At Home... Again!
EL Singapore|December 2021
Born and bred in Singapore but living in England for the past 13 years, a returning expat shares with us how she's settling back into her birth country, this time with husband, sons and a cat in tow!
Patricea Chow
At Home... Again!
Lydia Elder left our shores at the age of 19 to read English and Sociology at the University of Leeds. She returned this April when her husband was offered a job here.

An influencer and digital content creator for property, interiors and DIY, Lydia's Instagram feed (@lydias_layton_life) is updated daily with photos of how she has put together her rental home in Singapore and her newbuild home in Kent in the UK. Her sons Teddy (6) and Arlo (4) often make appearances too! We chatted with Lydia about her story.

Tell us about growing up in Singapore.

My parents have lived in Singapore for 35 years – they still live in my childhood home, a black-and-white bungalow in Alexandra!

My best memories were around school - I went to Tanglin Trust School from nursery until Sixth Form. My mum still teaches Secondary English there and both my boys now go there too! It was surreal seeing them put on their uniforms for the first time.

I also have good memories of running around with my brother in what we called “The Valley, which was a vast expanse of tropical parkland right outside my parent's house. We would build dams in the drains, hunt lizards and take the dogs for walks. It's amazing seeing my boys enjoy doing the exact same things today, with me watching over as the adult.

What did you miss most about Singapore when you were away?

Denne historien er fra December 2021-utgaven av EL Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2021-utgaven av EL Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EL SINGAPORESe alt
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024