Ready for an update on the crazy life of Acker? Well, let's see.... last time we checked in we discussed the..ahhhh.... tension at work, yes? I am happy to report that while the "tension" has not abated, I am starting to fit in, find allies and make good impression (I hope). I'm absolutely obsessed, of course without the stalking part, with my CEO. She is a total rockstar. I'm about the 4th new senior management person she's brought in in the past 6 months, with another on the way, and things are starting to take a new direction. She is ready to shake things up and has mighty big plans for our little Singapore office and I am so excited to be a part of it! After talking these past few days with the management team, it is clear that while I have my work cut out for me, there is a lot of support and excitement about me being here and I couldn't be more relieved and pumped to get started. Next step, winning over my team. That's going to be an interesting challenge, but you remember of course my saying about Kim Kardashian's mascara and my love of a challenge? Well, bring it on Ms. Kardashian, bring it on.
On the personal front, I'm finally in my new apartment! (Finally.... like I've been here for months or something). It's unbelievable, so check out some of the early pics. In fact, I'm enjoying a nice glass of red wine on the 31st floor terrace at this very moment. After I'm done, I'm going to hop into one of the jacuzzis that overlooks the city and relax my very tired brain. I feel like I'm in a dream -please do not wake me up! I can't believe I have been given this opportunity. I feel so lucky it's ridiculous.
Some deets on the apartment - one bedroom loft on the 11th floor, 25-foot ceilings on the first floor with floor-to-ceiling windows. My apartment overlooks the unbelievable pool (pics soon) with my bedroom and bathroom on the 2nd floor. The pool is the size of a small country, with 6 jacuzzis, aromatherapy and yoga bays and a great gym on the 31st floor. PLEASE DO NOT PINCH ME! And the best part? Lots of expats! I can't wait to start meeting people. I think I'm just going to start tackling people in the elevator. That should win over people instantly.
Oh, I've even made a friend! I got invited to go watch the dragon boat racing this weekend. Now, I clearly have no clue what in the hell a dragon boat is, how to cheer them on or any of the rules, but if my movers can get out of here in time for me to go this Saturday, I will be down at the river screaming like only someone who has no clue can.
Last but not least, I've had a few people ask me about the biggest differences here in Singapore, so I've put together a quick list on what's I've seen so far. I"m sure more to come as I actually start exploring the city, but here's my early observations:
- Calories are called "energy" here on the packaging - isn't that fantastic? Makes you feel like you're doing something awesome for your body by just eating.
- No such thing as diet here - it's Coke Light, milk light, etc. Still can't get used to asking for Coke Light, but I'll get there eventually.
- Fruit is super cheap, wine and liquor is not, All liquor is imported, so it's a hefty increase. Probably good for the 'ole liver after my last month in Boston though.
- Shopping is a national obsession. I really can't even say that word strongly enough. The shopping "plazas" here are out of control, they're everywhere and you can get anything from Manolo Blahniks to cheap knock-offs. My pocket book is weeping already.
- Air conditioning is called "aircon" and it is very important here. I even have a timer for my aircon units so I can come home to a nice cool apartment. I of course can't figure out how to work it yet, but when I do, watch out cold air!
- Eggs aren't refrigerated at the grocery store. Not sure how I feel about that yet, but I'll give them a try.
- The subway system (or MRT) puts Boston to shame. On time, very quiet, always on time and you don't even have to hang on to anything the ride is so smooth. And it's air conditioned, of course!
- McD's is 24 hours here and it DELIVERS. How's that for after-bar munchie heaven?
- Staff at stores overwhelm you with service. This is going to take some getting used to - I feel like I should buy something just because they're so damn nice.
- Tipping is pretty much non-existent. You only tip porters at hotels and occasionally your taxi driver if he's super cool, but otherwise a 10% surcharge is added and pooled by everyone and tipping is not the norm. What I save on tipping is going into my new shoe fund.
The jacuzzi is calling my friends, so I'm off to relax for a little while. Now that I'm settling in and ready to start really exploring, I'll be back soon with hopefully some interesting stuff. If not, just remember I'm not a writer, I'm just pretending.
Hugs and kisses!!!!!!!
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