Happy Birthdays, the Navy, and Body Combat!

On Saturday, John celebrated his 23rd birthday.  What was the one thing he wanted for his birthday?  Wall-E.  Yes, as in the robot Wall-E.  So, on 11:30 on Friday night, we went to see the movie (for the third time–twice in the US and once in Singapore) so that as his birthday began, he would be looking at Wall-E.  Interestingly enough, Wall-E came out here only a few weeks ago, whereas it has been out in the US for almost three months.  The amount of American popular culture in Asia is incredible.  I can’t walk into a store without hearing the latest rap hit (I really really miss country music) and on the bus ride downtown, many of the buildings boast ads for upcoming movies.  Which movies?  Hollywood–and maybe a few Bollywood:)

The other part of John’s birthday present was a visit to Sentosa (a resort island on the south side of Singapore) via monorail and a day at Underwater World–Singapore’s aquarium.  To borrow words from Lucy:  it was fabulous!  There were several displays where you could touch the animals including sting rays, puffer fish and starfish.  Then, there was an entire display of a favorite Singapore culinary delight, crabs.  There were probably more than 15 species represented in the exhibit…the largest measuring 3.7 metres!  Yeah, that will give you nightmares.  The highlight of our trip, however, was the “travellator” a moving sidewalk that talkes you through an underwater tunnel.  Sharks and Dugongs (a relative of the manatee) were swimming overhead.  Needless to say, the trip was very exciting!

John trying to grab a stingray

The beginning of the week brought a real treat–my friend Abby Rigney from high school!  She’s in the US Navy and had a brief stop over in Singapore.  Also, she is our first visitor from the US!  John and I really enjoyed seeing her and meeting all of her friends from her boat.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at a Mission turned bar/restaurant centre, drank the ORIGINAL Singapore Slings at the Raffles hotel, and went shopping on the famous Orchard Road.  Although Abby and I haven’t seen each other since a year after high school graduation, it was like we never skipped a beat.  I am so thankful she was able to stop here and–for once–I got to show someone around!

Singapore Slings at the Raffles Hotel---SCHS Style:)

My last comments will involve my exercise regiment.  As I’ve mentioned before, one of the favorite activities of Singaporeans is to eat.  In attempt to adapt to my new culture, I’ve tried to perfect this skill (eating) even though I was already pretty darn good at it!  Anyhow, John and I decided to join a fitness center to keep ourselves in shape!  Today, I decided to try a group class–my first one besides my cheerleading workouts.  I picked “Body Combat.”  I get to the studio, which overlooks Sentosa, the island I mentioned earlier, and start to stretch before the class is to begin.  In comes “Margaret,” a Singaporean Chinese woman wearing a camouflage tank top and cargo shorts.  She showed me a few punches and kicks and then off we go.  The great thing is, Body Combat in this part of the world borrows heavily from marshall arts moves..much more so than I’ve seen in the US.  Granted, all that I’ve seen are videos in the US.  Well, an hour later, my body was aching beyond the point it’s ached after any cheerleading practice.  Everyone should try Body Combat.

John and I are off to dinner!  Hope to hear from you all soon!