Happiness is a well-groomed rat's tail

Good news at my end -- I will not be getting kicked out of the country anytime soon (not if I can help it). Before coming to Singapore, my biggest concern was securing an employment pass. Without it, I'd have a 90-day travel visa window to look for full-time work. No pressure. None at all.

Here's the best part -- not only do I now have a job, but it's one I'm pumped about. I'm the new deputy editor of Time Out Singapore! They had an opening at the same time I came looking for work; even my boss referenced fate. I start on Monday with a commitment through November 2008. You can check out what we're doing with the link in the post below. I also just wrote a story about finding organic food in Singapore, which is kind of tricky since it's easier to find McDonald's than local agriculture on this island, but it's in the January issue.

When I found out I got the job, I rejoiced:



So obviously that's not me, but I was definitely as happy as this awesome Singaporean boy with the best rat's tail I've ever seen -- all the way down his neck. Sadly, I don't have a picture of that, but Greg does -- I'll try to steal it. This is at Sentosa, one of about 63 islands that are part of Singapore. It's just off the south coast. Siloso Beach on Sentosa, where this boy's frolicking, is known for its beach parties and a yearly concert/rave called ZoukOut that draws 20,000 people, going from about 8pm till 8 am. A bunch of us are going this year -- I'm curious to see how a country known for banning chewing gum likes to party.


Caught a glimpse of Singapore's punk scene when Greg and I went to Sentosa for our one-year anniversary. This guy's head tattoo is up there with the rat's tail that you can't see.

Also interesting about Sentosa are its beautiful water, palm trees, white sandy beaches -- and then the looming tankers off the coast. Locals recommend visiting the beach at night to keep up the illusion of a secret paradise. Otherwise, you see this.



Not that I'm complaining. Greg and I had a great time there, hanging out at a bar called Cafe del Mar where you order drinks and food from beds on the beach overlooking the water. Rough life I lead.

I have some time off before I start work, so I'm making a commitment to blog once a day for a week. Then maybe I'll be caught up. Until then, I hope the little Singaporean boy's happiness tides you over.