Perth and Singapore!

Okay here goes and update on my first week in Perth/Singapore. Sorry I have not downloaded any pictures yet and should hopefully do that soon:
Saturday 29th November: Arrive in Perth and after so many people telling me that they check everything in your bags I was so careful what I had packed. I was stopped twice in the arrivals hall and questioned on my visa status but all in all they were very friendly. Once I got my bags I was given the green light to go straight through to the arrivals hall. Whewwww!!!! Not so bad after all. I was collected by my new boss and once I was dropped off at Heath’s aunts apartment, I was given a welcome basket of fruit, choccies, jam etc and a street map of Perth. After a long chat with Heath’s aunt Sylvia they then took me for a quick tour around the area and showed me where my office was situated. They then had to drive back to Merriden as this is where they own a supermarket – this is about 2 hours from Perth.

Sunday 30th November: I just really lazed about and started adjusting to the new time zone etc. I did get on my walking shoes to explore a little of the area around the apartment and found a small garage, video shop, pharmacy, pizza take-away and chinese take-away’s. As it was Sunday the only one open was the garage. Nothing much happens in Perth on Sunday (well in this area at least i.e. Kiara). I then wondered a little further into the residential area to find a fairly big park with a small dam, play area for kids and grass area for anyone to relax on or kids to play. On my way back home I passed another little park also equipped for the kids. I must say you can see that they are very family orientated here plus there are walking/cycling paths everywhere!

Monday 1st December: Start of a new job. I was fetched by my new boss again and taken to the client that I will be working with i.e. BHP Billiton. I was so grateful for this as otherwise I would more than likely have organised a taxi. Once I was in the office I was greeted by many friendly faces who all seemed to be expecting me, so all in all I felt very welcome. The only bad part is that they introduced me to about 20 new people and I am useless at remembering names!!! And of course they all remember mine as they only had to meet one of me!!! J Anyway after all of the greeting and meeting I was then off to the airport once again (oh yes, back on a plane) to Singapore for 3 nights. The flight to Singapore was about 5.5hrs and was great as we were booked into business class again with seats that go flat so you can have a good sleep. Once we arrived in Singapore the two collegues I was with took me to China Town and ordered some food (something with noodles). It all tasted very good, but overnight my body rejected all of the food (Arrrrrgggggg!!!!) After the meal I also met up with a good friend of mine from South Africa (Sherri) and we had a quick drink together to catch up a bit.

Tuesday 2nd December: Sat in workshops all day but I was allowed out over lunch time (well actually people in Singapore thrive for their lunch break). My mate Sherri took me to “The Sandwich lady” across the way from the office at International Plaza (Louise you must be proud of me to remember all of this). This woman is amazing – there is a huge queue outside her little stall as I think most of BHP Billiton people eat there daily and most of the time she looks at your face and will remember your usual combination. She takes about 4 orders at a time and while I was around did not get one wrong! That evening Sherri and Jeremy (her hubby) took me to a Pizza restaurant on Orchard Drive – I was so relieved as I did not quite want to face any form of Asian food that night. The pizza’s were great and also got the chance to catch up with another colleague that I had worked with when I was helping out at Deloitte. Another late night but anyway had loads of fun so who is to complain.

Wednesday 3rd December: Another day in the office doing workshops and once again getting our usual sandwich from “The sandwich lady”. That evening I spent with Sherri as she was looking for an evening dress for the company ball taking place on Saturday. We went to an area around The Orchards and then landing up eating at The Chimes. This is an old monastery that has been converted into little shops and restaurants, a little gem in the centre of Singapore. Oh my goodness but people in Singapore can shop I think that most shopping centres stay open until at least 9:00pm – 10:00pm every night. You basically walk out of one shopping centre into another and another.... I did not buy anything this time but yip saving up for the next time – hopefully there will be lots of sales on the next time I go – which might just be early Jan!!!! Louise I can really see how you love the place – I could quite easily stay there for a while but not for too long – just too crowded for me!

Thursday 4th December: Last day of workshops with the business and actually quite hectic to get everything done before shooting back to the airport back to Oz. We got to the airport much earlier than expected as it was pouring with rain when we left the office and thought that it would take a while but not so. We had nearly 3 hours to wait but then of course it had to happen our flight was delayed as well. We were supposed to land at 1:45am but eventually landed at 3:00am. I was not impressed! I then had to get through customs which took another 45 minutes as another flight had just landed so it took FOREVER! Luckily my bag was ready to grab and run through to the arrival hall only to find ANOTHER queue waiting for the taxis. Well all in all I eventually landed up in bed around 4:30am.

Friday 5th December: After getting in the early hours of the morning I was not in a very happy mood having to get to the office by 9:00am as I was scheduled for an induction of the building at this time, so no sleeping in for me! They take security and safety VERY SERIOUSLY here in Oz. I was physically taken through the whole building of 4 floors and it was explained to me all of the rules and regulations. Then again as I have said before at least it is a job for someone and this someone takes it very seriously. In fact I even had to rate her on the tour! Plus I was not allowed an access card until I had completed my induction. So after all of that was taken care of, I eventually dragged myself back up stairs to my desk. Just got started when we were whisked away to a park down the road from the office called “Tomato Lake” (don’t ask me – I have no idea!) for a team building afternoon. Can they not see I NEED sleep!!!! Anyway we had a barbeque with salads etc and then started the proceedings. Once again safety is the number one rule! The company had hired specialist trainers who do this for a living i.e. we were to play a couple of games of cricket, rounders and then the usual team building exercises – but all checked and umpired by these specialist trainers! Anyway all in all very well organised and good fun had by all. About the parks here – they are everywhere, it feels like every corner I turn there is a park and all of them will have facilities for kids i.e. jungle gyms, swings, sandpits etc. And most of the parks have these gas barbeques already set-up (with gas supplied by the council), so all you have to do is bring along your meat and you are sorted!