Singapore!

Today will mark a week since we arrived in Singapore. It’s been rather eventful. I feel as if I haven’t really had a chance yet to get homesick or really comprehend this little adventure we’ve just begun to undertake.

I’m sure it will start to hit in the next few weeks as Troy starts work and Livvy and I are left to figure out new routines and make new friends in our new hometown. But for now, here’s an update on our adventures so far:

After a whirlwind three days of packing up our home and cleaning it up to be rented, we set off on a nearly 24 hour trip by airplane to get here. It was almost comical at times. Between the three of us, we had six suitcases and six carryon items. That doesn’t include Livvy’s massive car seat and stroller. You should have seen us walking in the airport in Salt Lake. We had the bed of my dad’s truck filled. Walking in, my mom carried Livvy (asleep in her carseat) while Troy, my dad and I each had a backpack and two suitcases each. It took a while for the gate agent to get us checked in. Guess it’s not often people book a one-way ticket.

We then got on a short flight to Los Angeles. Then from there, an 18-hour plane ride to Singapore. We booked our flight on Singapore Airlines, so the three of us had a chair wide enough to fit two people. The best part was, it folded into a bed. I actually got about 7 hours of sleep with Livvy trading off between sleeping on top of Troy and I. There were also about 10 flight attendants that waited on us hand-and foot. They were so cute with our little Livvy, bringing her stickers and even a little stuffed animal.

Upon arrival, we had to collect all our bags and then figure a way to push them all to our waiting taxi. We got to our hotel about 5 a.m. This is when my first bout of homesickness hit. I blame the humidity. Our hotel, while nice, just felt wet and dank. And I was tired. And it just hit that this wasn’t another vacation Troy and I were embarking on.

After sleeping a few hours, we toured the main shopping street in Singapore, Orchard Road. We ate at McDonalds. Sad, I know. Then off to our room for more sleep!

On Sunday, we went to church at the local LDS expat ward. It was a wonderful experience. People were so welcoming and helpful and went out of their way to determine if we were new to the ward. We’re excited to be a part of such a wonderful network of people.

Monday and Tuesday this week, Troy went to work, so Livvy and I were left to fend for ourselves. We weren’t so brave on Monday. I blame jetlag and an upset stomach from some curry food the night before (being pregnant isn’t the best when it comes to new foods). But Tuesday, we visited the city’s Botanic Gardens. Gorgeous, although incredibly humid. It reminded me of the rain forests in Peru, with the amount of trees and flowers. Livvy loved the water features there and was also excited to see little turtles in a pond.

The past three days we have spent hunting for our new house. It’s been quite an experience and a little stressful. We saw at least 10 apartments and our choice boiled down to two: The gorgeous and spacious low-rise apartment (on the third floor of a small complex), or the small, but brand new high-rise on the 25^th floor of a large complex with a park and incredible swimming pool.

Craziness. I’ll have to post some pictures as soon as I have a computer where I can download my cards. For now, enjoy our hopelessly long blog post!