Students

This photo is of one of Steve's classes. Official lessons have now ended, while students prepare for A-levels. Some very bright kids here... looking pretty relaxed despite their heavy workloads!

After a few weeks now of 'consultation' (tutor sessions), Steve will do one month's invigilation (exam supervision) at another school, Hwa Chong College.

Singapore Sling

Here we are at Clarke Quay, in a gorgeous little bar/cafe that is named after the Singapore Sling. So of course we ordered mocktails, and the drink in Kay's hand is an actual Singapore (gin) Sling... very yummy too.

Charlotte and Kay did the GMAX Swing (freaky) and Charlotte also did the Reverse Bungy.

Decision time

We have made the decision to return home to Alexandra at the end of the year.

Jess and Rhian have had a successful year at National Junior College. But for Nadine and Celia, we have not been able to resolve their schooling situation here in Singapore for next year.

We will leave Singapore around Christmas time, and be back in Alexandra by the 2nd January 2010. We have secured a house to rent from the 18th January... so if anyone knows of some temporary accommodation that might suit us from the 2nd-18th January please let us know.

Kay and Charlotte (Stringer, Alexandra) have arrived safely and are 'run off their feet' already making the most of their Singapore experience. I will share some photos of their adventures in a few days.

:)

Where are the monkeys?

These are the adorable monkeys that we saw a lot of at the beginning of the year, because they played near the roadside at the entrance to Bukit Timah Reserve. Now we hardly see them, so will have to go deeper into the bush to say hello!

Hari Raya

This is a long weekend, with tomorrow being a public holiday to celebrate 'Hari Raya', the end of a month of fasting for Muslim Malays. It is also the beginning of the lead-up to the Hindu Festival of Deepavali (see below).

Steve's colleague gave us a beautiful box of mooncakes (photos shown), symbolic of a very important Chinese autumn festival, also about this time. They are an acquired taste, but a small piece goes down nicely with a cup of tea!

Rhian has enjoyed his first week at the hostel, despite needing a few good 'sleep-ins' today and yesterday. Jess is getting ready for more exams starting in 10 days. Steve has loads of marking. Celia is socialising every spare minute. Deanie's just had her hair returned to its natural colour. Adam is getting a wee bit more adventurous in the pool. I've had two sessions at the gym this week!!!

We are working on making a big decision in the next week or so, regarding our plans for next year. Very frustrating, but just need a bit more information from some key people. Ciao....

Hari Raya

This is one of the three major festivals in the region, and Hari Raya Puasa literally means ‘the festival marking the end of a period of fasting.’ The festival follows a month of fasting, and the day begins with prayers in the mosque for men, and visits to the cemeteries to pay respects to departed family members, followed by a large meal. This meal usually consists of rendang, ketupat, sambal goreng (fried chilli paste) and serunding (shredded coconut fried with spices).

Deepavali (October/November)This is the Festival of Lights, celebrated by the Hindus. It marks the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated during the new moon of the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. Rows of oil lamps are lit to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and a range of symbolic foods is served.

Mooncakes are Chinese pastries traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching; moon cakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy on this occasion. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival, one of the three most important Chinese festivals.

Rhian leaves for the hostel

Today Rhian leaves to spend a full term at the National Junior College School Hostel. He will come home for the weekends though!

Every year group has a term at the hostel, and this term is JH1 (Junior High 1). All Rhian's friends will be there, and there will be a camp and lots of activities built into the time there - so from that point of view it should be a very interesting opportunity.

But look at the daily schedule!!!!

6.30 am - Breakfast

7.30 am - Off to school assembly

School Day

6 pm - Dinner

8 - 10 pm: Study Prep

10 pm - Roll Call and Supper

11.30 pm onward - Lights out!!! Poor Rhian......

Gareth and Caroline

Last weekend we attended a 'renewal of vows' ceremony for Steve's colleague, Gareth, and his wife Caroline. They are an English couple, really fun, and it was a lovely day to be a part of.

Jess and Deanie got to do bridesmaid duties, Celia carried the bouquet in front, and Steve accompanied on the piano accordian.

It was a very special occasion - complete with champagne and yummy food - hosted by friends at their condominium.