Some Notes on City Living
January 6th, 2007 | Published in general | 15 Comments
with regards to our first hostel, and my new home in it
- The location is unbeatable — I live right behind Sim Lim Square (!), am located spitting’s distance from my favourite restaurants in the area (Basil Alcove, Victor’s Kitchen, Sultan Kebab), can walk to and from Mustafa Centre at 3am if I wish, and no longer have to pay ungodly sums of money for taxis to and from school.
- The overarching design philosophy of the campus seems to be: make it as hedonism-free as possible. Failing which (since the desires of us children are so difficult to constrain), put as many obstacles in their way as it is possible to. Make them clamber over their chair, on their table, and up into their bed. Then make the bed so small that it’s difficult for more than one person to toss (um, I heard). I overheard a passionate objection: “What’s the point of moving to the hostel if I can’t… (censored) all night! I might as well stay at home!” Well. On that point I much prefer NUS hostels. Overheard someone else: “Do we clamber up then take our clothes off, or take our clothes off then clamber up? Whatever, the clambering spoils everything. Stupid SMU.”
- The rulebook reads: “when entertaining members of the opposite sex, keep the door open.” Sure!!!
- My room is, I believe, what used to be a balcony. It certainly feels like one, it is not endowed with much, width-wise.
- 4 days of independent living have had me start obsessing about brooms and mops, and pails and clothes-lines, and the various virtues of different cuts of ironing boards. I’m unreachable on the phone at 2 am because I’m washing my clothes. My friends want to send me back to my parents’ home to exchange for the old me.
- When hosting architecture students, allow enough time for them to take photographs for them to share with their classmates to illustrate “bad use of space, material and light” (their words, not mine). I’m not too picky, I just wish my bed had a bit more space.
- I live behind Sim Lim Square. I still can’t get over it.
- With this new development I have started a programme of walking everywhere as my primary mode of transportation. Because I’m healthy like that.
I live with 5 other girls in a flat. No, I live in a block full of girls.- One last note about my bed: whenever I’m on it, I feel like I’m on an Indian train. Third-tier AC, upper berth, if you know what I mean. Next to the aircon, lacking in width, and limbs sticking out awkwardly.
January 6th, 2007 at 4:08 am (#)
You crack me up.
I’m trying to understand this post in light of the previous one (and the twitters).
Doesn’t matter, but as you know, I’m the curious one, so if you want it entered officially into the record, shoot me an email.
good luck!
January 6th, 2007 at 9:29 am (#)
Late night laundry is a drag. Throwing laundry into the washer is the easy part, hanging and ironing’s boring.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:13 pm (#)
The comment about Indian trains made me smile .. and I just have to say this: Well, at least it doesn’t rattle and you don’t have a backpack for a pillow!
Fab location you have there. Rochor is fast becoming my favourite place in Singapore too :)
January 6th, 2007 at 4:52 pm (#)
In the world of the SMU rulebook, only heterosexual sex exists.
January 7th, 2007 at 1:23 am (#)
upbeat: yeah, and my feet aren’t being tickled by the incessant stream of chai-wallahs, soft toy vendors, book sellers, buskers, pantry workers, sweepers, and other types who like passing through the aisle (under your feet) even at the hours 2am-6am.
man. i am seriously missing india big time.
January 7th, 2007 at 2:37 am (#)
now u jus have to paint ur room or someting to make it look like an indian train, complete with flip up bedlights and irtc blankets ; )
January 7th, 2007 at 8:56 am (#)
Judging from the room rates, it’s about $500 per month on average. If space isn’t an issue, that’s pretty decent living downtown even an illegal worker. :P
January 8th, 2007 at 12:42 pm (#)
on a different matter, saw your twitter post…
omfg beer lao dark is the absolute best beer in asia!!!1
January 8th, 2007 at 5:23 pm (#)
hi :)
come to India - we miss you!!
am moving to delhi in a month or so..
cheers!
January 8th, 2007 at 6:17 pm (#)
i want beer lao
January 8th, 2007 at 11:10 pm (#)
Hostel life is fun! Had lots of laughs when studying in NTU and staying in hall…the social interaction, camaraderie, late night suppers, chit-chat session…enjoy!
January 9th, 2007 at 4:49 am (#)
Hey walking to Mustaffa’s at 3 am and back is pretty cool!!!!
January 9th, 2007 at 11:58 pm (#)
Right behind Sim Lim??? WOW!!!
January 11th, 2007 at 4:41 pm (#)
Climbing onto your bed can actually be kinda fun. Although a highhhh bed can have its drawbacks.. I broke my toe falling off my dorm bed a year ago. Don’t ask.
January 12th, 2007 at 3:56 am (#)
Check out the Four Seasons Kaya Toast place on Middle Road, next to the 7/11 in Fortune Center. Nice breakfast. Welcome to the neighborhood. :)