Dating in Singapore

No, it's not what you think. B and I are fine.

Though sometimes I do feel like I am dating. Arriving in a foreign country without knowing many people, I tried to find people to hang out with. I particularly wanted to find friends outside of work. This usually happens via a friend of a friend (tonight was a friend's boyfriend's cousin's girlfriend) living in Singapore.

Someone puts us in touch, we exchange a few emails and eventually meet up. Sometimes things work out and they become a friend. But a few times recently I've met someone new through a vague connection and we haven't clicked. Then comes the awkwardness of not really wanting to see each other again. Like tonight - the girl I had dinner with was perfectly nice, just not someone I have anything in common with. I have no intention of ever calling her and I am hoping she doesn't call me.

See - kinda like dating? But less magazine articles to tell me what the etiquette is.

Flawed.

I cannot accept the results of this study, that found Singaporeans are the fastest walkers:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/travel/singapore-has-worlds-fastest-walkers/2007/05/03/1177788272740.html

I think I have said this on the blog before, but I always take a couple of days to adjust back to Singapore walking speed.

I am curious as to how they even found 35 poeple to time in Singapore - the article says they excluded people with shopping bags and talking on mobiles. Who else is left?

Seriously, it's an interesting study that they're doing. I don't dispute that Singaporeans are trying to fit as much possible into life (especially when it includes earning and consuming), I am just not convinced it is reflected in their walking pace.

http://www.richardwiseman.com/quirkology/latest2.html

Quote of the day

Not attributed to any particular individual or even name that person's organisation on my project, but gives an idea of the political bull$#!t that I can't stand:
"If we are not going to make xx deadline then make sure there is an issue raised and it is not caused by us"

It's time to come back from Singapore when...

• I accidentally call an old man in the street 'uncle'
• I hand over money in shops with two hands (yes, I do this in Singapore)
• Trains 20 minutes apart elicit frustration and rage - I want to write an angry letter to a newspaper
• 'Can' constitutes a whole sentence
• I think it's strange to be sitting alone in an office at 7pm
• I double check the bill at restaurants
• I've forgotten how to use a knife

(I am in Sydney at the moment, btw)