HAPPY SAINT DAVIDS DAY...

...to all my welsh family and friends! Thinking of you all today! 

ARTSMUSEUM OPENING...

I decided to do some thing cultural this weekend and booked Jill and I tickets to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. The new museum literally opened on Saturday with three blockbuster exhibitions: Genghis Khan: The Exhibition, Traveling The Silk Road: Ancient Pathway To The Modern World and Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures And Monsoon Winds. The architecture of the museum from the outside is a sight to behold. Designed by Israeli-born architect, Moshe Safdie (who we were lucky enough to meet!) it is in the form of a blossoming lotus flower. Ten fingers. The galleries are located inside these fingers. Safdie says that the design is both expressive and disciplined. "Using geometry to create such an iconic structure demonstrates how the union of art and science can lead to the creation of a thing of beauty." It took the award-winning architect four months to design the museum, the three hotel towers and the shopping mall and convention center at Marina Bay Sands which is now complete. The museum took two years to complete. Safdie said when he showed Arup, the engineering firm behind Marina Bay Sands, "they tore their hair out, but rose to the occasion." It certainly is impressive. 

The museum appears kind of upside-down and is surrounded by a reflecting pool, which will be full of lillies, so appears like it is floating on water. A massive 50,000 sq ft of gallery space spread over three floors. The fourth level are the ArtScience galleries, which house the permanent exhibitions, but unfortunately we weren't that impressed. The distinctive feature in the atrium is the "oculus" which channels rainwater from the roof down a 35 metre drop into a reflecting pool. The water is the recycled and used within the buildings toilets. 

He said the design is both expressive and disciplined, which is what art and science are: Ten petals of varying heights and width are arranged in a radial axis and spaced evenly at 36 degrees. "Using geometry to create such an iconic structure demonstrates how the union of art and science can lead to the creation of a thing of beauty," he said. 


Unfortunately, as I said earlier, Jill and I weren't overly impressed. The inside isn't as breathtaking as the outside. However, a really nice start to the weekend. It made a change to spending the morning suffering from a major hangover. Although that could have been the case had I stayed out on Friday night and continued drinking B52s with Mark for his birthday! 

SUNDAY IS USUALLY BLOGGING DAY...

... but unfortunately I'm absolutely exhausted! So you'll have to wait until next week to see what I've been up to!

SPORTS INTEGRATED...

I've been working with Nick recently on the development of his new business identity. Sports Identity launched officially last week. The website is being designed as I speak and will be up and running soon hopefully. Good luck to Nick in his new business venture! Check out www.sportsintegrated.com

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING...

...but finally! Our new Magnum packs have hit the shelves, well, freezers in the UK! I was so pleased to be able to catch a glimpse of the new Magnum core packs that I began working on whilst at 1HQ way back in September 2009. The longest project I've seen through from start to finish. I look forward to seeing the rest of the range phase in and hopefully the Asia packs will launch here very soon! 

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS...

So, in a surreal kind of way it feels like I've been home a lot longer than two weeks, but also feels like the last two weeks has flown by. What with having so many exciting things organised I feel as if I've crammed in a lot! Many thanks to Jennie for collecting me from the airport and getting me back to Wales safely. The 30 degree drop in temperature sure was a shock to my system. Nothing that a hoody and gloves didn't sort out!  Unfortunately I didn't have the sense to wear the hoody and gloves out to Cardiff that night when the girls and I went out for the evening. Absolutely freezing!!! But a fantastic first night back in Wales!

Somehow completely getting away with not suffering from jetleg (maybe it is all in the mind afterall|) I managed to stay wide awake for a fantastic day re-celebrating Christmas in the Cole house-hold. Spending Christmas away from home in Thailand was, although an amazing adventure, so different to how my last 26 (bar one in Australia) Christmases have been spent! So, back home, doing it the traditional "Cole" way was just lush!

Mum as always, put on an amazing spread and I was obviously very happy to be back as chief gravy taster...

Splitting my time between Wales and Windsor was always going to be tricky, so I decided to spend a long weekend from Thursday to Sunday in Windsor. Starting off the short break with a delicious lunch, thanks to Nick, at the Hinds Head, Heston Blumenthal's pub just across the way from The Fat Duck in Bray, where my craving for Shepards Pie was finally satisfied! A night out followed with the old 1HQ gang. And of course two days "wedding" shopping with Lauren and Jennie! The only downside...a yucky cold!

Back to Wales with Amanda to start my second week and a gorgeous day out down in Cardiff exploring the city and the Bay. I can't believe in the 9 years that I've known Amanda this is the first time that she's been back to Wales with me! I hope you enjoyed it Mands! I'm still loving the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone...

So what else have I been up to whilst I've been back? I've spent a lot of time shopping! I was lucky enough to have money for Christmas so mum and I hit the shops for work clothes, bikinis and flip flops! I've had a few lovely lunches out and spent a lot of time with the girls and the kids. Welcome to the world baby Charlie and most recently baby Mila, who put in an appearance whilst I was home...perfect timing! A few birthday celebrations...Happy 1st Birthday to gorgeous Mali, Happy 91st birthday Nanny and Happy Birthday to Carley (celebrated by a massive meal with the girls!) I also took the Mini-Coles, Megan and Georgia to see Tangled, which I really recommend! Especially in 3D!

I've struggled over the last few days starting to pack everything up say goodbye to everyone. In three weeks time it will have been 6 months since I left the UK for Singapore. And I know I keep saying it but time does fly by! Despite having a great two week holiday back here at home I'm looking forward to getting back to work (how sad does that sound!) and continuing with my asian adventure. With a trip booked to Kuala Lumpar at the end of the month, Nick visiting in just over four weeks and mum and dad in just over 8 the next couple of months will go equally as quick as the last six have. I have had the most amazing two weeks though and it has felt incredible seeing everyone again and despite me referring to Singapore as my home now, "home" is definitely where the heart is, and part of my heart will always stay here in Wales! I'm already looking forward to my next trip home, even if it might not be until 2012. There is one thing I won't miss though when I get back...the temperature! Bring on the sunshine! 

I'M HEADING HOME SOON AND...

Seeing my mum and dad and the rest of my amazing family
Arguing with Boyo (it’s inevitable!)
Staying at Hotel Cole and being spoilt rotten!
Celebrating Christmas on Sunday
Nights out with the Welsh girls
Tea and toast being brought to me in bed when I'm hungover
Nights out with the Windsor gang
Hen weekend planning
Wedding and bridesmaid shopping
Wales v England (and being able to watch it at a reasonable hour!)
Taking my mini-Coles on a trip to the cinema
Celebrating Mali’s 1st birthday and seeing all the other babies (and of course new bumps!)
Cwtching up with mum on the sofa...
Dad shouting at me for cwtching up on the sofa and being lazy
Driving a car again
Shopping with mum
Arguing with dad over the remotes (and the bathroom!)
Eating apple crumble and custard
Drinking Rose Barefoot
Seeing Jennie when I walk through arrivals and getting the biggest boobie hugs ever (I’ve missed them!)


Things I'm not so excited about...
Wearing a coat!
Wearing shoes and socks!
The 14 hour flight (except for the choice of movies of course)

See you all soon...I can't wait!

OUCH...

So not only did I come back from Mumbai with Delhi Belly and covered in itchy mosquito bites...last night walking home from work I managed to injure my foot. Well my toe to be more precise! Ouch!

VODKA AK-47 GUN...

On a recent business trip Richard, Addison and Celeste purchased a Vodka bottle in the shape of a AK-47 gun! Pretty impressive. As is the story of how they managed to get it home without being arrested! 

AUSTCHAM "TRUE BLUE" AUSTRALIA DAY BALL...

My trip to India nearly squashed plans that I already had to attend the AustCham "True Blue" Australia Day Ball at The Stamford Swissotel. It's the same hotel that New Asia Bar is located except last nights ball was held in the one of the ball rooms. The biggest ballroom in Singapore in fact.

The organising principles of this evening have always been simple in concept - good food, good wine, great Aussie music and a great night out. Exactly what Jill and I were after when we booked the tickets last year. The event was actually a sell out, over 2000 people, but we managed to get on the reserve list and two tickets came up. Greeted with cocktails Jill and I are amazed at the volume of people and the ballroom looks fantastic. 200 tables of 10. We end up sat next to the AustCham ex Chairman! 

The gala dinner menu was delicious. Six courses. All served with free flow Australian wines!

The entertainment was 100% Kylie. The most successful Kylie show on the globe. She was the spitting image of her and sounded exactly like her. Everyone was amazed. Followed by The Enormous Horns, a ten piece all singing, all dancing party band direct from Sydney who were also pretty impressive. We left at 1am to head to Steve's 40th Birthday celebrations at Chijmes where we finished off the night. 

Happy Birthday today to Dan, who's officially getting old! Hope you've had a great day and a weekend of fun celebrations. So, it's nearly the end of January, which means two things. I have nearly been here for five whole months! And...I'm heading home for a holiday!! This time next week we will be celebrating Christmas...again! And I can not wait! But, before then I need to get rid of my "delhi belly". Since arriving back from India I've not been feeling too great and am currently lying in bed writing this suffering from very painful stomach cramps. Fingers crossed I'll be 100% and ready to fly by the end of the week. I look forward to seeing you all at some point whilst I'm visiting home.

MAYHEM IN MUMBAI...

I've just returned from my first trip abroad with work since I arrived in Singapore to present and collect briefs from one of our biggest clients.

Mayhem. I can only describe Mumbai as mayhem.

The city of dreams, undoubtedly the most dynamic city in India is a great paradox. From the moment you land here, it grabs you with its multiple facets. There are approximately 17-18 million people living in Mumbai and by 2020 it is slated to be the most populous city in the world. The weather is warm and humid, so at least I didn't have to adjust to that. The only thing I have to get my head around are the extreme scenes that I am about to witness.

Matt and I arrived in Mumbai at 10pm. As we land I look out of the window and the wing of the plane looks as if we are going to land on a housing estate. People live that close to the runway. We’re greeted by our driver and taken straight to our hotel. The roads are carnage. There are cars coming at us from all angles and all I can hear are car horns. I immediately decide that are no traffic rules here. The bigger your car is the better! Rickshaws zip past us chugging away and are literally millimeters away from the car. How we don’t collide I have no idea.

The hotel isn’t actually far from the airport except the traffic makes the journey four times longer. Security is tight. The car is stopped on entry to the hotel and screened by guards and a sniffer dog. Everyone is searched before the enter the hotel in a similar way to that of an airport. Steve joins us in the bar and we have a few drinks but it’s not long before I head off to bed. I have a feeling the next couple of days are going to be very intense! 

First thing the following morning we have a driver to take us to our meeting. Again, the office isn’t actually that far but the traffic is incredible. After a very long but very productive meeting and we travel back to the hotel on rickshaws. Kaushik (our Indian Client Servies Director) and myself in one, Steve and Matt in another. The drivers are racing! It’s literally like the wacky races. They swerve in between the cars and they want to get to the destination as quickly as possible. I hold on for dear life! 

Our first port of call is the pool bar where a few Kingfisher beers are needed. I’m a little bit gutted I didn’t bring my bikini as I’m so tempted to jump in the pool right now just to cool down and refresh myself! But we decide to take a wander out onto the main street outside the hotel. Steve assures me he’s done this before lots of times and it’s fine. What Steve fails to mention is that I should cover my legs! I’ll remember for next time! 

The streets are crazy. People everyone. Not just people. Animals. Goats, chickens and cows. Laden with fruit and vegetables there is no clear distinction between the road and pavement. It’s basically just dust and dirt. Everyone is staring at us. Both Steve and Matt tower above everyone at 6 foot 2 and then there’s me. The only western woman in site. I don’t necessarily feel intimidated, more shocked that there are people sleeping on the streets. That is what they call home.

After exploring for a while, and witnessing scenes that truly are mesmirising we end up walking down a residential street full of families and hundreds of children. I turn around and those children are following us. I couldn’t even tell you want they were shouting at first but they all seem so excited. Laughing and giggling as if we are celebrities. At this point my heart starts to race. They’re now grabbing my arms and legs. “Money!” I finally realise...they’re shouting "money". We just carry on walking. Steve explains to me that if we give just one of them money we’ll end up with not 50 children but 500 following us.

Crossing the road became the hardest part for me, as three young girls who I stupidly make eye contact with start pulling my clothes. I ask them to stop but they persist and start to beg me for money. Even if I was to tell them at this point I actually have no Ruprees they blatently aren’t going to believe me. I look like I have millions of Ruprees! We stand out like a sore thumb and compared to what these children have we are millions. I start to feel really uncomrfortable as one of the girls thinks it’s funny to pinch my legs. I can’t tell whether she is playing or being nasty. But she starts to scare me. Steve can sense that I’m uncomfortable and asks her to stop. No. She carrys on and what was probably only two minutes waiting for the lights to change feels like I’ve been stood on the corner for hours.

My saving grace is a four star hotel that we swiftly escape to for a drink. Yes, I have the luxury of being able to walk along a dirt track where people live on the side of the street straight through the doors of a plush air-conditioned hotel. How lucky am I right now? I feel a massive sense of realisation run through me. I have an incredible life compared to the people here. I knock back three vodkas which calms me down a bit. People had warned me that I would be shocked but I don’t think I had expected it to be this crazy. This is the most extreme travelling experience I have had so far.  

Our second day is equally as intense. This time it's research groups. But not as I know them! I’ve not previously done any research groups in houses before let alone houses in India. We are driven to a house and taken into a room where there is a double bed and a few chairs set up in front of a TV with headsets. Six hours later we have sat through three consumer groups watching a screen, listening to what consumers have to say about our design work. As a lot of the groups spoke in the local dialect, Marathi, not only do you have to listen to them talk but also to a translator who was sat in the room with us also. I’m now not only physically, but mentally exhausted.

I ned to put all my remaining energy into my trip home as I fly from Mumbai to Chennai to connect to Singapore. I found being the only western female in the whole of Mumbai Domestic airport extremely intimidating this time round....everyone is staring at me. But I settle myself down and read my book, a slight delay on the flight makes me panic that I'll miss my connection. I have every right to panic as I reach Chennai, my flight is closed and the lady behind the desk is reluctant to let me pass through security. I think she takes pity on me as I probably look like I am about to cry! Managing to grab a few hours sleep I finally made it home at 8am the following morning and head straight to bed. I need to recharge my batteries for the ANZ AusCham ball that Jill and I have been looking forward to. But first...sleep!

IT'S RAINY SEASON...

So you don't all think that it's constantly glorious sunshine here all the time take a look at this video I've just filmed outside the office. We've just had a flash storm with pretty impressive thunder and lightning! I've been told it's "rainy season" here at the moment! Although, it has rained an awful lot since I moved here in September and despite surviving three months without an umbrella I did finally purchased one recently. But this week I've been caught out three times! Soaked through wearing flip flops! Roll on sunny season! 

NOTHING MUCH TO REPORT THIS WEEK...

..so I just thought I would tell everyone...

...especially you mum! And I can't wait for my cwtches when I get home.

NEW ASIA...NEW YEAR...

It took us a while to decide what we were all going to do for New Year. None of us really knew what to expect as the majority of us have only been here for four months now. So we decided on New Asia Bar which is situated on the 71st floor of Singapore's tallest hotel, Swissotel. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city whilst drinking the night away at the sleek and ultra sexy bar.

Liam was kind enough to get our tickets in advance and Tom and Rachel started the party off early with pre-drinks and food at their new apartment where there was a lot of champagne consumed! I was amazed that despite only being here a few months there were 16 of us altogether. Although I don't have pictures of everyone who was out I can hopefully put a few faces to names finally.

TOP: Rachel, Tom, Me and Mikey have had a great few days whilst Mikes been visiting. My favourite New Year so far was Sydney 2008/2009 but this year despite it being a lot different to being sat on a rock in Sydney the four of us have created a few more awesome memories to add to the vast amount I already have.

MIDDLE LEFT : Mike and Liam. We first met Liam and his girlfriend Arlene (bottom) when they moved here not long after I had arrived. It's a small world. Liam in fact works for Mindshare who represent one of my clients so we share a mutual friend there. Liam met Mike whilst playing football, only to discover that Mike and his girlfriend Karen actually live in the apartment next door to them. They're neighbours! And as it happens Mike and Liam both love to play music as well as Tom and Rach so the guys are organising "The Sunday Sessions", an open mic night that we're hoping is going to take over The New Prince of Wales (a bar on Boat Quay).

MIDDLE RIGHT : Karen is Mike's other half seen here mid dance with Victoria.

BOTTOM : Rachel, Me and Arlene. I think the smiles show just how happy we all are! 

The night ended for me at 3am when my feet could not take anymore. We had danced all night! Unfortunately the last few days it's been raining heavily. So plans to show Mikey changed and we spent most of the day yesterday sleeping. Followed by a very chilled out BBQ mostly drinking soft drinks! I feel like the next few weeks most definitely need to be a detox.

I hope everyone back home in the UK had a great new year also. I personally can't quite believe it's 2011 as the last year since Christmas 2009 has flown by! But if there is one thing I've learnt about the last year is to embrace every moment. And, I will certainly be doing that in 2011...and it will certainly be worth it.

MIKEY ARRIVES IN SINGAPORE...

Finally, the time came to welcome Mikey to our new home. Having visited Mikey twice in Australia now, it is now my turn to be the host! In his usual manner, Mikey stumbled off the plane in a dazed and confused state. Just as it was for us when we first arrived, Mikey said he found the whole thing a little surreal. After leaving us all in Windsor three years ago and being reunited for the first time as a group half way around the world it did feel ever so slightly odd. But great, that despite not seeing Mikey since March it felt like the last time I saw him was last weekend. 

Mikey has just spent Christmas in the UK and when he landed in Heathrow it was -7 degrees. When he landed in Singapore it was 27 degrees at 7pm! No wonder he is feeling spun out! I booked us a table at Overeasy, One Fullerton. The bar where I spent my first night out in Singapore. With perfect views across the river at the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Merlion and thousands of wishing spheres floating on the water, the four of us sat and spent a view hours catching up before heading back towards Clarke Quay for a bit of live music and of course...Jagerbombs!