Friends in Suzhou

Just heard that SL's colleague is posting back to Singapore. The impermanence of my stay here suddenly hit home. I couldn't help but feel like penning something down about my friends here, just so that I won't forget the meaningful albeit short relationships we have.

Looking back, life here would have been harder and lonelier if not for my bunch of Malaysian/ Singaporean friends. We all live in the same compound and meet each other almost every day while waiting for the kids' school bus. It was just natural to clique and exchange all kinds of advice and news.

Somehow, knowing that you are "alone" here makes you appreciate your friends more. Being the "youngest" resident in Suzhou, I gained a great deal from their on-the-ground experience: how to negotiate with your landlord, manage your Ayi, get your driver's licence, shop for the best deals, and even make hainanese chicken rice. I think I can write a book about it!

Thanks BL, BL, C, J and LL (you know who you are) for the heart-to-heart talk over home lunches and tea sessions. It's been my pleasure knowing you all.

How's the weather like?

We were back in Singapore for Chinese New Year. While we had a good time catching up with friends and relatives, the hot weather was driving us nuts.

Weather changes were such a non-topic in Singapore. Here in Suzhou, weather changes can dictate your day.

Just for example, we've made it a nightly ritual to check the SMS weather forecast for the next day, rejoicing whenever the weather forecast says "fine", or mentally brace ourselves whenever the forecast says "strong winds" or "cold front descending".

Right after our hot holiday in Sing, spring "arrrived" but soon reverted to the cold windy weather of winter in just 2 weeks. Even the plum blossoms were confused and started blooming weeks before they were due. We managed to visit the Tai Hu area to get a glimpse of the fading blooms.
It would have been a much prettier sight if we visited just one week earlier but I suppose, that's why we try to do things quickly here before the weather changes and spoils one's plans.

Having experienced summer and winter, I think we are beginning to enjoy the variety of having four seasons. Life can be quite delightful when things are just that little bit more unpredictable.