The X-Pat Files

A New Do

2008-07-08T17:25:00.000+08:00

Got bored of having long medium brown hair all the time so I got it dyed dark and cut short (relatively.) Not bad I think!

A New Obsession

2008-07-07T10:10:00.000+08:00

It's not really a new obsession for me to love puppets, but it is new for me to be making puppets as I've just started to do. I got a few patterns from a website called www.puppetproject.com and here is the result of my first attempt. His name is Fred Fundleton and he is an accountant. He has many allergies which is why you will see him sneezing with the cat in the background. I'm going to try to get his pictures posted on the project puppet website!

More Wedding Pics!

2008-06-17T08:57:00.000+08:00

More pictures from the wedding. Pics by F8 Studio Photography, Huy Nguyen

ENJOY!

The Wedding!

2008-04-08T16:15:00.000+08:00

Whoever said it is sad when the wedding is over obviously had a wedding planner. I'm so glad it's over and I find myself with free time that used to be spent planing. Still, I had a great time at the wedding. It was small and relaxed as we wanted. Kuang's friend and fellow photographer from Singapore came for a workshop and stopped by the wedding too. The following pictures are by him, Eadwine Lay of Plush Photography.

More to come later!

Singapore Weddings: Traditional & Non-Traditional

2007-12-22T00:26:00.000+08:00

Well, we've been to two wedding dinners in the last two days. One was about as traditional as they come, the other about as non-traditional as they come. So, what, you might ask, is traditional in Singapore? Well, to answer that I will describe the dinner we went to last night. First of all there were 75 tables each holding 10 people. For those of us who can handle simple math that equals a whole lot! We asked the groom how many of them he knew he replied less than half. Yikes. It is typical at Chinese weddings to invite hordes or people your parents vaguely know. It's a way of showing how wealthy you are and makes you look good. More must haves for the traditional Chinese wedding dinner: dry ice entrance, sharks fin soup, friends and relatives performing musical numbers, loud and long "yum sengs" (basically saying cheers), a styrofoam or plastic cake and a grand entrance of the first dish on flaming platters. Basically the more unusual, bizarre, exotic and cruel the food, the better. The highlight of the night? Snowfrog ovary soup. Yum. Tonight's wedding, however, was almost the opposite. Less than 40 close friends and relatives at a nice hotel villa, homemade cupcakes, buffet dinner of Asian and Western food and heartfelt words from the bride and groom. What, you may ask, is the same about both types? Love, my friends. It may be outright or hidden under layers of propriety, but it's there. Mazel tov to all!

Europe: Part 4- London

2007-12-09T13:37:00.000+08:00

I really enjoyed London although it was really, really expensive. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the final leg of our trip.

The best thing about London for me was listening to the boys choir sing at St. Paul's Cathedral. It was amazing!

Europe: Part 3- The Netherlands

2007-12-09T13:22:00.000+08:00

I've finally gotten around to posting the rest of our European trip pictures! Here is a picture from Dokkum where we stayed when we visited my ancestral village of Anjum. The town of Anjum is so small that our bus went right through it before we realized it. We stopped at the seaside instead and walked back to Anjum. Here are picture from Anjum including the town center with the windmill that was built around the time my great grandfather was born and a grave in the town cemetary with a family name on it.

Here is a picture of Amsterdam.

First Dress Fitting

2007-11-12T19:53:00.000+08:00

The nice thing about being engaged to a wedding photographer is that I have someone built-in to take my dress fitting photos. Here are the pics from my first fitting. The dress is too big right now but it' starting to take shape. I decided to tie a green ribbon around the waist to help define my waist and add a bit of color as well. Stay tuned for more pics.

The Great Wedding Gown Hunt

2007-09-03T20:05:00.000+08:00

So, I decided it's about time to get my wedding dress sorted out. I went on my first expedition by myself to several bridal gown shops and realized this is not something you want to do on your own. For one, it's a very strange experience to suddenly be trying on huge, elaborate gowns, especially with no one to ooh and ahh about you, trying to make you feel better. Once I wised up I took Maggie, an outspoken American friend, and, against all wedding protocol, my fiance. Kuang's first impression seeing me in a gown: laughter. After a few gowns that I wasn't quite convinced about, Kuang pointed one out that he thought I should try. Turned out it was not only what I had wanted, but it looked nice on too. It is a simple, A-line strapless dress with an organza overlay, similar to this picture: What can I say, he's got good taste- he did choose me afterall!

Europe: Part 2- Munich

2007-07-15T16:35:00.000+08:00

We took the night train to Munchen (Munich), Germany and arrived in a calmer, more relaxed city. We both liked it better than Paris right away. I was very excited to see the puppets in the old puppet theater but it was closed. I wanted to see the old clock tower with the carved dolls that come out like a cuckoo clock but it was under construction. Still, we liked the slower pace here and the old buildings. The food here was the best though. I really enjoyed the sausages and saurkraut, especially since the rest of Europe apparently only eats sandwiches. The light was especially beautiful in Munich and we liked walking in the parks.

We also took a trip to Dachau, the first concentration camp, just 20 minutes away by train. It was very cold and windy and it was sad to read about all the terrible things that happened in the camps.
Still, we really liked Munich and would like to go back to Germany again some day. After this, another night train to Amsterdam!

The Great European Vacation, Part 1: Paris

2007-07-13T14:17:00.000+08:00

As you may or may not know, we just got back from our whirlwind European tour, my first time in Europe and Kuang's first time outside of the UK. Paris was our first stop and I must say, I found it rather disappointing. It's definitly not the romantic city I've heard about! It was very dirty (notice the bird and the "decorations" on the bench.) I did enjoy the sights though. We managed to go to the Eiffel Tower, all the way to the top even though I was scared to death on the way up. We went to Notre Dame but there was a service going on so we didn't get to go inside. We also went to the Sacre Coeur, I probably spelled that wrong, but anyway it's another church. We realized when we saw it that the lawns down below are used in a scene from Amelie. The Louvre was very interesting.
Kuang enjoyed himself. So did I... In case you couldn't tell from the first picture, Paris has a LOT of pigeons. And they also have a lot of statues. And they also have a lot of statues with pigeons on them!

Looking back, I had a good time in Paris although it's not my favorite city. Next stop, Munich!

Big News!

2007-07-13T14:15:00.000+08:00

I got tired of waiting and I proposed! Luckily he said yes and we are potentially looking at a March-ish wedding next year in Arizona and a reception the following summer in Singapore!

Wat I lerned at skool...

2007-05-16T12:16:00.000+08:00

Anyone who thinks teaching is a soft option is crazy. This is the hardest I've ever worked in my life, but also very rewarding! ...no, really! I never thought I would be a teacher but I've found that it is really a fun job and it's great to see the kids learn and grow! Here are a few pictures of my students from this year.

Indonesian gamelan concert (Grade 4)

Balinese Kechak (vocal chant), Grade 3

Playing xylophones and metalophones (Grade 2)

Playing drums (Kindergarten)

It's exciting for me as a teacher to experience what I never learned as a kid. We didn't have a regular music class and we certainly didn't get to play on our very own Indonesian gamelan or learn the vocal chants of Bali or play xylophones, metallophones and drums! I've had a whole new world opened to me! My favorite subject to teach is definitly band though and I am very proud of my brass & percussion guys this year. We are currently in the middle of our big music festival. I will add posts and pictures (possibly video if I can figure out how to do it) very soon!

Home Sweet Home

2007-01-10T12:23:00.000+08:00

After a two and a half year absence, I returned home this past Christmas! Well, sort of, as my parents decided to move to Arizona. So Kuang and I went to Arizona to visit them for the holidays. We really had a great time on the trip and of course it was great to see everyone, including my new niece, Alexandra, who was born on December 7th.

Everyone was home for Christmas except Joey and his wife so we ended up with 19 people in the house for Christmas day. It was pretty crazy and hectic. The highlight of the day for me was paying my mom back all of the money I've ever borrowed from her. Here is a great picture of her reaction...

Here are a few more pictures of Christmas.

Bali, Hi!

2006-07-24T11:55:00.000+08:00

We just got back from Bali the other day. It was my third trip to Bali and I continue to have a love-hate relationship with the island. It is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The beach, the mountains, the rice terraces, it's all great. The one thing I can't stand about Bali is the fact that everyone is trying to sell me something all the time! It is impossible to just lie on the beach and relax. The touts are either sitting right next to you, holding a sarong in front of your face and demanding a dollar, or in nice resorts, they stand at a distance and wait for you to cross that invisible line which allows them to come and get you. It's hard for them, I understand. Especially for an economy that is almost completely dependent on tourism, and with the two terrorist bombings, the people are suffering. But still, I have to draw the line when they ask for US$25 for a henna tattoo... I guess I will need a few more trips to decide where I stand with Bali.

Jacki's Big Adventure, Part I

2006-07-11T17:26:00.000+08:00

Ok, so Jacki came for a visit and I promised I would tell you how it went, so here goes. She arrived at 11:30PM which was extremely helpful in getting her over jetlag quickly. Over the next two and a half weeks we went to all of the usual tourist places: the Bird Park, the Singapore Zoo, China Town, Orchard Road, Arab Street, Sentosa, Underwater World, on the Duck tour, the DHL balloon (terrifying in my opinion, she loved it.) We went to a few non-tourist places as well: East Coast hawker centre, my school (SAS) and Kuang's office.
When we weren't busy walking all over the island, Jacki was busy getting sick. She had morning sickness, dehydration and even a lovely bout of mycoplasm (thanks to me!) It's no wonder I wasn't quite sure whether she enjoyed her trip or not. She was not thrilled with the food and we spent much of out time searching for western food.
Still she says she enjoyed it, especially the Bird Park, Zoo, Duck Tour and DHL balloon. As for me, I was glad I could share a slice of my life here in Singapore with my family.
Stay tuned for a future post with pictures from her trip.

Cattitude

2006-07-07T14:52:00.000+08:00

"Squeakers" found us in an alley in the heart of Singapore. I couldn't help but stop to pet this adorable kitten. She wasn't ready for me to stop petting her and decided to follow me. The petting hasn't stopped since. She's been with us for two months now and is extremely loving and intelligent. Her name comes from the fact that she does not really meow, rather, she squeaks. She is a lot like a dog. She meets us at the door, loves going on walks and likes to play fetch. Squeakers is very Singaporean as she likes spicy food and likes just about anyone who comes over. I thought I loved cats but Kuang truly believes this cat is his "daughter" and would probably give his left leg for her if ever there was a need. She is a very special member of our family!
Photograph by Hwang Chi Kuang, www.39eastimages.com

Oh My Ao Dai!

2006-07-07T14:39:00.000+08:00

Me at a friends wedding in my lovely handmade tailored ao dai from Vietnam.

Work work work

2006-07-05T13:19:00.000+08:00

Here's the problem with living in Singapore. There are three things that people do a lot of: eat, shop and work. Especially work. The "normal" working week here is 6 1/2 days. By the time you get to work and fight traffic home in the afternoon of that "half" day, you've really spent a whole day working. In other words, Sunday is your only day off.

As expats in Singapore we tend to conform to the same schedule. True, my work only requires me to be here Monday through Friday for 8 hours. The reality, however, is that we end up working overtime and spending our weekends catching up on other work and daily humdrum, like paying bills or we spend them comotose in front of the television, trying to assure ourselves that this is in fact home and we are allowed to rest.

Don't get me wrong, I admire the work ethic and all this work has helped me to pay off bills faster. But let me put it this way: there is a reason that the birth rate here is dangerously low. No time to make babies! Of course you could always get a maid to help, and many do. Personally I hate the thought of other people taking care of my dirty laundry. No pun intended.

Different people, different strokes.

Really, the work situation isn't that bad. The key is to have something that you are passionate about to fill that one precious day off per week. There are so many options here, from paintball to sailing to ceramics to pilates to kung fu to swimming to archery, tennis, you name. For me it's wakeboarding. Ahh, life is good.

Jacki's Big Adventure! (A Preview)

2006-06-07T14:49:00.000+08:00

This should be interesting. Instead of taking my summer trip (New Zealand was on the agenda), Jacki is coming over for her first taste of Asia! Will she enjoy the lifestyle? People? Food? Cute Singlish accents? Tune in next time to find out!

More Vietnam Pictures!

2006-04-07T15:44:00.000+08:00

Me in my cute conical hat!

The best French bread in the world... besides France!

Old gentlemen playing checkers (or something like checkers).

Some random fruit seller pushed her pole on me and made me carry it. I think they expect to be paid for the novelty of holding their stuff. It was pretty heavy.

The village kids knew one word in English (Hello) and every kid that passed said it to Kuang. For some reason they found it a real riot to hear him say something back to them.

On top of the mountain thingy in the middle of Ha Long Bay. We had to climb over 400 steps to reach the top!

The cave we explored in Ha Long Bay.

The coolest trashcan in the world (they had penguins too!) These were in the cave in Ha Long Bay. Random, but true. If they would've sold these in the giftshops, I swear I would've bought one. I can't resist their cute little faces.

The "toilet" at the prison.

A street vendor in Hanoi.

Me looking adorable.

Shops in Hanoi.

Kuang posing in front of a pile of trash.

Season I, Eposode 1: Vietnam, Land of No Rules

2006-04-04T13:51:00.002+08:00

Vietnam is a great place, don't get me wrong. But if you are the type who tends to be a bit "blur" (Singlish for "head in the clouds") like me, you may want to travel with someone else who can warn you about oncoming vehicles and swerving motorcycles. I almost got run over quite a few times actually. Apparently traffic laws do not exist in Vietnam. Or if they do, no one cares! Technically they drive on the right side of the road like in America, but often both sides are fair game, as is the sidewalk and even the middle of the street. Motorists don't seem to care how they get places or who they have to run over to get there. But hey, if you want excitement, this is the place to go! For those extreme thrill seekers, try renting your own motorcycle! Warning: in the six days we were there, I saw four motorcycle accidents....

We spent most of our trip in Hanoi in Northern Vietnam. Nice for a short visit I suppose, but I can't say I'll go again anytime soon. I didn't find the people particularly friendly (see above traffic comments) and it is very difficult to make yourself understood if you don't speak the language. Most Vietnamese don't seem to speak English. I would recommend getting a "fixer" as Kuang calls them, who speaks English and can help you get to where you want to go. Otherwise you end up all over the countryside looking and random pottery villages catering entirely to tourists... but that's another story completely.

Things worth doing and seeing in Hanoi:

The Waterpuppet show- Yes, it is very touristy and everyone there was white, but still. It's interesting. Amazing what they can do with puppets.

Pho- (pronounced like "fuh") Noodle soup, yum. Vietnam is famous for it's noodle soup, the most popular is the beef and the chicken. Chicken is hard to find now because of Bird Flu but the best meal we had there was definitly the chicken pho.

Ao Dai- (pronounced "ow zai" in the North, "ow yai" in the South) The traditional costume of Vietnamese women. A lot like a Chinese cheongsam, but slit high up the sides and worn with pants underneath. I bought four tailor-made dresses for US$30 each.

Cyclo- A small two seater with umbrella on top, attached to a bicycle. Fun and dangerous! One ride is enough in these things!

Hanoi Hilton- Don't be fooled by the name. It's really a prison where many American prisoners spent their time during the Vietnam War (known as the American War there.) The prisoners knew it affectionately by this name. From an American perspective, this is interesting to see. It is tiny and dismal and pretty depressing if you think about all the torture they went through. Look for the two rooms dedicated entirely to propaganda claiming that Americans were treated well and humanely during their stay... Senator John Mc Cain was kept there and they have his uniform on display, along with several random sweaters, blankets and shoes that were graciously given to the American's to make them more comfortable....

I took this picture while sitting on the floor in this cell. I wanted to see what it felt like for the prisoners. It creeped me out and I ran out as soon as I'd taken the picture....

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum- Ok, so I slept in and didn't make it to this one, but I heard it was a hoot. Basically you walk in and file past a dead and preserved Ho Chi Minh. You're not allowed to speak, walk too fast or too slow or to take pictures. Interesting fact: he didn't want to be preserved and gawked at, he wanted to be creamated. Go figure.

If you're going to visit Northern Vietnam, you MUST take a trip to Ha Long Bay. It is truly spectacular and definitly worth a look. We stayed on a Chinese junk that took us around the bay and to explore a cave in the middle of the bay, then to climb a big mountain island. We slept on the boat in the bay, then cruised back to the harbor and went back to Hanoi. It was definitley the most enjoyable part of the trip for me. There whole bay is filled with karst formations (like jagged mountain islands all over the place) and the water is very green (and probably very polluted since we saw them dumping the contents of the boat refuse into it.)

All in all, it was a great trip, not at all relaxing, except at Ha Long Bay, but it was interesting. I give it 3 1/2 out of five stars! More pictures will be posted soon!

2006-03-22T12:19:00.002+08:00

Pingu Rocks!
If you have never seen this tv show, you are missing out. It is one of the quirky wonders I've discovered while living overseas. Best claymation ever!

The X-Pat Files: Season I

2006-03-21T18:34:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the X-Pat Files, a site documenting my many adventures here in Asia and my travels abroad. Stay tuned for pictures and commentary on my past travels as well as some new adventures coming soon!