Driving in Singapore is a luxury. Well, not always.
I have a crappy car. A really crappy car. I shouldn’t complain, right? After all, I have a car in Singapore where what you fork out to buy a vehicle can buy you a yacht in other countries.
But here’s the deal: it’s a really crappy car. I first saw the notice on the message board at The American Club. “White Peugeot 206. Eight years old. $22,000. $11.5k PARF.” Wow. We could actually afford that and get back half our money in two years. Unlike many expats, a car is not part of our package.
Back home, I would have scoffed at this car. I test drove everything in the States before choosing my Lexus SUV. Here? I didn’t care. A car was a car. It didn’t matter if it was comfortable or cute or anything. It had four wheels and air con.
My husband wasn’t interested, not even a little. So I stepped up my pitch. I felt like I did in 5th grade when I campaigned to get my ears pierced. I dropped hints, many not-so-subtle. I begged. I cajoled. I explained I wanted a car to run the kids from sports to the mall without stopping home first to drop off equipment. Or to lug stuff to Girl Scout meetings. Or to Christmas shop without having to run home with bags between stores. Then, I begged some more. I even got my kids to ask. Dirty trick, I know.
Finally, he gave in and, a few days later, there it was: a little white Peugeot in the condo parking lot – and it was all ours.
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av EL Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra January 2018-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
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!
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.
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.
