Singapore or Bust!

On March 1, I will leave Indianapolis, fly to Newark airport then take Singapore Airlines to Singapore. I am scheduled to arrive in Singapore on Monday, March 3rd at 6:30 in the morning. I will be staying with my friend, Liza Boffen-Yordanov, husband Dimiter and daughter Georga. Liza used to work at Purdue in development, but she wanted to get more international development experience and now works at the National University of Singapore leading their fundraising efforts.

They have asked me to bring from the US: Skittles, chocolate covered raisins, microwave popcorn (kettle corn), Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (for Georga), Crystal Light iced-tea, and Campbell's Chunky Chicken Gumbo soup (also for Georga). I have my smaller pull-man suitcase full of things for them from America! Liza's sister also mailed some clothes and DVDs to take with me. But, I don't mind, since this will leave me with an entirely empty suitcase to bring goodies home!

Liza said to pack clothes like I would wear to Florida. She said they dress nice/preppy there, i.e. belts and collared shirts. Women are discouraged from showing bare shoulders especially at the temples. No shorts there either unless on the beach. Oh, and chewing gum is illegal! They will write you a ticket if you have gum. It's an effort to keep the city clean.

So far my itinerary will include trips to the zoo, bird sanctuary, botanical and orchid gardens, historic Buddhist temples and Muslim mosques, and a trip to Indonesia. I bought a tour book and have marked some other things that might be interesting. I can't wait to try the food! Chinese, Japanese and Indian influences. I imagine the seafood options will be out of this world. Also shopping in Singapore is supposed to be really fun. I'm game for whatever Liza cooks up for us to do!