Random stories from the ‘pore.

Dear all,

It’s been a pretty typical week, but I thought I would highlight a few of the better stories.  They just seem entertaining.

The first is my adventure to the Arab Quarter–a section of Singapore mostly populated by people from the Arab world and Malaysia.  This part of town is home to a beautiful mosque (Sultan Mosque) with a gorgeous gold dome and ornate architectural detail.  I love to go here and shop for fabrics (if I ever have a good reason to need fabric) and neat dresses, shaws, and jewelery.  Their merchandise is beautiful.  Anyway, on my way home from the Arab quarter, I was waiting to cross the street to get back to the MRT.  A Chinese man approached me and proceeded to ask me where I was from.  I told him I lived in Singapore (always start with this answer–a lesson I learned long after moving here).  Much of the time, locals will strike up conversation before trying to sell you something (like tissues, etc.).  Begging is illegal in Singapore.  Many people who would otherwise be “beggars” have small things they are trying to sell like tissues or candy.  I was prepared for the salespitch but that’s not what came next.  He asked me how I liked China.  I told him I had never been to China.  He then informed me that I was in China.  Hmm…I thought to myself.  I then reconfirmed what he said…”I’m in China?  I thought this was Singapore.”  He assured me I was in China.  Thankfully, by this point, the light changed and I was able to cross the street.  Looking back, I realize I was never in any danger, I just felt sorry for this man and really wanted to help him, but my first thought was to cross the street.  A sweet British couple came up to me a few seconds later and told me they had been watching to make sure everything was ok.  This type of things doesn’t happen very often in Singapore, and as funny as it may seem that a man told me I was in China while I was in the Arab quarter…it made me stop and think.

My newest adventure is teaching English!  Our church has an ESL (English as a Second Language) Program designed to teach adults to speak English.  I randomly went to teacher training one week and, before I knew it, had volunteered to teach a class!  Not just any class though, I volunteered to teach and Intro level class.  Intro level students speak no English when they enter the classroom (after intro, it goes through level 5).  In fact, the first lesson is how to say “hello, my name is…”  Fortunately, since it’s the middle of the academic year, I got to pick up at Unit 8, so they know a little bit of English, but not much.  I compare it with me during Spanish 1 (or Spanish 11 all you FU people).  I just knew a few of the basics.  My students are from all over Asia.  I have students from Japan, Korea, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan.  And, my fabulous assistant teacher, Yoshie, is from Japan.  As a result, the only common language is English, which is what we’re learning.  It’s going to be a challenge, but I am so excited!  Our first class went really well–Yoshie you did a great job!  I’ll update more about this soon…

My last story for today is another installment in John’s haircut saga.  To recap, John’s first haircut here was at the haircutting school (where they had trouble because he had the hair of a foreigner) and his last few haircuts have been from a vending machine.  You insert ten dollars, receive a ticket, then wait in line for a ten minute haircut from a Japanese trained barber.  Very interesting.  His last haircut was from me!  Yes, it’s true…I cut his hair.  The last time I gave a haircut was to Grant at Governor’s Scholars and even then I just helped Ruby Marie do it.  And, if I recall correctly, he ended up with a bald spot on the side of his head.  John had been trying to convince me to do this for a while.  He told me that it was both more time efficient and cost efficient.  So, why wouldn’t we do it?  Hmm…maybe because my only haircutting experience involved a bald spot on a seventeen year old?  Seemed like a good reason to me.  Anyway, I sat him down in a chair and put a “Family Guy” on TV to distract him.  He wanted to play the Wii, but I thought there would be too much movement and he might lose an ear.  So, I cut and cut and finally got his hair to look somewhat normal.  It was such a relief.  No bald spots, lost ears, or lopsided hair.  I need to keep practicing–I cut so little off it does’t even look like he got a haircut–but I’m making progress nonetheless:)

This weekend John and I are headed to a Hindu festival called Thaipusam in Little India.  This festival involves the followers piercing themselves with swords and needles and walking over hot coals.  This should be interesting…be on the lookout for an update soon.

HAPPY FRIDAY and thanks for reading!!!  We miss you all:)