Singapore ... via YouTube

So, not much new to report. I've been trying to check the boxes on my pre-deployment "to do" list, which includes medical evaluations and tests (standard lab work, EKG, HIV, TB, and Syphilis - what?!?), some training, and lots of paperwork. I should be receiving my Permanent Change of Station orders soon, and then I'll start to receive more specific information.

I have three weeks left in my current class for my Master's Degree. The class is called Individuals, Societies, and the Spirit, the topic of which is (coincidently) the indigenous cultures of Australia and New Guinea ...my new turf! I just couldn't have planned that any better. It's certainly more difficult to focus on my studies now than it was before I learned of my move. I continually find myself loading up another YouTube video about life in Singapore. I'm starting to feel like I already live there. I've also switched my Duolingo app over to Mandarin, from Spanish. Yikes. It's going to take some serious immersion for any of that to sink in.

Once I finish up my class, Doug and I will make a journey up to the U.P., and then sneak in one more long weekend to Austin before the big move. I will miss my family desperately, but technology for communication is wonderful and we'll keep in touch through FB, Skype and WhatsApp - and my Blog Bohemian Yooper :) They won't even know I'm on the other side of the world!

It's difficult to pack since I have no idea what my new home will be like. Comfy bedding and nice kitchen wares are must-have items. If my kitchen is well equipped, and I can fall into a fluffy bed at the end of the day, I can tackle anything. It is extremely expensive to own a car in Singapore. Keeping in mind that one Singapore dollar (SGD) is equal to $.74 U.S., it would cost approximately $104,000 to import a modest vehicle. Take a look at this:

And the Certificate of Entitlement for having the privilege of owning a car is only good for 10 years, then you pay another $32,000 SGD.

With all that being said, you've probably guessed that I'm not taking my vehicle with me. Fortunately, the public transportation system in Singapore is supposed to be fantastic. I purchased a folding bike that I can take with me on buses and trains, and I plan to explore the entire country of Singapore - which is only 31 miles x 16 miles ... just a tad larger than Sugar Island (just across the river from Sault Ste Marie, MI)! I promise to keep you updated on my excursions because I can hear some of you out there laughing at that whole concept ;)

She believed she could, so she did.

Here's my new travel companion ...

I shall call her Blanche.

Well, that's about all I have for now. Have a wonderful week! Much more to come on the adventures of ...

Kim, the Bohemian Yooper