Buses, bats, bites and other bits

I know I've been writing a lot about Singapore recently, but I guess that's what happens when you've lived in a new culture for a while. I've become very aware of what's around me.

I get the bus to and from work every day. It costs around 15p and is fully air-conditioned. Most of the time I get a seat, it's brilliant. Today was a special day - I boarded a bus that was driven by the world's most friendly bus driver. He greeted each passenger and said good bye to everyone who got off. Sadly I was the only person to notice of the 40-50 passengers that recieved this star treatment during my journey. So I gave him a big grin and a wave as I got off the bus. I love how something like that can add an extra smile to your day.

I'm currently learning Mandarin (week 2 of a 10 week course). Last week I was convinced that the whole language is a conspiracy to confuse westerners. Today, however, I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of learning such a dramatically different language. It's brilliant - every sound is totally new to me. It's nothing like the French, German, Spanish or Afrikaans that I've learnt in the past. I love learning the characters, I find it very relaxing. I'll be interested to see how I feel about it in 10 weeks time.

Mosquito bites are seriously plaguing me again. I'm not sure what causes the beggars to bite, but when they do, they really go for it. I feel like a pin cushion for the local population. Perhaps I should eat more garlic!

The other night I organised a picnic in the botanical gardens for Paul and I on our date night. It was great. The climate here is really conducive to evening picnics. I think we should do it again. The botanical gardens here is free and it's open until midnight every day, so no worries about getting locked in.

We had the first big rain storm for a while yesterday. It really knows how to rain here! It chucks it down. This morning I thought I was well prepared, but no, despite my trousers being rolled up to my knees, carrying an umbrella and walking barefoot, I was still absolutely soaked by the time I arrived at work. Oh well, nothing a quick change of clothes and a towel can't sort out. It's wierd, the drainage system in the country works like a dream. It can cope with what England would term 'flash floods'. It has this clever system of open drains that channel the water to the nearest concrete-sided river.... just amazing to see.

I love watching the bats here. One of my greatest pleasures is taking an evening swim while the bats swoop to drink from the swimming pool around me. They aren't shy. They love the fruit trees in the garden at our condo. Man I love living in the tropics (most of the time).