Land of Black Hole Toilets

So last week I went to Indonesia and let me tell you, if all your coworkers are men, you will have little to no warning about what you're getting into. I walked off the airplane and needed to pee...so I get through immigration at the terminal and decide to visit the bathroom. Well, what to my wondering eyes should appear? But a hole in the ground and one role of toilet paper outside the stall! Yeah, that's right...Indonesia loves hole in the ground toilets. I however, need  a bit more practice at using them! I'll be taking donations for wellies for my next trip!

Other interesting things in Indonesia include an ACE Hardware store...one in Jakarta and another in Medan. I bet most of you didn't even know there was a city named Medan in Indonesia...yeah, me either. Medan REALLY loves black hole toilets.  Below are some pictures of me and my coworker Steve at a great dinner in Medan...fresh fish grilled with amazing spices and tastes!! It was a bit messy, as eating with your hands is also very popular here!

Another interesting thing was the beer...the local Indonesian beer is Bintang. It is made at an old Heineken plant. The best part...Bingtang is served in 40s...yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen...I drank 40s all week! I mean, I am from the ATL...note the picture above, with Steve's hand for comparison. 

One final bizarre thing from my trip was the chocolate mosque at my hotel in Medan. Yep, that's right, there was a giant chocolate mosque in the lobby of my hotel. It was very interesting...

Good Friends

The past week or so has made me realize how much I love and miss my good friends. It is amazing how much you rely on the network of friends and family you have to get you through even the smallest of incidents. 

I appreciate them now more than I could ever have if I didn't move away. However, great inventions like the internet keep us close. I can chat with Ann and Jac on Skype and laugh out loud in a room a lone like an idiot when we have great "conversations." I can also get a tear in my eye when I see that Denine posted a picture for me or a quote from our 5th grade year book. But it's great to know they miss and love me too! Just a quick blog to let you all know I miss and love you lots! Thank you again for supporting me in the crazy adventure. 

And no, this isn't the last blog...just a quick sentimental one. ;)

Singapore National Day

Saturday was Singapore National Day...celebrating 43 years! It's sort of like our July 4th. There was a big parade and fireworks display...so of course all the expats used it as an excuse to drink! I joined a party at Heath's house...check out the view!

Mark and Nicole in Heath's living room...isn't this an awesome view?!

Me and Sky, my Canadian friend!

Heath, our host!

Sky decided we should all give a speech about how much we appreciated Singapore or what Singapore had brought us...she was the only one that gave a speech. The rest of us just drank.

Me and Heath...this was before we went out to the bars to continue drinking. It was a fun night that ended for me around 3 am...I'm getting too old for this sort of thing!

Shug Comes Home!

The Shug finally came home! I missed her loads and am soo happy to have her back with me! She might look a little unhappy to be hugged in this picture, but it's just the angle of the camera. ;)

Here is the Shug checking out her new digs...our temporary digs. And finding a good hiding place under the bed! She enjoyed her first meal in the new place...complete with treats!! So far she is adjusting to the new place and very curious about it. I'm just happy to have her back and know that she's healthy and safe! 

So Far So Good....

Check me out...banging the gong at the Night Safari!

Things so far in Singapore are going very well. I've made some friends and gone out to see a bit of the city. The other night I went to the Night Safari. It was pretty cool, you can ride a tram around and see the animals under lights that allow visitors to see the animals but not bother the animals. The only negative is that the pictures don't turn out because you can't use your flash. :( 

I've also gone out with friends to happy hours. There are some very cool bars here in Singapore. One is called "The Clinic" and you sit in wheelchairs and drink your booze out of IV drips. I know, it sounds weird...but it's pretty funny! I don't have any pictures of it yet, but I'll be sure to post one of me with my IV! 

There are also expat parties at different bars almost every night! I'm going to become a raging alcoholic if I'm not careful! Everyone is super nice and I'm really enjoying getting to know people and making new friends! I miss everyone back home and hope y'all will visit!