“There is no such place as Paris Street here in Singapore,” the immigrations officer scoffed as she peered at the address I had listed on my document. “I think you mean Pasir Ris street.” She was right. Turns out my friend Rodel’s outlook email had autocorrected the address.
That was five years ago, when I first arrived in Singapore. My first ever address here was Rodel’s place, where he let me and Cate stay for a couple of weeks before we found another room to rent.
Flash forward to last week, and I’m back where I started. Not Rodel’s flat, silly, but Paris Ris. This place is actually at the last station of the green MRT line and most people think it’s too far, but it works for me because it’s nearer to my office.
I had hired a mover to help me move, and he and his assistant were shocked at how much stuff I had. “You’re just alone?” the assistant asked, laughing with incredulity. “I stayed at my former flat for three years and didn’t realize just how much stuff I had accumulated!” I explained ruefully. If they only knew how much more I had to throw out!
I am actually happy with the move. Initially I was worried that I would find it hard to adjust to having a roommate again, but I realize that I actually like it more than living alone. It’s fun to have someone to talk to when I get home. In my former flat, my flatmates and I usually kept to our own bedrooms and rarely saw each other during the week days. Though I’m a person who enjoys her alone time, there’s just something about having someone to talk to that lifts your spirits. Maybelle and I are both so talkative, that we have this thing where we’re both supposedly about to sleep, lying in our own beds, the lights off, and we’ll end up talking until 2am! Oops.
We share our 3-bedroom flat with three guys. In case you’re wondering why we have to do a flat-share at our age, it’s because housing is expensive in Singapore. A French guy once told me that it’s more expensive to rent here than in Paris. I know of a lot of couples who can’t rent a whole flat to themselves and settle for a room. For reference, the rate for a room here is around the same rate for a three-bedroom condo in the Philippines.
My favorite spot in our room is this nook:
Another one of my favorite spots is this one!
There’s a funny story behind that side table, which you must read, here. And oh, there’s a funny story behind that chipmunk too, here.
I love having a queen size bed! But it reminds me of this 9gag post, though:
I am ashamed to say that that’s true for me now. LOL!
I love your blogging space Dee 🙂 . I am glad you are settling well to living with a room mate, I knew you would!
My blogging corner is being renovated in January so it's completely empty at the moment! It really sucks not having one. Maybe I'll just not blog until it's done! 🙂
I also loved having a roommate, well I guess my husband is my roommate now but he is not up for talking till 2 AM chats like a girl!
That nook is so cute I love it, could totally do with something similar myself :)<br />x
I loved reading this and getting a glimpse into your world! And I was totally not aware that Singapore was so expensive! Wow! 🙂
But TV can provide some inspiration too, I guess? 😛
Haha we girls are a chatty bunch aren't we? I don't know, I feel like if I have a husband I'll probably still chat with him. He will probably hate me for it, though, won't he? Oops. Note to future self – don't chat with husband.
Thanks Kate! You were so right!
Noooo you shouldn't let that be an excuse not to blog!
Go create one! 🙂
Thanks Erika! Yeah it's bonkers how expensive housing is here, but it's like the 5th richest country in the world or something, which is probably the reason why.
Haha I was only joking, I'll keep blogging… From somewhere :/
I also loved having a roommate, well I guess my husband is my roommate now but he is not up for talking till 2 AM chats like a girl!
But TV can provide some inspiration too, I guess? 😛
I loved reading this and getting a glimpse into your world! And I was totally not aware that Singapore was so expensive! Wow! 🙂
Thanks Kate! You were so right!
Thanks Erika! Yeah it's bonkers how expensive housing is here, but it's like the 5th richest country in the world or something, which is probably the reason why.
Haha I was only joking, I'll keep blogging… From somewhere :/
Haha we girls are a chatty bunch aren't we? I don't know, I feel like if I have a husband I'll probably still chat with him. He will probably hate me for it, though, won't he? Oops. Note to future self – don't chat with husband.
Go create one! 🙂
Noooo you shouldn't let that be an excuse not to blog!
I love your blogging space Dee 🙂 . I am glad you are settling well to living with a room mate, I knew you would!
That nook is so cute I love it, could totally do with something similar myself :)<br />x
My blogging corner is being renovated in January so it's completely empty at the moment! It really sucks not having one. Maybe I'll just not blog until it's done! 🙂