I think I’m beginning to pick up slightly with a Singaporean accent. Or some of my terms are uniquely Singaporean. Like can and cannot. I think I utter lah sometimes at the end of sentences. I’m quite certain I’ve said “aiyooh“. But not alamak! It still sounds funny to me.

In short, I have been living and working in Singapore for a little over a year. Definitely it’s been an experience to work away from your own country. I’ve adapted well and know I can do better to integrate.

I’m living in an HDB with my partner. We are trying different recipes for cooking. We invite guests over occasionally. I enjoy the ayam penyet a few blocks from where we live.

Money has been an adjustment. It’s about balancing what you need to buy from what you want to buy. If you are not careful, all the hard-earned money you make can be spent in one go. And Singapore is a fast-paced and active place where expenses can double quickly.

But then again you work so hard so why not splurge a little?

A cheap meal for me would be anywhere between SGD 3.00 to 6.00. A meal at a burger joint near the office can reach about SGD 10.00 to 13.00 including the drink. Expensive would be anything SGD 16.00 onwards.