Whew, mostly settled down in our new apartment. Things are still a bit messy, but it's oddly comforting to be arranging the salt, pepper and various spices on the shelves. We know where the water flask goes, where the utensils should be kept, our toothbrushes have their own space in the toilet.

My bed is by the window, the view is honestly nothing to shout about, but it's my cosy corner in the room. My sheets are in this awful paisley print, but they sort of remind me of India, so I'm keeping them.

Service today was similar to what we have back home, but the people might have been more enthusiastic than what this Singaporean is used to. American exuberance needs to be cultivated eh. Loved the whole Sister-Act vibe during worship though. (African-Americansoul gospel is always spine-tingling.:))

The housemates went out while I was at service, and while waiting for them to come home, I fell into a 7 hour nap. Woke up only at 7 pm, so I decided to venture out and check out the neighbourhood. Must have walked quite a distance, because after several streets, the houses took on a different facade and the cars were batty and blasted loud music. Found this little grocery store catering to the Indo-Pak migrants, and I bought some Pav Bhaji in a packet to cook. There was also a Rite Line outlet here, and I'll be persuading the rest to shop here instead of Fresh Grocer's near our place. (Since we're all being paid peanuts - and not the Mrs GCT variety.)

Got chastised by the rest for going beyond 40th Street (I must have wandered till the 48th), but I was adamant that the safety advice YL and other Singaporeans give us tend to be a bit too exaggerated. Sure, it may be a dominantly black neighbourhood, but that just means more Risque video stores (no kidding, walked into one by that name, then backed out quickly when I saw the categorization list), and not necessarily outright daylight violence. But then again, I'm stubborn about some things, hopefully I'll learn to rein in my "unassuming tendencies" and stick to the cobbled path. (God forbid I need to be taught a lesson before I do that.)

Can't seem to sleep though it's already 3.30 am. Perhaps the jet lag is finally setting in. That, or the 7 hour nap in the afternoon was a bad idea.

I shall go see what I can do about this.