Life in Singapore

Howz Singapore? What's it like in Singapore? How's life in Singapore? How's the weather? How are the people out there? How is the culture? What is it that you love the most out there? Do you love Singapore or Do you like Singapore?

Yes... these are few of the many questions that keeps shooting out of my friends and relatives.
I am basically from Karnataka, India. I spent my 23 years there, then moved to Singapore after my wedding - in November 2008. It was early morning that we - Adarsh and me - landed at Changi International Airport, Singapore. The weather was good, though not as good as that of Bangalore. :) We got a taxi and within an hour, we were at our new flat. It was from then on, I entered into a new world - altogether new!

To begin with, Singapore is a very lovely city - a very clean and well organised place to dwell in. I would say Singapore is a blend of western lifestyle and Asian culture. You find a wide range of diversity - be it in race, culture, lifestyle or food. Yet, there is harmony, there is discipline. Singaporeans are kind hearted. They are soft by nature.

I am a Software Engineer by profession. I wanted to take a break from my career after my marriage. So I did not look out for jobs immediately. However, after 2 months or so , I actively started seeking a job. Getting a job in Singapore was not so easy for a .NET Developer like me. Recession had made an impact on Singapore employers. There were people who lost jobs, there were others who kept trying to find a secure job, and amongst all these people, there I was - seeking for a decent job with no local experience, with no Microsoft Certifications, with no Work Permit Visa in hand! - It took me nearly 4 months to resume my career.

Work culture in Singapore is good. It is like any other IT Company that you find in India. You slog to meet the deadlines. Rest of the time, you simply chill out and enjoy the IT facilities of sitting in an air-conditioned room, and browse internet the whole day. Friday evening is the time for some refreshment. Weekends are meant to be spent with friends and family.

I am enjoying my work - yet, I can't compare the work environment to that of Mindtree Ltd, Bangalore. I had the best times of my career at Mindtree. Even now, I miss it.
Here, I have friends from various parts of Asia - from India, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and many more! Its fun with them... But, back in India, it was the local Kannada friends I had, chit-chatting the time away at the coffee bar, at the lawn, in our cubicle, in the cab, gossiping about others - all those were definitely much more fun. I miss you all out there in Bangalore!!!

Singapore is definitely a lovely place and it surely changes your lifestyle. There is so much to learn from people here. There is much more to do just than office and home work. You don't get stuck in traffic, and you hardly find a reason to blame the government. But, staying in a far off land, away from your parents, friends and close ones, it surely makes you miss them. It surely makes you nostalgic. But that's the way life is! Knowing that, I enjoy what comes my way. Make the best you can with what you have.

Zumba Fitness

Working out your body can be fun. But not as much fun as Zumba! Yes folks. Zumba is a fusion of hot Latino rhythms and easy-to-follow moves which is not just a dance but a energetic fitness program that will for sure change the way you look at body fitness and exercise. Its music and steps will surely blow you away.

Zumba is an aerobic fitness program created by Miami-based dancer and choreographer Beto Perez and two others, Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. I can say that Zumba is a combination of rumba, cumbia, mambo, salsa, hip hop and many more with a mixture of fast and slow moves. It targets areas such as heart, arms, legs, abdomen and glutes. It is considered to be a very good aerobic exercise.

Recently, Jackie Chan's California fitness Club - Novena branch's 3rd anniversary celebration was held at Novena Square, Singapore. And of course, there was Jackie Chan inspiring the crowd with his Body Combat, Zumba Fitness and Boxing sessions.
Check out the below pictures - "Jackie Chan in Action". Its a snapshot of the Zumba Fitness that he is performing on the stage.


(Pictures above: Jackie Chan dancing at California Fitness - Novena Square, Singapore)

I never knew that working out at a gym or fitness club could be so much fun. Body Combat and Zumba are my all time favorites. I suggest each one of you who read this blog to try Zumba at least once. You wont stop once you start!

Lets Zumba!

Body Combat - California Fitness, Singapore:

Body Combat is a cardio work out and a very energetic program where you are totally unleashed. It is a combination of various martial arts like Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai and Thai Chi. It not only stimulates the body, but also the mind to function better. Overall, this cardio exercise with superb and vivid music will help you burn those unwanted carbs and help you reach your goal towards fitness.

It was somewhere the last week of December 2008 that I attended the first ever Body Combat Session at California Finess - Orchard, Singapore. It was Adarsh who dragged me into joining this fitness club. He felt it would be fun for both of us to workout together.

It was a one hour session which started off initially with a warm up, followed by various combat techniques and ended with a cool down exercise. The music was very energetic and the instructor's spirit made the atmosphere more vital.

(Check out the below snap with our instructors on stage.)



Initially I took it easy, and my moves were easy going and less powerful. I could see people beside me sweating out all their carbs while I stood there at ease :)

Within three-five such sessions, I began to love Body Combat. I picked up strength, power and force. My movements improved gradually. Now, its been around six months of Body Combat and all that I can say is: Its simply the best. All you fitness freaks need to explore the magic of BC and its tracks. I am sure you can't escape without being addicted to it.

Body Combat is for anyone and everyone. You need not have to know martial arts techniques to kick start it. Anyone with average fitness level can start Body Combat. One advice I would like to give to you before you set out: You are surely going to get hooked to Body Combat once you start. So watch out! Do not over-do. We - both me and Adarsh, practice it twice or thrice a week and that is sufficient.

Be active! The safest and most effective way to lose weight is to reduce calories and increase physical activities.

Bottom line is: Body Combat Rocks!!!