It's a sign...

I am starting to think that it is me. Otherwise how do you explain a second fire within 6 years?

This time it happened a bit after 7pm. I just finished yoga practice in my room and I was lying on the mat feeling totally relaxed. Slowly smoke started creeping up my nostrils and totally pulled me out of my semi-conscious relaxation. I stuck my head out of the window and saw a lot of smoke somewhere below me. People were gathering in the open car park downstairs and a lot people in the opposite building were standing in the balcony watching. All of a sudden I felt a massive rush of deja vu. Not again?! This time around I was so much more prepared though. I immediately reached for my bag and stuffed my wallet, passports, mobile etc in it. I hesitated for about two seconds when I saw my new-ish lap top on the table. Should I take it or shouldn't I? I decided I could not bring everything with me so I left it where it was. I shut the window tight, put on a T-shirt and ran for the door.

I went down nine flights of stairs and saw a fire engine in the car park, among police cars, fire fighters and many spectators. I was prepared for the worst but luckily the fire was not actually that bad. All that was left was smoke, no actual fire. OK, so I was telling myself, this is not that bad. Maybe I won't lose everything this time. I started texting people and calling BaBa as I waited for things to clear, which did not take too long. Before 8pm we were allowed to use the lift to go back upstairs. It was as if nothing had happened, except for that faint smell of smoke in the air.

It was not until recently that I started realising how much my experience in Australia has prepared me for everything. From moving house, finding a new job, making new friends, to escaping in case of fire! (And who would have guessed that it would be an experience to be repeated?!)

Happy New Year!

I really should not be awake now. Considering I only got home less than five hours ago, I should make the most out of my Saturday off and sleep in. But somehow, my circadian rhythm does not allow me to sleep through 9am. Something to do with the heat or the morning sun here maybe.

I honestly do not remember the last night I sat on the side of road in the CBD area in the darkest hours of the night trying to catch a cab home. Or more like giving up trying to catch a cab home because 90% of the taxis were hired; 5% did not want to go to the east side and the remaining 5% could not even be bothered stopping for us. I was not in a hurry to get home though. I was content to sit by the road, or outside a Starbucks that refused to serve us coffee. Traffic was going by us. People were standing literally on the road trying to stop a taxi. The sky was pitch dark and starless. The Christmas lights were still on. It was a rare moment in Singapore when it was not hot and humid and sticky and the streets were free of crowds.

So I did not manage to find the others before midnight and I was watching the first half of the fireworks behind the barricade. The cocktail was not that good and I only got about four hours sleep last night (or this morning). But it was a good NYE. My first NYE in Singapore.