Singapore Crocodile Farm

As mentioned in A Place Called Home, we stumbled upon a crocodile farm about 1 km from our house today. We weren't sure if we could enter at first because they had a big sign that says "Welcome" and another that says "Do not enter!". A lady came out and said we can look around and be careful to not stick out our hands. I was very curious to find a crocodile farm in the middle of a residential area and asked the lady the purpose of this farm. She told me it was for educational purposes. Noting that, this farm is also a leather factory that processes crocodile skins. Hmm, so much for educational purposes. 

The reptiles in the cages are just darn big that it scares me. And the best thing is, just next door, separated by just one regular wall is a big bungalow! People living next to a crocodile farm! I would think it is totally crazy if anyone asks me. The thing is the safety measures in this old farm is not so secure. Hence, this conclusion.

Nonetheless, it is definitely a Wow thing to know about your residential area. Their souvenir shop sells crocodile teeth and leather goods. Strangely, I noticed a newspaper clipping that said buying crocodile leather goods help support the survival of the crocodile species. Apparently, with increase demand for crocodile leather, people began farming crocodiles and this increase in their numbers took them off the endangered species list! Knowing that, buy crocodile leather goods conscience free everyone!

Please click here to check out the crocodile farm!

A Place Called Home

After one week, we have successfully settled down in our new home at Kovan-Hougang! Endlich! Finally! 终于！ Woohoo! 

It took a week for the both of us to arrange and get everything to be livable to our standards. I must say, I definitely won't be able to manage that without Soenke!  

Now that the fridge is fully stocked, the laundry for the past 3-4 weeks are done, the house looks super, our books in the new fake-antique bookshelves, plants growing, both had a first use of the induction cooker... I can finally announce that we are all settled in!

Here is the plan of our unit. It is big compared to the standard 3 room units. Based on what we were told, it is because of (A) it is a corner unit (B) it is an old unit. Don't care, it is rockin'!

Love, love, love! 

As for the location of our house, it is around 5mins walk to the MRT station. It faces directly opposite a foodcourt, a 7-11 and McDonalds around the corner, a very famous Thai restaurant around the block, followed by a 24 hours foodcourt. Next to the MRT station is Heartland Mall, which has a Cold Storage for groceries. 

Today, we explored the surroundings by foot and stumbled across a beer garden, a crocodile farm (which has huuuuugeee reptiles) and another 24 hours eating place. Oh, and a lot of churches, not that we plan to go to any..

To sum it up, we love our new place!

 

 

Engagement Night Part 1

On my birthday, Soenke had booked a room at the Swiss'otel Stamford for a birthday treat. The idea is great. A very nice room in a very different setting and waking up to a wonderful buffet breakfast. 

Some days before turning 25, Soenke said he wanted to bring me to dinner at the Equinox, a restaurant at the Swiss'otel on its 70th floor. I was elated! 

Looking forward to a great night, we checked into the hotel after work. Our room has a balcony with a great view over the city. And guess what, while being mesmerized by the night lights, Soenke grabbed my attention and went on bended knee, proceeded to bring out my engagement ring and proposed to me. Teeheeheehee.. I guess we all know what my answer was. 

This is our room on the 38th floor. That is me heading towards the balcony. It is not very often to get a hotel room with a balcony with a view, at least for me. 

 Photo courtesy of Soenke. This was the view from the balcony. Breathtaking, I would say.

 This is me plus engagement ring. Was asked to pose like this. Not my idea. =)

Part 2 about our wonderful evening at Equinox coming up soon. Even though this is major, I am flooded with a lot of things screaming for my attention or that I require superior time management skills.

27.07.2010 - We are engaged!

Our engagement on 27.07.2010 has been announced on Soenke's blog as well as on Facebook. I have yet the chance to put up an official announcement on my blog here as the days flew past me like a crazy train off track. It also means I am not a true blue blogger that has the urge to blog immediately. Hence, this post six days post-engagement. Nonetheless, it still is my utmost pleasure to share our happy news with everyone.

Now, back to topic, I turned 25 years old on 27.07.2010 and at the same time changed my social status to be engaged. So yes, WE ARE ENGAGED!!

To commemorate our engagement, we discussed about creating something special to mark the announcement. Soenke has posted the .pdf file on his site but here is the presentation in picture format:   

Here is our love to all our friends and family. Thank you for sharing this special moment with us. It is definitely still surreal!