art fairs and exhibitions, how to build relationships with art galleries – and, importantly, how not to be intimidated by them.

Ever wanted to know how an original print is made, or how it’s valued? What makes a photographic print more or less valuable? And how does one identify a genuinely promising emerging artist? Hodgkin even attempts to answer the tricky question: What is affordable art?

To get value from this book, you don’t even need to follow its eminently digestible and practical advice: its solid content, including the prevailing jargon of the art world, makes this the ultimate Cheat’s Guide to the art world. Not that you’d stoop to exploiting it for that purpose…

My favourite tip? “Buy art that you love. Don’t underestimate the power of your taste and judgement to add personal value to a work; buying for investment alone is a dangerous game.”

Verne Maree

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson Random House | 672 pages With millions of copies already sold, this sensational thriller gained even more fans when the English remake of the original Swedish film was released in 2011 (January 2012 in Singapore). It has everything a crime fiction fan could ask for, including corruption, a murder mystery and a dysfunctional family.

Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist for a financial magazine, is caught in a libel case against powerful corporate figure Hans-Erik Wennerström.

Facing jail time and out of work, he is hired by one of the wealthiest men in Sweden to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet Vanger. Together with unlikely partner Lisbeth Salander, a young genius hacker with piercings and tattoos, he discovers astonishing corruption and dark secrets within the Vanger family.

I’m a fan of suspense and corporate corruption stories and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is one of the best reads I’ve had in a long time. It’s a contagiously exciting crime-fighting novel that will persuade readers to continue reading the rest of Larsson’s trilogy: The Girl Who Played with Fire followed by The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.

Yusrina Yusoff

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ARTS&LEISURE

Social Q’s: How to survive the quirks, quandaries and quagmires of today Philip Galanes Simon and Schuster | 258 pages Cutting through to the nub of the problem, this book has an example and a practical solution for every etiquette quandary. Philip Galanes’ advice was first dispensed in the New York Times column of the same name and must have struck a chord with readers.

Witty, acerbic and funny, he offers advice on a wide range of situations. He covers inappropriate office attire, instant electronic communication – including what to do when an email goes to the wrong person, and online dating – and something that hasn’t changed: what to do when a friend owes you money.

I agreed with most of his advice, especially: “Lesson for parents: If your kid breaks it, just apologise and whip out the old cheque book.”

This book will help you navigate rocky social situations with grace, and give you a laugh, too.

Katie Roberts

Joined the Library Yet? At any garage sale you’ll see boxes of unwanted books for sale, thrown out by their expat owners before they leave the island.

Instead, why not join the public library? You’ll avoid accumulating unnecessary possessions and save yourself money to boot.

There are 25 libraries across the island, and joining is simple. For expats there is an annual fee of $42.80 and a one-off registration fee of $10.50. For PRs (Permanent Residents), the annual membership is free.

Membership entitles you to borrow books and DVDs, and to download electronic books online. The library at the Esplanade is focused on the arts and has a great collection of music and DVDs. The excellent online catalogue makes it simple to search for a book, reserve it and even extend your loan period.

Tip: Watch out for fines – they can creep up!

Sign up for an email reminder, and each day for five days they’ll let you know that your books are due.

Find out more at www.pl.sg (click on Library Guide).

The Marriage Plot Jeffrey Eugenides FSG New York | 406 pages Nine years have passed since the publication of Eugenides’ Pulitzer Prizewinning second novel, Middlesex, and this one, his third. On a scale very different from the epic Middlesex, The Marriage Plot is the deeply engaging tale of three Brown University undergrads in 1982.

Lovers (like me) of the 19th-century romantic novel will immediately fall for beautiful Madeleine Hanna, an English major whose degree thesis is the marriage plot that lies at that genre’s core.

In his exploration of 80s literary criticism, Eugenides pokes gentle fun at the pretentiousness of young college intellectuals. In following the highs and lows of the brilliant science major Leonard Bankhead’s chronic manic depression, he gives us a painfully unforgettable insight into this horrible illness. And in Mitchell Grammaticus’s search through Europe and Asia for his spiritual self, he raises questions of religion and philosophy that are perfectly apposite to the age.

If you were reading for an English Literature degree in those pre-mobilephone days of the early 80s, listening to Talking Heads and exploring your angst with fellow students, you’ll love this book. You might love it anyway.

This intelligent and sympathetic evocation of believable young people coming of age reminded me very much of another wonderful American novel that I reviewed last year: Jonathan Frantzen’s Freedom. Likewise, it’s a good one for book club.

Verne Maree

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r u o Y

referral guide

April to-do list

g et a Tw it t e r a c c o u nt a n d fo llow Ex patLiv i n gSg z s u b s c ri b e t o E x pa t L i v i n g' s fo rt n ig ht ly n e w s lett e r

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VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CHECK THE UPDATED EVENTS CALENDAR AND MORE!

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Wine & Dine

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What’s NEW

WINE&DINE

Three-in-One

Pasta Mama

Maison Ikkoku is a coffee joint, menswear boutique and semi-alfresco cocktail bar. At the new bar, try a classic mojito or martini, or go for one of two signature creations – the White French Maid, a threelayered coffee liqueur, caramel liqueur and vodka specialty, or the Passionate Moment, combining passionfruit, rosemary, gin and vodka. Influenced by quirky Japanese concept cafés, this spot, meaning “house of the moment”, is a cool chill out place just outside the city. 20 Kandahar Street. Call 6284 0078.

Italian Carmen Stocco is teaching the secrets of making perfect homemade pasta. On 2 May, learn to make a festive meal of homemade gnocchi and four types of bruschetta. On 14 May, the focus turns to ribbon pasta, such as linguini and pappardelle. On 21 May, it’s lasagne sheets and filled pasta like pumpkin ravioli. Pasta machines provided. $130, 10am to 1pm. Call Expat Kitchen at 6299 4221 or email admin@expat-kitchen.com.

Dim Sum Delights Dim sum chef Simon Poon learned the art of making dim sum from his father, a master chef from Macau.

Now, he’s the man behind the new dim sum brunch at the Intercontinental’s Man Fu Yuan, featuring items such as chilli crab tarts, deep-fried crab dumplings, siew mai and custard buns. Available à la carte or as part of the weekend buffet brunch. 11.45am to 2.30pm. $88 for adults, $58 for kids (aged four to 12). 80 Middle Road.

Call 6825 1062.

To celebrate all things shellfish, Privé is having a Shellfish Savoir Faire promotion. At this restaurant, café and waterfront bar, tuck into a succulent duo of tiger prawns Provençal, a trio of Canadian oysters (shown here), or, for the extravagant, a butter-poached live Maine lobster. Until 30 April. No. 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay. Call 6776 0777.

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What’s NEW

WINE&DINE

GIVE AND TAKE

Chef Tony Khoo was last year’s Executive Chef of the Year as named by the Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence. This year, he’s giving away the secrets to his best dishes – like the foie gras magnum bars shown here – for a great cause. Donate $50 or more to Assisi Hospice, an organisation providing end-of-life care for the sick and poor, and receive a free copy of Chef Khoo’s new cookbook To Be a Chef. Call 6347 6442 or drop by Camden Medical Centre #01-04.

You’re Hired

For a dinner party at home without a day of prepping, turn your kitchen over to Top Chef Hire. You pick the menu and budget, and professional chefs – some from top restaurants like Absinthe and Artichoke – will handle the rest. Parties, family dinners, special occasions – they do it all. Cooking classes also available. Request a free online quote at www.topchefhire.com.

Easter Eats For a holiday splurge: We have our eye on the Easter Sunday Brunch Extravaganza at The Sentosa, A Beaufort Hotel, as the best place for pony rides, egg hunts and Easter Bunny appearances with a seafood raw bar, a macaroon tower and free-flow champagne. 12pm to 3pm. $178 adults; ($138 without alcohol); $79 kids (aged four to 12). 2 Bukit Manis Road. Call 6371 1495. And, The Glass House at Hotel Fort Canning is hosting a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed Easter brunch with face painting, balloon sculpting and plenty of room for the kids to play while the adults concentrate on the food. $68 for adults, $34 for kids. 11 Canning Walk. Call 6559 6760.

For a more casual affair: Oriole is offering a Lazy Easter Sunday Brunch with free hot cross buns and chocolate eggs. The day’s special is roast lamb burger, offered alongside new brunch dishes like prosciutto scrambled eggs and ali baa baa. 10am to 3pm. 96 Somerset Road, #01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites. Call 6238 8348. If you’re planning on brunching at home this holiday, save room for a wild dessert from Hédiard. Jungle-themed chocolates shaped like lions, monkeys, hippopotamuses and elephants and exotic zebra eggs (shown here) are available in plain, milk and white chocolate.

123-125 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court.

Call 6333 6683.

For more ideas on holiday goodies, see our Easter roundup at www.expatliving.sg.

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WINE&DINE

and Noteworthy La Luna Rossa 6 Scotts Road, #02-01 Scotts Square 6636 2951| www.laluna-rossa.com Japanese-owned Italian restaurant La Luna Rossa has opened in spankingnew Scotts Square. Helmed by Chef Masahiro Takada, whose experience includes stints in two Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, this smart, cleancut replica of the Tokyo original offers Italian cuisine with an interesting Japanese touch.

The food is fine dining elegance and does Italian fare proud – the Japanese element is quietly evident in the Zen orderliness of an open kitchen manned

by Japanese chefs, in the delicate presentation and in the clever use of Japanese ingredients.

For starters, the simple dish of tonno tartar ($28) is made quite stunning by a wasabi dressing that adds a fiery buzz to complement the ripe avocado and fresh raw tuna; the bagna càuda ($26) with fresh vegetables is jazzed up with a dash of miso added to the moreish garlic anchovy dipping sauce.

Primi recommendations include the ricci di mare ($38) – perfectly cooked spaghettini in a sultry, creamy tomato sauce with tiny bites of sea urchin adding a taste of the sea.

Secondi dishes seem less “fusion”.

The rossini ($65) is a delicious, meltin-the-mouth roasted Wagyu beef with seared foie gras and black truffle served with potato dauphinoise, while the maiale ($48), grilled Kurobuta pork belly, is happily more meaty than fatty. A caramelised fig and balsamic reduction goes well with it, its sweetness balanced by the acidity of the accompanying ratatouille.

For traditionalists, there is a creamy, mascarpone-rich tiramisu ($14) for dessert; or you could try the Japanese fusion matcha crème brûlée ($14) and you won’t be disappointed – a most interesting version of this classic, with green tea crème and a dappling of browned sugar topped with a beautifully refreshing green tea gelato.

Beate Baldry

on the lookout for fine dining with YOU’LL LOVE IT IF: You’re interesting Italian-Japanese flavours.

YOU’LL HATE IT IF: Your wallet is feeling a little on the light side.

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WINE&DINE

For starters, starte what makes the simp simple dish of tonno tartar quite stunning, is the wasabi dressing which adds a fiery buzz that complements the d fres h ripe avocado and fresh raw tuna.

MUST-TRY DISH:

tonno tartar, rossini Wagyu beef and matcha crème brûlée.

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WINE&DINE

Latteria 40 Duxton Hill 6866 1988 | www.latteriamb.com Oh Cheese, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the creamiest and smelliest and hardest. I love thee in a light breeze under the night sky surrounded by candlelight. And I especially love thee after a hard day’s work in a secluded little terrace on Duxton Hill.

Latteria, the newest offering from Beppe De Vito (of Il Lido and Forlino fame), has moved into the Duxton Hill shophouse of failed Brit gastro pub The Jackson Plan. It’s been given a sleek and tasteful makeover that has put an end to the stark green and white concrete walls of its previous incarnation. In their place are soft lighting and warm décor, plus a large secluded outdoor patio.

Heavenly burrata, sweet peppers peperonata ($30) arrives with just the right amount of resilience to its soft and creamy centre to make discerning taste buds surrender.

The stringy bocconcini in carrrozza, arrabbiata ($20), constrained by a crusty shell, has a spicy sauce that tingles pleasantly on the tongue. Perfectly al dente linguine vongole and porcini ($30) and roasted whole seabream ($35) are very filling, yet moreish. The Sicilian cannoli ($10) and tipsy tiramisu cup ($15) are worth saving room for – I failed miserably, but I was only there for the cheese!

a mouse or you appreciate artisanal YOU’LL LOVE IT IF: You’re mozzarellas and reasonably priced wine.

YOU’LL HATE IT IF: You’re lactose intolerant.

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Kate Mallord

MUST-TRY DISH:

burrata, sweet peppers peperonata ($30).

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WINE&DINE

Bistecca 25 Mohamed Sultan Road 6735 6739 | www.bistecca.com.sg Steak perfection is the lofty aim of new restaurant Bistecca. Using highquality ingredients, native Tuscan chef Francesco Mansani has succeeded in something that many other restaurants here have been unable to achieve.

It takes us about 15 minutes to decide what to eat because the menu is full of fabulous, authentic Tuscan dishes. The intuitive waiter gives us time, and then more time, until my companion, a meat lover raised on a cattle farm, opts for the Australian Wagyu fillet (250g tenderloin, thick cut, $58). Equally indecisive, I try the chef’s favourite: homemade pork sausage in a tomato herb sauce with cannellini beans ($25). Both meats pair beautifully with sides of asparagus in lemon oil ($14), mushrooms in thyme

($12) and sinful but sublime potatoes cooked in duck fat ($10).

The portions are just right, and the flavours are subtle and delicate.

Charcoal grilled and red-rare inside with subtle marbling, the quality of the grass-fed beef is unmistakeable.

Light reds from Italy (Geografico 2010 Sangiovese, $13 per glass) and France (Lavau 2009 Grenache Syrah, $15) are delightful accompaniments from an extensive wine cellar.

For dessert, the chef produces a one-off salted caramel tart with gelato ($6). We share this with a light and luscious version of the iconic tiramisu ($12) and a glass of sweet Italian Pio Cesare Moscato ($14).

Housed in a renovated shophouse, Bistecca is decorated in modern

Tuscan style with a bovine theme – cow hides adorn the floor and antler chandeliers shed light – but it’s not kitsch in the slightest. From start to finish, Bistecca is all class and a must to visit.

Katie Roberts

YOU’LL LOVE IT IF:

You’re keen on modern Italian food. A weekend roast lunch is also on offer.

YOU’LL HATE IT IF:

Not possible – this restaurant is divine.

Fillet Steak

MUST-TRY DISH:

The Wagyu beef served with two sauces.

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WINE&DINE

Sushi Ichi #02-02 Scotts Square 6299 0014 | www.sushichi.com As a fan of Japanese cuisine, I was excited to dine at Sushi Ichi, a oneMichelin-starred restaurant hailing from Ginza in Tokyo. Everyone from the Japanese hostess to the chef greeted us warmly on arrival.

We were presented with a one-page menu featuring only kaiseki, a multicourse meal consisting of assorted sashimi and sushi, miso soups and dessert. We left it to grand sushi master Chef Yuji Yabe to serve the best.

Sushi Ichi serves only seafood imported straight from the Tsukiji market in Japan. With a few exceptions, like the flavourfully chewy grilled razor clam with ricotta dressing, everything is raw and fresh.

It can be a bit intimidating as the chef watches and waits for you to finish before preparing the next dish. Chef Yabe skilfully sliced all

sorts of seafood before serving the sashimi and nigiri sushi one by one.

He recommended the best way to eat each dish: dipped in soy sauce or with salt and sudachi (Japanese lime). My favourite: blanched jumbo shrimp sushi, succulent and absolutely delicious.

There’s probably no better place than here to try uni (sea urchin roe) for the first time. Served on a bed of rice in a teacup, the fattiness of this delicacy blended well with the crunchy bits of salmon caviar and was good washed down with ocha (Japanese green tea).

Sushi Ichi’s degustation menu ranges from four to eight courses ($60-$450) and special dietary requests can be accommodated. The price tag may sound hefty, but this is a unique, authentic and bespoke Japanese dining experience.

Chef Yuji Yabe

YOU’LL LOVE IT IF:

You are a die-hard fan of Japanese food and love raw seafood.

YOU’LL HATE IT IF: You don’t eat raw seafood.

Yusrina Yusoff

MUST-TRY DISH:

Sea urchin and salmon egg with soy sauce and yuzu. eL

Red Ark Shell Clam from Aichi

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WINE&DINE

Bar ab

Keeping tabs on the hottest spots to grab a drink in the city.

By Katie Roberts

Loco Spanish Tapas Bar 48 Boat Quay 6535 2841 | www.locotapas.sg

Who Drinks There: The Boat Quay strip is jammed with bars and restaurants covering the gamut of international cuisines, and Spanish is a welcome addition. The crowd includes tourists and “suits” from the CBD, and even a few families on the evening we called in. A well decorated bar area spills out onto the footpath, and tables and chairs are set by the river to take in the view.

Best Thing About It: We all love a river view, and a bargain!

It’s $10 for sangria, house wine and draft beer during Happy Hour, from 5pm to 8pm daily. On Mondays they do one-for-one $12 mojitos. What’s not to like about that?

Signature Drink: Not surprisingly, sangria. Both the red and white versions ($12/glass; $50/jug) are full of fruit, with plenty of ice to keep them cool on a balmy evening.

Draught and bottled beers and a couple of wines are on the list, too.

We’ve come for cocktails though, and the lychee martini ($14) and margarita ($12) hit the spot. Choosing to sit by the river to watch the sunset, we miss seeing the mixologist in action.

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Paella Valenciana

Nibbles and Noshes: Tapas are the perfect accompaniment to an evening primarily focused on drinks, and the Spanish must be applauded for this invention. Our sautéed mushrooms in garlic ($9.50), chorizo in olive oil ($9) and garlic prawns ($14) hit the spot, but we find the tortilla española ($8) a little overdone. What’s a Spanish bar without paella? This Valenciana version ($35)

Red sangria

is packed with chicken, seafood and chorizo and is more than enough for four people.

When to Go: Any day except Sunday. Loco is open from 11.30am to midnight. There’s a $10 set weekday lunch, perfect for CBD office workers. eL

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You just whipped up a fabulous jerk Atlantic lobster here in the AFC studio, but I see a few McDonald’s wrappers on the back table. Busted?

No, no (laughs). I love food so much, but I’m not going to come to Singapore and have McDonald’s. I’ve had it before – I’m not holier than thou. I just choose not to if I can avoid it.

This is your first time in Asia, and I hear you tried balut in Manila. Did you like it?

Yeah, the way people explain it – it’s a day-old duck embryo, and there’s juice and you’ve got to suck the juice first – and it’s like, “Oh my god, this sounds horrible! How could I even put that in my mouth?” But the honest truth is that when you actually get down to it, it’s really not that bad. It’s warm, so it’s semi-cooked in a sense; I thought it was raw. And, you put salt, chilli and vinegar on it. I could eat this table with salt, chilli and vinegar.

Whoa. Then durian must have been no big deal for you?

I realised that durian smelled so good, that it’s bad. I broke the smell down – it’s so intense, it’s so overpowering. It’s like when too much of a good thing becomes bad. It’s so sweet; it’s so pungent; it’s so citrusy. It’s like really, really too much. If you can diffuse it a bit, oh my god, it’s such a unique and amazing flavour. I loved it.

grey, unhappy, yelling, French guy? I was like, really Mom? I never saw it. So I studied marketing and business, and I wanted to run the world and have a big company. But I was that cheesy guy who would have brunches and invite all my friends over. I took my first cooking class when I was in Grade 6. It was an extracurricular class. I took hockey and cooking. I was just starting to like girls, and I walked into the class, and it was eight girls and me. So, I was like, “Cooking is actually pretty cool.”

When did you realise that this could become a career?

I went to cooking school, and the first day I chopped an onion, it was like (raises hands to the heavens) “Awwwww”. I say cooking saved my life. It gave me something that I actually loved doing and had the passion and interest to stick with. I’m pretty ADD, so cooking was great for me because it’s ever-changing, you’re on your feet, there’s action. It was something that I truly loved from the beginning.

What was your first job in the business?

I was a busboy in a place called the Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, which is a huge Fairmont Hotel. I used to see the guys in the kitchen and think, “Man, these guys are bad ass. These guys don’t take sh*t from anybody, even the general manager!”

I remember being so scared to talk to them. After work, we’d be out in the bars, and all the girls would be saying, “Oh, he’s the chef, he’s the chef”, and I was like “Wow, who are these pirates?”

So that must have affected your vision of the old, pathetic chef?

Yeah, that was slowly changing. What people see in a chef has changed a lot these days. I didn’t fit with that white hat, stiff, starchy look. It’s not me – it’s not what I love about cooking. I love everything else. And, I love breaking the rules.

C’mon, really?

I enjoyed it. If I tried durian in Texas, I probably wouldn’t like it as much.

There is a lot to be said for time and place. But there’s something to the fact that I had it here, where it’s from, with people that know about it. They take it seriously. What else do we have in life? Family, food and love. The rest is unimportant. That’s the honest truth.

That’s a great philosophy. What started your passion for cooking?

My mom. She is not the best of cooks, but she’s very passionate. At a young age, my mom pushed me to go into cooking. She knew I was going to be a chef. Twenty-five years ago when I was ten, if you looked at a chef, I was like – that guy? An alcoholic, overworked,

Left: Putting the final touches onto his famous Jerk Atlantic Lobster Right: answering his "shell phone" Photos by Kevin F. Cox

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Quick Quips From Chuck On his background: My dad’s a lawyer; my uncle’s an investment banker. I come from a long line of real business-y type people.

On his favourite tool to use in the kitchen: The spoonula – it’s half spoon, half spatula. It’s great for risotto, mashed potatoes and anything you want to scoop up. It’s good for plating. I am actually a green belt in spoonula, so watch out.

Speaking of rule breaking – I understand you have tattoos of lobsters, arugula and even lemon meringue pie. How do you decide that a food warrants space on your skin?

It’s weird – even before I even went into cooking, I was getting food tattoos. The real thing for me is that it’s permanent, so you need to make sure you’re going to love it forever. Shrimp, lobster, oysters, lemon meringue pie – they’re no-brainers for me. People look at me like, “Wow, how could you do that?”

And I’ll say, “Well, you have a scorpion tattoo. What does that mean?”

Good point. Tattoos are pretty common in the back of the house, right?

Forget the French chef who comes to have a glass of wine with you at the end of the night. All the guys that are really working, they all look like me. And now, slowly but surely, the world is seeing that.

A lot of online comments about your show don’t relate to your cooking. For example, the first comment on your spicy pork sandwiches video says, “I’m a man, and I’m completely comfortable with my sexuality, and I think he’s sexy.” Are you surprised by these reactions?

Yeah, big time. The whole sexiness of food thing, I don’t really get it. Professional cooking is not like at home with your significant other, drinking a glass of wine and feeding each other chocolate. It’s pretty unsexy. It’s long hours, it’s hard work, it’s sweaty, it’s gross. It’s anything but sexy.

It’s funny, because with my look and the way I cook, everybody said, “Guys are going to dig this. Guys are going to be all over it.” And guys are all over it, and they really love it. But a lot of the show’s fans are women. I’m not complaining.

On beating the venerable Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America: It was the best day and worst day of my life. That show defined me, even though I’d been chopping carrots for 18 years. Imagine – you go to the Food Network studio for the first time in your life, you meet Bobby Flay for the first time in your life. Then you beat him. You’re like, “Oh, nooo! What have I done?”

On competing on Iron Chef America for the second time: I got booted off in the fourth week by tofu. So don’t bring up tofu. (laughs) On publishing his first cookbook in French: “My family is French and I’m from Montreal, which is a French-speaking city. My agent wanted to shoot me because obviously books in French don’t sell compared to books in English. But I really wanted to get a book in French out first.

My grandmother is 93, and I just wanted her to see it. When I show her I’m on TV, she says, “It looks so much like you!” I’m like “Grandma, it is me.” She’s like “Oh, stop!” Literally, I’m not even joking.

On the state of food television: The “how-to” cooking show is not that popular. People want to see travel. People want to see competitions.

On being special: I’m not special. I’m just lucky.

On his favourite dish in Singapore: Black pepper crab at East Coast Lagoon Food Village. I almost ate it in KL, but everybody said “No, no, no, don’t have it here, you have to wait until you get to Singapore.”

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Chocolate Tapioca Arancini Courtesy of Chuck Hughes Ingredients: Chocolate Centre

• 2 cups or 500ml of chopped chocolate • 1 cup or 250ml of cream

Ingredients: Pearl Tapioca

• 2 cups or 500ml of cold water • ½ cup or 125ml of small pearl tapioca • 1 cup or 250ml of milk • 1 cup or 250ml of 35% cream • 1 cup or 250ml of sugar • zest of 1 orange • 1 vanilla bean, sliced and seeds scraped

Ingredients: Crumb Coating

• 2 cups or 500ml of Panko breadcrumbs, reduced to a fine powder • 1 cup or 250ml of flour • 4 eggs

Method: Chocolate Centre

• Heat cream in a saucepan. Add chocolate and stir until chocolate melts and combines with cream.

• Transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing plastic to the chocolate to prevent a skin from forming.

• Refrigerate for one hour or until firm.

Method: Pearl Tapioca a

• Soak tapioca in cold water for or 30 minutes. Drain the water.

• In a saucepan over medium m heat, add milk, cream, sugar, orange zest and vanilla bean.

• Add the tapioca pearls and bring to the boil.

• Reduce heat and let simmer for 25 minutes.

• Transfer to a bowl and let cool. ol.

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until sets. til mixture i t t • Using wet hands (to prevent mixture from sticking to them), shape mixture into golf ball sizes.

• Flatten ball and insert a small spoonful of chocolate into the centre. Reshape into ball.

• Place balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

• Preheat oil in fryer to 180° C (350° F).

• Sprinkle each ball with flour. Dip into whisked egg mixture and roll in Panko breadcrumbs.

• Drop each ball into the oil. Fry for one or two minutes until golden brown.

• Drain and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. eL

George Tsartsianidis | Dreamstime.com

esdays at 9pm.

Channel on Wedn od Fo ian As e th y Off on Catch Chuck’s Da

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BEATE BALDRY forages for exciting Asian ingredients readily available in Singapore, to discover their traditional uses, health benefits and y to incorporate p g ways these local flavours into Western home cooking.

nt: Lemongrass This month’s ingredl’siehay, geranium grass, me Aliases: Fever grass, casereh (powder form) Cochin grass,

What is it?

Lemongrass is a tropical, perennial green grass that can reach up to 1.5 metres and grows from woody, edible, pale green-yellow stalks comprised of tightly packed layered leaves. Fresh lemongrass stalks should feel firm and heavy, with no bruising or browning.

Flimsy, light, dry stalks are likely to be less fresh and have less flavour.

The flavour

A unique, citrusy flavour that has a warm floral note.

Where do you find it?

Most supermarkets stock fresh lemongrass in their refrigerated vegetable sections. Only the bottom of lemongrass stalks are sold; the leaves and upper stalks are removed beforehand. Lemongrass keeps in the fridge for up to three weeks, or you can store it in your freezer for months.

Uses

In Southeast Asian cooking, especially Thai, Vietnamese and Sri Lankan cuisine.

Essential oil from lemon grass is often used:

• as a mosquito repellent • to fragrance perfumes, soaps, candles and detergents • as a facial astringent and skin toner • in aromatherapy to revitalise the body and help relieve stress • in massage therapy as a muscle toner

Health benefits

Lemongrass has antiseptic, antiinflammatory and antifungal properties and is said to combat: • cold and flu symptoms • fevers • cholera • headaches • indigestion, abdominal pain and other stomach conditions • arthritis • fungal conditions, for example athlete’s foot • improve blood circulation In a recent study, the essential oil has also been shown to lower high cholesterol.

Top tips

• Steep a bashed stalk in a bottle of vodka for at least five days to add an exotic note to cocktails or vodka and soda.

• The woody stalks make attractive, flavourful skewers for grilling prawns or chicken.

• Soak a couple of bruised stalks in your bath for a revitalising aromatherapy treat.

Try it in town

Lemongrass is one of the key ingredients in the Thai favourite, tom yum soup, where its refreshing tang balances the spiciness and nd contributes contrib tes to the soup’s medicinal properties.

E-Sarn Thai Cuisine 5 R i d g e wo o d C l o s e , U n i t G 2 Ridgewood Condominium 6466 8078

Cook with it at home

The whole stalk (bashed first to release the aromatic oils) can be used to flavour curries and soups or be infused in the water when cooking rice. Remember to remove it before serving.

For salads, marinades or stir-fries, use only the tender, bottom section of the stalk which is less woody – you may need to peel off a couple of the dry outer layers first, then finely slice or pound the rest with a mortar and pestle.

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Iced Tea Recipe from Robert Danhi’s Easy Thai Cooking R

A thirst-quenching pitcher of this Asian take on iced iic c tea is the perfect refreshment on hot, lazy at the poolside, and at barbecues. aafternoons af f Serves 4 to 6 S Se

• 8 whole stalks of lemongrass • 8 cups (1.75 litres) water • ½ cup (100g) sugar • 2 black teabags

1.. Simmer the lemongrass and water over a low 1 heat for 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse.

2.. Remove from heat, stir in the sugar and 2 teabags and steep for 20 minutes.

3. Strain, cool and chill in the refrigerator.

3.

Serve over crushed ice. eL

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Where to This Weekend?

OUR

Top

Breakfast

Whether you’re looking for a simple coffee and croissant to start the day, or a grand buffet to celebrate the weekend, here are our picks.

& BrunchPicks Bakeries: Baker & Cook 77 Hillcrest Road, Greenwood 6469 8834 | www.bakerandcook.biz Daily from 7am In January, I was eating a bowl of noodles at my local zi char restaurant, B.K. Forture (that’s forture, not fortune!), and I got talking to a Brit called Patrick who was visiting Singapore for two weeks. At one point, he said: “My friends just opened a new bakery and coffee shop this morning. I think you might like it.” An hour later, he had emailed me with all the details, even cc’ing the baker, Dave.

If you’re starting a new business, Patrick’s a good friend to have – almost better than a publicist. He was right that I would like it, too. In fact, Baker & Cook ticks every box I have for breakfast: early opening (7am daily), invigorating coffee (in fact, the Allpress Espresso coffees from New Zealand are so popular there is sometimes a wait) and an easily navigable selection of hearty dishes – on our most recent visit, I ordered pancakes with caramelised apples, crème fraîche and homemade toffee

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Lemon Tarts

sauce, my wife opted for the deluxe granola with berry compote, natural yoghurt and a dust of icing sugar, and our two young girls annihilated a pair of flakey, buttery chocolate croissants.

Speaking of kids, the best place to seat them is outside at one of the two long communal tables – so long as you’re not communing with people who aren’t sympathetic to tantrums and plastic cutlery being used as drumsticks.

The other tip at Baker & Cook is to take home a selection of the great quiches, salads, pizzas and cakes.

And, of course, the bread. Kiwi baker Dean Brettschneider has authored ten books and is known as a doyen of dough; it shows in the café’s delicious French baguettes, Danish rugbrød or Turkish pide.

Good thing I met Patrick then.

Shamus Sillar

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Paul Bakery

Freshly Baked by Le Bijoux 57 Killiney Road 6735 3298 | www.freshlybaked.com.sg Daily from 8am For those who love a good kopitiam but prefer their coffee in a cup rather than a plastic bag, there’s Freshly Baked, a neighbourhood coffee joint serving up French-style artisanal bread and pastries baked by Audrey Tan, formerly the pastry chef at Saint Pierre. Morning meals with eggs, chorizo and corned beef come in sets, but we advise tacking on some baked goods, such as the best-selling walnut raisin loaf, which is all yours for an affordable $4.60.

Paul Bakery #03-16 Takashimaya Shopping Centre 6836 5932 Weekends from 8.30am (bakery only) It’s a good sign when a café that’s six months old still has a queue snaking around the corner. Paul’s secret? Using natural ingredients and baking methods that date back to the 19th century. With bits of apricots, raisins, dates and figs, the fruit benoîtons (bread sticks) are a delicious and chewy light bite, but you get the best of both worlds with the tartine poulet mariné ($17.90) – a slice of pain de campagne (country bread) topped with chicken, fresh tomatoes and cream. The service is being slammed in online reviews, so you might want to opt for take-away until that’s sorted out.

Simply Bread Fifth Ave, #01-03 Guthrie House and 501 Bukit Timah Road, #02-07 Cluny Court 6763 2628 | www.simplybread.com.sg Daily from 8am As its name implies, this bakery is straightforward yet effective. The Guthrie location is a godsend for parents with children – the staff love kids and the industrial décor is sturdy enough to withstand them. An EL staffer who had all but abandoned the notion of brunch with his little ones says it’s his family’s go-to spot for excellent coffee and nibbles. Plus, you’ll go home with great snacks for the weekend. The Cluny Court locale is smaller and more chic, so kids may disturb the peace a bit more there.

Also try:

Privé Bakery Café No. 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay Daily from 9am Maison Kayser #B1-09 Scotts Square Daily from 8am

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Coffee House Hangouts:

The Slayer espresso

Jimmy Monkey

maker

9 One-North Gateway, #01-51 One-North Residences 6777 8470 | www.jimmymonkey.com Weekends from 8.30am If Starbucks caters to the masses, Jimmy Monkey caters to the knowledgeable. “There are no venti bucketccinos here”, laughs Aussie owner Michael Ryan, as he eyes a perfectly pulled ristretto between his thumb and forefinger. At The Monkey, as we like to call it, coffee talk is serious stuff.

Part of the “Third Wave” of cafés springing up across the island, this industrial-style coffee house has killer coffee (really – it comes from Singapore’s only Slayer machine, one of only 80 worldwide) and a Lazy Weekend Menu until 4pm.

Order the French toast ($14), the house-favourite JM breakfast sandwich ($14 – the secret ingredient is “Kay’s Relish”, a recipe passed down from Michael’s mum) and cinnamon toast, served brûlée-style on thick sourdough with caramelised Granny Smith apples and a sweet berry compote ($12).

If you’re bemused by your Aussie friends’ obsession with Vegemite, try the Vegemite and cheese Turkish dippers ($12), and you’ll finally start to understand. To learn more about how grinds, pressure and temperatures make a difference to your morning brew, order an espresso from the Slayer and one extracted from the café’s new pour-over device. The resulting drinks are totally different. Coffee is a study, says Michael, and he is happy to be the teacher.

Monica Pitrelli

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40 Hands 78 Yong Siak Street #01-12 6225 8545 | www.40handscoffee.com Weekends from 8.30am

The Orange Thimble Block 56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68 6223 8068 | www.theorangethimble.com Weekends from 9am

It’s often standing room only at this funky haunt deep in the Art Deco Tiong Bahru district, with its muralcovered walls, little courtyard out back and the feel of a hidden gem. Half are here for the coffee, the other half for the coffee and the food, which includes items like Big Boy Breakfast ($18), a hearty meal of eggs, spicy chipolata chicken sausage, grilled tomatoes, bolognaise bacon, mixed mushrooms, green salad and grilled pita.

Leave room for the pumpkin, cream cheese and dark chocolate brownies.

Also in Tiong Bahru, this charming hideout has an art-meetscafé concept, with coffee being its specialty. In addition to the main area, there’s a mini art gallery featuring works by local artists and a nice open space in the backyard. They serve all-day breakfast on weekends, including an English breakfast burger ($5.50) and shepherd’s pie ($9). Its quaint décor and secluded location make this the ideal place for a lazy weekend afternoon with a fragrant cup of coffee, some comforting food and a good book. gs at Group

Poached eg

Therapy

Group Therapy 49 Duxton Road #02-01 6222 2554 | www.gtcoffee.com Saturday from 11am, Sunday from 9am Having opened its doors less than a year ago, this second-storey shophouse is an escape from the hubbub of the CBD. The layout of cushy couchess fosters group interaction, which has excellentt therapeutic effects, says its owner, practisingg psychologist Deborah Oh. Find solace in the everrpopular poached eggs with Gruyère, smoked salmon on and generous amounts of hollandaise sauce ($15).

5).

Vegetarians will like the vegetable quiche ($11) or inaniwa udon salad ($15). Saturdays are chilled, while ile Sundays offer a larger brunch menu featuring croque que madame and Belgian waffles, to name just two.

Kith 7 Rodyk Street, #01-33 Watermark@Robertson Quay 6341 9407 | www.kith.com.sg Daily from 7am This riverside coffee shop may not have the curb appeal of shinier establishments nearby, but that doesn’t deter the legion of die-hards that drop by for their daily dose.

This is a true drinks spot – they have more beverages than food items – but there’s enough on the menu to satisfy even the healthiest in your group, who can opt for protein shakes ($7.50), muesli, strawberries and vanilla yoghurt ($6) and low-gluten spelt bread (add $1). If you rooted for Little Shop Around the Corner in You’ve Got Mail, this is one to try.

Also try:

Black Coffee Dessert Bar 111 Somerset Road #01-13 TripleOne Somerset Weekends from 10am Loysel’s Toy Café 66 Kampong Bugis #01-02 Weekends from 9am ReStore Café 124 Tanjong Pagar Road Weekends from 11am

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Café Casual: Hummerstons 11 Unity Street, #02-14 Robertson Walk 6737 8863 | www.hummerstons.com Weekends 10am to 4pm This new lofty restaurant has already earned a posse of brunch loyalists – hardly surprising, once I spy The Hangover Poutine; however, there is so much more to Hummerstons than fry-up favourites for bleary-eyed brunch-hunters scrimmaging for that miracle-working cholesterol special.

I sampled three new creations. The truffle scrambled eggs with grilled sour dough, white truffle paste, confit spinach, tomatoes and pork sausages ($22) is the ideal wine-aftermath hunger buster: a gorgeously fluffy mound of eggy heaven, and rich, juicy sausage.

If you’re worried about your arteries, the healthy Vermont maple coconut granola ($17) with pumpkin seeds, oats, almonds, black sesame and sunflower seeds doused with fresh berries, maple syrup and creamy Greek yoghurt is a delicious way to kickstart the day before you put on your running shoes and transform yourself into one of those people that the truffle scrambled eggs-supporters probably want to kick.

Highlighting the international tone of the menu is the eggs Sardou, a French-Cajun twist on traditional eggs gg Benedict. Instead of an English g

Truffle scrambled eggs

Eggs Sardou

m muffin, it features roasted artichoke aatop New Orleans-style creamed sspinach and mushrooms topped with oozy poached eggs and a butternut o biscuit, which I’d call a scone. b With an open-plan, industrial-style llayout interspersed with funky animalhide motif furniture and an overall h ““it’s the weekend” mood, brunch at Hummerstons will be part of why H tthe description of your weekend on Monday morning will be: “Great!”

M Alex Westcott

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Kashmir 19 East Coast Road 6344 9163 | www.kashmir.com.sg Weekends 11.30 to 3pm Exotic flavours, a myriad of spices and Kashmiri music playing in the background make you think you’ve been teleported to the northernmost part of India. At $16 (usually $20), the weekend buffet at Kashmir is certainly value for money.

While the kashmiri pulao (basmati rice with nuts and raisins) is delicious

on its own, it tastes even better with tender and flavourful butter chicken – definitely the highlight for me. The aloo gobhi (cauliflower, potatoes and spices) was full of flavour. Assorted naans are also served, including healthier wholewheat ones that have deliciously smoky taste. Washing

down the spices with refreshing lime juice was a perfect ending to the meal.

Do take a cab, as parking can be quite impossible on a Sunday afternoon. Or you might be lucky at Katong Shopping Centre or at I12 Katong mall, just a stone’s throw away.

Yusrina Yusoff

Dempsey Brasserie Block 7, #01-03 Dempsey Road 6473 4500 | www.dempseybrasserie.com Weekends 10.30am to 3.30pm

Relish 501 Bukit Timah Road, #02-01 Cluny Court 6763 1547 | www.wildrocket.com.sg/relish.htm Weekends 10.30am to 4pm

We are fans of brutal honesty, so DB wins our hearts by admitting right on the menu that The Big Hangover breakfast ($35) “might help, but probably not”. This dish of eggs, bacon, grilled Cumberland sausage, forest mushrooms, roasted vine tomatoes and grilled brioche comes with a bloody Mary and a glass of Berocca. Other items include fish and chips ($22), mussels and fries ($20), oysters and champagne ($49) and more. Don’t miss the incredible pineapple basil margarita and other inventive cocktails.

Comfort food – check. Cool shophouse locale – check. Burger fetish – check. Written promise that the meat doesn’t come from an animal’s “dodgy parts” – check. We are in. Go plain or dress up your burger with blue cheese, poached pears and walnut butter, or opt for pasta, soup, or one of the house curries, washed down with the ever-popular fruit sangria.

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Selfish Gene Café (NEW!) 40 Craig Road 6423 1324 | www.selfishgenecafe.com Weekends from 10am In a day and age where dish names are often fancier than the dishes themselves, there’s something special about a café that serves up a “breakfast plate” and “banana cake”. We say, let the food do the talking, not the menu, and this new café around the corner from Duxton Hill agrees. It opens at 10am for drinks and breakfast, but you’ll have to wait until 11.30am for a chicken sandwich (with breast meat, mind you) and mushroom toast. Gene, the owner, isn’t a stickler on the times – if you ask nicely, that is.

The Merry Men Kitchen + Bar 86 Robertson Quay #01-02 6735 9667 | bythemerrymen.wordpress.com Sundays 9am to 4pm No service charge and no GST make us merry on a Sunday morning, as does the roast duck and lychee pizza with wonton crisps ($20) and heart-stopping hashies ($14), two hash browns topped with wilted spinach, scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms and bacon bits. Ask about the Sunday roast ($24) – it changes every week – or go for the skinny pork sausage with yoghurt and granola if you’re watching your figure. At this funky little spot by the Singapore River, you can sit beneath the trees either outdoors or indoors, for there’s a huge tree mural inside.

Moules frites

asserie at Dempsey Br

Also try: Artichoke Café + Bar 161 Middle Road, inside Sculpture Square Weekends 11.30am to 4pm Brussels Sprouts 902 East Coast Parkway, Block F #01-27 Sundays 9am to 12pm Epicurious The Quayside, #01-02 Robertson Quay and 392 The Rail Mall, Upper Bukit Timah Road Weekends 9am to 4pm Jones The Grocer Block 9, #01-12 Dempsey Road and 333a Orchard Road, #04-21 Mandarin Gallery Weekend breakfast 9am to 3pm, brunch 12pm to 5pm The Marmalade Pantry 2 Orchard Turn, #03-22 ION Orchard and 55 Fairways Drive Weekends from 10am Oriole Café & Bar 96 Somerset Road, #01-01 Pan Pacific Services Suites Sundays 10am to 3pm Roadhouse 13 Dempsey Road Weekends 9am to 4pm Strictly Pancakes 44A Prinsep Street Weekends 10am to 12pm

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Elegant Eateries The Moluccas Room #01-81 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7367 www.themoluccasroom.com Weekends 11.30 to 2.30pm Something different from the five-star buffet scene, brunch at The Moluccas Room offers a modern Indonesian rijsttafel, which is Dutch for “rice table”.

This communal meal of shared dishes ($38; $18 for kids six to 12, free for fives and under) comprises small portions of ten set dishes, served à la carte.

You can order more of any dish if you like, but we found there was plenty to eat on the first round.

Highlights were the unusual caramelised soya beans with chilli paste; the tender, succulent Angus beef satay and the large spicy prawns. We tried to avoid the carbs, but the coconut milk rice was impossible to resist.

The children’s meals arrived wh i l e o u r s i x - ye a r- o l d a n d eight-year-old were busy in the children’s corner, where arts and craft activities, games and, on most weekends, entertainers will keep them out of your hair. The chicken satay, vegetable fritters and fried rice are perfect for a child’s palate and delightfully presented.

Dessert is not included in the adult set menu, but we chose the grilled banana with coconut milk sorbet ($16) to round off the meal. The children engulfed their traditional freshly baked cake and coconut ice cream before running off to play, and leaving us to enjoy the view of the city skyline across the bay.

Katie Roberts

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Antoinette 30 Penhas Road, Mandarin Gallery and The Scarlet Hotel 6293 3121 | www.antoinette.com.sg Weekends from 10am As its name suggests, this eatery exudes feminine French elegance; but the brunch is sure to please both sexes. The hefty Club Antoinette ($18) sandwich features yuzu crab mimosa and omelette on fluffy pain de mie toast. Don’t miss the scrambled egg gratin ($15) and the pavlova crêpes sucrées ($16) – our picks for the best savoury and sweet dishes on the menu. The Penhas location is the main restaurant, but the brand new, cosy little Scarlet Hotel outlet – with mismatched chairs, lace curtains and fewer than ten tables – has a special charm of its own.

Bistro Soori No. 2 Teck Lim Road 6438 3802 | www.bistrosoori.com Sundays 11.30am to 3.30pm Don’t let the sleek lines and sophisticated interior of this restaurant fool you. Sure, brunch includes jumbo lump crab and spinach on an English muffin ($21) and shrimp and creamy polenta ($18), but they aren’t above serving up one of the best Sunday snacks of all time – a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Tack on Bundaberg root beer and a chocolate tart with lemon curd ($12), and allow this place to take you back decades.

Antionette’s pavlova crêpes sucrées

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La Villa 341 River Valley Road #01-03 6836 5286 | www.lavilla.sg Sundays 11.30am to 2.30pm La Villa is a good choice for families with young children, located at the old River Valley Primary School where small diners can let off steam on the playing field. There’s also a bouncy castle and a playground to keep them occupied while you take advantage of the free flow drinks (prosecco, wine, beer, juice, tea and coffee).

While there isn’t a separate menu for children, there is certainly enough for them to choose from, including wood-fired pizzas – just the right size for small tummies – and the minicupcakes for dessert are a triumph.

The lemon slush machine is also popular.

Here is the deal: $72 for adults, $52 for teens and $22 for children. Starters and desserts are served buffet style, while main courses are ordered à la carte. It’s worth saving space for the mains and I highly recommend the diavola pizza, or the pesto sauce pasta with chicken and cherry tomatoes.

Halia Botanic Gardens Ginger Garden 1 Cluny Road 6476 6711 | www.halia.com.sg Weekends 10am to 4pm Rain or shine, the lush Ginger Garden is a peaceful setting for a lazy meal on a weekend morning. Dishes range from fresh Bircher muesli with fresh fruit to poached eggs on brioche, each dish paired with a matching wine should you be so inclined. The children’s menu offers scrambled eggs, banana bread and a few lunch items – handy for those times when breakfast stretches into lunch.

Verre 8 Rodyk Street #01-05 6509 1917 | www.verre.com.sg Sundays 11am to 2pm If you’ve a soft spot for bubbly but don’t have the time, cash or inclination to sit down for a champagne brunch at one of the big hotels, then pull up a chair at this riverside restaurant. For $49, sip a glass of Louis Roederer NV, straight or reincarnated as a kir royale, Bellini or Mimosa, along with two courses.

The homemade granola with dried figs, apricots and yoghurt followed by eggs Benedict with crispy Parma bacon make for a decadent yet guilt-free Sunday morning feast.

The service here is good and it’s worth noting that the highchairs are clean and in good working order – in many other restaurants that’s not the case.

Deborah Goldman

Also try: 1-TwentySix 902 East Coast Parkway #01-26 Playground @ Big Splash Weekends 10.30am to 3pm Flutes at the Fort 21 Lewin Terrace Saturdays 11am to 2.30pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm Graze 4 Rochester Park Weekends 9.30am to 4pm PS Café 45 Ann Siang Road #02-02, 28B Harding Road, Paragon, Level 3 and Palais Shopping Centre, Level 2 Weekends from 9.30am; ending times vary Wild Rocket 10A Upper Wilkie Road, Hangout Hotel

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WINE&DINE

Early Risers: We’ve heard from readers with young kids that brunch is a luxury that often isn’t worth the effort. If your children don’t find sleeping in on a Sunday as decadent as you do, give one of these early openers a try.

From 7am: Boomarang – 60 Robertson Quay, #01-16 The Quayside From 8am: The Canopy – 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2 Choupinette – 607 Bukit Timah Road, #01-01 eM by the River – 1 Nanson Road, #01-05 Gallery Hotel Food for Thought – 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, #B1-00 Hatched – 26 Evans Road, #01-06 Evans Lodge Picotin – 100 Turf Club Road Rider’s Café – 51 Fairways Drive Wild Honey – #03-01 Scotts Square (accepts reservations) and #0302 Mandarin Gallery (no reservations)

From 8.30am: Spruce – 320 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park The Book Café – 20 Martin Road, #01-02 Seng Kee Building, Robertson Quay

Toast to next month Stay tuned for next month’s Champagne Brunch feature, where we highlight the best places for weekend bubbly on both Saturdays and Sundays. eL

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By Alex Westcott

Michelangelo’s Blk 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-60 Chip Bee Gardens 6475 9069 www.michelangelos.com.sg I admit that I feel somewhat sheepish at the prospect of a food and wine pairing dinner with wine enthusiast and restaurateur Michael Hadley at his Italian restaurant Michelangelo’s.

To answer his question “How much do you know about wine?” all I can muster is a faltering “Er…” Dissolving my nervous stammer with a wave of his hands, he changes course: “Do you like wine?”

That’s an easy question. “Love it,” I add, hoping he’s not going to delve too deeply into my wine-drinking history, which began at university with a chemical concoction called Autumn Harvest, dispensed from 1.5-litre plastic bottles. “A love of wine is all you need,” he says generously.

Having begun his own love affair with wine in 1988 in a monthly wine society in the US, learnt from the writings of wine aficionados Robert Parker and Jeremy Oliver (the latter is a close friend of his), and with nearly 17 years in the restaurant industry under his belt, he knows his stuff.

But according to Mike, there is no formula to wine appreciation; helping me warm up to this idea is a delicious Batasiolo Pinot Chardonnay. “Taste in wine, as with food and art, is a matter of individual preference. There are no rules, only suggestions.”

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He does, however, become vehement when I address the customary method of wine selection. “Choosing wine according to food is like putting the cart before the horse; why must food drive this decision?” he asks, with an edge of exasperation. “A good wine requires a significant investment

and making a poor choice can ruin the overall experience of a dish. At Michelangelo’s, the food is good; but it should never steal the wine’s thunder!”

“You can learn so much about your palate simply by buying a few bottles and sitting at home and exploring your taste buds,” he enthuses. On a practical

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note: always put a slice of lemon in your water; it counteracts the acidity in the wine, improving your recognition of the flavours after a tasting. Secondly – and this is a real pet peeve of his – buy good wine glasses.

For all his admonitions that you should choose the wine first and the food second, the food menu makes my mouth water. Besides, faced with a wine list boasting around 1,500 labels, I feel instantly overwhelmed.

Mike comes to the rescue. “Simply tell me what you do and don’t like,” he says. I rattle off a list of favourites

from my trips through the Western Cape vineyards in South Africa and the Marlborough region in New Zealand.

Having listened to me, Mike takes charge of ordering the wines, while his efficient manager Edwin Seow whisks the food menus away and goes off to instruct the kitchen.

“Much of the credit for Michelangelo’s success is attributable to my staff,” says Mike. “They know how to ask the right questions to gain an understanding of a client’s palate and budget, and then work with that to give them the best experience possible.”

Edwin returns with the wine for the first course – a light, crisp Placido Pinot Grigio 2010 that suits multiple cuisines – and the starters, which Mike and I have agreed to share: beef carpaccio ($22), thinly sliced tenderloin sprinkled with truffle oil, salt and cracked black pepper topped with arugula and Parmesan shavings; capesante e gamberi ($26) – panseared scallops topped with caviar on a bed of onion confit and garlic tiger prawns with sundried tomato pesto and lemon butter (a standout for me); and calamari fritti ($18) with

homemade anchovy tomato and tartare sauces which, Mike tells me utterly unabashedly, is the best calamari in Singapore.

For mains we share the vitello con porcini ($44) – grilled rack of veal with a ragout of porcini mushrooms draped in a slightly spicy black pepper and cream sauce served with a ratatouille and truffle mash, and the agnello di Michelangelo ($40) – char-grilled rack of lamb served with mint sauce, seasonal vegetables and truffled mashed potatoes. Rising to this bold gastronomic theme are two glasses of red: a Peccavi No Regrets Cabernet Merlot 2007 and a Highbank Basket Press Bordeaux Blend 2000. The developed bouquet and complex flavours with that signature lingering finish of the aged cabernet merlot is immediately apparent. The Highbank Bordeaux blend is a perfectly balanced passport to heaven.

We finish off with tiramisu and chocolate cake and a Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling 2008, “The wine to change your perceptions about dessert wines,” says Mike. He’s right. eL

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Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin | Dreamstime.com

WINE&DINE

Perfect Provence Château Thuerry, a one-hour drive from Marseille and Nice, boasts 740 acres extending over three villages, Villecroze, Tourtour and Flayosc. The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 1,300 feet, on hillsides that create a natural barrier to protect the grapes from the mistral winds. The soil consists of clay, limestone, and pebbles.

Using a delicate balance of traditional farming and the best modern winemaking methods, the estate produces wines with plenty of character. Its production consists of approximately 45 percent red, 45 percent rosé and ten percent white wines.

This month, French Terroirs is highlighting the chateau with specials on a range of its wines.

Château Thuerry Les Abeillons – Cinsault and Grenache 2010 Château Thuerry Les Abeillons – Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Château Thuerry L’Exception – Merlot and Caladoc 2010 Château Thuerry L’Exception – Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot 2006

$39 $43 $44 $49

Special Offer: Expat Living readers can enjoy ten percent off all Château Thuerry wines this month.

9724 6250 | www.frenchterroirs.com

A Fashionable Drop For the fourth successive year in Singapore, Rosemount is the official wine of the Audi Fashion Festival. Founded in 1969 in the Hunter Valley, Rosemount is one of Australia’s leading wineries and a regular recipient of awards and accolades (including being named “New World Winery of the Year for 2001” by Wine Enthusiast magazine).

This year’s festival runs from 16 to 20 May at Tent @ Orchard, Ngee Ann City, where guests can enjoy a variety of Rosemount wines and cocktails, including these two Diamond Label picks:

Special Offer: From now until 11 May, purchase any bottle of Rosemount wine from a supermarket or hypermarket to be in with a chance of winning VIP tickets to the Audi Fashion Festival.

Visit www.wineedgeclub.com for details.

Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz: A full-bodied, juicy sweet palate with cherry, chocolate and plum flavours and a smooth finish. A perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a tasty steak.

Rosemount Diamond Label Sauvignon Blanc: Initially fresh and crisp, with layers of grassy flavours, passionfruit and tropical fruit providing a long, clean finish. Delicious with seafood or summer salads.

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Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin | Dreamstime.com

Six of the Best This month, Wine Guru’s new assistant general manager, Mohamad Fazil (right), has handpicked a mixed case of six antipodean wines exclusively for Expat Living readers. Fazil discovered his love of wine while studying economics at university and is now a certified sommelier and a wine educator. Here’s his selection: No. 1 Family Estate Cuvée No. 8 Sparkling NV (Marlborough, NZ) Neudorf Vineyards Moutere Riesling 2009 (Nelson, NZ) Man O’War Valhalla Chardonnay 2009 (Waiheke Island, NZ) Prophet’s Rock Pinot Noir 2007 (Central Otago, NZ) Carlei Estate Sud Shiraz 2005 (Heathcote, Australia) Berton Vineyards Reserve Botrytis Semillon 2007 (Riverina, Australia)

Special Offer: Purchase Fazil’s special six-bottle mixed case (one bottle of each of the above wines) for $310 (usual price, $365.50). Includes free delivery.

The Wine Guru sources boutique wines from Australia, New Zealand and beyond and brings them direct to your door. For more information on their offers and events, subscribe to the monthly newsletter via subscribe@ wineguru.sg, or find them on Facebook and Twitter (“WineGuruSG”).

Wine Trivia Q: How many grapes does it take to make a single bottle of wine?

A: Around 600. eL

9753 1312 | www.wineguru.sg

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TRAVEL

What’s NEW

BLISS ON THE

Beach Vietnam’s central coast has welcomed the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa to its shores. Located between Hoi An and the bustling city of Danang, the Hyatt sits on an immaculate white beach with views of the Marble Mountains. Book an ocean view room by 30 April 2012 and upgrade to a regency club ocean view. danang.regency.hyatt.com

GREECE IS THE WORD

Fancy a European getaway this year? The Bleverde Estate on the beautiful island of Crete spans an area of 8,000 square metres and is surrounded by olive groves. For stays from 15 April to 10 June 2012, you’ll receive a 10-percent discount. www.bleverde.com

Shangri-La Found In North Yunnan you will discover pristine natural beauty far away from tourist spots and noisy towns.

Trek the Songtsam Circuit into the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers area, against the backdrop of the mighty snowcapped mountains. Learn from the diverse ethnic minorities living in the area and how for generations they have not only preserved, but nurtured this “Shangri-La”.

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As you journey through the land, you’ll stay at various lodges, experience all four seasons, and marvel at everchanging vistas. The lodges have wonderful vantage points overlooking the region’s stunning scenery that encompasses cultural and natural diversity, from green valleys to snowcapped mountains.

Country Holidays can arrange discovery journeys ranging from three to 15 days. Trips start either from Lijiang or Shangri-La. For more information, call 6334 6120 or email enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg.

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What’s NEW

TRAVEL

Wild Ride

COMO Shambala Estate

Women Power!

Looking for inspiration, refreshment and a renewed sense of purpose? Join the Women Who Lead retreat this September in Ubud, Bali. Learn how to increase your power and influence in your personal and professional life. Register your interest at www.womenwholead.net.

AWESOME PHUKET

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Discover your inner nomad in Outer Mongolia, on a wild horseback adventure. Traverse unspoiled terrain atop your sturdy steed, trotting through deep green valleys, trekking across sand dunes, circling cool blue lakes surrounded by mountains and galloping through lush green meadows where yaks and horses graze. Local nomad families will offer to share with you their colourful ger accommodation, where you’ll sip yak milk and dine on Mongolian delicacies.

This wildly unique trip follows in the hoof-steps of the legendary Genghis Khan and his rowdy bunch, bridging the gap between heaven and earth and nature and spirituality. It’s guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs. www.horseback-mongolia.com

Get 25 percent off your holiday in one of Phuket’s most fantastic villas. Book a minimum of four nights and they’ll sweeten the offer further by throwing in a bottle of Möet & Chandon and a massage. www.awesomevillas.com

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What’s NEW

TRAVEL

UBER SCUBA

The whole family can now experience Underwater World at Bintan Resorts on the very cool ScubaDO. With a diving depth of up to 12 metre, wearing headgear that acts as an air bubble, you can explore the breathtaking marine life without having had prior diving experience. For bookings and enquiries email info@outdoor-adventures.com.

Farewell FLIGHT

Singapore Airlines is bidding bon voyage to the Boeing 747 after nearly four decades of service. To pay homage to the old bird, a commemorative flight on 6 April will include special meals and in-flight entertainment. www.siajourneys.com

BIG

SPLASH Water pistols at the ready. It’s Songkran time again, and Four Seasons hotels are kitting guests out with special survival packs for this three-day water fight to welcome in the Thai New Year (13 to 15 April) www.fourseasons.com

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N O I L IL

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ra otog d ph d n a ds or Wor ate Mall K y b

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t’s cold, so cold that when I press the gizmo to send the floor-toceiling blinds to their hideaway I can see tiny snowflakes drifting through the March air.

“Come on boyo, it’s snowing!” I say with hopeful enthusiasm to the beau.

“Great, another five minutes in bed then?” came the even more hopeful response.

He’s still tired from our 1am arrival in Beijing. Bargain Jetstar flights meant we only needed to take one day off work to have three in China, but also meant visiting Beijing Capital International Airport in the wee hours.

Lucky that this morning’s 1.45am check-in was a smooth process, because The Opposite House, our hotel, doesn’t have anything as dated as a check-in desk. As soon as we stepped out of the transfer limo we were welcomed by our first names and offered a warming tea. Someone came with a tablet to whizz us through the confirmation details, then we followed the English-speaking porter into a great glass elevator.

Riding it up to the fifth floor we’re almost too tired to take in the impressive expanse of atrium that doubles up as an exhibition area and acts as the hotel’s pacemaker.

The doors open up to a gangway that skirts the vast atrium. Instead of the ubiquitous hotel corridor of numbered doors, our porter stops sharply in front of some wooden panelling, and that’s when we notice our room number in silver. The panel clicks open with a wave of our electronic key card and reveals Japanese minimalism at its most pedantic.

It’s a sea of pristine wooden flooring rippled only by a low-rise island bed, a desk and sofa all in white. A panelled wardrobe and secret drawers hide the clutter such as power points and a free mini-bar (yes free, topped up daily too).

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DAY 1 After wolfing Af lfi d down perfectly cooked eggs Benedict and a raspberry smoothie we set out, tourist checklist in hand. Going to Beijing and not seeing Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City is like eating a doughnut without licking your lips, a good test of self-control but hardly a fulfilling experience.

I won’t bore you with a blowby-blow account, countless guide books will no doubt do it better.

What I will say is that that square is expansively impressive. And the guards seeming far less disciplined than the steely, unmoving sentries outside Buckingham Palace – but I’d never say that to their face. Huge screens show China’s newest tourism ad. You won’t need more than 30

minutes to soak it all up. Though they say the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall at one corner of the square is worth a visit to see a model of how

B iji Beijing will ill look l k later l in i 2012, 2012 it’s i’ too cold to deviate from the standard tourist pilgrimage so we follow the hordes into the Forbidden City.

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Ignoring the students wanting to “practise English with a free tour”, because we’ve been told it’s a scam that results in the world’s most expensive cup of tea, we go to the ticket booth to pay the entrance fees (40RMB each; S$8). We also hire an audio guide to share (40RMB with a 100RMB deposit), but the beau’s useless at passing on information and says, “Just read the signs, they basically say the same thing!”

Fancying ourselves as a modern day Fancy Brando and Monroe we happily pose for pictures with other Chinese tourists excited by our Western looks. But it gets boring quickly so we politely limit the posing.

Now and again we take a stroll to N the outer edges of the City, where th beautiful and less-visited gardens b hide behind the giant red walls. hi We spend about two and half hours W making our way across the Forbidden ma City’s City Ci ty 72 hectares, stopping for an overpriced coffee near the Hall of Clocks ov ver when wh en the fancy of the Ming and Qing

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dynasties gets too much. By the time we reach The Gate of Divine Might, at the opposite side of the City, we’re completely frozen and plans to walk to the top of Jingshan Park are shelved until we have some warmer garb.

The friendly staff at The Opposite House suggest we try Yashow Market, just a short walk from the hotel, for “branded” clothes at non-branded prices. We make a beeline for the warm jackets and are probably ripped off even though we bargain ruthlessly.

Dinner is a five-course affair (wellearned after all that walking) at Bei in The Opposite House. It’s a foodie’s delight with a five-course seasonal menu of mostly Japanese origin, including high-grade sushi with fresh wasabi that’s grated at the table, five-spice foie gras and Wagyu short rib.

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TRAVEL

DAY 2 It’s the beau’s birthday today so I’ve booked a surprise.

“Tadaa! It’s a tour of Beijing on a motorbike with a sidecar.”

“Erm, okay!” he says, greeting our French driver with a nervous smile.

The charming Yves explains our route around the city and gives us warm jackets and funky leg warmers, which the beau loves. I gingerly climb into the sidecar and have lucked out – it comes with an electric blanket! And we’re off to the CBD. A lot of new buildings have gone up here and Yves explains how much has changed in just six years. “Ze gov’ern’ment wants to show off ze city so lots of new buildings arrived for ze ‘lympics – some are still empty!”

We pass many modern Soho China incarnations and the famous CCTV headquarters with its anorexic sister tower that hasn’t been rebuilt since a fire in 2009. Then it’s off to the Clockwise: “antiques” in a South Beijing market.

Cufflinks and dressing table for sale in Wuhao.

Antique Market, where we wander around stalls of jade sellers hawking everything from pale, dusty statues to moss-green bangles. Each antique is quickly replaced with an identical antique once sold, but it’s a lively, bustling atmosphere and Yves says he’s happy to help us bargain in Chinese if the whim takes us. It doesn’t, but we admire the gramophones, brushes, jewellery, pottery, animal skulls and rows upon rows of Chinese books.

And enjoy soaking up the bustle of the Chinese trying to bargain and extort at the same time.

Back on the bike, we’re headed for the old hutongs, the “real” local streets. One-room, lean-to buildings line metre-wide paths and we’re greeted with smiles and waves as the inhabitants rarely see Westerners. It’s one the best bits of the tour, snapping expressive faces laughing at the crazy foreigners on an ancient motorbike.

The next stop is Wuhao, a gallerycum-shop near the newly renovated and fashionable Nanluoguxiang hutong. The brainchild of French-born Isabelle Pascal, Wuhao represents and promotes local Chinese artists and foreign designers living in China. Its five buildings huddle around a beautiful courtyard where a mirror makes you feel like you’re walking on the sky. Warmed by a cup of tea and a browse, we leave enchanted and vow to return.

Wuhao Founded in 2010, the curated shop Wuhao is based on the five elements of Chinese philosophy and its exhibits are changed according to the seasons. The central courtyard is a little piece of serenity in Beijing’s crazy mix of the ancient and the modern. It’s a great place to find an unusual, good-quality piece.

Wuhao, No.35, Mao’er Hutong, Doncheng District, Beijing. www.wuhaoonline.com

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Above: The view from the top floor of the Pearl Market across Temple of Heaven Park.

Right: Signs for a famous roast duck restaurant called Liqun.

Far right: A hutong chef cooks up a storm for the locals.

Yves circles the 700-year-old bell and drum towers, then drives past Houhai and Qianhai Lake to finish our fascinating four-hour trip. Not only is the bike practical in that it can quickly weave through Bejing’s traffic jams, but you get a personal insight into city life here because Yves tailors the tour to your own interests and is happy to explain the cultural nuances at play.

Waving goodbye to our new friend we make for Nuage for slightly overpriced but tasty Vietnamese food.

This area around the lakes is Beijing’s answer to Clarke Quay, so we stroll around imagining the place exuberant with nightlife.

As we stop by a candyfloss stall for the biggest cloud of pink sugar we’ve ever seen and spot Jingshan Park. On a high from the fantastic morning (and probably the sugar), and wrapped up in our new jackets, we aim for the top.

In the park we pass the city’s singing, dancing and kite-flying population.

They are all over sixty and behaving like children – it’s clearly good to

be old here. And at the top we find fantastic views of the city, but the mist and smog sully all our photos.

To finish off a great day, we take the short walk from the hotel to Duck de Chine to try the city’s most famous dish. The perfectly crispy and succulent Peking duck is expensive, but it’d be an insult to our taste buds if we didn’t fork out for a full duck between the two of us. Surprisingly, it’s not that filling, but an order of steamed vegetables plugs the gap. The area around the hotel, the Chaoyang Sanlitun district, comes alive at night, so we celebrate the beau’s birthday by clinking glasses and talking to friendly expats late into the night.

Bars we loved Apothecary

A specialist cocktail bar Third floor, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu +86 10 5208 6040

The Jack Daniels Bar

A tiny, eight-table, hole-in-thewall on the bar strip, serving Jack Daniels and shisha.

Sanlitun Road

Mesh

Not a hint of cheesy lounge music, this is a genuinely successful hotel bar.

First floor of The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Building 1, Sanlitun Village +86 10 6417 6688

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DAY 3 Crawling C li out off b bed at 7.30am, we manage a few mouthfuls of fresh fruit and pray our hangovers will disappear by the time we get to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. The hotel has organised a car for the 90-minute drive and the early start is worth it.

After the chairlift ride up (80RMB per person plus a park entrance fee of 45RMB per person), we have this section of the Wall mostly to ourselves, sharing it only with a few crazy locals hawking hot drinks and beer – yes beer at 9.30 in the morning!

They keep us entertained with pidgin English and a lot of laughing. We walk up and down a few sections, plodding through the snow, and in and out of

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a few watchtowers; but we both know we’re only here because it’s a “must-see” and seeing just a small section is rather underwhelming.

However, the luge down to the car park (80 RMB per person) is fun and almost worth the drive.

Back in Beijing, we walk to Middle 8th, just three minutes from the hotel. The diners are mostly locals, probably because the food has a good kick: we love the chilli potatoes with minced pork, washed down with a rosemary and mint drink.

Booked on tomorrow’s 2.50am flight, we have all afternoon and evening to explore another part of the city. And by accident we saved the best for last. Although 798 or the Dashanzi Art District is on the tourist trail, it

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Life-size sculptures and art are everywhere you look in 798.

doesn’t have the snap-happy and oppressive vibe of most other Beijing “must-do’s”. Its old warehouses and factories have a bohemian vibe similar to London’s Shoreditch and New York’s West Village. The area

is full of artists, galleries, publishing firms, design companies and quirky coffee shops. Bauhaus buildings line its streets, which are peppered with sculptures, graffiti and old Maoist slogans. We stay long after dark and

discover the best slice of carrot cake outside of my grandma’s kitchen.

The beau’s spent the past three days humming Katie Melua’s Nine Million Bicycles in Beijing and its slow, breathy style hasn’t suited the pace of the city

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we’ve seen. But as we our sip hot chocolates, a worker in overalls idly rides his bike past the window, and even though there’s just one of him the song finally suits the scene.

Make it happen Several airlines fly direct to o Beijing from Changi Airport. In n March, two return flights with th Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) cost ost $283.90. A 70 square-metre studio at The Opposite House (www.theoppositehouse.com) starts from 2,635RMB per night. A four-hour city tour with Beijing Sideways (www.beijingsideways.com) costs 1,950RMB. eL

Worth a bite Bei Amazing sushi, succulent beef; rock salt and wasabi freshly ground and grated by the waitress.

The Opposite House, No. 11 Sanlitun Lu, Building 1, Sanlitun Village +86 10 6410 5230 Duck de Chine Moist, flavourful meat with crispy skin, rich but not fatty.

Courtyard 4, 1949 The Hidden City, Gongti Bei Lu (behind Pacific Century Place), Chaoyang district +86 10 6501 8881 Nuage Sit on rickshaws and Chinese four poster beds to gorge on delicious Vietnamese food.

22 Qianhai Dongyan, Xicheng district www.nuage.com.cn Middle 8th Yunnan cuisine within a stunning museum-like display. Great, freshly made drinks flavoured with rosemary, lemongrass and honey.

R17, Zhongguancun Plaza, Pedestrian Street, Haidian district www.middle8th.com Flat White For excellent carrot cake and a fine banana cake, plus a good cup of java.

798, Dashanzi Art District +86 10 6432 2798

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SHANGHAI:

EAST MEETS

WEST CLAIRE LOCKING visits Shanghai and gets a taste of the city’s alluring mix of fast-paced modernity and the mystery and romance of yesteryear.

O

n arrival at Shanghai airport, visitors are asked to complete an immigration card.

Nothing strange there, I hear you say; yet under the section “Purpose of Visit” is the option “To Settle”. Recent tourists to this bustling metropolis will know that it is not a place for settling down, taking it easy or putting your feet up. This is a city on steroids! New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Shanghai doesn’t even stop long enough to take a nap.

From the Pudong district, where paddy fields have been replaced with dizzying skyscrapers, to Nanjing Road, where enormous Gap billboards look down on flocks of young Shanghainese indulging their love of all things techy in the new Apple Store, this is a city on a mission.

In the past decade, 4,000 new high-rise buildings, two airport terminals, 1,500 extra miles of road and a couple of high-speed train lines have been added to the city’s impressive infrastructure. The younger generation – Shanghai’s students are said to be better educated in mathematics and science than those in any other country – are embracing the old and the new, and the East and the West, and are relishing their role in the transformation of their home into one of the mega-cities of the world.

Thankfully, though, despite this headlong rush into modernity, Shanghai now seems to be embracing more of its past, rather than attempting to bury it.

Expo 2010 saw the architectural glories of the Bund rejuvenated; unsightly blemishes were removed and concrete pavements replaced with 12-metre-wide marble walkways.

One of the most visited neighbourhoods of this new, improved Shanghai is Xintiandi, an award-winning, sympathetic restoration of old Shanghai-style shikumen houses into a neighbourhood of pedestrianised streets and alleyways housing galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants.

On arriving in Shanghai in 1929, Noël Coward described the Bund as “a cross between Huddersfield and Brussels”. Most viewed it, however, through slightly more romantic eyes and it quickly became known as the “Paris of the Orient”. Today, this centuryold thoroughfare still stands proudly overlooking the Huangpu River and retains an air of romance and glamour that has sadly been all but lost from many of the other great trading ports across the region. The grand heritage buildings of various architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Art Deco, now house some of the city’s most renowned hotels, glamorous restaurants and luxury brand flagship stores.

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Welcome to the Waldorf If you want to experience a sedate slice of yesteryear, try the new Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, currently at the top of Tripadvisor’s Shanghai list; impressive when you consider that the hotel officially opened its doors less than a year ago.

The hotel, like its namesake in New York, is housed in two buildings and linked by the evocatively named Peacock Alley. Its 237 rooms and spacious suites, swimming pool, gym and library are all located in the Waldorf Astoria tower, offering 180-degree views up and down the Bund and across to the futuristic marvels of Pudong.

It is in the heritage building at No. 2 on the Bund that the ambience of

the Edwardian era can really be felt.

The building was originally erected in 1911 as The Shanghai Club, the bastion of Shanghai’s British elite.

More recently, it had the dubious claim to fame of being Shanghai’s first KFC, complete with life-sized Colonel Sanders in the lobby and flashing neon on the Bund.

Good taste has returned, however, and the new owners, with the help of hotel designers HBA, have restored the building using archived drawings and precise attention to detail. The result is truly spectacular and the “club” now welcomes ladies and gentleman alike, thankfully, to enjoy the splendour and old world glamour of its heritage suites, ballroom and restaurants.

Wining & Dining In the hotel’s Long Bar you can really pretend you have been transported back to the Downton Abbey era. The 110-foot bar is still the longest in Shanghai, but back in 1911 this mahogany gem was claimed to be the longest in the world and was the preferred hangout of the high-fliers of expat society. Today, you can enjoy gin cocktails, select fresh seafood from the oyster bar and enjoy the resident jazz band. On Sundays, the scene is transformed into a champagne brunch venue where expats and local families kick back with a Bucks Fizz and gourmet extravaganza.

Along with trying to recreate a little bit of old Shanghai, the hotel also nods to the New York heritage of the Waldorf Astoria brand itself.

The Sunday brunch buffet at the Grand Brasserie is presided over

by Canadian chef Brian Chan, who worked at the New York Waldorf and has brought with him some of its signature dishes, including the

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famed Waldorf salad and a novel take on its Red Velvet cupcake in the form of Red Velvet buttermilk pancakes.

Pelham’s Restaurant claims to offer a New York dining experience, too, but the phrase does not do justice to the genius of the current young chef, Clément Pellerin, who combines his French heritage with the experience he gained from L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and the two-Michelinstarred La Tour d’Argent and L’Astor in Paris. His unusual concept menu allows diners to choose between four and twelve courses presented in a tasting-menu format.

If you’re in the mood for authentic Chinese cuisine, head for the famed Wing Jing Ge restaurant on the top floor of the building, helmed by Hong Kong-born chef to the stars Sam Yuen. Chinese reproduction antiques, latticework, art displays and an openrafter ceiling combine to create one of the most stunning dining rooms in the whole city.

Exploring Shanghai As hard as it might be to drag yourself away from the hotel’s temptations, Shanghai as a city is an unmissable experience. This is a

place that has undergone accelerated modernisation over recent years but has also matured in its sophistication.

Like the proliferations of hotels across the city, the restaurant scene is constantly evolving with a new “must visit” being promoted almost every week. Glamorous venues on the Bund include Mr and Mrs Bund, fine dining in a nightclub atmosphere. For a more relaxed affair, the newly relaunched Issimo is an award-winning Italian at the quirky JIA boutique hotel.

As in any huge city, it’s better to do your sightseeing in the company of a local; but if you are not fortunate

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enough to have a long-lost friend residing in Shanghai, then seasoned expat Spencer Dodington is happy to adopt you as one of his own through his company Luxury Concierge.

Spencer’s appetite for adventure and love of Asia – he was an Asian history major back home in Texas – brought him to Shanghai in 1992. Two decades and several different careers on, he is now very much a Shanghai local and also a renowned architectural historian called on by local and international homeowners for his expertise on Shanghai’s architectural legacy and sympathetic restorations.

Spencer runs Luxury Concierge with fellow expat and Shanghai enthusiast

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Jonathan Hasson; together they aim to “pass the passion that they have for Shanghai to every visitor that comes through”. This is no follow-the-leader, flag-waving type of tour, either, but a totally bespoke experience that will take your interests, likes and dislikes fully into consideration. If, like a previous client, you have a fascination with Art Deco teapots, then Spencer will track down every museum piece and every retail opportunity in every corner of this expansive city. If you want to sample the culinary delights of Shanghai or get a behind-the-scenes view of the Bund, then Spencer and his team of experts will create an itinerary that does exactly that.

A City with Style Along with the city’s economic growth, Shanghai has also thrown off its dreary communist-era aesthetic; the new generation of Shanghainese are a design-savvy, artistic bunch. Take a visit to Tian Zi Fang, where you’ll find a maze of laneways housing the studios of photographers, accessory designers, up-and-coming fashion labels and contemporary artists.

For lovers of Chinese contemporary art, Shanghai is the perfect place to browse. Unlike in Hong Kong, where you’ll often find incredibly inflated prices, in Shanghai it’s still possible to buy the work of contemporary artists straight from their studios in the once-deserted

warehouses on Moganshan Road. The area is internationally recognised as the nerve centre of Shanghai’s buzzing art scene; several top artists including Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi keep studios here.

Back in the glamorous heydays of the 1920s and 30s, Shanghai was among the ten largest cities of the world. However, its gracious mansions, tree-lined avenues and gentlemen’s clubs projected European, not Chinese, tastes and aspirations.

Today the city is again one of the most influential in the world, but now it does things very much on its own terms, celebrating its past at the same time as carving out its own uniquely Shanghainese place in modern history.

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Top Ten Must-do’s 1. Enjoy a cocktail from an authentic 1930s cut-glass tumbler at the Glamour Bar on the Bund.

2. Join the queues for Shanghai’s famous dumplings, xiaolongbao.

3. Step into the future at the Urban Planning Museum where a 10,000-square-foot model shows the Shanghai of tomorrow.

4. Wander round the tree-lined avenues of the old French Concession.

6. Marvel at the gravity-defying tricks of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

7. Ride on a futuristic underground capsule in the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.

8. Travel at 430km an hour on the Maglev (magnetic levitation train).

9. Get out and walk; unlike some other Asian cities, Shanghai is a walker’s paradise.

10. Take an early morning stroll along the Bund to watch the daily ballroom dancing ritual. eL

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Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund No. 2 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road Huangpu District +86 21 6322 9988 www.waldorfastoriashanghai.com Luxury Concierge China +86 1350 166 2908 www.luxuryconciergechina.com Getting There Singapore Airlines flies several times a day to Shanghai, with return tickets starting at around $590. The flight takes 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Yejun, Typhoonski | Dreamstime.com

5. Stock up on kitsch Mao memorabilia at the Dongtai Road Antiques Market.

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Heisenberg85 | Dreamstime.com

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Ship ahoy!

Pirates of the Caribbean fans will love visiting the Polly and water (my daughters really enjoyed this!) and steering Woodside (www.pollywoodside.com.au). Built in 1885 in the ship.

Belfast, Northern Ireland by Workman Clark & Co., Polly Children and adults can also sign up as crew members Woodside operated as a cargo vessel. She was bought by for an induction tour of the ship, on the hour every hour the Australian National Trust in 1968 and painstakingly from 10am to 4pm. Another fun outing for children is Pirate restored by volunteers.

Sunday on the first Sunday of the month. They can dress We went along to the storytelling up as pirates, go treasure-hunting, play session for two- to seven-year-olds that’s tug of war and have their faces painted.

We had a good time at the held there every Tuesday at 11am. The If you can contain your children’s ip. – C pirate ship.

Cara (3¾) storyteller read a couple of pirate stories excitement before boarding the ship, on a little rowing boat in the grounds of take a look round the gallery to find the exhibition centre and got the children involved in a bit out how Polly was built and where she travelled, see of role-play and dancing to The Hornpipe. Afterwards, we navigation tools from other ships and learn about the history all boarded Polly Woodside, where the children experienced of Melbourne’s docklands. life as a 19th-century sailor, scrubbing the deck with salt April12

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Old MacDonald had a farm Farm animals are a rare sight in Singapore, so a trip to Collingwood Children’s Farm (www.farm.org.au), a seven-hectare inner-city farm just five kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, is a great experience.

Children can get up close to all the animals including a donkey, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, geese, peacocks, ducks, chickens, cats and guinea pigs, and even help milk Heather, the Ayrshire cow.

A good day to visit is on the second Saturday of the month when the farm holds a farmers’ market. It was voted Australia’s Most Outstanding Farmers’ Market 2010 in Delicious magazine. Stroll around the 50-plus stalls where Victorian farmers and producers sell fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, free range meat, poultry and eggs, olives and olive oil, ice cream, handmade cheeses, honey, cakes and breads, jams and chutneys, fresh pasta, flowers and seedlings.

There are plenty of brekkie options like pancakes and freshly brewed coffee, too. The market entry fee includes entry to the farm.

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Markets galore Speaking of markets, Melbourne and Victoria have a wealth of weekly and monthly farmers’ and craft markets.

We visited the Veg Out St Kilda farmers’ market (www.vegout.asn.au/ farmersmarket) for the first time recently; it’s a great market to take little children to. A South American musician provides great entertainment for the kids, and they can join in with maracas, triangles, tambourines, a ukulele and drums from his basket of instruments. He also invites children to take the mic and sing their favourite song. After all that singing and dancing, let them slurp on an organic orange juice ice-lolly while they follow you around the stalls that sell an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce.

Queen Victoria Market (www.qvm. com.au), or Queen Vic Market as it’s affectionately known, is Melbourne’s most famous market, and you can easily see why. It is huge and you could easily spend a day (or more) there. It’s divided into sections, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. I always end up buying way too much fresh fruit and vegetables when I go – it all looks so good and so inviting. My favourite section is the deli hall. It’s full of cheeses, dips, cold meats, bread, antipasti and wine, and each stall usually has some produce cut up for tasting. If you’re there at lunchtime, head to the Austrian pizza stall selling numerous varieties of pizza on different bases, including sweet pizzas. The blueberry and ricotta one is a must-try. My husband loves the bratwurst stall next door that sells hot, fat German sausages with all the condiments. If you love doughnuts, keep an eye out for the two caravans, one selling Spanish churros, the other, jamfilled doughnuts.

Craft markets are big in Victoria too.

Two of my personal favourites are the weekly Arts Centre Sunday Market (www.artscentremelbourne.com.au) and the monthly Flemington Racecourse Market (accessible by Tram 57 from the city). They’re a great place to pick up unique gifts for friends and family.

For a comprehensive list of all the markets in Melbourne and Victoria, visit www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au and www.craftmarkets.com.au.

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The Island of Sodor If, like me, you have children who are obsessed with Thomas and Friends, then a trip on Puffing Billy (www.puffingbilly.com.au) is a must. Departing from Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges, the 100-year-old steam train travels through picturesque countryside to Emerald, Lakeside or Gembrook station. If you’re feeling daring, sit on the window ledge and dangle your feet over the side of the carriage – just don’t look down as you go over the trestle bridge! Children are allowed into the driver’s seat when the train is in the station, so they can see how everything works. If you stop at Lakeside station, bring a picnic with you to have by the lake, hire a pedalo or take a

walk around the lake until it’s time to board the train again for the return journey.

Tickets can be booked online, which saves lots of time queuing, a particularly good thing if it’s a hot day and your children are impatient. Belgrave is accessible by train from Melbourne (70 minutes); or, if you have a car, it is a onehour drive east of Melbourne.

On certain weekends, the railway holds a “Day out with Thomas” with a pantomime, a meet The Fat Controller session, an animal nursery, a bouncy castle, a DVD show, a 20-minute train ride, face painting and photo opportunities.

This is extremely popular and advance booking is essential.

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What's up, Skip?

Another good day trip to the Dandenongs is to Healesville S a n c t u a r y ( w w w. z o o . o r g . a u / HealesvilleSanctuary), home to many Australian animals including platypuses, dingoes, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, kookaburras, bilbies and Tasmanian devils. There are plenty of “meet the keeper” and feeding sessions throughout the day so you can get to know the animals. The twicedaily Spirits of the Sky show is great, with birds of prey and parrots demonstrating their flying skills. Ever wondered how to play the didgeridoo or throw a boomerang? At the end of the show, one of the keepers will show you how. Visit the Wildlife Hospital and immerse yourself in the daily action of the emergency room, observe surgery and meet recovering patients. Find out how Australian wildlife is rescued, treated and released back into the wild and meet the vets as they go about their daily work.

Get there early in the morning, particularly if it’s a hot day, as many of the animals like to nap during the afternoon heat. It’s free for children under 16 on weekends, on public holidays and during government school holidays. The town of Healesville has plenty of great dining options including the renowned Healesville Hotel.

If you prefer to stay in the city, Melbourne Zoo is a good day out and has many Australian animals.

Another alternative is the Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you can go on safari and observe the animals as they roam freely in the grounds.

Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday, with special activities for under-fives.

For more ideas about what to do with children in Melbourne, visit www.melbourneforkids.com.au or www.visitmelbourne.com. If you’re looking for child-friendly cafés in Melbourne, check out the recommendations on www.littleeats. com.au.

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Other kids’ activities in Melbourne Budding artists should visit ArtPlay, a children’s art centre in the heart of the city at Birrarung Marr park by the Yarra River.

Visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay to see what’s on forr your child’s age group.

Explore art with the hands-on and multimedia experiences in n the kids’ sections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) V) International and Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia galleries. s. www.ngv.vic.gov.au Give weary feet a rest by hopping on one of the free 1930s City Circle trams that trundle their way around the city’s sights. www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au Get your hands dirty and discover the world of plants at The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Designed specifically for children, the garden is scaled to their height and includes a wetland area, bamboo forest and kitchen garden.

Free entry. www.rbg.vic.gov.au eL

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NEWCOMER EVENT

Learn about new world wines and test your general new world knowledge with your teammates in our fun trivia quiz.

WHEN:

Thursday, 19 April 2012

WHERE:

Vintry Cellars Block 3A River Valley Road, #01-01 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020

TIME:

From 7pm to 9.30pm

COST:

$40 – limited tickets available

REGISTER:

Call 6259 0058 Online: expatliving.sg/events

Admission includes welcome drink, canapés and wine tastings.

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roatia’s scenic coastline stretches for more than 1,600 kilometres along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea. Hundreds of craggy limestone islands are scattered along the jagged coast, creating one of world’s most gorgeous places to cruise, right up there with the Norwegian fjords, Alaska and French Polynesia.

The natural beauty is second only to the country’s rich history.

Many once-powerful empires, from the Greeks to the Romans, Slavs, Venetians, Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians have left their mark on Croatia, and wellpreserved relics are everywhere, f r o m m e d i e va l p a l a c e s t o cathedrals, bell towers and turreted city walls.

Though increasingly popular with tourists and the cruise ships that generally sail out of Venice, this country of just over four million people isn’t yet crowded or over-developed. With the exception of bustling Dubrovnik, which can see more than six or seven large cruise ships a day in the summer, the rest of Croatia’s cruise ports are low key and attractive to small-ship cruise lines (see “Getting There”).

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1. KORCULA: Kayak and snorkel your away around the islands Believed to be the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo, the port is a great jumping-off point for kayaking and snorkelling trips.

Compagnie du Ponant, for example, offers an excellent excursion that includes kayaking to a secluded islet for snorkelling and swimming off pebble beaches. On a recent trip, we snacked on the roe of spiny black sea urchins freshly plucked out of the sea by our excellent guide Zoran. On the boat ride back to the ship we were served plates of Parma ham, cheese and bread, washed down with local white wine.

2. KOTOR, MONTENEGRO: Stock images | Dreamstime.com

Trek up to the Fortress of St Ivan Kotor is often included on Croatia cruises as it’s just over the southern border. After exploring the medieval town contained within the old city wall – check out the 8th-century Cathedral of St Triphon and other medieval and Renaissance-era churches, watchtowers and palaces – make the challenging trek up a zigzagging stone and dirt path to the crumbling hill-top Fortress of St Ivan. Savour spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor, the town below and the massive limestone mountains all around you.

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3. HVAR: Hit the beach

4. DUBROVNIK: Walk the

C a t h e d ra l s , p a l a c e s a n d o t h e r monuments are the backdrop to the cool vibe of this resort town, Croatia’s answer to the French Riviera. Hvar’s cute little harbour is a parking lot for private yachts, plus the big passenger ferries stop here too, disgorging young hipsters, backpackers and everyone else wanting to check out happening Hvar. Spend an hour or two strolling through the cobblestone streets, and take a peek into the Benedictine Convent, where nuns make delicate lace from the thread-like white fibre of agave plants. Then walk around the harbour to the popular pebble beaches.

walk and bike the countryside

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The old walled town of Dubrovnik is a sea of stone palaces, monasteries, churches and buildings with red-tile roofs. For stunning views, spend an hour or two walking along the top of the 2km-long turreted medieval wall that surrounds the 13th-century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Combine a city stroll with a familyfriendly biking excursion to the nearby Konavle Valley. Compagnie du Ponant’s tour, for instance, starts with a scenic drive to points high above Dubrovnik’s harbour and into the countryside, where you hop onto bicycles for a guided ride through small villages and past vineyards and olive groves dotted with pine, cypress and fruit trees.

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5. SPLIT: Join a guided fortress stroll Croatia’s second-largest city and another UNESCO World Heritage site, Split is a great place to sign up for the ship’s guided walking tour to shed light on the city’s many layers of history and its impressive old cathedrals, temples, gates and atmospheric cobblestone alleys. The main attraction is Roman Emperor Diocletian’s 4th-century palace, around which the old walled town was built. Souvenir seekers, consider a cravat: Croatia is the birthplace of these elegant neck scarves, which were worn by soldiers in the 17th century and soon adopted by the fashion-forward French.

Stock images | Dreamstime.com

6. RAB: Meander around town This small medieval town on a narrow spit of land overlooking the sea is covered with pine trees and ringed by sandy beaches. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and look up to see the medieval church bell towers and branches of bright purple bougainvillea that spill over roofs and terraces.

You’ll see ruins that reflect the town’s Roman, Byzantine and Gothic past. The region is known for its fields of lavender; the fragrant plant is dried and sold in sachets all over town, and added to oils and soaps.

The following small-ship lines run cruises along the Croatian coast: ■ Azamara Club Cruises azamaraclubcruises.com ■ Seadream Yacht Club seadreamyachtclub.com ■ Swan Hellenic swanhellenic.com ■ Travel Dynamics International traveldynamicsinternational.com On this trip, we sailed with Compagnie du Ponant’s L’Austral (www.ponant.com); see Part Two, over the page, for my review.

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to water sports. For the small number of children who sail during the summer, there’s a corner with a Wii gaming machine and board games. While families are welcome, kids are expected to be well behaved and able to entertain themselves.

VIBE: Yacht casual

n this age of gigantic white ships lumbering through the high seas, boasting gimmicky waterslides, ziplines and high profile partnerships with ice-cream, coffee and clothing brands, thank goodness for small ships that buck the system and offer a refreshing alternative.

Last summer, my family and I sampled a week aboard France-based Compagnie du Ponant’s new 264-passenger L’Austral. The focus was on good food and wine, a casually elegant onboard vibe and offbeat ports of call in places like Croatia and Montenegro. Its small size means it can navigate into secluded harbours and get close to shore. In the words of the handsome French captain of L’Austral, “We want you to feel like you’re on your own private yacht.”

ACTIVITIES: Just enough and not more You won’t get lost on this ship or have to queue up for anything, as the cosy L’Austral is gloriously intimate. Still, the ship is big enough to offer two restaurants, several bars, a show lounge and a shop; there is no casino. There’s a spa, a gym, and a mini-marina at the stern for easy access

L’Austral attracts a melting pot of well-travelled nationalities; typically, about half are French and Swiss, and the rest a mix of other Europeans, North Americans, Australians and Asians, making for a rich stew of sophisticated humanity.

Ponant is big on fostering a casual, yachty vibe, and guests are invited to saunter into the bridge to have a look around. Passengers are free to strike up a conversation with the captain or any of his staff, while enjoying gorgeous bow-facing views of the sea and surrounding landscape. In fact, the captain often strolls through the restaurants and decks (sans formal jacket) to chitchat with guests as though he were one of the passengers.

TASTE: Fabulous French food and wine Meals are prepared by French chefs and include plenty of melt-inthe-mouth dark chocolate mousse, made on board and served daily at the lunch buffet. It was hands down the best dessert I’ve had at sea, in more than 15 years of cruising the world on upwards of 100 ships. The hazelnut mousse cake, berries mascarpone and lemon meringue tart also brought a smile to many faces. Along with the excellent cheese selection sourced from France and Italy, including Camembert and Gruyère, I easily gained a few pounds on this cruise, but c’est la vie, it was worth it.

Given the large European clientele, bottled sparkling and still water were ubiquitous (and included in the rates), and having a glass or two of the complimentary French house wines (many from Château Mas Neuf) at lunch was de rigueur. Jackets are not required, though most wore them on the captain’s cocktail night, but passengers typically dressed well even when donning bathing suits and shorts. This is definitely not a flip flops and singlet crowd, but it’s not as stuffy or formal as Seabourn or Silversea cruise lines, either.

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DÉCOR: The St. Regis of the seas The ship’s interior décor is an appealing palette of soothing shades of champagne, ash greys, whites and browns, with occasional bursts of colour, such as the red seats in the theatre. With warm lighting and clean lines, the effect is subtly chic.

This design ethos carries over into the cabins, whose many appealing touches include split bathrooms (a toilet in one little room and the large shower and sink in another), bendy reading lights on either side of the bed, ample storage space, L’Occitane toiletries, unlimited bottled water, and balconies with comfortable, rattan-style furniture. There are

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balconies on all but eight cabins, and they’re the perfect place to savour a room-service breakfast, the likes of buttery French pastries or omelettes elegantly presented with crisp white linen and china.

At the end of the day, Ponant is a perfectly happy medium between ultra-posh and ultra-not, and its fares reflect this, often coming in at about half that of some other silverservice cruise lines. eL Fares for seven-night Croatia cruises on L’Austral start at 1,988 euros per person. For more information, visit www.ponant.com.

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FASHION

Before

After

ColorWash

Miss Selfridge

Paul & Joe

Witchery

Dressipi If celebrities can have personal al stylists, why can’t you? Finding ng the perfect dress for a special al event may be daunting. g.

Dressipi makes it easier by trawling through thousands of clothes and retailers online so you don’t have to. Simply answer er a few questions to identify your “Fashion on Fingerprint” and they will present you u with a list of items that best match your ur style. Ask your stylist a question now at www.dressipi.com. Membership is free.

Tory Burch Singapore is climbing the fishnet-stocking ladder as one of the most fashionable cities in the world, and is currently in the auspicious eighth position.

Recent store openings by Tila March and Michael Kors are already attracting more brands: Tory Burch has heard the call and takes up a space in Wisma Atria Shopping Centre next month, onth, so fans can easily get hold of those iconic ic ballet flats. Tory Burch opens on 9 May. www.toryburch.com

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Club Monaco Miss Selfridge Dorothy Perkins

Massimo Dutti

Club Monaco Club Monaco Jimmy Choo Witchery Mimco

This April, a fairytale is coming to life – or at least to a theatre near you. Mirror Mirror is the movie adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Julia Roberts as the evil queen and Lily Collins as Snow White. The royalty phenomenon has been steadily gaining pace since that British wedding and we can’t help notice how wonderfully lavish the film’s costumes are. Inspired by the fairytale craze, we’ve put together our favourite princess picks with a modern twist. So indulge your inner five-year-old and have a right royal moment with bold blues, yellows and reds in delicate fabrics like silk, satin, lace and chiffon. Remember to complete your outfit with plenty of sparkling jewellery.

Mimco

Irma Ruslan | Dreamstime.com

Before you go screaming at the waiter for accidentally spilling coffee on your favourite bag, exhale! There is a solution. Just like you send dresses to the dry cleaners, ColorWash is the equivalent for bags and shoes. So the next time your kid spills orange juice or an uncapped pen leaks, let a ColorWash specialist assess it and recommend the best treatment.

Prices from $40 for bag cleaning service. Visit www.colorwash.com.sg for more information.

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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: Katy Walsh Job: Doctor From: London, UK

Sunglasses Versace, $400 Dress John Lewis, $100 Sandals Head Over Heels, $80 Bag Topshop, $100

My style is really M ssimple, sometimes with a hint of vvintage. I’m quite ccasual on most days sso I play things up w with my accessories aand shoes. oes.

WHY IT WORKS: Sometimes, less is more, and Katy has perfected the simple look without looking too laid back. She opts for just one statement item: this time, it’s her beaded sandals. Embellished sandals can definitely spruce up a plain outfit.

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A Season of Fashion

The fashion season kicks off in mid–April, beginning with Men’s Fashion Week (MFW) and wrapping up in May with the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF), one of the four fashion pillars of Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX).

Last year, Men’s Fashion Week hosted more than 40,000 guests, including international and regional personalities. With more than 30 brands participating, including German label Hugo Boss, we can look forward to another impressive line-up this year. French couturier, Alexis Mabille, will launch his first menswear and underwear line at MFW. Show tickets available at Sistic.

Dubbed one of the biggest fashion events in Singapore and supported

by Singapore Tourism Board, AFF is returning with an even bigger and better line-up of international designers. For the first time ever, you can opt for a VIP fashion experience that includes a backstage pass, dinner and the chance to meet the designers.

Timo Weiland

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Fashion tradeshow Blueprint, eprint, another fashion pillar of AFX, X, will host international designerss such as London-based Timo Weiland. land.

Fashion enthusiasts can shop hop up-and-coming and emerging designers and labels at the Emporium’s 150-plus pop-up stores.

Men’s Fashion Week is on from 18 to 22 April, Asia Fashion Exchange from 15 April to 20 May 2012 and AFF runs from 16 to 20 May. Visit www.mfwasia.com, www. audifashionfestival.com/2012 and www.asiafashionexchange.com.sg for more information.

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FASHION

By Yusrina Yusoff

Tired of wearing the same thing every time you go anywhere during your pregnancy? ANNEE NEO of Annee Matthew shares some simple ways to ring the changes according to the occasion.

Weekend Brunch

Floaty dresses are great for the weekends as they are comfortable, easy to wear and keep you cool.

Pair them with embellished sandals for extra punch.

Try a hair accessory such as a thick hair band to pull your hair back or a decorative hairclip.

Pick complementary colours for your makeup or stick to neutral shades for m a natural, sun-kissed look.

You can never go wrong with an LBD (little black dress) for a special night out.

Materials like chiffon, silk and viscose are great for evenings.

Statement jewellery pieces are great accessories for any LBD. We love big bold ones in silver or gold.

Bring along a shawl or a cardigan in case the airconditioning gets chilly.

Lastly, don a pair of sexy stilettos (if your growing belly doesn’t make you feel too unbalanced) and spritz on your favourite scent.

Avoid trimester-specific designs Avoid buying pieces that only give you a few weeks of wear. Pick designs that you can wear throughout your pregnancy and perhaps even afterwards.

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A top and jeans combo or a

sundress is great for birthday parties.

The key is not to overdress, or else you will look like the birthday kid!

Choose clothes that you feel most comfortable in while still looking presentable – especially if you need to run around after the kids at the party.

Keep jewellery light and simple.

Basic makeup and facial blotters are essential for outdoor parties.

Working Day

Romantic Date

Shop early The sooner you buy, the more time you have to mix and accessorise your new maternity wardrobe to create different looks.

Birthday Party

Choose sleeved blouses and tops with higher necklines.

Pair them with trousers or knee-length skirts.

Complete the look with simple and understated accessories like silver studs or a thin chain.

Keep your makeup simple for office wear, using g nude or light ht pink tones.

Wear colours Don’t be afraid to experiment. Include bold colours like red, green, yellow and blue in your wardrobe, then mix and match them for a variety of effects.

Accessorise A long and trendy necklace is the easiest way to break a heavy look. If you choose big dangling earrings, leave off the necklace. Never wear too many chunky pieces at the same time – mix and match them with smaller items. eL

All outfits featured on this page can be found at www. anneematthew.com.

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Whether you’re looking for an outfit for a birthday party, By Yusrina Yusoff a family day out or a sleepover, this colourful clothing will keep little ones happy and comfortable.

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1 Butterfly bracelet, Massimo Dutti, $16.90. 2 Backpack, Juicy Couture, $190.

3 Cardigan with heart buttons, Uniqlo, $49.90. 4 Pink blouse, H&M, price on request. 5 Floral dress, H&M, $24.90. 6 Floral leggings, H&M, price on request.

7 Tulip jumpsuit, Ana Boutique, $89. 8 Kavat Blomman shoes, Heel & Toe, $105 to $119. 9 Red tiered skirt, Massimo Dutti, $79.90. 10 Diane von Furstenberg for babyGap leggings, Gap, $29. 11 Pink baby doll dress, Rouge, price on request.

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Grey T-shirt, Esprit, $29.90.

Washed out blue cap, DKNY Kids, $80. 3 Blue jeans, DKNY Kids, $160 to $200. 4 Blue pants, H&M, $14.90. 5 Yellow sweater, Massimo Dutti, $79.90. 6 Checked shirt with tie, H&M, $19.90. 7 Blue jumper with bowtie, Ebab International, $48.80. 8 Live the Music T-shirt, Massimo Dutti, $34.90. 9 Blue checked shorts, Esprit, $64.90. 10 Orange checked shirt, Massimo Dutti, $69.90. 11 Richter Kopie shoes, Heel & Toe, $105 to $119

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Aidan Kram www.aidankram.com Ana Boutique 86 Club Street B’Tots www.btots.com

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Gap #01-18 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre H&M Orchard Building, 1 Grange Road Heel & Toe #02-36 Tanglin Mall

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Juicy Couture #03-03 Ngee Ann City Libella Bedwear www.libellabedwear.com Massimo Dutti #01-02 Liat Towers Ni-Night 7 Joo Chiat Place www.ni-night.com

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Rosalie Pompon #02-17 Cluny Court www.rosaliepompon.com

SLEE

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B’Tots

1 Girl’s cotton pyjama set, Libella Bedwear, $30. 2 Boy’s printed pyjama set, Libella B e d w e a r, $ 4 0 . 3 G i r l ’s underwear, top $16.92, brief $13.52, B’Tots. 4 Girl’s castles print set, Libella Bedwear, $40.

5 Black-and-blue pyjama set, Aidan Kram, $35

Rouge Block 16, #01-01 Dempsey Road

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FASHION FA F ASHIO SHIO SH ON

To avoid foot problems or discomfort, it is important that shoes fit your children properly. Here’s a quick guide:

By Yusrina Yusoff

n Ensure your child is standing while you measure. o Leave a space enough to fit a finger behind the foot p Choose shoes with shock-absorbent soles and cushioning. q Let your child walk around in them for a bit inside the shop.

From bright blue for the boys to dazzling raspberry for the girls, pick the right shoes for happy feet!

Grip’n’Go For ages 1 to 3 Active toddlers are always running and jumping around.

Grip ‘n’ Go provide them with the combination of protection and flexibility as they improve their walking ability.

Originals For ages 0 to 2 They may not be walking around much or even at all at this stage, but there’s no reason not to doll up little girls with pretty flowers, sequins and Mary Janes, and how about these adorable sporty ones for baby boys.

From L to R: Sabrina light pink, $63.90; Ruby lavender, $63.90; Hayden navy and red, $63.90; Jordyn white, $63.90

From L to R: Naples navy, $89.90; Daisy white multi, $89.90; Hayden grey and blue, $89.90; Emme silver, $89.90

Flex For ages 1 to 8 Pink is always a favourite with young girls. And you can’t go wrong with stripes and vibrant colours for active boys.

From L to R: Delmar blue, $95.90; Jones blue, $89.90; Evie pink, $89.90; Minnie raspberry, $95.90 eL

Available at these Mothercare outlets: Forum The Shopping Mall, Paragon Shopping Centre, Marina Square, Centrepoint and VivoCity For more store listings and information visit www.pediped.com.sg.

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y t i n r e Mat

e l y t S d e Worl h t d n arou

It is possible both to look stylish and feel d there comfortable when you’re pregnant, and ocking are plenty of fashionable women rocking USOFF maternity wear out there. YUSRINA YUSOFF eux of spoke to globetrotting Charlotte Devereux les of Egg Maternity about the distinctive styles pregnant women around the world, from the ia.

UK and the US to Singapore and Australia.

Australia

Women in Australia tend to wear brighter colours, maybe because of the gorgeous weather there.

Th e y a r e a l s o m o r e confident in showing their pregnant form and like to wear more fitted styles.

I notice that they prefer wearing the pregnancy band under their bump rather than over it.

Singapore

Like Australians, women in Singapore love colour, but they seem to prefer reds and pinks to blues and greens.

Due to the humidity and hot weather here, they choose lightweight clothing in natural fabrics. In Singapore, e, women like to balance their proportions with a skinny pants and loose top combo, which I love! Maxi dresses are also hugely ugely popular here.

“I find that fashion is becoming much more universal. However, body shape, skin tone and climate play a big part in women’s choices.”

United States

Women in the United States like to have fun with their clothes and are more likely to be a bit more experimental, trying different styles and trends.

Higher hemlines seem to work better for them. eL

Britain

British women are very stylish and go for slightly more structured garments.

Compared with Australia and Singapore, they tend to be a bit more conservative with maternity wear, opting for darker shades such as blue and grey and simple outfits like blouses and knee-length skirts.

Egg Expansion E Hatched in New Zealand in 2000, Egg Maternity is now available in many countries including Hong Kong, the availabl US and Dubai. And there’s more in store: currently in the pipeline are shopping websites in German and French, designed to tap into the European market.

Egg Maternity is at #01-58 VivoCity Call 6376 8135 | www.eggmaternity.com.sg

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Hair & Beaut y 15/3/12 5:19 PM

Don’t let UGLY VEINS stop you!

We provide the following treatment options for Varicose and Spider Veins with no scars, no operation, minimal pain & quick recovery: • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) • Sclerotherapy - Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy - Microsclerotherapy • Transcutaneous Laser Treatment • Ligation and Stripping

Why Us: • Dedicated vein centre • Providing EVLT since 2003 • No scars, no operation, minimal pain & quick recovery laser treatments • Convenient day procedure with no hospitalization required • Full range of diagnostic & treatment services • Personalised attention & customized solution • Friendly professional staff • Comfortable and private ambience • Direct insurance payment (*Terms and conditions apply)

For appointments, please call:

(65) 6733 0377 top One-S For Centre Vein r All You ems Probl

Dr. Imran Nawaz MBBS (S’pore), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (Glasg), FAMS

Medical Director Singapore Vein Centre

1 Orchard Boulevard, #11-03 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649

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Dare to Bare

SINGAPORE VEIN CENTRE

Rejuvenate Your Flow in Life

www.svc.sg

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What’s NEW

HAIR&BEAUTY

Freeze Away Flaws Who knew that extracting heat from your wobbly bits could reduce the appearance of flab? Zeltiq’s Coolsculpting treatment is based on the concept of cryolypolysis, which involves just that: freezing a localised fat area, and then allowing it to thaw to reduce fat cells by up to 25 percent over a period of two months. This one-hour, non-invasive treatment employs Zeltiq’s FDA-approved patented device.

Available at Dr David Loh Aesthetic Clinics. Call 6733 9114. http://davidloh.sg

Luxola has just added two new organic brands to its online beauty store: Luzern and Estelle & Thild.

Stunning British actress Emma Watson is a fan of Luzern’s purifying cleansers and toners, so why not take a leaf out of her beauty book? Estelle & Thild is a Swedish organic skin care line that has taken Scandinavia by storm.

Available for the first time online in Singapore at www.luxola.com.

Skin Deep

While most traditional skin rejuvenation techniques target only the surface of the skin, the Thermage Body Lift system targets all three layers. This new cosmetic procedure employs radiofrequency energy to gently heat and tighten underlying tissues to increase collagen to achieve a tighter, sleeker body.

It is non-invasive and requires no downtime. Call 6720 3323. www.drvalentinlow.com

Nothing to PoutAbout Pout Salon has exclusively imported Original Sprout a family-friendly range of organic hair care products, and Circle of Friends – a professional salon collection for children. These gentle products contain fruit extracts, vitamins and anti-oxidants and are specially formulated for children’s hair and sensitive skin. Call 6458 6684. www.pout.com.sg

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What’s NEW

HAIR&BEAUTY

Twice As Nice Medi-spa, nail spa and aesthetic clinic Vedure has introduced a new two-in-one facial and slimming treatment – yes, busy bees can now target their wobbly bits and their faces simultaneously. The session employs modern ETR pads to reduce fat in problem areas by inducing abdominal muscle contractions; at the same time you can kick back and relax with one of Vedure’s awardwinning facials. $280 per session or $1,800 for ten sessions. Visit www. vedure.com or call 6732 6448.

Colour Me Happy Mix and match your lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and blush with Ellis Faas, outed by Vogue Paris as “one of the most influential makeup artists of her generation”. The Ellis Faas Human Colours collection is now available in Singapore at Sccube The Apothecary. Visit www.sccube.com and www.ellisfaas.com.

Inside Out

The best-selling Philosophy brand arrives at Sephora on 27 April. Philosophy boasts a best-selling skincare range as well as fragrances, bath and body products and gorgeous gift collections. Billed as the brand “where science meets inspiration”, Philosophy emphasises wellness over physical perfection, grounded in the ethos that beauty begins from within. Visit www.philosophy.com and www.sephora.com.

Saving Face The Sloane Clinic has launched three non-invasive face treatments to help you achieve a slimmer, more contoured face. Its three facial slimming programmes – Slim Touch, Slim Shape and Slim Sculpt – use Botox to relax the masseter muscles and take those unwanted years off your face. The facial slimming programmes start at $1,900 (plus GST).

Call 6509 8108. www.sloaneclinic.com

THE GOLDEN AGE Tequila is not the only product that’s introduced gold flecks to its formula. SpaRitual introduces Gold: a special edition nail lacquer collection that has infused 24 carat gold particles into each of its six nail polishes. Shades include Gilded Age, Alchemy, Aurum, Electrum, Conduit and Rusted Lux. Free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin, the complete Gold collection will be available from 1 May in Singapore at $35 a bottle. Visit www.mylife-store.com and www.sparitual.com.

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HAIR&BEAUTY

Do you wake each morning to find that you have more face to wash? DR TYNG TAN and her highly skilled team can give a balding man a full head of hair in just one day. There’s help for women, too, as Verne Maree finds out.

W

hat do actors Jude Law, Kevin Costner and Brendan Fraser, Italian ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and footballer Wayne Rooney have in common? According to the before and after photographs on a wall in the reception area, they’ve all benefitted from hair transplantation.

Jude’s previously receding temples have been elegantly filled in; Brendan’s thick, floppy bangs are a vast improvement over the ghostly white scalp that formerly gleamed through wispy strands; and as for the eternally alluring Silvio – who could now believe that any woman might require payment to go to bed with him?

I really like the way the results are so obvious; it’s very satisfying, both for the patient and for me.

Benis Arapovic | Dreamstime.com

Though Dr Tan’s Hair and Laser Clinic does the whole range of aesthetic treatments, from laser therapy to fillers to Botox and more, hair transplantation is her personal interest and specialisation.

“I really like the way the results are so obvious; it’s very satisfying, both for the patient and for me.”

Though hair-loss is a big problem in Singapore, she says, treatment facilities for it are less established here than in other Asian countries such as Japan, Thailand and Korea, or in the US and Australia.

“Because of that, I had to receive my training overseas, and so did all my team members. We use the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique; just ten years old, it’s definitely the way forward for hair transplantation: it’s minimally invasive, requires no stitches, and recovery is quick.

“In mid-2011, at a conference on hair-restoration technology in Bangkok, I met the world-famous pioneer in this field, the American Dr John Cole.

We immediately hit it off professionally; and to my

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delight, he was so impressed with my skills that he offered to train me in his new, cutting-edge technique.”

As a result, Dr Cole visited Singapore in September last year to teach Dr Tan and her team his Cole Isolation Technique (CIT) for FUE surgery. This method, says Dr Tan, gives even better results than she’d been achieving before: less damage to the precious hair follicles that are grafted from the back of the head, a very natural-looking hairline and good growth rates.

How does the FUE method of harvesting donor hair for transplantation work?

From the back of the head, where growth tends to be thick and plentiful, we make a series of small, round incisions, each of which contains from two to five hairs. These small wounds, about 1mm in diameter, heal in around a week.

The follicular units are then transplanted to the temples and other balding sites, where they take root and grow into healthy hairs.

This method has important advantages over the stripharvesting method, which unavoidably leaves small, linear scars in the donor area that might be detected by others.

You also get more hair per graft and less pain, tightness or subsequent numbness in the donor area.

What sort of costs and downtime are involved?

Does anyone else need to know about it?

Most clinics can do only 1,000 to 1,500 grafts in a single day, but our new improved technique allows us to do twice that number. That means we can offer our patients a really good result in just one day.

To restore hair to the full frontal forehead, up to the top of the crown, can require up to 3,000 grafts. It’s a painstaking procedure that takes all day. That costs around $20,000. Less extensive work, up

to 1,000 grafts, say, may take just half a day and cost proportionately less.

There are three choices. First is the fully shaved option – more like a short stubble, really – which is the least expensive because it’s easier and faster for the team to do.

That costs around $7 per follicular unit grafted. Second is the partly shaved option, where we shave only the donor area. Third is the C2G option (from “CIT To Go”), which involves no shaving at all and is completely undetectable, even immediately after surgery. The cost for this is about $11 per graft.

Busy professionals who can’t afford any downtime might choose the third option; but where downtime is not an issue, we’d go for the first option. It’s less expensive and takes less time.

Who are your patients?

So far, the majority have been expats. They tend to know more about hair transplantation and understand how it works.

I’m so excited about Dr Cole’s CIT technique, even more so now that I have seen such consistent results in both Caucasian and Asian patients.

Do you have any women patients?

Men are the main sufferers from genetic hair-loss, and female pattern balding is quite different from that of men. A woman’s thinning hair is often related to hormonal changes, and sometimes it’s associated with a medical condition or nutritional deficiencies. If my initial consultation with a woman points to a hormonal or medical issue, I will refer her to a gynaecologist or other appropriate specialist; otherwise, I’ll prescribe treatment myself.

Cool Laser technology has given impressive results.

Completely painless, it’s much milder than aesthetic lasers and penetrates only to a superficial level. By stimulating the hair follicles, it “wakes up” those that are in their hibernation stages; simultaneously, it increases blood supply to encourage hair growth. FDA-approved, it has no side-effects.

I generally recommend one or two 20-minute sessions per week for a period of two months. One of our delighted patients is a 62-year-old Australian woman who is very active, a great swimmer and tennis player. After a series of sessions last year, she could stop hiding her hair under a cap. Now she comes in once or twice a month for maintenance sessions. eL The Hair and Laser Clinic is at Ngee Ann City, Tower B #08-04. For more information, call 6235 0010 or visit www.hairandlaserclinic.com.

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HAIR&BEAUTY

MEN DOMINIC SEOW from Visage How can men tell if they’ve been explains how men should be given a good haircut?

Check that the top, sides and back are looking after their hair.

How often should men have a haircut?

Every four to six weeks at most.

What common hair complaints do guys have?

Most expat men come from colder and drier climes, so they often suffer from a greasy scalp due to Singapore’s humidity. The solution is to wash hair daily, using a good shampoo. That means stop using those mini-bottles from hotels, especially ones made for the body as well. It’s also important to use a mild conditioner once a week.

balanced and in proportion. It’s all about care and attention; ten-minute production line barbers won’t have time to check the cut is even and, most importantly, make sure that it suits your face. An average man’s haircut in my salon takes 30 to 40 minutes and includes a shampoo and styling. I don’t use electric clippers to crop the sides or back. The technique I use is called “scissor over comb”.

It’s an old technique used in English barber shops, and it’s better for styling because the re-growth blends in, looking much more natural than if clippers had been used.

Talk us through a good grooming regime.

Wash your hair and towel it dry.

Take special care to dry the scalp and remove excess water. Using your hands, run a liquid gel or sculpting lotion lightly through your hair. Avoid heavy wax, as this will leave a thick layer of unwanted build-up which in time can be difficult to wash off.

What’s the main mistake men make when taking care of their hair?

They apply too much product and don’t wash out the shampoo properly. This often results in an itchy or dry scalp. eL

To be honest, I was a little intimidated when my m wife asked me to go to Visage when for the first time. I had been happy with my local chain of salons for many years, but she was always keen to get me a ‘proper’ cut. After one visit I am now completely converted. Initially I thought for it looked great, but after growing out for that’s three weeks it looked even better and that’s when I realised the difference.

– Simon Rossetti

Visage the Salon is at #02-12 Delfi Orchard. To book an appointment call 6733 0933.

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By Verne Maree

I’d made my facial appointment at Phoenix La Beauté for the morning after our Expat Living 10th anniversary disco party. (For photographic evidence of unrestrained jollity, visit our Facebook page.) Perhaps foolish timing on my part, perhaps brilliant foresight: if ever a woman needed rejuvenation, I need it today.

From a wall in reception pouts an impossibly flawless complexion, ten times life-size and all of 15 years old. She’s the face of Maria Galland Paris, which salon manager and partner Michelle Tay tells me is one of France’s top five and Germany’s number one salon beauty brand.

Hmm, I think… if I look that young after my facial, I’m likely to be pulled over on the way home and asked for my licence.

Maria Galland Paris The ethos behind this product range is personalised treatment programmes, because no one person’s skin is the same as another’s. First created in the early 60s by successful dancer Maria Galland, in collaboration with a dermatologist, it’s still one of Europe’s favourite high-end brands, used in more than 10,000 salons in over 40 countries.

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Aah… the Treatment In line with Maria Galland’s philosophy, the salon offers a highly varied range of personalised facial care for every need, skin type or age. For example, the Cocoon facial includes extraction, which I like – nay, demand – but some women don’t; so, during your consultation, do tell the therapist what you prefer.

In the interests of research, I somehow manage to stay awake through the 90 minutes, except for some very gentle snoring near the end.

■ Massaging begins with the first step, a thorough cleansing of the face, neck and décolletage.

■ E xfoliation is a real winner, performed with an ultrasonic scrubber. Unlike microdermabrasion, it’s a wet procedure, which Michelle says makes it gentler although equally effective.

■ There’s no danger of drifting off during the extraction that follows, and I’m happy to endure the minor discomfort in order to enjoy the squeaky-clean feeling afterwards. But if you can’t bear it, or have a lot of pore congestion, you can opt to pay about $10 more for an effective gel mask that softens the gunk in blocked pores and painlessly pulls out the plugs. Her clients love this, Michelle tells me.

■ Not just wonderfully soothing, the massage that follows is designed to stimulate the skin and encourage the absorption of the nutrients in the “modelling cream” that is Maria Galland’s trademark.

■ From a range designed for different needs, I’m given a Radiance of Youth mask. (I’m determined not to take this personally.) It’s applied European-style in sweeping movements outwards and upwards to encourage lymphatic drainage, then topped with another mask of gauze and foam for oxygenation. Let the nasal orchestra begin.

The verdict? All facials are not created equal, and this is one of the best I’ve ever had. eL Phoenix La Beauté is at 390 Orchard Road, #B1-07 Palais Renaissance. Call 6733 4556

Drx | Dreamstime.com

We all like a bargain, and the Cocoon facial treatment is amazing value – especially for a swish new salon in the heart of Orchard. For first-time clients, it’s just $68 (full price $180).

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Different skins react differently to Singapore’s climate.

Nevertheless, we all have one thing in common – the perpetual search for a product that delivers a smooth, bright, breakout-free complexion. We asked four readers to test products from Petronille Cosmetics.

LOOKING TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF BLEMISHES I have recently moved to Singapore after four years in Delhi, India. I have quite fair skin that tends to burn easily.

I’d say my skin has a normal oil balance but that it can be sensitive to certain creams.

Consequently, I tend to use light, unscented creams for sensitive skin that allow the skin to breathe. During the day, I use a matt, oilfree sunscreen as my moisturiser.

I have found, since being in Singapore, that my skin actually enjoys the humidity here; the extremes of India did my skin no favours!

The Petronille product I tested was the Essentielle Nuit and Elixir Éclat, which targets those looking for a brighter, lighter skin tone and an even and radiant complexion. It claims to “protect the youthful look of the skin by an intense repairing, regenerating and revitalising action”. It can be used anytime, but is best used at night. I liked the packaging: it’s simple, yet sleek. I found the cream easy to use and of a nice consistency; it felt good on my skin. As a night cream, it is naturally thicker, yet it didn’t feel heavy. It has a mild, unobtrusive scent.

However, I didn’t find that my skin changed shade nor did my existing blemishes diminish from using the cream, so to this end, this particular product didn’t meet my priority skincare needs.

That said, I would like to try the other products that Petronille has to offer.

Sarah Mangelsdorf, Australia, Contributing Editor

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LOOKING FOR PRODUCTS SUITABLE FOR DEHYDRATED AND SENSITIVE SKIN My skin has changed since I moved to Singapore. It has become a lot more sensitive and is dehydrated because I spend so much time in an air-conditioned office. I shop for products that moisturise, but prefer those that don’t contain parabens, alcohol or perfume.

I tried Petronille’s vitamin E-rich Essentielle Jour and Elixir Antioxydant, which targets 25-to-40-year-olds. The packaging is a bit different and I really like it. You pump out the cream into a mixing cup and then add the elixir – good, because it prevents the cream being absorbed into your palms before it’s even touched your face. I applied the elixir and cream day and night.

I liked the fact that the cream has very little scent, as fragrance-free products are generally better for my sensitive skin. I have tried various new cleansers, moisturisers and serums since I moved to Singapore without such noticeable results.

Before, I had to wear a lot of makeup to cover up the dryness of my skin. Now, I use very little makeup as my skin feels soft and my skin tone looks natural and healthy.

I will continue to use Petronille Cosmetics products and intend to buy Petronille’s Essentielle Nuit (a night cream) to use in conjunction with Essentielle Jour, which has SPF 10. I like using products that are developed and manufactured locally, so I was very happy to read that Petronille’s products are manufactured in Singapore.

Malin Loefving, Sweden, Researcher

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HOPING TO REDUCE SKIN BREAKOUTS AND FINE LINES I sampled the Petronille Cosmetics Essentielle Nuit – a regenerative night cream – in combination with Elixir Anti-Âge.

I have very sensitive combination skin and I’ve noticed that fine lines are starting to appear. I usually opt for creams that are non-greasy and light, or for serums, as I am prone to skin breakouts.

The clinical-looking packaging is informative yet simple and fuss-free, and the product information advised that should I apply the product before bedtime to aid the cell regeneration process.

The pump jar and separate elixir allowed me to mix the two so that what I was applying always felt fresh. This also minimised wastage. I found the scent to be mild and pleasant.

After the first couple of nights of applying it to my face and neck, I woke up in the morning to a fresher and more radiant-looking me. My skin looked less stressed and there were none of the usual angry alarm signals that my sensitive skin often displays when I try a new product.

After a few more days, my skin looked more youthful and my eye contours smoother. Each night I also rubbed some of the cream on my hands and they too look and feel moisturised and smooth.

I do think that more time is needed for me to see the full results of using these products in terms of reducing fine lines around my eyes. I am optimistic that this can be achieved after a few more weeks of regular application.

Farnaz Hathiram, India, Manager

NEEDING A HASSLEFREE PRODUCT SUITED TO MEN My skin tends to be oily, and because my pores get clogged easily, it has a tendency to break out. As my wife works in the cosmetics industry, our bathroom is always filled with various creams and other skin products, so I have often been a guinea pig for her to test new products on. This time round, I was very pleased to have an opportunity to try a new product that specifically caters to a man’s skincare needs!

I tried the Essentielle Homme and Elixir Contrôle.

Because my skin is oily, I really struggle to find creams that aren’t too thick, and I really liked the gel texture of this product. It’s very light, it doesn’t stick to your fingers and my skin absorbs it instantly. My face felt really fresh after each application.

It’s very simple to use, as you just need to press on the pump jar to dispense the right amount of cream, add a drop of the booster and then mix it. As there is no alcohol in the product, I didn’t feel any burning sensation afterwards, which I appreciated even more after shaving.

Even if I slipped up and forgot to apply the product every day, the results were still maintained; I have been using the products for several weeks, and I can really see a difference: my skin feels healthier, it’s less prone to breakouts and it’s definitely less oily.

I think that this gel would be great for any man who is looking for an easy and efficient skin care regime.

Pierre-Francois Vieau, France, Recruitment Manager

Visit www.petronille-cosmetic.com

If you would like to be on the Tried & Tested reader panel, send an email to contribute@expatliving.sg. 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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By Alex Westcott

MARIANNE DOELE reflects on The Body Firm’s first five years – from her early days in a room in a nail salon with her first body-shaping machine, to her current success in River Valley.

“The idea of opening a slimming firm in Singapore came to me after I’d returned to Holland for a holiday. I met a friend while I was there and I was astounded at how fabulous she looked.

I found out that she’d had waveform muscle toning treatments. I simply couldn’t believe that this relatively unknown treatment had given her the body that she had,” she says.

When Marianne returned to Singapore, she started looking for a salon that offered this particular treatment, to no avail. Hell-bent on finding it, she approached several large slimming companies with her query.

She was disappointed; not only could she n o t f i n d a nyo n e wh o o f f e r e d t h e treatment, but she also encountered a trend of general indifference from the bigger slimming firms. “ Th e i n d u s t r y was very much ‘hard-sell’ and o n t h e wh o l e rather negative in their approach

to the body. I felt disappointed by this approach, which I felt produced despondency rather than the motivation necessary to improve,” says Marianne.

It was then that she decided: “Why not try and do it better?”

She eventually found out more about the muscle machine that had yielded such enviable results for her friend; as it wasn’t available in Singapore, Marianne flew to England, underwent the training on how to use this pioneering waveform technology and purchased one of the machines.

Returning home, she was at a loss as to what to do next. For weeks, the machine sat in her bedroom. “Finally, I summoned up the courage to do something about it,” says Marianne.

And so it was that The Body Firm was born in a rented room in a nail salon in Holland Village.

“I was terrified that no one would come the first day that my doors opened. I was sure that I would be reading the newspaper all day,” she recalls.

But lo and behold, her first day was fully booked. The majority of her first clients were Dutch ones who had found out about the treatment through Marianne’s personal network. By word of mouth, The Body Firm’s client base began to expand.

With a professional background in marketing, venturing into the beauty industry was initially daunting for Marianne. However, her training as a personal trainer gave her an understanding of muscle function that was invaluable in her venture into the business of body shaping.

Then came beauty treatments. “My first beautician was instrumental in developing the level of expertise we offer. She decided on the steps and I sat in the shoes of the client, deciding what I did or didn’t like,” she recalls.

I was terrified that no one would come the first day that my doors opened.

It wasn’t long before The Body Firm required larger premises, and Marianne moved to Chip Bee Gardens in Holland Village. This is a residential a r e a , h ow e ve r, a n d M a r i a n n e became frustrated by the advertising limitations. After moving to an art gallery, where she rented an entire floor and acquired two additional members of staff, Marianne realised that for the business to really take off, she needed a completely independent space. It was at the end of 2009 that The Body Firm found its ideal home on River Valley Road.

Marianne worked tirelessly developing the brand name and the business’s identity, she says. “I remember in the early days trying to introduce elements of orange and pink into every outfit I wore to incorporate the colours of the business’s branding,” she says with a laugh. “Now that my three staff members have uniforms, I’ve been relieved of that, thankfully!”

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Eastern and Western treatments were developed in a range exclusive to The Body Firm; they also started offering cellulite and lymphatic massage and manicure and pedicure services too.

The most recent development has been the acquisition of a shaping system called The Apollo – a new generation radiofrequency (RF) treatment that heats up the skin, thereby increasing fat cells’ metabolism. “It takes time to see results with the traditional body shaping method, but with RF it’s possible to see an improvement in skin tightening after the first session,” explains Marianne.

As a single mum, Marianne admits that balancing family life and her business has its fair share of challenges.

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Irrespective of these, she works persistently to ensure consistency in terms of the quality of treatments on offer and the level of personal attention provided.

Having crossed the five-year milestone, are there plans on the horizon for a second branch?

“Every business owner thinks about expanding, and opening a second branch has obviously crossed my mind,” shares Marianne. “That said, I do think that being small has its advantages: my staff are very involved in the business and the ideas generated are a collaborative effort. To me, the most import principle in business is transparency. I think it’s important to build and maintain good relationships.

I have enjoyed the fact that as a small business, we know our customers by name, and we’ve maintained that personal attitude throughout our five years.” eL

To celebrate five years of success, The Body Firm will be hosting an open house event on 21 April, from 10am to 8.30pm. There will be free trials for both of its bodyshaping treatments, and Marianne will be conducting product demonstrations over coffee and cake. For more information, visit www.thebodyfirm.com.sg.

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Shown here: mild to moderate hooding of the upper eyelid.

By Monica Pitrelli

The skin around the eye is one of the most delicate areas of the entire body. Over time, gravity, stress and years of rubbing to remove mascara can take their toll. As a result, the upper lids start to droop and the lower lids darken and swell. DR SYLVIA RAMIREZ of Cutis Medical Laser Clinics tells us why this happens and what can be done to stop the sag.

Brian Lanigan | Dreamstime.com

What are the most common complaints that people have about their eyes?

Most people that I see are unhappy about under eye bags, discoloration and droopy upper lids.

Let’s tackle these one at a time. The droopy lid – what causes this?

As we age, the skin around the eyelids becomes thinner.

Three different layers of skin are affected – the epidermis or

top layer, the dermis or middle layer, and the subcutaneous fat layer underneath. The dermis is where we store collagen and elastin. Collagen is responsible for skin firmness, and elastin for elasticity. As we age, both start to decrease, causing the skin to become lax. In addition, the subcutaneous layer starts to lose volume, which causes the skin to sag further.

What exactly is sagging – the forehead, the eyebrows or the eyelids?

It’s a combination of all three. Everything begins to slowly move downward as collagen, elastin and volume decrease.

Does this happen to the lower lids too?

Yes. The skin around the eye is already thinner than the rest of the face. When collagen, elastin and subcutaneous tissue are lost underneath the eye, so-called tear troughs are created. This is evident when a ledge forms between the eye and the cheek.

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An easy way to see if you are losing elasticity here is through the pinch test. Pinch the skin under one eye, and if the skin stays folded, you have lost some elasticity in this area.

You mentioned three layers of skin; how does ageing affect the top layer?

Ageing is associated with thinning of the epidermis and reduced epidermal turnover. Pigmentation is more evident because of accumulated sun damage, hormonal changes and leakage from fine blood vessels. Discoloration due to melanin and haemosiderin deposits, combined with volume loss, result in under-eye circles becoming more prominent.

Do these problems generally happen to both lids at the same time?

Changes tend to occur to both eyes at the same rate, generally when people are in their 20s and 30s. But it really depends on the person. Heredity plays a big role.

For example, someone with deep-set eyes will notice hooding – this is when the upper lid hangs over the crease – much later in life, whereas people with so-called Asian or single eyelids usually notice drooping or hooding at a younger age.

I’ve seen magazines discuss the “curse of the hooded eyelid”. Celebrities such as Blake Lively, Leelee Sobieski and Helen Hunt are considered to have them.

So, what’s the big deal?

I guess it’s our convention of beauty that says a bigger eye is better – it looks more awake and youthful. When eyes start to hood, it narrows them, which can make us look tired.

Dr Sylvia Ramirez

How can we combat these problems?

First, get the proper amount of sleep. Lack of sleep causes blood vessels to show more and emphasises hollowness.

Also, avoid eating salt late in the day, as this causes eyes to swell in the morning. If this doesn’t sufficiently correct the problem, then Botox, fillers and laser treatments can be considered.

How does Botox lift a droopy eye? Given that it relaxes the muscle, this sounds counter-intuitive.

There are muscles in the eyes, mainly on the outside and between the brows, which cause the eyelids to appear heavy.

These muscles pull the eyelids closed, and over time they cause the eyelid skin to droop. When Botox is injected into these muscles, they relax, and their ability to depress the eye is reduced. This gives a lift of one to two millimetres, which may not be enough for some people. Another option is injecting fillers, such as Restylane or Juvéderm, directly under the brow. This lifts the eyelid by creating a broader ledge for the upper lid to hang from. Think of it like hanging a dress on a wide hanger rather than a wire one. Also, lasers build collagen and elastin while tightening the skin, which can create a very subtle lift.

Apart from getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive salt intake, what can be done for under-eye bags and circles ?

Fillers are a great way to combat hollowness and loss of fat under the eyes. Depending on the eye structure, fillers can almost instantly reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

Haemosiderin staining is caused by iron pigment that leaks from very fragile veins around the eyes and is very difficult to treat – it’s almost like a tattoo. Lasers are able to dissolve this staining and tighten the skin around the eyes.

There are so many options. How does a person choose the best one?

It’s important to analyse the factors that are causing the problems. Is it laxity? If so, lasers are great to improve skin quality. If someone needs a quick fix with no downtime, Botox or fillers may be best. Lasers and tightening treatments build collagen, but these take some time. I am a total believer in combining treatments, because most people have problems in more than one layer of the skin. eL

For more information, call 6327 9700 or visit www.cutislaser.com.

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By Katie Roberts

Hazy on the jargon but keen to do something about the first signs of ageing? Here’s what intense pulsed light and a gentle peel can do for you.

SKIN COMPLAINT: Dull complexion, skin pigmentation, brown spots and tiny red spider veins. These are common issues even for those of us in our late 30s and early 40s. Years of sun exposure, late nights and, yes, stress, do take their toll.

TREATMENT: A visit to GloAesthetics and an appointment with Patricia Sia for a Limelight Facial followed by a skin peel. Done in tandem, they rejuvenate the skin, restore glow, lighten pigmentation and reduce the appearance of broken capillaries.

This two-stage treatment takes about 40 minutes, so it’s completely achievable during a lunchtime. Other than a little redness, there is no down time. Here’s how it’s done:

2 Although laser is extremely popular, skin peels – one of the oldest beauty treatments – still have a place in the arsenal of rejuvenation techniques. They’re particularly effective for shrinking open pores, brightening and refining dull and acne-prone skin and treating fine lines. Since December, Patricia has been using a range of peels from US company Image Skincare. Compared with the traditional water-based products, these gel-based formulations are believed to allow better penetration of ingredients into the skin.

The gentle Vitamin C Enzyme peel is applied in four layers. As the products are refrigerated, they have a cooling sensation and a mild orange scent that is divine after the IPL. Stronger peels with glycolic acid, or softer peels suitable for pregnancy are available in this excellent new range.

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RESULT: As I leave the clinic, my face is slightly red, but this settles quickly on the way back to the office. Over the next five days, darker spots appear on the skin as the treated pigment comes to the surface, and they soon flake off. Within seven days the effect is apparent: a brighter complexion due to the combination of both a reduction in pigmentation and the effects of the peel.

LESSON: Wear sunscreen at all times and minimise sun exposure as much as possible. eL GloAesthetics is at 10 Sinaran Drive, #09-30 Novena Medical Center.

For more information, call 6397 7012 or visit www.gloaesthetics.sg.

Hendri Nguriana | Dreamstime.com

1 Patricia applies a cooling gel (direct from the fridge so it is very cold) over the face and then applies a protective eye cover. The Limelight Facial is an intense pulse light treatment (IPL) delivered by a Cutera machine to the top layer of skin. Delivered by a trained professional using a machine that delivers the precise dose of light for each person’s skin, IPL is very safe.

The handheld device is moved over the face while it systematically delivers pulses of light to pigmented areas of skin. Each pulse feels like a pinprick, and I found the chin area most uncomfortable. More cooling gel is applied before each prick to provide relief from the mildly stinging sensation. It is all over in about ten minutes. For those who have very sun-damaged skin, the treatment can be repeated at intervals up to six times.

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What’s NEW

HEALTH&FITNESS

The Run Whisperer Having put the wireless Jabra Sport through its, ahem, paces, we’re converts. The headphones are so easy to connect to an iPhone, even a technophobe could manage it. Use it to listen to the radio or a playlist, and answer calls using the neat buttons on the ear piece; they’re easier to find mid-run than they look. The headphones are comfy and being wireless there aren’t any cables to get caught on clothing or flap about as you run. If you download Endomondo, the free app that uses GPS to measure your distance and speed, you’ll get a voice update every kilometre.

The first time the dulcet but firm tone interrupted Spandau Ballet’s “Gold”, one EL S Bal runner nearly r near fell off the pavement.

But you soon soo start to look forward to Every run is saved t her reports. repo online, so this is a great way to improve your times. Jabra Sport y costs $148 and is available from Challenger Epicentre, Nubox, Digi Lifestyle and an Best Denki.

Power Pow The Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City will be an explosion of activity on 19 May when 600 participants take part in True Fitness’ Mega Combat event. Blast away t h o s e u n wa n t e d kilos with Denise Keller’s Bodycombat session – an energetic cardio workout that draws from a wide array of martial-art disciplines. To register, email your full name, contact number and NRIC or passport number to expat_ megacombat@truefitness. com.sg. Registrations open from 23 April until 11 May. $4 per participant; free for True Fitness members.

Pre-registration is required. www.truefitness.com.sg

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Let’s Get Physical The Osteopathic Treatment Centre (OTC) has recently restructured to introduce a Department of Physical Rehabilitation to the practice. Heading up this new section is Anne Date, a Singapore Sports Council Qualified Fitness Trainer and Coach and threetime winner of the Singapore Marathon. She’s also represented Singapore in the South East Asian games in running and hockey. OTC offers treatment for musculoskeletal aches and pains, sports injuries and other health issues. It also provides alternative therapies such as naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture and hypnotherapy.

Visit www.osteopathy.com.sg or call 6734 6440.

Accelerate, Activate, Achieve, Arrive Following the success of the Weight Management Support Group for Women in January, The Counselling ing Place is offering a second run. Topics include nclude body image, emotional hunger, nger, over-eating, underndereating and healthy althy meal planning.

Classes run on Thursdays, 12 2 April Ap p ri ril to 31 May from 6.30pm om 6.3 .3 30p 0pm pm to 8.00pm; $50 eight 50 for all ei ight ht ssessions. essi sion sion onss.

Call 6887 3695 or visit www.thecounsellingplace.com.

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How about giving your fitness regime a roundhouse kick? Muay Thai instructor at TRUE FITNESS, Rizal bin Abdul Razak, talks to Alex Westcott about enrolling in a Muay Thai class.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

The origin of Muay Thai remains an issue of contention; much of its history was lost when the Burmese sacked Ayudhaya (the capital city of Thailand) in the 14th century.

What is known is that Muay Thai encourages the body to mimic weapons of war: hands become the sword and dagger; shins and forearms act as armour against blows; elbows are used to fell opponents in the same way as a heavy mace or hammer; legs and knees become the axe and staff – hence the description of Muay Thai as The Art of Eight Limbs.

Fast-forward a couple of hundred years and Muay Thai is a highly popularised martial arts-inspired workout.

During the martial arts boom in the 1970s, people became interested in Asian disciplines to enhance physical fitness through mental focus and mystical devotion. Growing mass media exposure contributed enormously. “Muay Thai is now perceived as a recreational workout rather than a hard-core training regime,” says Rizal. “People can relate better due to the increased exposure of extreme sports,

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televised title fights and action movies such as Ip Man and Ong-Bak. More and more people are turning to martial arts-inspired workouts for an invigorating change in their workout routine.”

FEARSOME FUN TO GET FAB ABS

There are both physical and mental benefits of practising Muay Thai. Rizal’s class is a high-power, high-energy cardio routine that provides a total body workout. Incorporating punches and kicks with the use of various props such as focus pads and punching bags, the class can improve your self-defence skills while keeping you fit.

“Muay Thai training speeds up the body’s metabolism, burns off fat and shapes and tones your body,” Rizal explains. “You can burn up to 900 calories in a session.

After regularly attending classes, you will notice a decrease in fat, an increase in muscle and an overall improved sense of wellbeing. Muay Thai also improves your strength and agility; regular training will build stamina, increase energy levels and strengthen core muscles. Frequent Muay Thai training will improve speed, agility, reflexes and coordination skills.”

Then there are mental benefits, such as stress reduction.

“The controlled punching and kicking movements require discipline. These movements can do wonders for relieving feelings of frustration and anger,” Rizal says. “Furthermore, Muay Thai encourages determination and self-confidence. It equips you with mental toughness and focus.”

Muay Thai employs various methods of conditioning. If you’re looking to do some additional exercise, running, shadowboxing, jumping rope, bodyweight resistance e x e rc i s e s , m e d i c i n e b a l l exercises and in some cases weight training can improve Muay Thai skills.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

CLASS TALK

Enrolling in any new exercise regime can be intimidating – particularly if you’re shy about having to “go Bruce Lee” in front of a group. Rizal encourages beginners to enrol and simply get hooked. Newcomers will start with basic jabs and kicks in a group while more advanced participants will do padwork in pairs.

Marketing manager Serene Tan has been a True Fitness member for almost three years and has been a keen practitioner of Muay Thai for a long time.

“Besides being a great workout and stress-buster, Muay Thai does wonders for my self-esteem. I feel a sense of achievement after each class and it’s something useful – I will be in a better position to defend myself if the need arises!” says the 32-year-old.

Cabin crewmember Josephine Fernandez (42) has also caught the bug: “Rizal happened to be stretching nearby while I was at gym. I was really impressed with his pro-activeness in approaching me to join a class.

I readily agreed to give Muay Thai a try and after one session, I was hooked! The Muay Thai ring also gives an authentic feel to the workout,” she says. eL

MAIN MOTIVATIONS

• •

•

Muay Thai improves cardiovascular fitness , flexibility, coordinatio n and strength.

You can add variety to your gym routine and make new friends wh en you train in a group .

Training in pairs adds to the fun.

Hi tti ng th e pu nc hi ng ba g re le as es pent-up frustrations!

CLASS RUNDOWN

Muay Thai classes at True Fitness combine Muay Thai disciplines with a fun strength-and-cardio workout that is suitable for students of varying fitness levels. There is no sparring, but the use of the pads provides the satisfaction of striking a target, rather than hitting air. Each session is one hour long.

Located on the 8th floor of NTUC Income Tampines Junction, the latest True Fitness centre houses a hot yoga studio, a group exercise studio, a spinning studio and of course, a new Muay Thai ring. For more information visit www.truefitness.com.sg.

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I

t seems that barely a week goes by without hearing that a friend or acquaintance has been struck down with cancer. Now the terror has come close to home, as my 35-yearold brother is currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

If my alarm bells weren’t already ringing, the media barrage of health statistics telling of rising cancer rates, diabetes, thyroid disorders and high cholesterol should be encouragement enough to undergo the necessary screening.

As expats, many of us hop from country to country, losing medical records along the way, swapping doctors frequently and taking good health for granted. I believe it is essential, especially for women aged 40 and over, to pause and consider life without good health – and then take the simple proactive steps to check that all is in order.

Health screening is popular and readily available in Singapore. It’s used to assess individual health, and is the first step towards managing any issues that the screening throws up. But what happens at a screening? What is tested and how long does it take? Here’s a diary of my recent experience at the women-only Sincere Healthcare clinic.

6.32am Get up and try not to think about eating, but of course that’s all I can think about.

Manage to get by on a few sips of water and avoid the breakfast table where the children are eating porridge.

8.55am Arrive five minutes early for my appointment. Parking is easy, the new building is conveniently located near Novena’s Velocity. On the sixth floor, it’s an ocean of efficiency and calmness, complete with plumped-up cushions. I fill out the registration form for the helpful receptionists and note that it’s possible for health insurance to cover these tests. Televisions take my mind off a growling stomach, and some water helps.

9am 2.24am Wake up thirsty, take a few small sips of water and go back to sleep.

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Behind the waiting area in a screened cubicle, smiling and chatty Nurse Qi Qi takes my blood pressure, records

my height and politely checks my weight. I’m then ushered into the nearby consultation room of Dr Tan Kiat Piah, a female GP who manages the health screening process.

She explains the tests and checks offered under the Sunflower Plus package, which is recommended to pre-menopausal women in their 40s.

We discuss my personal and family health history, which is important background information. It’s strongly advisable to bring any prior test results for discussion as these can be relevant.

Alexander Raths, Jason Stitt, Sbysal | Dreamstime.com

9.52pm Eating last piece of chocolate. Must fast from 10pm until after the blood tests and ultrasounds scheduled for tomorrow morning.

By Katie Roberts

There are five options for screening: select the programme that is relevant for your age and life stage, or ask the staff for advice. Options include checks for menopausal women such as bone density, and ECG tests for those with heart concerns.

Packages start from $638.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

9.20am In a private examination room off the consultation room (more serene pink!), the doctor conducts a breast examination, listens to my breathing, checks for abdominal hernias and performs a Pap smear – a routine check for cervical cancer.

Nurse Qi Qi is on hand to assist and the examination is thorough, professional and efficient. The doctor enquires about my history of childbirth, breastfeeding and contraception.

9.40am I follow Nurse Qi Qi to a small room where she takes 9 millilitres of blood. This sample is used to test for diabetes, cancer markers, cholesterol, anaemia, liver and kidney function, thyroid function and hepatitis antibodies, and gives an overall picture of my blood. Qi Qi is an expert and I barely feel a thing. As I leave, I’m aware of the urine sample jar in my bag that I need to fill at some point during the morning.

9.50am

Alexander Raths, Jason Stitt, Sbysal | Dreamstime.com

The Novena Specialist Medical Center is situated within a precinct of world-class medical facilities. The new Parkway Mount Elizabeth Hospital opens later this year and the Tan Tock Seng Hospital is located across a covered walkway.

It is here that we head for the ultrasounds and x-rays that are taken in an area of the hospital for private patients. I now need to drink water to fill my bladder to make the abdominal ultrasound possible.

the ultrasound room. The radiographer shows me to the bed and performs the ultrasound on the lower half of the body first. She skilfully checks the ovaries, uterus, abdomen and then moves up to the kidney, spleen, liver and pancreas. The ultrasound is looking for anomalies, including gallstones and ovarian cysts. Doing an ultrasound is intense work that requires much concentration, so there is no idle chatter. I ignore the hunger pangs and think of what a positive thing this is to do.

The breast ultrasound (you can choose to have a mammogram instead) is the final check, and the radiographer takes time to look carefully for suspicious lumps or abnormalities. Though the gel is cold on the skin, the room is reasonably warm and comfortable.

10.45am 10.00am Bag and belongings stowed in a locker, I’m stripped down to briefs and garbed in brown medical drawstring trousers and a loose smock. First stop is the x-ray room for a quick picture of my lungs.

Then a brief wait and a glance at the morning paper before heading into the darkness of

Out of the ultrasound room, I change back into my clothes and grab two bananas that I stowed in my bag for this occasion. I’m also offered some crackers and soya milk.

While I sit for a few minutes, the radiologist checks the ultrasounds and will call me back for anything that may need a second look. After getting the all-clear, we return to the Sincere suite.

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11.05am Bac at the clinic, I schedule a follow-up Back appointment to discuss the results. This is usually app within a week to ten days, but if the results with throw up something urgent the clinic will call thro you in earlier. I’m to drop in a stool sample the following day, which is tested for blood – a possible indication of colorectal abnormalities. pos 11.30am I am heading out for a coffee By 1

9am

IVF centre this Group is opening an The Sincere Healthcare nic. As well cli for a specialist men’s month and has plans gy d naecology, they offer obstetrics an as health screening, usal screening stic surgery, menopa IVF, breast services, pla health management. and integrated total

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Sincere Healthcare Group is at 8 Sinaran Drive, #06-19 Novena Specialist Medical Center. Call 6507 0766. www.sincerehealthcaregroup.com

Andres Rodriguez | Dreamstime.com

Sincere provides all results including x-ray films, ultrasounds on DVD and all blood results. These records should be stored carefully. They are vitally important when you see another doctor, especially if it is in another country.

I’m a little nervous walking into the consultation room, but the doctor is calm and reassuring. She room outlines the test results methodically, allowing outl time for questions. The outcome is that overall I’m very healthy. Fantastic!

SShe does offer a list of recommendations, including the removal of a protruding umbilical incl hernia and a yearly breast ultrasound. her Recommendations for follow-up can be referred Rec to tthe doctors at Sincere, making it a one-stop shop. They also offer to remind me to come sho again next year! aga The doctor hands me the summary, or “report T card”. It’s concise and easy to read, leaving me card no doubt that that this whole experience was in n worthwhile. Regular screening identifies risk wor factors and detects disease early, which gives you the best possible chance to do something about it. For now, I’ve got a clean bill of health and am proudly marching into the next decade. eL

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HEALTH&FITNESS

By Rebecca Bisset

When I headed off to the northern point of Singapore, Sembawang, to interview a lady about how her long-term vein problems had been solved, I found out that she had survived a lot more than leaky veins.

She was really happy to get the job in the card shop at the Pentagon, and nearly every day around the same time she would go to the mailroom. Her husband worked in a part of the Pentagon that was near the mailroom, too.

However, on that fateful day of 9/11, for some reason she thought she shouldn’t go. Her husband had also decided not to go in to the office that day. They had just heard with Originally from North Carolina, Eliza Coble explained disbelief about the planes going into the twin towers and that what had caused the damage in her leg veins was she remembers thinking, “Well, if it can hit there, it could standing for long hours working in a card shop when she hit here.” A little while later, the mailroom and surrounding lived in Washington, D.C. area was bombed, killing 125 people inside the building.

Her husband, who is in the US Navy here, was based at Living in one of the old black-and-whites in Singapore the Pentagon at the time. Washington had seemed a dream must feel like a different world after that experience, and after their previous posting in California’s snake and coyote- she has made the most of her time here, using their home filled Mojave Desert, where the nearest shopping centre leave to travel to Australia and Europe. was 185 miles away. After dark it Over time though, the veins in her was pitch black, and although there legs became so damaged that she could O that fateful day of On were ranger stations dotted around, hardly walk. She had heard that Dr 9/11, for some reason she mobile phone coverage was poor Tan at The Vein Clinic was one of the so if you broke down it would have thought she shouldn’t go. best and a consultation and ultrasound meant a very long walk. found the “leaky” veins. He explained that surgery would solve the problem.

“I was conscious the whole way through the surgery, as I only had a local anaesthetic. There were a lot of needles going in and I needed a catheter in my leg while he repaired the veins,” Eliza says. “Dr Tan explained the procedure really well beforehand, and gave me lots of details while he was working too, so I felt quite comfortable. He told me when I couldn’t wriggle!”

The procedure took one and a half hours and she needed support stockings for a couple of days afterwards. Eliza now walks three times a day to keep herself mobile. She is very impressed with the look and feel of her leg too, after only a couple of months. “It’s looking really good.”

The couple and their 21-year-old daughter, who is studying online here, may be on the move again soon. They have really enjoyed their stay in Singapore and are very grateful to have had such good medical care. eL

The Vein Clinic is at 290 Orchard Road, #11-08 Paragon. Call 6245 6666 for an appointment. www.theveinclinic.com.sg April12

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HEALTH&FITNESS

By Harrri By r et Em mp p pey eyy

What makes the Innate technique different from traditional chiropractic?

It enables your body to release stress and tension itself, from the inside out. I work on a very deep level of your body – the spinal cord and brain. My role as a practitioner is to bring your brain’s awareness to your body, to where it is storing tension or is misaligned and for your body to develop the ability to naturally correct and realign itself. Improving the communication between the brain and the body, helps a person develop new strategies to thrive under stress and improves physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing.

How exactly does the Innate technique work?

Gentle precise touches to the spine, at the top of the neck and tailbone, at areas called ‘spinal gateways’, cue the frontal cortex of the brain to release tension from your spinal cord. Through your spinal cord (nervous system), you feel, think and act – so spinal cord tension, from stress, causes physical, mental and emotional tension. Once the internal pulling tension is released, posture straightens effortlessly. Over time people enjoy improved overall quality of life on all levels.

Your body has an innate ability to realign itself, release tension and adapt to stress, and we’re just reminding the body how to do that.

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What type of symptoms do your clients present with?

People often come to me with physical symptoms like aches and pains, bad posture and chronic tension that doesn’t go away with massage, which are really just the end result of the body storing tension from stress that it hasn’t been able to release. It shows up in different ways: anxiety, sleep problems, depression, feeling overwhelmed, an inability to focus at work or an inability to deal with stress and of course poor posture – we’re seeing this more and more with corporate people, especially in the last few years.

How soon do your clients see results?

Changes take place immediately; most people experience the relaxation effect within a couple of sessions. Frequent sessions, 15 to 20 minutes long, two or three times per week, give optimal results. The more sessions you have, the more permanent the changes become. There are different levels of care, the first being 24 sessions, after which a more permanent and profound shift in posture is noticeable.

My Experiences at Innate I did a couple of sessions as I tend to have a lot of tension in my neck, shoulders and upper back. Dr Lynelle said I was a four and a half or a five on her tension scale, five being the highest. I certainly felt more aware of my breathing and posture after the sessions. A few days later, I’m also feeling less tension in my upper back and neck. eL Innate is located at Orchard Boulevard, #03-03 Camden Medial Centre. Call 6835 9538 for an appointment or visit www.innate.com.sg for more information.

Ryan Stevenson | Dreamstime.com

I’ve always been fascinated by the photos on Innate’s advertisements. Can a person’s posture really be corrected so significantly through just gentle touches to the spine? I visited DR LYNELLE KERR to find out.

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By Heidi Sarna

For a perspective on the things many new expats in Singapore tend to struggle with, we spoke to UK expat Jessica Lamb (MSc Therapeutic Counselling, EMDR), who is the acting assistant director at The Counselling Place and also a counsellor and mediator herself.

What are some of the things you tell clients who are homesick and anxious about making new friends?

The transition to living in a new country is often harder than people expect because you are not just adapting to a new home, but also a different culture, job, school, social group, climate and way of life. Without family and friends around, it can feel like you’re having to cope alone.

Suddenly having to rely on your partner to be your practical and emotional support, best friend and sounding board, can put great pressure on you both.

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on school trips. Singapore also has many social clubs which organise settling-in activities, classes and events. Fortunately, expatriates are used to new people arriving and friends leaving, and so are generally very open to making new friends.

Do you give similar advice to children about making new friends?

We find that it can be easier for children to adapt because they have the school structure, which is familiar and immediately provides a peer group for them to join. Schools are usually good at helping children adapt and settle in, by pairing children up with a buddy or encouraging them to join after-school activities. However, children can feel very homesick too, even if they do make new friends in Singapore.

Encourage your children to talk about their feelings and let them know their feelings are normal, and that together you can find ways to help them settle in and make new friends.

Expats are typically told how great it will be to have a live-in helper, but what about those who are not sure about the idea?

Homes are very private places and so the idea of inviting a stranger to live in your home can be hard to adapt to. There can also be a sense of losing purpose – for instance, stay-at-home mums who are used to doing housework and preparing meals suddenly have someone else handle it instead. It can sometimes feel like you have lost control, or even that you have been replaced. However, you do have a choice, and it’s important to reflect on the pros and cons first.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that most expatriates adapt successfully over time, whether on their own or with the support of a third party to help them to explore where their feelings of insecurity and anxiety are coming from and to learn new ways to cope. eL For more information, visit www.thecounsellingplace.com or call 6887 3695.

Digitalfestival | Dreamstime.com

Moving to a new country thousands of miles away from home can be difficult. Making new friends, missing loved ones back home and negotiating new cultural norms are all inherently challenging. The team at THE COUNSELLING PLACE represents ten different nationalities; their aim is to help clients of all ages explore their issues and find ways forward.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

Gappy Grin

By Katie atie Roberts

Remember the excitement when your baby’s first tooth appeared? Fast-forward five years and the one-toothed photos are replaced by higgledy-piggledy smiles as baby and adult teeth jostle for space. To help parents with some common toothy issues, we posed these reader questions to the experienced dentists at COZY DENTAL GROUP.

A: Generally, a child starts to lose baby teeth around the age of six. The process of losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth happens up to the age of 12. During this time, the front teeth generally become loose first, then the back ones, the lower teeth slightly ahead of the upper teeth. There are many reasons, including caries and nocturnal grinding, for the baby teeth to be ground down to stumps.

A: Yes, it is a good idea to assist children to use flossing aids if they are willing, and if they do not hurt themselves in the process. They should floss all teeth and focus on the space between the last and second-last teeth at the back of the mouth.

Q: My daughter has one adult tooth growing behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet. Should I have the baby tooth extracted by a dentist or will it fall out soon?

A: It is a good idea to take your child to a dentist for assessment. It is generally safe to wait for the tooth to fall out by itself.

However if it is cutting the gums, causing pain or bleeding while eating, then it would be better to remove it.

Q: Do you recommend children drink bottled water or tap water?

What is the difference, and what are the benefits of fluoride for children’s teeth?

A: Bottled water does not contain fluoride. As is the case with other developed countries, Singapore’s tap water is fluoridated. This is good for our teeth because fluoride protects the enamel from tooth decay. Fluoride also helps to remineralise early-stage caries.

Q: At what age do dentists recommended braces to correct teeth alignment and overbite?

A: When children aged ten or 11 present with mal-alignment of teeth, dentists usually recommend a consultation with an orthodontist. This normally happens when all the baby teeth have fallen out. In some cases, a pre-orthodontic appliance is recommended for patients as young as four or five years, to help guide the adult teeth into position. Of course, this is all done in consultation with the parents.

To see a dentist at Cozy Dental Group call 6397 6566 or visit 10 Sinaran Drive, Square 2, Novena Medical Center #08-15/16. www.cozydentalgroup.com.sg

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Dawn Hudson | Dreamstime.com

Q: Help! My son is six and a half. He has only one adult tooth, but his baby teeth are ground down to stumps.

When will the baby teeth fall out and more of the adult teeth emerge?

Q: Should we assist and encourage our three h children (aged under ten) to floss their teeth?

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14/3/12 7:03 PM

HEALTH&FITNESS

By Yusrina Yusoff

Yoga Classes According to the Singapore Sports Council, yoga is one of the top ten most popular sports here. Consulting an expert is an excellent way to start before signing up for a membership, and letting the team at new yoga centre Casa Santosa recommend the best type of class for you makes it more likely that you’ll enjoy it. There are plenty of group and private classes to choose from, including detox yoga, kids’ yoga, hatha yoga, prenatal and postnatal yoga, and yin/yang yoga.

Counselling For anyone who is going through a rough time, needss a non-judgemental ear or wants some advice, Casaa Santosa offers private counselling sessions with a certified counsellor or therapist. During a counsellingg session, you are given an opportunity to talk about yourr concerns. Your counsellor will then evaluate your needss and perhaps recommend the service or resource thatt would be most helpful for you.

Casa Santosa also provides counselling for couples, and for families who are going through a divorce. Artt and play therapy is available for children who are undergoing difficult times in their lives.

Complementary Treatments Casa Santosa provides a range of complementary treatments including aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy, reiki, quantum touch and raindrop therapy.

A 45-minute aromatherapy session aims to address various physical, mental and emotional concerns that you might have. Pure essential oils are used, helping to improve your mood and outlook.

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Meet the Casa Santosa team: Peggy Santosa, Founder Armed with a Master’s degreee in clinical psychology, marriagee and family, therapist Peggyy Santosa began her career treating g abused children and clinically y depressed or suicidal young people. She then completed a 200-hour teaching course with Patrick Creelman and a 100-hour course in teaching Yin Yoga with Victor Chng. Peggy continues to pursue the yogini life by attending workshops and classes with renowned teachers. Peggy is also a certified hypnotherapist.

Pharrah Clark, Yoga Instructor Ph Mother and child wellness is very close M to Pharrah’s heart. After completing her 200-hour teacher training with Patrick 2 Creelman, she went on to specialise C in prenatal and postnatal yoga training with w Dr Jean Byrne. In search of a more holistic approach to mother and m baby wellness, Pharrah qualified as b a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI).

She aims to pursue further ( studies in childbirth education and to qualify as a doula.

Vikram, Yoga Therapy Instructor Born in Rishikesh at the foothills of Himalayas, s, the birthplace of yoga, Vikram started yoga at the age of 17. He practises the Iyengar and d Ashtanga styles and has more than 17 yearss of teaching experience conducting workshops, s, Casa Santosa is located at 11 Unity Street, #02-15 Robertson Walk. Call 6836 7782 or email info@casasantosa.com. www.casasantosa.com

Photography by Dr Dirk Vietzke

CASA SANTOSA’s philosophy is that the mind and body are connected, so it combines clinical counselling, complementary treatments and yoga to help you achieve personal strength and inner peace.

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Compet it ions 15/3/12 5:18 PM

! n i w Afrom makeover Ana Boutique

th r o W ,000! $5

Stu in a style rut? Need a Stuck new wardrobe? Crying out for a makeup m and hair update?

Eve Ever wanted a professional pho photo shoot? Well then, this is the competition for you.

One lucky entrant will win O a personal styling session from p Ana An Boutique. Spend the day at Ana An Boutique, being styled by Ana herself and learning style A tips.

Add in a collection of new t clothes worth $500, updated c hair and makeup, and watch the new you emerge. A professional photographer will be there to take some photos of you and your new look, and you will be the face of Ana Boutique for fo a year!

Ana Boutique stocks a great A mix of established and emerging Australian and international brands Au including Fleur Wood, Little Joe inc Women, Zimmermann, Manning W Cartell, Tato & Memi, Rodeo C Show, Lee Mathews, Dinosaur Sh Designs and many more.

D With its styling services, personal shopping and in-store pe events, Ana Boutique is fast ev becoming a Singapore fashion b be

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mecca for expat women. Ana’s philosophy is simple: why follow seasons when we don’t have any in Singapore? At Ana Boutique, you will find luxurious clothing – wearable pieces made with beautiful fabrics, textures and details.

The garments it sources are hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind, and most importantly, suitable for our sweltering weather.

You’ll be spoilt for choice.

On Level 2, you will find a thoughtful, eclectic selection of unique, hand-selected pieces – clothing for children, jewellery, footwear, accessories, books, gifts and loads more.

Five lucky ladies will be invited for an evening of champagne and fashion at the boutique, where one lady will win this fabulous prize!

86 Club Street 6221 2897 | info@anaboutiques.com www.facebook.com/#!/Anaboutiques www.anaboutiques.com

ToApril12 enter, go to www.expatliving.sg/competitions 16/3/12 4:46 PM

Other Great Prizes Up For Grabs ...

Win!

$250 worth of Linden Leaves Pure New Zealand products from Odore

Here’s one for the guys! Get into the game with the whole Rugby team – a range of superior, natural grooming products by Linden Leaves.

The team is made up of shower essentials: shower gel, shampoo; specialised skincare for your face: facial scrub, shave oil, facial moisturiser; and protective bodycare products: body moisturiser and antiperspirant. Packed with vitamins and active natural ingredients and with no artificial colouring, synthetic fragrance, parabens or other nasties, this range is designed for guys who want the best nature can offer in a good looking, practical package.

Odore 10 Jalan Serene #02-16 Serene Centre You can also buy online at sites.google.com/site/ odore2011/home.

! n i W

A Brasil Cacau Cadiveau Blowout worth $550 from Purity Organic Hair & Beauty.

Finally, a way to get your curly, frizzy hair to behave! The Brasil Cacau Cadiveau Blowout is a revolutionary process that softens, adds shine, straightens and makes the hair healthy – and it’s formaldehyde- and chemicalfree too. It penetrates the hair, repairing internal damage, and coats the hair to prevent future damage. The result is smooth, silky and straight hair.

Purity Organic Hair & Beauty has internationally trained stylists who use organic colouring systems and organic hair and scalp treatments for both Asian and Caucasian hair.

Purity Organic Hair & Beauty 9 Scotts Road #03-03 Pacific Plaza 6887 4542 www.puritysalon.com

Win!

Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park – Twelfth Night, worth $288

“If music be the food of love, play on.” One lucky reader will win three pairs of picnic tickets to this notto-be-missed performance.

Shakespeare in the Park is back with a fun-filled frolic.

From the company that brought you A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth, Twelfth Night is a rambunctious romantic comedy that will have you laughing and falling in love all over again. Picnic under the stars and be romanced by this quirky and endearing play. Twelfth Night promises to be an unforgettable and magical evening for one and all.

Entries close 18 April. www.srt.com.sg

! n i W

A pair of tickets to the World Gourmet Summit 2012 opening reception

Bask in great company and enjoy delicious food at the WGS 2012 opening reception on 23 April.

An epicurean adventure awaits you at the 16th World Gourmet Summit (WGS). The smorgasbord of delights includes Michelin-starred chefs, internationally acclaimed vintners and a host of enthralling activities. Organised by À La Carte Productions (a subsidiary of Peter Knipp Holdings), proudly presented

by Citibank and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, WGS is on from 23 April to 3 May. Embracing the theme A Heritage of Flavours, the event pays homage to traditional tastes while celebrating contemporary culinary techniques.

Entries close 15 April. www.worldgourmetsummit.com

Entries close 30 April 2012 k COMP-April2b.indd 367

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STARS

FOR

BY SHELLEY VON STRUNCKEL

March 20 – April 19 Usually the Aries New Moon, your personal new year, triggers a fresh cycle. While it takes place on 22 March, with Mercury retrograde until 4 April, you’re either short of facts or uncharacteristically indecisive. So, as ARIES April begins, you’re willing to explore.

At long last, you recognise superb offers you’ve been ignoring. Then, as April ends, you discover new passions, of a personal, professional or romantic nature. Suddenly you’re grateful those past delays prevented you from making compromises or committing too soon.

June 21 – July 22 The only mistake you could make during April is trying to avoid changes.

True, some would be so far-reaching they’d mean leaving elements of your present life behind. While this might trigger anxieties, you’ve already CANCER seen evidence that the new ideas or alliances involved would be more than worth your while.

The real issue is trust. Plus, with Mercury having been retrograde from mid-March until 4 April, you’ll be still short of facts. No amount of discussion will eliminate your doubts. However, richly rewarding experiences will.

April 20 – May 20 The events of the year’s first half promise to transform your life in wonderful ways. While you’ve experienced some of this, in other situations you’re feeling anxious.

Plus, with Mercury retrograde from taurus mid-March until early April adding confusion, you’ve been concerned. Have faith. Wonderful ideas or offers are already broadening your horizons, and in several ways. It’s just you’re unsure they’re for real. If you need proof, wait until late April, when a series of events convince you these can be trusted.

July 23 – August 22 Those who force you into decisions you’re not prepared to make infuriate you. But the fact is, you’ve put off certain commitments or changes for so long you’re inconveniencing others and, worse, are missing out on LEO something amazing. But you won’t know that until you’re actually involved. Your ruler the Sun aspects practical Saturn in mid-April. That’s the turning point. If you’ve made changes before then, you’ll begin building on what’s already arisen. Take a chance. You’ll never regret it.

May 21 – June 20 Most Geminis have plenty of rewarding friendships. Still, April’s encounters add something wonderful to your life. Some are powerful but passing. Others spark your thinking, love or emotional life.

GEMINI However, because they aren’t initially recognisable for what they are, invest time getting to know everybody. Similarly, unexpected events could introduce exciting alterations to elements of your way of living or working. While you might be hesitant at first, in retrospect you’ll realise they’re exactly what your life has needed.

August 23 – September 22 Dealing with April’s twists and turns requires differentiating between situations in which you’re in charge and those where decisions are up to others. Worrying as the latter seems, the planetary set up is so good that you VIRGO really can’t lose. Still, some of what’s best could come from out of the blue or be in the hands of others. Normally you’d talk things through. But in some cases even that’s not possible. While this means trusting certain individuals, it’s justified by their knowledge and experience.

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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.

September 23 – October 22 Obviously your priority is sorting out tensions in close alliances, personal, professional or otherwise. Urgent as this seems, you may have to tackle certain issues gradually. This requires patience but achieves a lasting solution.

LIBRA Also, because you’ve given these priority, you’ve put off other activities or pursuits. Some are pure pleasure but others are about broadening your horizons via study, travel or even spiritual pursuits. While these may not seem urgent, once you’re pursuing them, you’ll realise how much they balance your life.

December 22 – January 19 Ordinarily a combination of careful planning and a decisive attitude enables you to achieve most goals as planned. Now, however, you’re coping with exciting yet very disruptive CAPRICORN events that are taking you further from even those vague plans. Unsettling as it is, let even these go. This frees you to respond to the unexpected but extraordinary events promised by May’s remarkable planetary activity, which involves Pluto, which is in Capricorn, and promises to transform elements of your life in ways beyond anything you’ve imagined.

October 23 – November 21 When committing to changes of the nature and extent you’re discussing, obviously you want details. But with the foundation on which they’re based changing, and certain untried concepts and guarantees in short supply, this SCORPIO means going with the flow. Initially, you find this extremely worrying. But you relax, enough that you can accept changes with a new and unaccustomed ease. Thus, when previously agreed arrangements are altered, you happily accept changes, and without the usual anxieties or drama.

January 20 – February 18 Usually you’re adept at dealing with surprises that are thrown your way, whatever their nature. Yet the twists and turns you faced in March and which continue during April leave you AQUARIUS perplexed. That’s because it’s too soon to take action. Not only are you short of facts, the actual situations – and there are several – remain so uncertain that you can’t make even simple plans. But you can explore, particularly unknown territory. This isn’t just geographical. It refers to new people, ideas and even philosophies.

November 22 – December 21 Since early in the year there have been hints that the remarkable ideas or offers which first arose last year would come good. Now there’s lots more talk but frustratingly little action.

Tempting as it is to force issues, you’d SAGITTARIUS regret it. The slowdown involves practical matters of which you’re currently unaware. Since forcing issues achieves nothing, busy yourself with tedious but important tasks you’ve been putting off. Ensuring they’re dealt with now frees you to move swiftly when, in May, things suddenly get exciting.

February 19 – March 19 Since early in the year remarkable events have been altering both your world and your sense of identity, to the extent you now feel freer than for ages. Bizarrely, the confusion triggered

by Mercury, which is retrograde from mid-March until 4 April, and for some PISCES of that time in your sign, actually opens a new array of options to you in terms of activities and long-term goals. You can, at long last, leave those you’ve been defending to look after themselves. They’re ready.

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ADVERTISER LIST Aesthetics & Beauty Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre 357 Aesthetic Works Medical Associates 359 Alison Kerlin Hair Design 376 Amaris B.Face & Body Shaping Clinic 377 Dr Marco Faria Correa Plastic Surgery 328 Dr Valentin Low Aesthetic & Laser Clinic 8&9 Face Bistro 376 Flair Nails & Beauty Services 331 GloMinerals 316 Marie France Bodyline 59 Neetas Herbal Hair Loss 354 PPP Skin Laser Clinics 376 Spaboutique 377 Spa@Loewen Gardens 347 Sylvia’s Secret 377 The Body Firm 315 The Hair & Laser Clinic 353 The Wellness Clinic 323 Trimmings @ Loewen Gardens 347 Visage The Salon 284

Art Astrid Dahl Studio Gallery Derek Corke Watercolours Element Art Space Framing Angie Ode to Art Red Sea Gallery The Gallery of Gnani Arts

299 370 174 2&3 4&5 IFC & 1 370

Arts & Leisure Arts & Science Museum – Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal Fairs & Bazaars – Indian & Diwali Fair @ Hilton Hotel I Theatre – Ace Festival Loewen Gardens Singapore Repertory Theatre – Twelfth Night Wild R!ce – Romeo & Juliet

185 193 199 203 262 197

BBAXN Bibinogs Bloom & Grow Blue House International School Bouncy Castles Cadenza Music Studio Canadian International School CdeM Atelier & Art School Chinese International School David Forrest Personalized Career Branding EtonHouse International School Expat Teens Talk Gain German European School Go-Go Bambini Integrated International School ISS International School Las Lilas School Liberty Kokomo Little Newton Learning Centre Marsden Swim School Mothercare New Concept Mandarin Nexus International School Odyssey One World International School Pat’s Schoolhouse Pibo’s Garden Playschool Piccolo House Stamford American International School Secret Chamber Shaws Swallows And Amazons Tanglin Arts Studio The Children’s Showcase The Lighthouse Keepers Tropical Lime Trampolines United World College of South East Asia White Lodge Education Yuquan Preschool

379 33 290 364 372 371 158 372 148 151 161 308 91 312 371 131 308 372 381 371 373 139 370 168 162 126 182 290 381 49 370 43 372 371 370 372 373 146 164 371

Fashion Carpets Hassan’s Carpets Hedger’s Carpet Gallery Lotto Carpets The Orientalist

125 93 224 380 & OBC

Family & Education Academ Asia School of Language and Education Avondale Grammar School ARThaus Australian International School

371 154 364 51

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Amaya Lingerie Ana Boutique Annee Matthew Boutique Nicole B’Tots Dress Sense Ebab International EGG Maternity indyK.co Maternity Exchange Mohan’s Custom Tailors Mothers En Vogue IBC - Inside Back Cover

374 307 374 373 129 303 374 284 300 303 23 300

Pediped Rosalie Pompon Rouge Sam’s Custom Tailors Satine Shopping at Tiffany’s Ziegler Shoes

305 374 375 359 375 374 375

Financial & Legal Services American Tax Service Chartwell Associates Consilium Law Expat Insurance Gloria James-Civetta – Advocate & Solicitor

376 375 369 61 376

Food & Beverages Aura Expat Kitchen Four Seasons Organic Market Kashmir La Villa Magosaburou Michelangelo’s Restaurant Natural Springs Original Sin Outback Steakhouse Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore Peng Wine Senso Ristorante Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort Singapore Dine The Moluccas Room ThreeSixty Marketplace ToTT

240 245 217 240 239 211 222 373 222 209 240 385 239 171 219 245 191 242

Furniture & Home Décor Accentuate Home AF Home Alice Blue Art Trend Gallery Blum China Collection Danish Design Danovel Design Intervention Fairprice Antique Fifth Element Finezza Fisher & Paykel Galanga Living Gallery 278 by Esco LeasingL Grafunkt Heidi & Home House of AnLi House of Huanghuali Jehan Gallery

OBC - Outside Back Cover

121 52 296 381 74 47 IBC 97 29 270 382 118 81 & 195 277 201 35 380 280 267 86

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John Erdos Home Journey East Li Bai Arts & Antiques Life’s A Breeze LightCraft Natural Living Ni-Night OHMM Originals Origin AsiaL Outback Barbeque Gas Grill Ploh Taylor B Fine Design Teak & Mahogany The Past Perfect Collection The Shophouse The V Furniture The Vivant Tree Verandah Living Whitewoods Living Wihardja Furnishing Window to the PastL Woody Antique House

17 66 294 270 110 15 381 113 27 45 380 31 12 & 13 70 55 21 39 62 363 37 78 280 249

SoulCentre Specialist Dental Group SW Yung Orthopaedics The Counselling Place The Reiki Centre The Skin Pharmacy The Vein Clinic & Surgery Verita Advanced Wellness

Bintan Resorts Eastern & Oriental Express Horseback Mongolia Jagaditha James Bond Villa Kamekura Residences Whatever Cruise

Allied Pickfords AngloINFO Asian Tigers Mobility A-Team Amahs & Cleaners Comfy Homes Hyperlink Services Kev Posh Pet Services Mop Squad P&G Cleaning Products Santa Fe Relocation Services Singbound SIR Move Services Writer Relocasia

Motoring Services

Alliance Professional Counselling 379 Anti-Oxidant Centre 377 Balanced Living 373 & 380 Bikram Yoga 347 Body Temple 380 Cambridge Weight Plan 262 Cozy Dental Group 227 Dennis Lim Surgery 338 Ear Nose & Throat Centre 379 Fitness & Whole Food by Sharon Hurmuses 344 Gleneagles Hospital 327 GPA Dental 349 GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic 321 Health & Fertility Centre for Women 344 Innate 343 International Paediatric Clinic 299 Island Orthopaedic Consultants 354 Jerry Tan Eye Surgery 324 Neuro Spine and Pain Center 353 Nutri-Style 377 Optibac 341 Osteopathic Treatment Centre 379 PowerMoves - Pilates in the Park 378 Regional Hypnosis Center 378 Rhythmic Fitness 278 SBCC Baby & Child Clinic 331 Singapore Vein Centre 318 & 319 Smile Focus 334 Smile Inc. Dental Surgeons 10 & 11

Audi AVIS Car Rental Dragon Group Events Evergreen Rent A Car Expat Motor Presto Expat Motoring Wearnes Automotive

267 384 115 383 384 383 383 384 91 363 360 98 312

18 & 19 100 277 294 296 278 142

Photography & Prints Brilliant Prints Give It A Shot Photography Gronow Photography Light Poet Photography Littleones Photography Richard Ticehurst Photography Tomato Photo White Room Studio

382 383 382 382 383 187 383 382

Property Alpine Homes City Developments Expat Realtor Montigo Resorts Orchard Scotts Residences Property Guru The Rice Miller

107 105 73 250 205 360 102

Travel & Leisure Alam Bali Villa Asta Hotels & Resorts Bale Equestrian & Country Club Bali Dream Villas IBC - Inside Back Cover

384 255 220 385

OBC - Outside Back Cover

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6&7 253 257 385 385 385 369

Home Services

Health & Fitness

Legend: (*) IFC - Inside Front Cover

337 337 334 378 378 338 25 234

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IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency • Ambulance Service 995 • Ambulance Service (non-emergency) 1777 • Civil Ambulance 6333 3000 • Fire 995 • Green Crescent Ambulance Service 6788 8911 • Police 999 • Police Hotline 1800 225 0000 • Traffic Police Hotline 1800 547 1818 • 24-hr Emergency Road Service 6748 9911 • 24-hr Sewerage Services 1800 282 4336 • 24-hr Water (Pipes) Services 1800 284 6600 Hospitals

Public: • KK Women & Children’s • National University (NUH) • Singapore General (SGH) Private: • Parkway East Hospital • 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

6-2255 554 6779 5555 6222 3322 6344 7588 6473 7222 6347 6688 6737 2666 6311 1555 6350 8812 6274 6344 6466 4911 6337 6104 6737 3529 6473 2877 6466 0625 1605

Associations & Organisations • Africa Society 9677 1042 • American Assoc. of Singapore 6738 0371 • American Women’s Assoc.

6734 4895 • Amitabha Buddhist Centre 6745 8547 • ANZA 6733 1215 • British Association 6339 8229 • Canadian Association 6622 5485 • Career Resource Centre (CRCE) 6733 4257 • Consumer Associations (CASE) 6463 6678 • French Association www.afsingapour.com • German Association 6467 8802 • PrimeTime Business & Professional Women’s Assoc. 6234 0973 • Protea Group of South Africa 6465 6908 • SACAC Counselling 6733 9249 • Scandinavian Women’s Assoc. 9168 0745 • Singapore Oilwomen's Club 6365 2096 • Spanish Speaking Women’s Assoc.

9712 9948 • St Patrick’s Society 6345 0253 • Swiss Association www.swiss-sg.org • Friends of the Museum 6337 3685 Business & Trade • AmCham • Association of Dutch Businesspeople • AustCham • Belgium & Luxembourg Business Group • BritCham • CanCham • Danish Business Association • EuroCham

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6597 5730 9101 6201 6738 7917 8180 4061 6222 3552 9368 8004 6318 3557 6836 6681

• Finnish Business Council 6322 2451 • French Business Assoc. (FBA) 6226 6101 • German Business Assoc. (GBA) 6353 6841 • Irish Business Association 6534 5100 • Italian Chamber of Commerce 6223 0356 • Japanese Chamber of Commerce 6221 0541 • New Zealand Chamber of Commerce 6235 7119 • Spanish Business Association www.sbasg.sg • Swedish Business Association 6734 5009 • Swiss Business Association 6722 0799

Taxis • Comfort & City Cab • Comfort & City Cab Limo Cab Service • SMRT Taxis • Premier Cab • Singapore Explorer River Taxi

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 • S'Pore Environement Council • Nature Society • National Volunteer Centre • Riding for the Disabled (RDA) • SPCA Hotline

6552 1111

6735 9303 6500 7272 6337 6062 6741 2036 6550 9595 6250 0176 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 Booth • The Esplanade Theatres

6241 8539 6555 0188 6837 0611 6595 6868 1800 542 4422 6481 0017 6348 5555 6296 2929 6828 8377

Help Lines & Support Groups • Alcoholics Anonymous 6475 0890 • Anti-Narcotics Association 1800 733 4444 • AWARE Helpline 1800 774 5935 • Drug & Poison Information Centre 6423 9119 • New Mothers Support Group (NMSG) www.nmsg-singapore.com • Samaritans of Singapore 6220 7758 • SOS Hotline 1 800 221 4444 Property • Expat Realtor

6255 1027 www.expatrealtor.net • Property Guru 6238 5971 www.propertyguru.com.sg

WEBSITES Entertainment • www.eventshub.sg - Information on cultural and entertainment events • www.sistic.com.sg or www.ticketbooth.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.fairprice.com.sg • www.theorganicgrocer.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 • app.www.sg - An extensive site about Singapore services and what’s available • www.singaporefairs.com - Forthcoming fairs and bazaars • singaporum.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

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REGULARS

Living in Singapore

ent of a The ninth instalm e highs, diary that follows th trying to lows and laughs of City. This find love in Sing s the first month, SGLS drop e to EL. S and says goodby

Trouble is, this column is compromised. I spilled the There’s a man. A man I like, a lot. And, crucially, I think he likes me a lot, too. Plus he’s a superhero! beans about it to him just before I wrote this month’s piece because I couldn’t meet his eye when I tried to explain why It’s Captain America.

No, I’ve not lost the plot entirely and started an imaginary relationship with a Marvel comic. I’ve fallen in deep “like” with my American kickboxing instructor. Except, of course, he’s not my instructor any more. The lessons were ditched as soon as I felt I knew him well enough to admit an aversion to all things “kicky”. That includes those elephant shoes

by Kickers.

I’m being more cautious than I was with the Italian, but less so than with Mr Black Shirt, and it’s going well. I’ve endured endless ribbing from friends and colleagues, but guess what? I don’t care. I’ve even found myself liking the word “like” – a horrendous admission. The only thing I can’t ignore is the whole T-shirt-under-dress-shirt thing. I’ve asked Captain American about it and he just shrugged and said, “I dunno, I’ve always done it.”

“But you’ve just buttoned up a beautifully ironed shirt; why would you accessorise with the collar of a cheap T-shirt peeking through like a nasty wart or mole hair?” I plead.

Another American friend of mine says he does it for hygiene. Is he not washing his dress shirts? Or perhaps adding another layer is a great way to increase sweating and is thus perfect for purging?

The worst offenders are baggy T-shirts, and of course wife-beaters (sleeveless vests). Both make the wearer look like a child who’s dressing up like Daddy, but the second reeks of “ghetto corporate”. Unless you’re a successful rap artist, it’s never right to wear beach clothes under office attire, but even P Diddy has learnt this lesson and ditched the extra layer.

As for Captain America, I plan to gradually steal, and then bin, every single one of his undershirts until he’s forced to go commando on top.

I needed to work late. His response?

“But you’re not single!”

Oh, yes!

So I’m forced to drop an S from my acronym SGLS. And because Diary of a Girl Living in Singapore doesn’t have the same ring to it, this is going to be my last post. But I promise to let you know if we get married.

I hear the editors at Expat Living are on the hunt for a single guy, so do please get in touch if you’re interested in writing the best column in the magazine. Apparently, guys have far more interesting things to say. Do they?

PS: Captain America, don’t worry – I haven’t binned your undershirts. Turns out there are some people in Cambodia who need them.

If you’d like to take on this column and anonymously report on the single scene in Singapore, please email editorial@expatliving.sg with the subject Diary of a Single Person.

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PARTING SHOT

Everyone loves a list – including ItalianAmerican expat JENNIFER GARGIULO, who writes a funny blog about life in Singapore. Here are some samples.

10 sure signs you are an expat dad in Singapore Your children’s international school fees leave you disconcerted. (“$30,000? For third grade? What are they learning, rocket science?”)

2. Your kids boast about staying in five-star resorts – your childhood holidays mostly involved a tent.

3. You accept that a decent bottle of wine costs as much as a mini-vacation.

4. You welcome 11pm conference calls from California… not.

5. Business trips are fine, unless they include a Sunday, or a night flight from mainland China.

6. Your wife keeps very close track of your frequent flier points.

7. You know which Asian airport has the best lounge, best sushi, longest taxi line, and so on.

8. Business trip to Bangalore. Yoga retreat in India. Not the same thing.

9. You could be playing golf or relaxing by the pool, but you’re not doing much of either.

10.Your wife no longer asks you which business destination has the best-looking women. But she has noticed that Tokyo is the only city that makes you whistle while you pack.

1.

1. You get offered 2. Marie Claire is a cup of hot water.

3. You’re the clie in Chinese.

nt with the mos t challenging ha 4. You can’t unde ir.

5. You bring in yo rstand any of the gossip. ur reluctant so n, who studies Manda rin, so he can te ll you if they’re talking 6. It’s freezing. about you. (They are.)

7. You get given tw o oranges for good luck on Chine se New Year.

8. When someone says “Your hair is so curly!”, they do n’t mean it in a good way.

9. Describing your desired colour as “copper – you know, like the colour of the sun setti ng on kitchen pots in a Provenca l farmhouse,” is not a foolproof plan .

10. Those straighten ed locks smili ng back at you fro m the mirror m ay well be stayin g behind at the hair salon, thanks to the 100-degree humidity outside.

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Below: Italian expat dad Michele with childre n Eliot and Alexander on the Singapore Flyer.

To r e a d m o r e o f JJennifer’s writing, visit diaryofanexpatinsingapore. d blogspot.com. If you’d like b tto contribute to our Parting SShot page, send an email of iinterest or – better yet – a 500word article to contribute@ w eexpatliving.sg, and we’ll cconsider it for publication. eL

Iadamson | Dreamstime.com

10 sure signs yo hair salon in u are at a Singapore

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