So last Thursday morning I work up at 4:15 AM to go to this Indian festival called Thaipusam. It's a Hindu celebration of the birth of God and it's celebrated in two countries in the world- Malaysia and Singapore. They don't celebrate Thaipusam in India. Thaipusam is celebrated on the full moon in January in Thai pusam refers to a star at the highest point in the festival. People prepare for parades all night and get pierced to carry these semi circular decorated canopys that are supported by the pierced skin (through the shoulders, etc.). People are pierced (and there is no blood) through their tougue and cheeks and the more pain, the more god-earned merit. It was kinda wild to watch. People seemed like in a trance. There are pictures posted on Facebook and I don't know why I cannot figure out pictures on this blog. Anyway. After Thaipusam, Barbara (my Italian friend) and Michael (her husband and New York guy) and I took a cab to school. I was exhausted that night.
My friend, Cara, and her brother came to stay with me on Thursday night. Cara's brother teaches in Korea and he's been traveling for a while. Cara came to meet him and travel throughout Asia and I'm glad they stopped in Singapore. Cara currently lives with my former roommate, Jesse, in our Cathedral Mansions apartment in DC. I love that connection. I sent Jesse a present and handwritten card back with Cara to give him. Oh how I miss meeting Jesse in the kitchen at night trying to kill cockroaches. Those were the days.
So Friday was a blur in school because I was so tired, but Friday night was fun with the banker friends (Richard included) and then I crashed with the friends. Saturday I did a lot of tourist stuff including visiting the biggest Mosque in Singapore and learning more about Islam. We then went to the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and saw an awesome view. Also pics are on Facebook. I'll get more tech savy one of these days, most likely.
So I've been pretty much caught up with getting reacclimated with Singapore (the weather lately has been awesome!) since I was back home in the States. I LOVED seeing friends and being in the COLD WEATHER! I miss that. I hear it is unbelievably cold now though, so that's not as fun. I have to say, being back with the kids is easier this semester after having been with them a half a year. We're more used to each other and I'm a little more used to the pace, so I'm doing fine ;) Possibly some more blogging time, but unfortunately, I write when inspired. So I guess earlier I was too distracted by being excited to come home. Of course there are more stories..but save for another day...
I'm headed to the Philippines for Chinese New Year in two weekend...swimming with Whale Sharks?? I'm supposed to be doing that- but seems a little crazy!
Love from Singapore---and prayers for my dad with his broken ankle :( Poor Tomas. He will learn a lot with this injury :( We love you, Tom!
