Settling into Singapore
Hello everyone! See, I told you I wouldn’t abandon you once arriving in Singapore. Thanks so much to everyone who sent me messages to see how we were doing. Honestly, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Let me tell you, the idea of moving across the world is a lot more exciting in theory than reality. It is VERY different to travelling to a city on holiday when you’re in a 5 star hotel in the middle of the city with room service and a concierge at your beck and call.
We arrived here on Monday morning, went straight to the cargo section of the airport to fetch the cats and take them to quarantine, an ordeal in itself because their water had spilt out of the containers, obviously they had to use the loo in their travel carriers and the whole thing was just a mess. They were meowing hysterically and we just felt awful about putting them through this. We cleaned them up and cuddled them a bit before they went into quarantine and even managed to get a few purrs out of them so I felt a bit better. If you’re ever planning to travel with pets, I’d really recommend exhausting all other options before you do that. It’s not fair to put animals through it and if you can find them a good home that’s the better option by far. In our case, there was no one we could leave them with so we had to bring them along.
If you do decide to still take them, I recommend Flying Animals. We paid R4.5k for both cats to fly to Singapore, and that’s about half of what all other agents quoted me. They weren’t too clued up about the health requirements for importing animals into Singapore but I’m a research nut so had all of that documented anyway. They were super professional, reliable and kept us at ease throughout the process.
After that, our taxi dropped us off at our apartment. When I pictured coming to Singapore, I imagined living in a penthouse apartment above a bustling street. Our apartment is on the 23rd floor of one of about 5 blocks of flats within a condo, that is like its own village with a huge swimming pool, supermarket and an adjacent public park that is massive, with lakes, jogging trails and a big outside gym. I really love a city vibe so was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t walk outside the flat and be in the middle of restaurants, shops and bars.


However, it is situated 3km from INSEAD which is what we’re after. Researching an apartment online in advance is not ideal.
We rented a fully furnished apartment and are paying SGD4000 (about R35,000) a month for a 3 bedroom place, including electricity (up to a cap of SGD100) and uncapped internet (which is unbelievably fast.) When we got to the apartment, it smelt musty and was furnished with the absolute bare minimum. Like the cheapest furniture possible and not a single thing extra. There was a dead cockroach in the shower, a towel and someone’s slippers laying on the floor, mismatched, OLD crockery and cutlery, NO oven (Asian people don’t use ovens so apartments don’t come fitted with one), microwave or toaster. The apartment is modern but it could be so much better if it was furnished with care.

For the first time, we questioned this decision and thought to ourselves, WHAT have we done. We gave up an amazing, plush apartment in JHB where we had every possible thing we could need. Nevertheless, we missioned to IKEA (couldn’t even take a shower after the flight cos we had noΒ towels) and basically bought most of what’s sitting in storage in JHB from our own place. Matching plates, mugs, new knives, towels, cutlery, and some pot plants to make the place feel more homely.We tried to buy the cheapest stuff ‘cos we’re only here until Dec but it made me sad that we have state of the art pots, gadgets and appliances at home that are in boxes in a storage warehouse.
We also did a grocery shop and limited ourselves to 1 apple each (at around R9 an apple.) Later, we found out that it is far cheaper to buy food from Hawker Markets (where the locals go to eat) vs. cooking it yourself. You can get a full meal for around SGD3 (about R25.)

Once we got home, we started cleaning and at around 7pm that night the power cut. I didn’t have a Singapore sim card yet, we knew no one, the guard couldn’t speak English and it was just the most helpless feeling ever. I probably would have had a melt down if Rishav wasn’t with me. I now have the hugest respect for people who can move overseas by themselves. I’m nowhere near as strong.
Eventually, we used the guard’s phone to call the landlord, who came over about 2 hours later and called an electrician, who replaced a burnt wire. An odd thing, both the landlord and the electrician came into our place barefoot- apparently it’s rude to go into someone’s house with shoes on, because it dirties the house. Outside every apartment there’s a shoe rack. Another quirk: we asked where to leave our dirt, and were told that there’s a chute in the kitchen that you throw the dirt into, and it falls down 23 floors to God Knows Where. Pretty cool π Our landlord went out of his way (think he felt bad about the rough start) and drove us around the area, showing us where INSEAD and all the shops are.
We went to bed feeling a little lighter, and the next day we got our phones and internet sorted, plus went to visit the cats in quarantine. We managed to get all the way to the other side of Singapore using only buses, so we were quite proud of ourselves. Taxi’s, buses and the metro are all super cheap here. A 20 minute taxi ride costs about R100, while a metro trip is around R10. It’s actually impossible to walk because of how hot it is. Like, you have a shower, get dressed, go outside and after 5 minutes you’re drenched in sweat.
That night, we met up with a friend I know in Singapore, and some of his friends. We had a really nice dinner and then went for drinks to a rooftop bar in the nice part of the city, near the harbour. It was lovely to hang out with other people and the setting was amaze. It’s funny, ‘cos everyone we meet here is an expat who has packed up their whole life to move here, so when chatting to other people, you don’t feel so alone anymore, vs. back in SA everyone is so settled and no one really contemplates moving. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve gone through the story of where and why we’re going to people back home. We got home at about 1am and returned to our normal selves, feeling happy and excited about being here.

The more we explore, the more we love it here. There are so many different facets to Singapore, Duxton Hill feels European, with trendy cafes, rustic boutiques and funky hotels, while Little India feels like you’re in the heart of Delhi. We’re starting to get a feel of it and I think once we start campus and make some new friends, it will be even better. It’s so safe here. You can walk half an hour home at midnight by yourself and it will be fine. We heard that a friend of a friend got into a bar fight and got locked up for 3 months. No bail. It’s also spotless. I haven’t seen a piece of litter anywhere, not even a tiny wrapper or piece of gum. The same applies in the grittier areas like Chinatown- all absolutely clean. There’s order- at the subway, people queue up on either side of the exit doors so that the people on the train can get off with ease.

Yesterday I had 2 meetings with PRs in SingaporeΒ and I’ve already started thinking about the travel we’re going to do while we’re here. Unbelievable that Malaysia is half an hour’s drive away, while Phuket is an hour’s flight away.
I don’t miss JHB or even our flat, because there’s no way I would want to go back to the life I had before I took this leap. I mean, we are spending a fortune here, but if it was money I was after I would have just stayed in my corporate job. I don’t think you can put a price on life experience, and very few people’s circumstances allow them to do this, so I’m trying to remain positive and embrace the experience, even though it isn’t all smooth sailing.
Thanks for reading today, and always! It really is therapeutic for me to share the ups and downs of this journey with you, and I read and appreciate every single one of your comments, so keep them coming π We have exemption exams tomorrow, where we can possibly be exempt from some of the courses (I’m hoping to pass these so I can have more free time :D) and a career day on Saturday. INSEAD is really serious about careers so we’re jumping into that fast. Orientation week starts Monday and I’ll keep you guys posted on how it goes.
xxx H
*pics taken on my phone, sorry about the quality
August 21, 2014 @ 9:05 am
You are so brave, and it all sounds extremely exciting. I admire you for following your dreams.
I wish you nothing but the best, and keep us posted.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:07 am
Hey Robyn, thanks! it is very exciting but also a lot scarier than I thought it would be. I’ll definitely keep you posted, expect a post in the next week or so about how it’s all going π
August 21, 2014 @ 9:06 am
Wow – it all sounds like quite an amazing adventure – you are fortunate indeed and it’s awesome to be experiencing life like you are. Enjoy every minute. And do continue to keep us posted. I love experiencing the world through your writing.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:09 am
Thanks Nereshnee, an adventure it is indeed. We are trying not to lose sight of the fact that we’re lucky to be in this together and have each other to vent to π
August 21, 2014 @ 9:20 am
Sounds like a rough start that is getting better! It looks like it will be a amazing adventure and experience. Good look for the exemption exams!
August 22, 2014 @ 10:11 am
Hey Sam, thanks, the exemption exams were easy but because they didn’t give us any material to study I forgot tons of stuff, hoping for the best!
August 21, 2014 @ 9:20 am
Hi Hasmita!
Great post. I’m not sure about your other followers, but I’m really interested in your journey so I love that you give so many details!
I know several people who have either worked overseas and or moved overseas permanently and the first few months are always tough! I’m glad your overall morale has improved though, it looks amazing!
I meant to comment on your last post but didn’t get a chance, you mentioned that if and when you return, you’d like to open your own business? Excuse me being braven, but I would love to get involved with you!
I think I did mention in another comment that I’m also in corporate but I would love to venture into this industry π
Keep well and I look forward to future posts.
x
August 22, 2014 @ 10:13 am
Hey Teshnee. Yup, I’ve heard from a lot of people that the first few months are difficult. Oddly enough we’re not missing home too much, more just the comforts we had there. Looking forward to when we can settle into a permanent home and make it everything we want it to be. Thanks for the offer! I’ll definitely let you know if I come with an idea, and if/when I return back to SA π
August 21, 2014 @ 9:42 am
Very informative post! Please keep them coming π
August 22, 2014 @ 10:14 am
I will do S π π Let me know if you’re curious about any aspect in particular.
August 21, 2014 @ 10:46 am
I’m sure having your husband with you makes things so much more easier, but it looks like you are settled in now. Looking forward to reading all about your time in Singapore.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:16 am
Hey Landi, yup, didn’t actually realise how much I’d need him around but it definitely helps being in this together and being there for each other. We are more settled now and looking forward to getting into the MBA full swing. Thanks for your comment xx
August 21, 2014 @ 11:26 am
Love the sencerity of your writing. Really looking foward to reading about the rest of your experience.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:18 am
thanks so much prishani, that’s exactly what I’m going for so I’m really happy you’re enjoying the posts π
August 21, 2014 @ 2:34 pm
Glad that you’re all settled and the real stuff can start π Looking forward to reading more!
August 22, 2014 @ 10:21 am
Hey Zaa, I was thinking about you today cos I met your friend Qasim in person π We are looking forward to getting into the swing of things (although I probably won’t be saying that when I’m swamped with work)
August 21, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Hi Hasmita! Please don’t feel bad about bringing your cats with! So many people are irresponsible and abandon their pets when they move overseas! As an animal lover you ve done the right thing, although it might not feel like it now! Much love xxxx
August 21, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
P.s I had the same experience re the power when I lived in Korea so I TOTALLY understand! I went to the supermarket to buy candles and matches and I did nt know the Korean word to ask where the matches are so had to go home! Ended up in tears! But u do come out of it stronger xx
August 22, 2014 @ 10:26 am
haha, your comment makes me feel way better! I am hoping that the worst is over and it will only get better from here. I agree, I feel better about bringing them with vs. leaving them with strangers.
August 21, 2014 @ 8:18 pm
Wow so glad that each day is getting better. Your experience is priceless and your post is interesting and sincere. Keep them coming.
August 22, 2014 @ 10:29 am
Thanks J! You can count on it that I will π
August 22, 2014 @ 1:19 pm
Hi Hasmita
How exciting to live in Singapore for a bit, I know you’re a foodie at heart so I want to tell you about two things in Singapore you just have to do! π Firstly go and have a meal at Bali Thai (ION shopping centre) on Orchard road! The best food in Singapore. You must book high tea at The Carousel (Scotts Road) it is a culinary feast…if you are going go hungry π
Enjoy Singapore…its a beautiful place once you adapt to the humidity. Oh and email me for a tip on securing cheap airfares in singapore to surrounding countries
September 5, 2014 @ 10:14 am
Funny you mention the shoe thing – we also don’t wear shoes in the home and I prefer guests to take their’s off too. In Europe that’s totally normal, but in SA nobody does it. I still find that really weird and just can’t help but feel a bit awkward sometimes being in my boots in someone else’s lovely home, walking all kinds of dirt through the kitchen…..! In Russia we also had a shoe rack next to the door and a load of slippers for guests to put on π
September 7, 2014 @ 4:56 am
We’ve kinda gotten into the habit of doing that and it def keeps everything cleaner- we should start a trend in SA π