I was literally starving.

And I do mean, literally.

Hungry for books! 

I forgot what this feeling was like, 

but I do remember it from Japan, 

especially living in rural Japan...

but,

after residing in Portland, Oregon, 

a city which is blessed with as far as I know 

THE BEST new/used bookstore in the US, Powell's, 

as well as a state-of-the-art library network, I forgot what it was like to want for new reading material.

As I am still waiting for my employment pass, I can't get a library card in Singapore quite yet. For anyone else, this matter would probably be no big deal, but for a biblio-holic like myself, it's torture lah!, 

especially since the libraries here are insanely awesome. 

Even more ironic is that my official job title here is "Reading Specialist." Something is amiss in the world.

I'm sure you might be thinking:

Why not just go buy a new book, Kellie? 

and yes, you're right, I could. . . but books in Singapore are extremely expensive--- twice or three times the price of those in the US, and I always feel guilty about buying new books anyhow, unless it's a book I plan to keep for years and years

and so

 I decided to go on an adventure- 

(adventures are more fun anyway!)

to seek out used bookstores in Singapore.

My Google search brought up a few different spots, and I ventured out to the MRT station.

I found two bookshops almost located right next to each other on the map, and I found myself in a great little area called Tiong Bahru. It's a area that still retains a neighbourhood-like feeling of an Singapore of days of old. . . and it's beautifully quiet. The hustle and bustle of the city, the sheer number of people and amount of ambient noise can grate on the nerves, slowly over time, like water torture. In fact, I decided to move across the street from my workplace, to avoid commuting for this very reason. I didn't realize that a quiet neighbourhood like Tiong Bahru existed, though, 

until now! 

A few bakeries and cafes on a single street, all unique.

A very relaxing day.

AND

Mission accomplished, books are being devoured.

Story time. . .

I had just finished 'talk time' 

with my class of 4 year olds-- 

Since we had all been on holiday the previous week, I had asked them to talk about the various places they went, what they did, did they eat anything special, etc. 

and after they finished, I told them about my trip to Borneo and all of the wildlife and interesting creatures I encountered. I had some postcards I had brought back as well with pictures of underwater specimens. 

They were fascinated and full of questions. 

Suddenly, I looked up at the clock and realized that it was already time to go... 

"Alright everyone. Please put your books in your bags and line up. Time to go home!" They obediently did as I asked, but a couple seconds later, 

I heard a voice from the corner of the room. 

"Teacher Kellie, 

I cannot put my book in my bag." 

Trying to foster independence and autonomy, I say, "Sure you can! It's easy. I know you can do it." 

The child shakes his head.

"How come?"

"There is a lizard inside my bag."

I laugh. Serves me right for telling such young children about Komodo dragons and such. 

I pick up his bag and look inside. 

Nothing at all.

"Oh. . . there's no lizard in your bag, nothing to worry about," 

I say in a calming voice.

The child just blinks at me, 

but doesn't move a muscle.

"It's just your imagination! See..."

I turn the backpack upside down and shake it. 

A huge lizard drops to the ground and runs around the room causing an effect 

similar to a strike in bowling. 

Screaming, chaos ensues.

Ahhh.. 

The hazards of living in a tropical climate.

Pulau Ubin

Upon arrival to Singapore,  I took some time to get settled in, and not having to start work straight away, my new co-workers and I decided to take advantage of the few days off and explore Singapore a bit. On one day, we decided to take a trip to Pulau Ubin, a National park on an island quite close to Singapore which offers a view of what Singapore might have been like years ago, before it became developed. I had relatively no expectations going to the island, and it turned out to be just stunning. All kinds of flora and wildlife inhabit the island, and it had such a peaceful vibe. In such a quiet place, it was hard to believe that I was so close to such a major populated city!

The journey begins.

Greetings!

The journey to Singapore and Malaysia from the US takes more than a day of travel, but somehow it didn't seem all that long this time around. I suppose my heart was beating with anticipation from the moment I boarded the plane. Malaysia is my favorite place I've ever traveled to for the kind energy of the people, cultural diversity, and glorious food, and though I have been several times for short vacations in the past, this would be my first longer journey. Boarding the plane I felt extremely fortunate to be able 

to pursue a dream and work simultaneously.