Diary of a Singaporean now living in Rome, Italy
Woke up on Saturday morning to a sore neck. Just turning my head hurts so much that I had to move very slowly. Even so, there were still sharp pains.
So annoying!
I’ve no idea what happened. Could it be my sleeping position or could it be this?
Thankfully, the pains were completely gone by Sunday. Maybe I should lock stickrinaz in the drawer just in case.
Other stickrinaz adventures :
To me, make-up cleanser is a very important step at the end of the day. As much as I’d love to look immaculate 24/7, using make-up for an extended amount of time is really bad for the skin, regardless of what brand or how expensive it is.
Quite by chance, reading a review by beauty blogger,Tea Noir made me so intrigued that I wanted one of my own. I couldn’t find it in Rome so I had to wait till I was back in Singapore to get my paws on one.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Biore Cleansing Oil :
Wait … what? Oil to clean your face?
If you could get over how greasy it is, oils from coconuts and olives actually make good cleansers. It’s not supposed to cause acne since acne is a result of dead skin, hormones and bacteria. Not convinced? Try smearing some cosmetics on your hand and dab a little bit of olive oil and see what happens.
Thank goodness we have formulated cleansing oils that doesn’t feel so greasy.
I’ve been using this cleansing oil since January and I’m liking it so far. Firstly its quite affordable at about $10 SGD and its quite easy to use.
So here I am with my regular make-up on :
And then you squeeze out the cleansing oil in the palm of your hand. I usually need just one pump, you can pump out more but I’m trying to be frugal since I cant find this in Rome.
The oil is transparent, smells nice and fruity.
And then massage it gently all over your face and you’ll see that in no time at all, every bit of make-up gets dissolved.
Be it blusher, waterproof eye-liner, lipstick.
But be extra gentle with the eye area as I’ve read from a number of other reviews that the oil sting their eyes. I didn’t encounter the same issue personally though so I think it could be a new formulation.
And then rinse off the oil with water and admire how nice and clean your face is … Oops! Now you can see my blemishes!
The interesting thing is that after using the cleansing oil, my face feels dry. Which is weird since oil isn’t supposed to make your face dry.
So at this point of time, I’d slap on some moisturiser or if its time for bed, I’d follow up with the rest of my facial care – Cleanser, Toner, Eye Cream and Moisturiser and then dream of pimple and wrinkle free skin.
Have you used the Biore Cleansing Oil before? What do you think of it?
In all honesty, at first I wasn’t that interested in attending the Anti Berlusconi demonstration. I just don’t find politics very interesting. But curiosity got the better of me and Cart and I headed to the Piazza Del Popolo last Saturday.
By the time we reached there, it was bustling with activity. All the way from the metro to the piazza, it was crowded with people. Cart guessed that there were about a good 30 thousand people when we reached there at 3. There were even more people streaming in as we left later.
Many of these people were wearing purple in a demonstration against Berlusconi’s corruption like the hiring of unqualified girls for his party.
I was hypothesizing that since purple in Italian is viola, the colour was chosen because it was close to the word violare, which means to violate.
There were an impressively large number of people carrying banners and marching around
But I was amused and most impressed at this very well made effigy. Everywhere the dummy went, the camera would follow.
And in this picture, he was probably trying to make the kid in the red coat cry by lowering the dummy close to the boy.
Eventually the speeches started and everyone was listening keenly to the speeches being done on stage. And all around me was cheering and clapping at what was being said.
Even though I couldn’t follow smoothly at what was being said, I thought that the event was very well planned and executed. Every speeches went back to back with no awkward pauses.
But what amazed me the most was the unity and the very public display of protest. And yet everything was very civil. What an eye opener.
I couldnt help but to compare it to Singapore’s own Hong Lim Park and all its regulations.
In all honesty, I was a little grossed out looking at pictures of myself in December. It was entire my fault, not watching what I was eating and consuming food like Pandoro almost every day and then making it worse by stuffing my face with loads of comfort food when I was back in Singapore.
My weight reached almost 70kg. Definitely not good.
This is a picture of me and Jules in December. I keep looking at my arms, thinking about how succulent they were.
The problem probably began last year.
Being newly married meant that Cart and I wanted to share everything together. And that includes food. When cooking, Cart liked to measure and serve the food portions equally. I’m pretty sure that other couples would empathise.
And have you ever seen Italian food portions? It’s huge!
This pizza is a portion for one person. In the beginning of the year, I could only manage eating half of it. Slowly as the months went by, I found to my horror and fascination that I could finish it all by myself.
While in Singapore, I’d be exercising regularly, doing yoga and aerobics, taking advantage of the affordable fees from community and sports centre. You could go for weekly session for about $50 Singapore dollars for 3 months. I loved the facilities and the instructors are mostly fantastic.
The prices of exercise sessions in Rome on the other hand, is much costlier. The most affordable one that we could find was about 54 euro per month and the place looked rather dated and I didn’t fancy some of the instructor’s methods.
So slowly, after going there for a few months, I started to slack and eventually stopped going. Probably not a wise thing to do. I kept telling myself that I’d supplement by going for daily jogs. But that never happened. And the weight kept going up.
Finally in the beginning of the year, I couldn’t stand it anymore, and I told myself that I better do something about this weight gain.
I would like to reaffirm that I do not believe in quick fixes like diet pills, weight loss spas, detoxification programs and I’ll never ever endorse them. You might see temporary weight loss but then gain it all back some weeks or even days later. Its a waste of time and money in the end.
Coincidentally YesPecan was recommending an exercise regime called the 30 day Shred by Jillian Micheals. I gave it a try.
The first few days was a challenge for me. While lifting my weights in front of me and doing leg stretches at the same time, I felt so wobbly! And I was so sore the next day. Every step I took, I felt my muscles complain.
Regardless, I carried on. At first, there was no weight loss but eventually, it was really nice to see the numbers go down 😀
It was not a dramatic weight loss. But I’m realistic. I’m happy just to lose slow and steady at 0.5kg every 2 weeks and not gain them back. As for food intake, I still eat practically everything I feel like but I moderate myself to stop when I feel full instead of trying to finish everything on my plate.
But what gives me the most motivation is seeing the physical results itself. This is me after finishing my 30 day shred.
I still have a long way to go, but I feel so psyched that I am started to see a little definition in my abs. And as tired as I feel, seeing this inspires me to continue to have a more toned body.
Please feel free to join me! If I can do it, I am sure that you can do it too! Come on and lets motivate each other to lose weight together!
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Pretty much like last year’s Valentine’s day, this year was a pretty simple affair. Regardless, Cart and I had a very nice day.
The initial plan was to head out to the Mount Terminillo to see the snow but the weather in Rome has been rather bad, hence we headed to Castelli Romani instead.
It was interesting going through the roads. There were layers of snow everywhere. Since we were outside of Rome, it was colder and more prone to snow.
By the time we reached there, the main roads were closed and I saw a number of traffic police wardens giving fines and towing vehicles away. And then I saw a number of booths being set up. It looked as if there was a market about to start.
I was very curious by this point of time. What was going on?
But there was no time to stop and investigate as we both did not want to be late for lunch. Italians are very iffy about their food times. If you go to a restaurant at 3.30 pm or later for lunch, big chances is that you’ll be turned away.
Anyhow, we headed to Trattoria dei Cacciotori. And much like the last time that we were there, there was an interesting display that we saw, the first thing that we entered the place.
We were lucky that even with the large amount of patrons in the trattoria, we had a table. It was really crowded. The waiters were running around serving the patrons, some looked quite tired.
Here I am posing with my mini-hat that I bought while in Singapore. I’m wearing it now since its the last few days of Carnevale.
Eventually, our food arrived and it was interesting to see how our table was decorated. With the red flower shaped place mat, and the heart shaped napkin holder.
I was admiring the napkin holder and that’s when I saw some words printed behind it. Rubato alla Trattoria dei Cacciotori. And I asked Cartcart what Rubato meant.
And he replied, “Stolen from”
We had a good laugh out of that.
Soonafter our food arrived. I had my beloved Piccantine ai funghi porcini and Cart had his Ravioli.
And then Cart had his artichoke while I had my verdure cotte in the background.
Cart absolutely LOVES artichoke and he’d buy 6 pieces of fresh artichoke at one go in the market. For one week he’d make fried artichoke, artichoke in fritata, pasta with artichoke – basically every dish he could think of using artichokes.
Initially I wanted tiramisu but since they ran out of it, I settled for this Torta Della Nonna. It was good! I loved the lemon cream in my cake.
And Cart had Creme Caramel.
We left the trattoria after having our espresso and thats when I saw what was going on. The booths were fully set up and there were loads of people in costumes walking around. There was a carnevale festival going on!
Its not as festive as the ones in Rio De Janeiro but it was still very cheery and happy anyway. I loved looking at the different colours which was in contrast to the cold chilly afternoon.
Everyone was having fun, smiling and playing with each other. There were heaps of confetti pieces everywhere. On the floor, on people, being strewn in the air.
And there were so many people wearing costumes both young and old. I spotted out this group of costumers wearing a Cleopatra outfit, an ancient Roman soldier, a princess and Pinocchio.
There were also several cute outfits that I spotted out, like a really adorable Hello Kitty baby! Daphne would love that!
This is Po from the Teletubbies. By the way, it’s interesting to note that the Italian version of Teletubbies, speak properly, not in baby language.
Here is a cute little chicken.
And this is a fake looking Minnie and Mickey mouse.
And there were countless of kids throwing confetti and spraying foam from cans.
These kids are having fun spraying it on their friends. Their cheeks a bright pink from all the running around. There was one boy who made a foam beard on himself even. He looked like a young Santa Claus.
I saw a couple of policemen confiscating the foam cans from a couple of kids and pulling out the nozzle so that it doesn’t function any more. The ironic thing is that there was a small booth selling it just next to the policemen. So is it illegal or no?
Anyhow, there were also a few sideshows. Cart and I spotted a small parade band, a South American musical performances and this acrobatic act.
We later drove to Nemi just for a quick look see since it was along the way. Cart feared that it would be like during the Ferragosto period and would have absolutely no space for parking.
Fortunately, it was fine, and we found a spot at the entrance.
I was still fascinated by the stacks of snow everywhere. The different seasons is something interesting to see. The same spot looking different at different times of the year.
Lake Nemi is still as pretty as the last time that we’ve been there. I liked looking down to see the different buildings and farms which is built in a concentric manner around the lake and the cars going by the roads. They were so tiny from down there! Like the size of ants.
Having a bit of time before it was completely dark, we walked up to an area where you could see the lake better.
It was really nice to see the area decorated with valentine’s day decorations. There were balloons and pinks at every turn and corner.
We walked down the bridge and thats when I saw a familliar face. Its the same kitty I saw the last time we were here with Jerrick!
Its impossible to take a clear shot of the cat since she’s always moving and wriggling. And she is still as claw-y as ever. Here she is molesting my chest and clawing my coat 
But it was probably because of the cold. I’m tempted to just kidnap her but she looks well fed and taken cared of, so I’m sure that she belongs to someone.
Anyhow, it was getting darker and colder, so we went to seek refuge into a little bar called Locanda lo specchio di Diana.
While this bar has excellent strawberry and strawberry cakes, we were here more for the hot chocolate instead since we were still full from our lunch.
What was interesting about this place is that they had speciality hot chocolates. I had the orange and cinammon flavoured one and I liked it very much.
While Cart had his with chilli.
I tried a bit but I didn’t like it that much. It was a tad bit too hot and a little strange for me.
Anyhow see what the hot chocolate did to Cart.
First it made him, “Woah this is very hot!”
Then he was like, “Urgh! This burning feeling, but I’ll be macho”
And then he’s like, “Oh please, it’s not hot at all!”
And finally he’s all Giles-like, “See, I’m a man!”
We left Nemi pretty much tired from all the walking, but it was such a nice day experiencing and seeing all the sights and sounds together. I really enjoyed Cart’s company 🙂
Oh and before I end this post, check out the hat I bought from the festival. So cute!
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1. Carry a box filled with food. A box of pizza or a box of cakes will do just fine.
2. Walk around alone, without your husband or your boyfriend with you.
And then slowly you’ll find random Italian men waving excitedly and smiling at you saying things like :
“Oh for me? Grazie!”
“You really shouldn’t have!”
“Yes! That’s mine!”
After a whirlwind 3 weeks of mostly stuffing my face with food as well as meeting friends and family, I’m back in Rome again.
Already missing Singapore. I’ll try to blog soon.
Am in Singapore for about a week now.
It was a rather simple affair when we exited the customs with my family greeting an exhausted Cart and I at the airport.
Regardless, I was looking here and there on our journey to my parent’s house. There were so many changes! Empty areas had a buildings on them and some places with buildings which I remembered, were demolished.
All in one year?
When we reached my parent’s house, I was shocked that the house felt so unfamiliar. Strange because I spent years and had so many memories here before moving to Rome with Cart.
The first thing that I ate would be the rojak that my mum prepared. It felt really great having to eat hot and spicy food again, as opposed to the mild food that I have been consuming.
And then Cart and I fainted on the bed from our extreme jetlag.
But anyway after being here for a couple of days, the “unfamilliar” feeling was gone and everything seems normal again. Suddenly it felt as if Rome never happened.
Going about doing daily activities feels very natural to me. Finally I can understand what the people around me are saying and interact with them properly.
Spent the last few days catching up with friends and family. Its nice to be able to speak face to face in Malay again. Although I’m a little bit worried that my Malay is getting a little bit jumbled up with Italian and English at the same time.
And of course enjoying the food that is not so easy to get in Rome. And where best to enjoy them but in hawker centers! Today itself, I gourged on Ayam Penyet, Indian Rojak, Mee Siam …
I’m looking at a couple of the items that used to belong to me. Like the scooter.
Its been a long while since I’ve ride on my baby Vespa. I miss the feeling of zipping down the road with the wind in my face. I dont even mind getting sunburnt for it (and I did!)
Which reminds me that one of the fears that I had before coming here was not being accustomed to the heat. Some nights were uncomfortable. But so far, it hasn’t been too bad.
I’m in what used to be my room at the moment, looking at the things that I didn’t have time to pack and left temporarily. And I reminisce and feel nostalgia.
Its a good thing that this time I’d have a couple of weeks to pack them back for Rome as opposed to the hectic one day packing last year.
But yet, it makes me sad though because all this “normality” doesn’t last and eventually I’d have to go back.
One week has passed by. Only two more weeks to go.
Bah
Just reached Dubai airport and I feel groggy and looking totally unglamorous.
But Cart and I will be in Singapore soon!
I’m so looking forward to seeing my friends and family, eating good food and shopping! And I’m definitely most looking forward to meet you! Please don’t feel shy 🙂
But before that, we’d be waiting at our stopover in Dubai Airport for about 8 hours before our next flight to Singapore. Oh my!
We’ve got quite a bit time to kill, thank goodness there is free internet here. So I hope that you come and keep us company and chat with us via the comment box below 🙂
Live updates
11.00pm Dubai Time : Just landed in Dubai.
12:00 Dubai Time : Just finished eating this Steakhouse Burger from Burger King.
I don’t like it so much.
1.00am Dubai Time : Cart and I are bored.
2.15am Dubai Time : Cart is napping on the bench while I’m keeping watch. Internet here is wonky. I cant load plurk or twitter well. Why isnt anyone chatting with me on the comment box?
2.45am Dubai Time : If I didnt have to keep watch over the stuff, I would totally do like what these guys are doing
3.00am Dubai Time : Finally trying out the Starbucks Toffee Nut Frap. Its not bad.
3.10am Dubai Time : Whoops, battery running low. I better find a charging station.
4.16am Dubai Time : Feel stoned. Getting lesser people and is quieter now. Everyone looks so docile.
5.05am Dubai Time : Fell asleep on the Starbucks table. Lappy is about 70% charged now. Totally dishevelled. I look like a pontianak in ugg boots.
Woah! Arabic Google!
6.15am Dubai time : The place seems more lively now. Suddenly there are more people streaming in. Wanted to pray but the prayer room doesn’t seem to have any prayer outfits provided.
Check out these very skilled women!
The lady on the PA system has such a nice and comforting voice. Wahyu, wahyu, Isnain, Tsalasa.
6.20am : Alright time to head to the boarding gates. Thank you for your hospitality Dubai, see you soon, dear Singapore!