Out and About is a column in which we chat with people who are currently living abroad, or who used to live and work abroad. This week we chat with Petra Groenewald in Singapore. She tells us about their ten days in isolation and how one should never take one’s freedom for granted.

Where do you live and why there?

We moved to Singapore in October 2021. It is not permanent – probably only for two years. Tom, my husband, works at MODEC in the oil and gas industry. They started a new project, a new FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) which will sail to Senegal after completion. MODEC is situated here in Singapore, and the team will work from here until they will mobilise to China, where the FPSO will be built.

Was it a huge adjustment?

We had to isolate for ten days. It gives you a new appreciation for the luxury of freedom. On days six and ten (we were only released on day 11) I had to engage in serious self-talk and positive thinking. PCR tests were done, followed by blood tests, ID cards etc. We are familiar with the island since we have been here on holiday before. Tom had a similar project in 2015 when he also came to Singapore. I stayed behind in South Africa back then since my two sons were still attending school. I did however come to visit often. It is definitely an adjustment and living here is a lot different from a holiday. There are positives and negatives. The biggest adjustment is having to make the mental shift of creating a home away from everything you know. But with the right perspective everything is possible.

What language do you use to communicate in Singapore?

We communicate in English. I haven’t learned Mandarin yet.

What do you enjoy most about life in Singapore?

The public transport. It is just so easy to move from A to B. The Moovit app with all the bus and train schedules makes it almost impossible to get lost, although I managed to do it a lot in the beginning. Ordering and buying online is another thing that is just so easy, and the delivery takes place very fast.

What do you do over weekends to relax?

We walk around and explore – kilometres at a time. By just wandering the streets we have discovered the most beautiful murals (paintings on the walls of buildings). We love dining out. Here are so many restaurants. We are wine lovers and enjoy attending wine tasting evenings.   

What do you miss the most?

My friends. To go for a coffee on the spur of the moment. To spend time together. Braai and a fire. Good South African wine. My children.

Is it expensive to live there?

It is unbelievably expensive. The Singapore dollar is about 11,3 to the rand. For instance, I had been looking for a coffee shop with a decent Americano (I enjoy it black and bitter) for a while and when I finally found it, my coffee cost me R70. If you keep converting prices to its rand value all the time it will drive you crazy, but it is hard not to. 

What is your favourite dish you learned to make in Singapore?

I am not a fan of the kitchen. On the contrary, I find cooking to be somewhat of a punishment. The one thing I did was to get an air fryer, and the fact that my husband loves meat makes the air fryer a valuable asset. 

Where in South Africa are you originally from?

We are originally from Mossel Bay – in my opinion the best place in South Africa. 

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