Not long after I decided it’s time to move on from this apartment at Lor 32 Geylang I’ve called home for the past six years, I found my new place. It’s a stone’s throw away from East Coast Park and stands adjacent to the newly built Katong Park MRT opening in June. It will take me approximately 15 minutes to get to my office which cuts my current commute time in half. But it also fortunately or unfortunately, depending on my fitness level on any given day, shortens my commute run route home from 10 kilometres to eight. As with anything in Singapore, the apartment still comes with a hefty price tag. But as a foreigner, buying a property is simply unaffordable for me with the buyer’s stamp duty set at a whopping 60%. Ergo, I locked myself into a two-year lease to secure the place. But the apartment is nice and cozy and comes with a great view. So I tell myself.
As I did not initially know where I’d be moving, whether I’d have room for guests in the new place (turns out I still would – my friends you are welcome), I took the opportunity to invite my family members over. An invitation that was initially directed to two, my Tita Wen and Tots, had been extended to five to include Tita Lucil, Tita Gem and Towe, the latter group having had a strong case of what’s called FOMO. In any case, the more the merrier. Hosting my family, the most important visitors I’ve hosted in my apartment, was a great way to cap off my six-year long stay.
Six years must indeed be long because I am certain I came with only two suitcases in tow when I first moved in but now have to pack all the belongings I’ve amassed into three extra-large boxes on top of four other luggages. I am both disappointed in and ashamed of myself for preaching minimalism but not truly practicing it. I guess sometimes we buy things we think we need at the moment even though in reality we don’t need much to live. I will try harder but in my defence, even Marie Kondo gave up Marie Kondo-ing. Let’s forgive the material girl living in a material world.
I need to vacate my current place at the end of the month but I am suddenly being called up to Hong Kong for work next week which takes away time from me to process this move. Changes, big or small, are often so unsettling and if it were up to me, I’d take my sweet time with it if only to honor the wonderful memories of the past six years. It looks like there’s no time to be sentimental after all. Maybe that’s a good thing. Anyhow, I look forward to settling in. Maybe I’ll give a house tour when I’m up for it. Ciao!
Nice, new place, new view, new routine, new adventure – something to look forward to!
Indeed! Thanks for stopping by girl!