settlers
29/07/2007
It’s been slightly over a week since we got here, but it’s been a little tough trying to feel settled down. We’re still living out of our suitcase (though last weekend I managed to empty mine and put what little clothes I brought into drawers). I’ve been hanging out at the redblossomtea retail outlet and having tea all day helps with the jet lag and general sluggishness that I usually succumb to.
But in general, getting set up in a new country is probably like trying to wash the dishes – for me at least. For me, a simple case of washing the dishes takes a phenomenal 45 minutes because usually:
1. I put the clothes to wash, so the washing machine is drawing all the water
2. There are already dishes in the sink
3. The dish rack is full
4. The cupboard is mess, cups are in spaces where the dishes should be, and bowls are hanging out with the cups.
On weekends, we take it a little easier – yes, it is possible – and we take a drive around the city snooping around residential estates to shortlist areas where we might want to live. On Sundays, real estate agents usually do an open house for properties they want to sell, so you can just park by the side, walk in, get a pamphlet, and run out. A bit like visiting model house showrooms back in Singapore. Last week we got lucky and just stumbled onto a couple. This week I did my research, and have a shortlist of the places I want to check out.
The weather, is the usual unpredictable San Francisco weather. It’s generally about 15°C or so, but in the city it’s sunny and where we’re staying it’s foggy and wet. So when I wake up I think it’s freezing and put on a wooley sweater, but by the time we get to the city I’m sweltering under the sweater.
I expect when I get used to it, it’ll be a different season 
