If this blog had an alternative title, it might be “Don’t Throw Away the Moving Boxes.” Or, “Are They EVER Going to Come Home?”

For some reason, it has been a season of moving around these parts. In 2017, we took a huge leap from London to Shenzhen, China, where we were convinced we would stay for probably 5+ years, given the difficulty level of the language and adjustment. Who wants to give up those hard earned skills unless forced?

In late 2018, we relocated within China, a short 1,000 mile move north to Shanghai. We adore this city and don’t really feel ready to leave if we’re honest. We have made a great group of friends and have much more of the city to explore and discover. But sometimes, isn’t that the best time to leave? Before you feel so over it you can’t get outta there fast enough? We know plenty of people who have had it up to *HERE* with China but work or school or kids keeps them here long beyond their preference.

Thanks to a good work opportunity and a business climate that just won’t quit throwing curveballs, we’re off again. This time to…

Singapore!

Singapore was our #1 choice for Asia living back when we were considering the plunge. It’s a much (much!) easier location for English speakers and for day-to-day work for me. It’s tropical and wealthy and clean and easy. There is none of the grit of cities like Shanghai or Bangkok or Hong Kong, which can be both a positive and a negative. It’s why we have called it Asia Lite for years, making it an easy introduction to Asia for any newbies to the continent.

It may not be deemed the most exciting city for expats in Asia, but it does not have the drastic highs/lows of China life. Perhaps calm is good.

It’s also one of the world’s most interesting melting pots culturally, with a blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures. Of course, that trickles down to make Singapore one of the world’s most vibrant food scenes. The hawker centres – basically the Singapore version of street food, but in a covered area with tables – are the epicentre for all things gastronomic, but there is also the Little India and Chinatown neighborhoods, not to mention plenty of Michelin-starred dining.

Basically, it’s like we’ve been climbing Mount Everest over here, assimilating to China, and now we get to take a little day hike on a grassy hill from Sound of Music.

Some days – including today when my internet keeps crapping out – that feels like a damn good plan.

So that’s the news. We’re now in the thick of planning and visas and extending our lease and making sure our work colleagues feel supported. Much more to come on this as we learn more, but by mid-October or so we should be on the ground. Based on my early experience, this visa situation should go a lot smoother than either of our China visa applications. Both moving to China and moving within China, was frankly, a nightmare. This time around for Singapore? Copy of passport, marriage license, and a short application. That’s it.

Oh, and guess who drives on the left? Yup, Singapore. Our blog title was perfect all along.