When in doubt, leave it out.

It's been over a week since my last blog post - about packing - and its not because I am lazy, as that is far from the truth! 

This packing business is taking on huge proportions and is far bigger than we first realised.  The packing is much harder 'going back' than when we first moved over and I have no idea why. Am sure we have a more now than when we first arrived in February 2007.

For those considering a relocation or thinking about becoming an expat, be warned. If you decide to move OS for just a couple of years - travel lightly.

The #1 piece of advice you hear from frequent travellers: Pack light. Lay out everything you think you need. Then put away half.

                                                               Bring very little.

                                                            When in doubt, leave it out.

                                             This also applies to expats moving OS.... believe me.

Most expats have the company they are working for to help with 'the move', the payment, the packing, the relocation etc. They will feel it wont matter about how much they bring over, and at the time, it probably wont. But when it comes to moving back, think carefully, will the company be paying for your move back? Will you still be working for the same company?

Organising, sorting, packing and repatriating is a lot harder when you need to do it all yourself.

We were only moving to Singapore for two years. Yes, two years!

What happened?

Two years came and went, then three, then four and now five years!

We brought over things we thought "we might need" and never used and we didn't realise most of the apartments are fully furnished, so one could easily arrive with just a couple of suitcases!

with hindsight - and we all know about that - we should have arrived here with very little, then the packing would be a little easier. Just like Jeff and Flora did.

We packed books, paperwork, bits and pieces of everything, stationary, photos, ornaments and even kitchenware. With all this experience behind me, I would suggest Ikea for the basic items, or Craigs List maybe.... even ask around, there is always someone moving on .... maybe you can take over their sofa or their kitchen items etc.

And over the five years we seem to have collected even more items.... like cables. Yes, cables ... how come we seem to have so many? .... and yes, they get rolled up along with the rest of the electrical items and packed away too!

CD's.... five years ago they were important. Had so many data CD's for my research, but now far outdated and so into the bin they go!

Books ... five years ago we brought over at leave five cartons of books, all of them to read again .... yes, again, most of them we loved so much it was going to be hard to part with them, so we brought them over to 'read again'.... and did we? No, of course not, we got caught up with doing so many other things like exploring Singapore and SE Asia too. So our pre loved books have been given away.

Kitchenware ..... five years ago it was my belief that we would be entertaining like we have always done. People coming and going, dinner parties, BBQ's, friends for lunch .... but in Singapore? No, it rarely happens. For many reasons, one being the kitchens are far too small! We will usually meet elsewhere to 'catch up'. Be it one of the bars at Clarke Quay, a local eatery for hawker food, maybe one of the many restaurants in town for lunch, or the Kopitiam for a quick kopi .... and all those nice plates, silverware, cups etc?  All repacked without being used.

We both have computers and a lot of equipment sitting on the two desks in the study we share. We have back up servers, speakers, printer and scanner.... and there is even a fan sitting on the desk as the two computers 'back to back' create a lot of heat .... and we do not need any extra heat here in Singapore!

rethink what you are packing for the overseas.

we have so much extra 'stuff' and we don't even have children here, just one little dog!

Do think carefully when you are considering a move overseas and ask yourself, do you really need it.

    When in doubt, leave it out.

for those new to our blog: we relocated to Singapore from Melbourne, Australia on February 9 2007 and now repatriating back to Melbourne on February 24 2012......

pack-ing cha-cha-cha

❀♪♫♩❀♪♫♩♬ 

pack-ing cha-cha-cha 

❀♪♫♩❀♪♫♩♬

for travel-ing cha-cha-cha

yes, packing.

and more packing.

for we are repatriating to Australia after 5 years of living on the Little Red Dot, also known to many as SINGAPORE!

We have been asked by others how we feel. This is incredibly difficult to answer. We are finding it to be harder than we expected. 

Way back in 2006 we had a phone call asking if we would be interested in working in Singapore. At first John said no because both had good (work) positions in Australia which we really enjoyed, we had two dogs and our town house in the city area.

Why would we want to give all this up?

But after much discussion we decided to go ahead with the move. It was going to be good for John to gain some 'global experience' and for us to experience living in another country.
I have lived in Canada and the US, but living in Asia would be quite different.

After all it was only for two years right?

Well we moved here on February 9 2007 ..... two years soon came and went, three years, four years and now its five years. Where did that time go?

(above: Melbourne Airport: February 9 2007)

We moved out into the Heartlands as soon as we arrived as we had no desire to live closer in to Singapore itself. It was the best thing we could have done. By moving out amongst the heart of Singapore allowed us to settle in much quicker than we imagined. We made many friends and got to know the local area for shopping within a matter of weeks.

Singapore soon became part of our heart too and we became PR's (Permanent Residents) as soon as we could.

We immersed ourselves in the local culture, the local events, meeting people, we attended the festivals and we too - learned to live in harmony.

 
(above: at the Hari Raya Festival)

(above: at the Pongal Festival)

(above: at Bukit Brown Cemetery)

(above: at the Battle of Pasir Panjang Walk)

(above: last train out of the Tanjong Pagar Rail Station)

We attended many of the heritage tours and walks around Singapore to learn more about this young nation, by learning more you have better understanding of how or why things are done the way they are. By understanding the history, you can understand the present.

 

 

Our 'walks' have taken us to many area's of Singapore that even the locals tell us they have not done. 

           and so it is with a heavy heart we leave our adopted country.

we cannot possibly list the things we will miss, for there are too many. But we will miss our friends most of all.

Our Singaporean friends that took us to heart soon after we arrived, for we were never treated as just another Ang Mo!

Our 'expat' friends that were always there for us!

We have spoken to many others - some that have lived here for up to 20 years - asking the question what is it that keeps bringing you back to Singapore or what is it that you miss most.

Not one can give us a clear answer.

They don't really know, they like the welcome home at Changi Airport, where the customs and immigration people greet each of us with a  smile - yes a smile and they all say welcome home.

They always enjoy the drive from the airport along the ECP (East Coast Parkway) where it is covered in flowers and greenery. A sure sign you are back in Singapore.

 

They also enjoy the smells, the foods, the people, the vibrancy, the festivals, the harmony, the local shopping areas, the hawker food, the weather, the safety, the cleanliness, the ease of getting around on the public transport, for they all enjoy being HOME where they feel comfortable.

 Singapore is in their heart

as it is in ours and none of us can give a clear answer as to why. For we were not born here, nor did we grow up here, but we have all learned that living in harmony, in a safe environment, certainly does mean a lot and shows us that it can be achieved wherever we live.

So after writing the above thoughts, its time for me to get back to the sorting of what we are taking back to Australia or what not to take back.

                                       But that's another blog post for sure!

usher in the Chinese New Year at The Halia !!

We recently had the opportunity to experience The Halia Restaurant located within the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

“Halia” is a Malay word for ginger, a fragrant and hot root that is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Drawing its name from its halcyon locale within the Ginger Garden at Singapore Botanic gardens.

I think the main attraction for The Halia would be the setting, no one could resist such an atmosphere. Sitting in this particular restaurant of an evening, shared with good company within the Botanical Gardens. Truly a delight.

Taking the helm at The Halia’s new kitchen is Chef de Cuisine Reynaldo Arriola. With close to a decade of training and professional culinary experience in Singapore and France, Chef Reynaldo’s new menu at The Halia showcases modern European cuisine with occasional touches of Asian spices. He certainly has a job ahead of him to convince the pedantic Singaporean customer that this is the place to dine.

The first comment most people seem to make is its too difficult to find parking or too far to walk.  But take note of where the restaurant is located and you will find its is only a 3 minute walk from the Coach Parking Bay where the cab can drop you off.

Enter from Tyersall Avenue (off Holland Road) and stop at the parking bay for tourists visiting Ginger Garden and Orchid Garden. But do avoid entering from the Cluny Road entrance as that would entail a pretty long walk within the Botanic Gardens to get to The Halia.

From tomorrow - January 18 - there is an exclusive A La Carte Chinese New Year's Special  available to mid February 2012 (Dinner only)

The exclusive Chinese New Year a la carte menu comprises of six Chinese-inspired dishes featuring auspiciously-named offerings such as "Prosperity" - a modern take on Yu Sheng with Ocean Trout Carpaccio, Pomelo, Orange Plum Sauce and Chinese Leek, and "Dragon" - Half lobster, angel hair pasta, XO lobster bisque and abalone garnish.

Very innovative as you can create a 3-course of your own (starter, maincourse, dessert) set from the A La Carte Chinese New Year's Specials from $128++ per person (Additional $40++ per person for a wine paired menu with 3 glasses of wine)

For reservations, call (65) 6287 0711 (office hours) or email

The images below are from The Halia and give you an indication of the foods we had and what is available for the coming festive season of Chinese New Year.

(above: Prosperity)

Carpaccio of ocean trout, carrot, sultanas, Chinese leek with pomelo and pamplemousse, black moss, glass noodle, black & white sesame seed and green lime juice, orange plum sauce, pickled ginger) 

(above: Prosperity)
Foie gras, miso, seaweed, miso and spring roll with piquillos sauce

I particularly enjoyed these!

 

(above: Abundance)

we had Kurobuta port turo, yuzu and kumquat sweet sour sauce,

fricassee of carrots, white asparagus, prosciutto and chives. 

(above: Dragon)

half lobster, angel hair pasta, XO lobster bisque and abalone

for my own personal taste, I found the flavour of the sauce a little overpowering for the delicate taste of the lobster meat, or it may have been the roasting of it. 

But this is my western palate and perhaps would be quite suitable for the Asian palate.

(above: Happiness)

Chocolate Mousse, orange sesame tuille and Szechuan pepper ice cream.

this certainly was for "Happiness" as it was quite delicious, be warned though if you have never tried the Szechuan Ice Cream before, the pepper taste might be a surprise!

(above: Fortune)

Orange tiramisu, triple sec orange liquor gelee, pistaschio nougat, orange meringue.

I found the base of this dessert to be very 'rich', but did enjoy the light orange meringue!

All of the above dishes were paired with Brown Brothers wines, all exclusive to The Halia.

The Halia does offer far more than the above menu for discerning diners as there is a full a la carte menu is available for dinner and lunch.
 
A 2-course ($28++) and 3-course ($32++) set lunch menu is available from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays), 12pm to 2pm.

The Brunch menu is an absolute delight to just read the menu!!

The brunch menu is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, 10am to 4pm.
The Kid’s menu is available at all times. Reservations are not accepted for brunch.

But of course there is also 'Teatime at The Halia'

At $28++ per person, The Halia offers a special “Premium English Tea Service” featuring items like the Mini olive quiche with Iberico bellota and tomato spread, Mini baked tomato provencale tart with lemon beurre blanc, home-made assorted macaroons and fresh scones served with apricot and ginger jam.

The one I would like to experience - and hope to do so soon, is the The “Premium English Tea Service” which is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, 3pm to 5pm. Reservations are not accepted for tea.

There is also a very extensive Wines and Beverage list at The Halia.

If you can't make it for the Chinese New Year celebrations, do try for the English Afternoon Tea, or perhaps even dinner one evening?

For reservations or any enquiry, call (65) 6287 0711 (office hours) or email

I do not consider myself a food critic nor a food writer, but I enjoy good food that is well presented with the added bonus being 'good value'. I do believe The Halia offers good service and good food that is served well in a very pleasant atmosphere. Each persons taste is very different, even the western palate is quite different to the Asian palate for example. As a blogger I share my thoughts and observations with others. I write only about what I enjoy and what I think others will enjoy and so do hope you enjoy your experience at The Halia!

Caveat and Disclaimer

This blog resulted from an invitation and represents the thoughts and opinions of the writer. All information on this blog is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness and the writer will not be liable for any losses, injuries or damages from the display or use of this information. Most of the above images and information have been supplied to me by The Halia Restaurant and FoodNews.


                 Thank you to The Halia and FoodNews for this kind invitation

I'll see you again one day soon .....

This blog post (below) was written in July 2009, when I had to say goodbye to my friend Susan. Since then I have said countless goodbyes.... none of them being any easier.

It is hard for each and everyone of us, people that have not been 'expats' will never have the understanding of what it is like to be constantly saying GOODBYE. 

As expats we make short and very intense relationships wherever we may be living, they may not be 'life long friends' from our school days, but they are equally as important for they have more understanding of what our lives are like today. We are all in the same boat with the same concerns, the same joys, worries, our fears, happiness or missing our families.

We miss the same things 'back home', we share the same joys and excitement of each others events, like graduations, babies etc ..... we travel to the same amazing places of which others have no understanding. In Singapore, we rarely discuss our latest trip to Kuching or Koh Samui or Chiang Mai with friends 'back home', because to be frank, they couldn't care less, let alone know where these places are!

We have many discussions with our expat friends as to where we have been or where we are going, because we are all interested in each others lives, where we are going or what is happening. Its not being rude or being a 'busy body', its because we care about each other .... we are all good friends and we know any one of us would be right there on the door step if anyone of us needed support.

So yes, we do form very intense relationships in a very short time. Most of them survive the goodbyes too as we all hope and pray that one day we will see each other again.

This year there are quite a few people departing the shores of Singapore and John and I are in that group too ....  our goodbyes are now on the flip side.

                                   and they are not any easier either

                          How lucky we are to have known such friends
                                 who are so hard to say goodbye to.


July 2009

I am so lucky to have met many wonderful people here in Singapore ...... friends are so important.

They are important when you are at 'home', growing up, going to school, new work environment, getting married and having children of your own .... right throughout your life, friends are important. ......

even more so when you are living so far away from home.... wherever 'home' maybe.

Family are too .... but you cannot choose your family.

friends are special people that you choose with your heart.

Then sometimes when we are far away from our home country, life can suddenly take a dip. Like one of my friends here in Singapore wrote on her blog recently:

"I'll apologise in advance as I know this post will probably come across as a bit self-pitying but I just need to have a moan.

Sometimes life in Singapore can be downright lonely. Even though I've made some really nice friends, I don't see them often enough and some days the loneliness really gets me down. "

and it hit me..... she is right ..... we all have our friends here, but they also have their own lives and yes, they travel or go 'home' on holidays too.
........ and we are still here.

We can make many friends and then find they are leaving us due to many reasons, maybe their contract is up, maybe they have lost their job...... for whatever reason they are no longer with us

....... and we are still here.

“Friends are an integral part of your life, but every friend you have must live life at their own pace. When the time comes & they must leave you, there is no need to grieve over their parting from your life. It is the very essence of life that it should be so. But it hurts nonetheless and we grieve nonetheless, but we hold them in our hearts forever. Always cherish the joy, laughter, memories and love that they have brought into your lives. Always remember them with a warm smile for what they have given you.”
I have said goodbye to many people that have touched me whilst living in Singapore ..... and again next week I have to say goodbye to another.

but is it "goodbye"???

can it not just be:

"I'll see you again one day soon"

for I hope it will be.

Susan

my very good friend.

love ya!

in transit at Singapore?

Have a stopover / layover is Singapore for a few hours?

Be it 4 hours or 8 hours, you will not be wanting to hang around the airport for that length of time, though to be fair there is a lot to do at Singapore's Changi Airport and you will not be bored!

At the airport there are many dining experiences for any palate. But you may wish to just wander around and 'shop' duty free, again many stores to choose from.

At T1 (Terminal one) there are many stores for perfumes and cosmetics, in T2 there is Hudson News, SK Jewelry, Chomel as well as many others.  In T3 you will find Bata, Bratpack, Giordana, Samsonite, Swatch, Watsons and Cotton On to name a few…..

If you prefer to just rest, there are airline lounges located in all terminals. Check here.

If your stopover / layover is up to 3 hours:

• Surf the Internet or send out some emails with FREE Internet services (15 mins)
• Enjoy a stroll in the world's first Butterfly Garden in an airport at Terminal 3 (20 mins)
• Get a FREE foot massage at the Foot and Calf Massage Stations (15 minutes)
• Pick up fantastic gifts from a wide selection of souvenirs, toys, fashion and books (30 mins)
• Grab a light and healthy meal at Quick Bites (30 mins)

If your stopover / layover is up to 4 hours:

• Try out a fish micro-massage therapy at the Fish Spa & Reflexology (30 mins)
• Refresh with a quick shower (20 mins)
• Have a go at the FREE Xbox 360 and PlayStation® 3 games at the Entertainment Deck (30 mins)
• Shop at the wide selection of fashion labels, gift choices and lifestyle brands (1 hour)
• Enjoy delicious gourmet dining at our wide range of restaurants (45 mins)

If your stopover / layover is up to 5 hours:

• Soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the rooftop swimming pool (30 mins)
• Get a new hairdo or manicure (45 mins)
• Catch a blockbuster movie for FREE at the Movie Theatre (2 hours)
• Rediscover the beauty of nature at one of Changi's themed gardens (15 mins)
• Tuck into a hearty meal and chill out at Harry's Bar or Hard Rock Cafe (45 mins)

If your stopover / layover is OVER 5 HOURS:

• Join a FREE Singapore Tour and take in the sights and sounds of Singapore, as well as get a glimpse into Singapore’s ethnic heritage and tourist attractions. (2 hours)
• Try out the various cuisine from local, Asian and international dining outlets in the airport (45 mins)
• Don't miss out on some great buys from our wide range of duty-free products (1 hour)
• Catch a nap at one of our quiet Rest Areas or check into a napping facility (1 hour)

For a short rest after a long flight, just book a room at the Transit Hotels if you are transiting in Terminal 1, 2 or 3. You don't have to clear Immigration to get to the hotels.

Terminal 1 - Tel: (65) 6542 5538
Terminal 2 - Tel: (65) 6542 8122
Terminal 3 - Tel: (65) 6507 9788

Visit the Transit Hotel webpage.

The transit area in the Budget Terminal is not linked to Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Passengers who are transferring between two flights in the Budget Terminal will not be able to access the Transit Hotels in Terminal 1, 2 and 3.

You are allowed to enter Singapore during your transit as long as you have the valid travel documents (passport, visa etc). Passengers arriving on or connecting to a budget airline must clear Customs and Immigration into Singapore.

You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website for further information on entry requirements into Singapore.

You will only be able to re-enter the Transit Hall if you are holding the boarding pass of your flight out of Singapore issued by the airline or a self-printed boarding pass which has been endorsed by the airline.

Please note that if you leave the transit area without a valid boarding pass for your departing flight, you will only be able to check-in for your connecting flight when your airline starts its Check-in operations in the Departure Check-in Hall.

Check-in counters generally open at least 2 hours before flight departure. Please check with your airline for the exact opening time of Check-in counters. For further queries, you may approach any of the Information Counters at the airport.

*note* all of the above information can be found on the Changi Airport website. It has been transcribed here for ease of reading with this particular blog post.

Yes, you can leave your baggage at the Left Baggage counter located in all terminals. This service is available at:

Terminal 1
* Departure Transit Lounge East, Level 2
* Basement West, Public Area

Terminal 2
* Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 2
* Arrival Hall North, Public Area, Level 1

Terminal 3
* Departure Transit Lounge North
* Basement 2 South

Budget Terminal
* Departure Check-in Hall

OR ….

You can take the train to anywhere in Singapore from CHANGI MRT (rail station) located at the basement of Terminals 2 and 3, accessible from the Arrival and Departure Halls through escalators and lifts.

After purchasing the SINGAPORE TOURIST PASS for $8.00 SGD at the rail station, proceed thru the ticket barriers and board the train at CHANGI MRT.

Just two stops later transfer to the west bound train at TANAH MERAH MRT (train station) at Tanah Merah station all you need to do is cross the platform to board the train towards JOO KOON - which is the terminating point (on the far left) of the green line as seen below in the MRT Map:

Once on the train, you have the whole island to explore!!

You can stay on the train all the way to JURONG EAST INTERCHANGE (where the red 4 is located to the left on the above map) and transfer to the red line (terminating point will be MARINA BAY which is right at the bottom of the map where the red 5 is located). By traveling on the red line via WOODLANDS etc you do get to see quite a bit of the Singapore heartlands and countryside.

If you have decided to travel this route, taking the red line from JURONG EAST MRT, you can alight at BISHAN MRT. This is located in the centre of the above map where the red lines intersects with the orange line. The orange line being what is locally called "the circle line". It takes about a hour to travel from one end to the other. One of my Blog Posts on The Circle LIne is HERE.

Entirely up to you .... you can stay on the red line and continue all the way to ORCHARD MRT or SOMERSET MRT and alight at either of these if you wish to wander along Orchard Rd.

 image above is Somerset MRT


If you do change trains at BISHAN MRT and take the circle line (or yellow line) then you could board the train that is going towards DHOBY GHAUT MRT. This is a major interchange between quite a few train lines.

If you look at the above train system map from BISHAN MRT in the middle of the above map, going towards DHOBY GHAUT interchange means you will be on the orange line going towards the right. Follow it around and you could alight at PROMENADE MRT if you wish to take a ride on the SINGAPORE FLYER for example, or continue on towards BAYFRONT or MARINA BAY MRT on the extended orange line (newly opened JAN 14 2012) as seen in the following abbreviated map:

 

 above the train door the map will look like this:

If you decide to alight at BAYFRONT MRT it is directly beneath MBS (Marina Bay Sands) so a good opportunity to have a look around this area.

as this is a newly opened line (JAN 14 2012) be aware until further notice the following applies:

OFF-PEAK HOURS ONLY

During off-peak hours, things get a little less straightforward. There will be a shuttle train service that runs from Marina Bay station to Stadium station. This means commuters going towards the two new stations should alight at either Stadium, Nicoll Highway or Promenade stations to board the shuttle train.

Trains alternating between Dhoby Ghaut and Harbourfront will run at a frequency of 3.5 minutes during peak hours. The shuttle trains which operate during off-peak hours will run at a frequency of seven minutes.

This is until we here further news on an extended train service. But during peak times, the train will run as 'normal'.

But if you find this a little confusing, do not attempt to travel to BAYFRONT or MARINA BAY on the orange circle line. You are here to have a quick look around Singapore, so you do not need to have any added stress and worry about what train or where or if you need to catch the shuttle train.

Better if you alight at ESPLANADE MRT and do a nice walk of 2.5 klms around Marina Bay itself. All the way around the bay and back to the ESPLANADE MRT will stretch your legs nicely for the next flight!

By doing this you get to see the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Heritage area, the Fullerton Hotel, the Esplanade Theatre as well as the Merlion!

At this time you may wish to board the train at ESPLANADE MRT back to DHOBY GHAUT MRT..... depending on how much time you have left, you can take the purple line to LITTLE INDIA MRT or to CHINATOWN MRT.

 

An hour or so wandering Little India  or Chinatown will give you a small sample what they are like.

Again, depending on how much time you have left, you may like to change trains at DHOBY GHAUT MRT and take the green line towards CHANGI MRT (eg: on your way back to the airport) but instead of staying on the train, alight at BUGIS MRT and wander around the Kampong Glam area. Fabulous colours, foods, fabrics and people in this area!

There is much to see and do in and around Singapore. If you take any of the above suggestions, you will also find many areas for good food. Not always at the local hawker markets, but still the above will take you past some good food areas. There is a good one near the ESPLANADE MRT for example. But you can always find restaurants, coffee shops (kopitiams) and cafe's everywhere you look, you will not go hungry in Singapore!

                                                  please do remember:
          that there is no drinking or eating on any train or bus in Singapore.

The above is by no means all there is to see in Singapore, but hopefully it will give you a taste of what it is like and that one day soon, you will return for a longer visit.

You could stay for a month and still not see everything ..... I have not touched on any of the amazing parks. The Botanical Gardens, The Orchid Garden, Pasir Ris Park, Labrador Park just to name a few.

There are the islands sitting just off Singapore where you can take a ferry to enjoy a peaceful picnic, a bike ride or a swim. They are Pulau Ubin, St John's Island, Kusu Island to name just three!

Then there is the Singapore Zoo or Jurong Bird Park, the many Temples, the Asian Civilisation Museum, The National Museum and Art Galleries, the Raffles Hotel or the Fullerton Hotel and the list goes on and on ......

We hope you do return and experience the hospitality of The Little Red Dot.

                      in the mean time we do hope you enjoy your short 'stopover' 

                   and we wish you a safe journey on your next flight out of Changi.

a little bit of consideration .....

and being polite goes a long way when one is a visitor in another country.

Sitting in a restaurant in Little India today with two Indian ladies ..... they had ordered Poori (which is a large soft, thin deep fried bread and completely hollow on the inside) and a few other items including Dosa.

Behind me were a group of tourists, they were loud and being quite obnoxious. But as the food came to our table, one of the group (of tourists) jumped up, came around and said:

"ooohhhh ... I must take a photo of this"

                         
The two Indian ladies were mortified and tried to shield their faces as they turned away. I was more embarrassed than anything, could not understand why this group of Caucasians could act in such a rude manner!

But the tourist, with her little point and shoot camera was totally oblivious to what was happening. She was too busy (and too rude) to take any notice or have any consideration for others.

Would she do this in her own country?

Better still, I wonder how she would react if she were 'at home' and a tourist came running up to her in a restaurant saying.....

"ooohhhh ... I must take a photo of this"

                                     My guess is, that she wouldn't like it one little bit.