Singlish

I am very behind on blogging because I struggled all week to get some pictures posted into my blog.  After several attempts, several different ways, I give up for now.  I don't have enough patience right now. :)  So for now, please refer to Facebook for pics on Singapore.

Singlish is a term that we expats use to describe the English spoken in Singapore.  Here are some terms that they use that are not as common in the US:
the lift-the elevator
alight-exit (i.e.-please alight to platform b)
lah-phrase inserted randomly after speaking
to take away-instead of 'to go' (i.e.-I would like my meal to take away)
go on holiday-instead of 'go on vacation'
ahead-used after phrases referring to something in the near future 'have a nice weekend' (i.e. Have a nice weekend ahead)

Singapore money:
coins-.05, .10, .20, .50, $1
bills-2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000

Last exchange rate I got from the bank was 1 USD = 1.25 SGD.  Here's a list of random items and their average cost in Singapore dollars for comparison:

A dozen eggs-2.50
Bag of mini bananas-1.00
Fresh squeezed carrot juice-2.00
Fresh squeezed carrot, ginger, and apple-3.00
A piece of fish from grocery store-2.35-8.00 (depending on kind)
A local vegetarian place with 3 picks-3.50
A meal from a local place-5.00-10.00
Smoked salmon sandwich from the Swiss bakery-8.00
Pastry from Swiss bakery-.95-2.95
Starbucks fancier drink (i.e.-tall white chocolate mocha)-5.50-6.35
Tall can of beer from 7/11-3.00-5.00
Large bottle of Tiger from local food places (500-600 ml)-5.50
Beer from nicer bars/restaurants-10.00
Mixed drink from nicer bar/restaurant-14.00
McDonalds fish sandwich combo meal-6.35
A meal from a sit down average priced restaurant-15.00-29.00
A meal from an expensive restaurant-? Haven't made it to one of these yet :-P
My bus and train ride to work combined-1.33
The tram to the beach-3.00

Have a nice day ahead! :)