To Bin Tan we go: come along...

Pics from top: (and yes, one day I will learn an easier way to load these up:

1. 20,000 Rupiah Indonesian Dollars (not exactly rich as one Sing dollar is about 7000 Rupiah and there are 1.5 Sing dollars approximately to 1 US dollar, hope that helps?).

2. Mr. Natalie (lovely name I know...but perhaps I have it wrong...he actually picked me up and was the nicest guy...wow...great hospitality).

3. View from Singapore Ferry Terminal

4. View from the back of the boat where I tried to focus on anything but the boat ride and crazy, choppy seas...trippy pic...looks like lightening, but I think it was just flash...

5. Immigration Line: umm. "Sir, no pictures here, you need to erase that...NOW!...ok, so I fibbed a little...you gonna call the Sg immigration on me now? crap, knock, knock...lol...

6. One of the several barges seen from the Ferry...talk about some serious shipments...

7. The lovely Ferry: pretty reassuring huh?

8. "Chicken Rice" and soup (with the obligatory Pepsi)...food prior to the trip...not bad as they say in sing when something is actually good, "Not bad."

9. Inside the Ferry Terminal In Singapore...random pic of the many people going places...

10. Last but not least, the self explanatory money changer...I think I changed about 30 Sing Dollars...yielded me about (7000 times 30 = 210,000 Rupiah) at least I felt rich for a moment..granted they pretty much only want to take Sing Dollars in Bin Tan...gee, I wonder why?

OK: Quiz question: Who can email me this hypothetical question...how much do you think I spent for my three nights accommodation, food and meals (and yes, my lovely Coke diet too), Indonesian Massage, Whiskey...blah, blah, blah...for the whole weekend...Winner gets to come visit me, lol...winner gets a smile and a hug...seriously, what do you think, Gaylin, you are not allowed to guess this one....:): email answers to doctor.dylan@yahoo.com if you are so inclined...more posts to come...lots more...lol...

Greetings friends and family...so, the journey begins and I do this in between patients (shhh, lol):

Bribery goes a long way…hmmm…so my little CNC (Chinese New Year) holiday is off to a lovely start; I arrive entirely too early to the Ferry terminal (much better spelling pop?)…nonetheless, I check in, get my ticket to the ferry, trying to ascertain that I a: I brought enough cash and b: I will get the right ticket to for the ferry to Bin Tan, since the “Shady Shack” is not exactly on the list of “most popular resorts to visit while in Bin Tan” (matter of fact, post script, I don't think it on any list despite the link I posted earlier); as such, I am looking forward to my bed on the floor with the mosquito net surrounding it…thus the stick on the clothing “citronella patch I have already attached to my sleeve, yes, I smell quite lovely….

Nonetheless, I arrive with my backpack full of “stuff”; despite such a fact that I probably won’t change more than once, I am at least prepared for the three/four day adventure…but alas, I had to stop and buy snorkel gear (ok, who doesn’t like to negotiate and apparently as an American, you have to by at least 50%, tell them you are any kind of doctor and you are essentially finished in that department (post script...so didn't matter, I became mister doctor and it didn't matter as I went no where negotiating was even a factor as Mr. Lobo (see pic) arranges everything, including the 1 hour tax to his "resort", haha)...

So, snorkel gear purchased (and not once used btw, so I left it there as I know I will be back and not if, when), time to get some food…a bowl “chicken rice” (yes, I take pics of everything, pretty lovely huh?)….so, there I sit, eating leisurely, then I realize my boarding time is approaching and the last the thing I want to do is to miss the ferry either too or from (for that matter) to Bin tan….so, it is similar to going through pics (note the pic I was supposed to have erased of the customs line...I literally got singled out in line and was asked to erase the post...oops, I forgot, lol...) as I was standing in line and managed to get the attention of three separate individuals regarding my illegal picture taking activity; hey, I thought it would make a neat pic, documenting my leisurely stroll to points unknown….and so far, I have proven myself correct…I was asked to erase it, told them I had and that was that…not a problem..

…so I think…”lobo” the owner/manager of the “shady shack” (and now I am wondering if the word has connotations I just may not want to know about at this time) calls me to tell me that he will not be able to pick me up; no worries, he has a friend who will do it…..for $50.00 sing dollars (ok, like 35 us?), umm, wait, I am paying to stay in your ever so quaint, not so villa like locale and you aren’t going to pic me up and on top of that, I have to pay another fee (turns out..bribery works well everywhere, whiskey and 30 sing dollars and his friend "Natalis/Natalie, awaits)..?

Ok, so alas, my adventure to Bin tan continues, thus my ability to stop and right this in the Ferry terminal as between my conversations with “Lobo” and his “friend, Natalie, (a guy no less), we have determined that a bottle of whiskey and some cigarettes somehow makes him “unbusy” enough to pic me up…lovely huh?

Any rate, so during these lovely several text messages between Lobo, myself and Natalie…I hear an announcement, get startled that perhaps I am actually NOT going to be on the correct Ferry…crap…not nervous, just disappointed as my lovely would say, disappointed is so much worse than upset…isn’t it…so, naturally, I have to ask the lovely gentleman who reassures me (and Lobo actually manages to do the same) that I am not only on the right ferry, but now, it is running late by 30-45 minutes time.

As a lot of you know….I grew up in Maui, so, this Indo time issue is becoming to sound very familiar…so I can’t help but wonder not only if “Lobo” will pick me up, but who may actually pick me up, provided anyone actually does…hmmm…

So here I sit, typing, pondering and contemplating all things Bin tan, from sun protection, mosquito's repellent smell of citronella overpowering my olfactory sensations…and contemplating if perhaps I was a bit overzealous to apply it now…such is life…

There are several people awaiting the same ferry as me…I can’t buy anymore alcohol to bring, the whiskey I have assured my new friend “Lobo” is for us to “share”, he can have the cigarettes…but at this point there is a saying….”I need a drink”…not quite sure what Indonesian customs would have to say about a half full (it is always full is it not?) bottle of whiskey…but I can’t help but wonder, however tempting it may be at this point….I will not do it, not to worry.

As you have probably guessed..this break is much needed, there is anticipation, excitement and yet a bit of nervousness from the people who tell me as an American (such a profound title huh…guess I better just have “Obama” at the tip of my tongue (speaking of which, do you know the guy is probably more popular here and in SE Asia than in the states…people love the man here…truly unreal…such is our lovely political system).

So, back to the “break” in the action…Les and his friends are en route to Bali…they will be gone a week, I offered to watch the luggage for them, carry it or simply tag along, they seemed quite content to be going with one anothers respective significant others…next time perhaps…

For the first time in a while, I am looking forward to this break in the action; perhaps none of you lovely people actually reading my craziness could recall the last time I even contemplating a 10-12 hour day, much less several of them in a row since my arrival into Singapore; btw, a very normal thing with the Sg work ethic..

So, back to the impending ferry ride…the boat/ferry is quite lovely (not really), I will try and get a pic…think I have one of a ferry leaving the harbor already, but at any rate, not exactly instilling confidence…never thought I would have a moment where I was glad I could swim…or for that matter, watched so many episodes of Survivor with the family…hmmm…don’t want to even think about that potential, perhaps that is the “story in development” (or rather, hopefully not!)…

The weather outside is not exactly “pretty”; as a matter of fact, ist is near zero visibility, gray and apparently these “boat” operators have some sort of special vision I do not possess not being from this country…well, I will tell you this, if you lack any data on Geography you would certainly get in going to a place like Bin tan…ok…that is it for now, actually think our boat driver may have actually arrived; translation….I get to board this lovely vessel in a moment.

More soon…can’t believe you guys are actually still reading this stuff…I love you all, haha…I really do, you do know that, don’t you?
Ok…tata for now…more to come as the adventure continues ( late afternoon 25 January 2009)…DA…

PS: and yes...you know there is more to come...oh geez you say, me too, ha...

and yes...love and miss you all...now to find some corresponding pics....last note...if there is something you want to see and perhaps I didn't post...chances are with the pending several pages already written and over 200 pics taken, I have it...I think anyway..let me know...ciao for now, DA

A Prelude: Singapore Diaries goes Indo...to Bin Tan we go:

OK, so, I have had to opportunity to speak to you; via email/text/blackberry and of course face book...a few of you during my few day stay in Bin Tan....this is simply a fair warning and a couple of pics of what is too come...first of all...wow, what a cultural experience...second of all, omg..I took over 200 photos, so I can't possibly post them along with almost 20 (yes, TWENTY) pages of what, I don't know philosophical BS? Life? Bin Tan, stories, you name it, it is in there and coming soon...but, this is a little work to say the least, so the pics are loaded to the hard drive, now just to remember what goes where...and how to break up the novella for your "reading enjoyment"....haha..you read this stuff, kidding...

OK, miss and love you all....much love...

all things great,

"mister doctor" of bin tan as I was affectionately called...more to come soon...

ps: If this was sufficient for you, I am sorry, lol....hope you enjoy...this was a fun one!!!!

The Fun continues...chiropractic talk to Singapore Swimmers

Hey gang-

Well, as I marketed myself for this position/partnership with my Singaporean friend, "Les", I made him aware of the fact that I have previously given "health talks" and actually "really enjoyed speaking"...not that this is not true, though I did not realize he would want to capitalize on it so promptly....nonetheless...I should have known when I received an email prior to my departure that he wanted a "sample outline of what I may speak of, length of time, etc...(as we all know "short and concise" vs. "long and verbose" I can be)...

well...within days, I am speaking to the staff with a translator (about 15 people and thanks to my assistant, "Amy", she translated...the only people really speaking Chinese in the Spa are some of the massage staff) on what exactly Chiropractic is, which later turned into a health talk for potential patients....to the latest....

"Dr. Dylan, I have blocked off your Friday afternoon (the 23rd of Jan) as you will be speaking to a group of swimmers (approximately forty and their parents)on the benefits of Chiropractic and how it can help to increase their performance in pool, posture and additional benefits you think they can derive from it...Well, for those of you who don't know this, Les (Kwok) is an ex-swimmer for the Singapore National Team and even participated in the Sydney Olympic Games most recently (in addition to being a top model in Singapore a while ago, which is still fun to give him a hard time about periodically, hey, why not, we have fun here too...

At any rate...my talk went great, I met the owner of the facility, David (don't think I have a picture with him); but I was able to get a few pics...one of which is with the coach "Gary", perhaps Les and Gary and obviously, myself and the young swimmer/ as described in a moment, "Ting".

The talk went so great in fact, some of the swimmers wanted me to actually analyze them and their spines right there in the pool/rec area (this of course after "Coach Gary" essentially had to make them aware they had a doctor "here now" ready and willing to help them with performance issues as they relate to Chiropractic, so, he asked a lot of the questions for the kids until they got more comfortable and realized I was there to help them.

Sure, I am doing these talks for practice/spa growth, though, for me, personally, this one was a little different, sure, they will probably come to the spa for treatment along with their parents, though having been an athlete with the thought of increasing athletic performance...this idea always gets me going....and eager to help...

..it was great because checking them out eventually led to adjusting a few of them as well....One of the swimmers I got to adjust was in the most recent Olympics in Bejing representing the Singapore National Swim Team...and goes by the name of "Ting" (obviously not her full name) she is 16, a very sweet girl; we spoke of everything to improving performance with less lower back pain as they kick off the wall, facilitating ease of turning the head to breathe on both sides an improvement of range of motion with Chiropractic care vs coming up on one side only and how chiropractic could help with this as well....

Upon cursory evaluation, like most athletes, there is simply a lot of muscle imbalance and postural issues....long story short...I will probably give the talk again with more of them there, though we are giving them a "special rate" to come and enjoy the spa and seek out chiropractic care...the Olympian herself upon learning that we could potentially help with her symptoms and in turn help with Oxygen intake and her times was and naturally should be interested in better and lower times in the pool....

They were all so very nice....to follow below are pics from the talk (keep in mind it is near 80 degrees F and pretty darn humid out, so when you see what the man in black is wearing vs. being in a speedo, you will get the idea....it was a blast to help such a great group of people understand Chiropractic and to understand how it can help with their performance. This was just another case of how the people in Singapore are truly fantastic people who I am sure were pleased to have me (they all applauded for me, which I am not sure if it was b/c I was done talking or b/c they were glad to have me, lol..).

The pics are below....there are several and as they are posted, I will try and help to describe in an "edit" who is who per se though if it is not feasible...you will probably want to know which is the Olympian, aside from Les in his younger days...it is the one of me and the 16 year old who is not only probably taller than me, but perhaps stronger than me as well!!

Thank you all for your continued support, love, phone calls and emails....just a note, when you do email...I typically get it straight to my cell phone...I wouldn't necessarily text me as a: I have no idea what it costs and b: in email, you get to say a little more anyway and as I hope you are enjoying my writings, I enjoy hearing from my family and my friends as well...

Please be well, hope you enjoy and if you ever had any doubt if "Dylan actually works a normal work week" my short time in Sg should have already illustrated this point. Talk to you all soon...take care and be well...God Bless, Dylan

PS: I still have some pics to post from a BBQ I went to, from a Chinese New Year Celebration we had at the office and most recently some random pics of the people in and around my life in Sing, making life a little easier, friendlier and well...just great people...I hope you all enjoy...you can always shoot me an email if you like: doctor.dylan@yahoo.com and I will be happy to get back to you!

PSS: Mom: yes, I am finally sleeping better, as a matter of fact, i went to the gym this am for the first time in a while...so, I am finally developing a routine....peace, DA

PSSS: We had a Chinese New Year Party last week and I still haven't posted those pics, not to worry, they are coming soon. In the meanwhile...my days off start tomorrow (Sunday) in Bin Tan in my lovely little "shack" on stilts....you can bet you will see some cool pics soon....be well, smiles and take care gang!!! DA

SPA INFINITY: Finally, the pics to the blog...

x

l

Ok, this is just a simple add as most of you, at least I hope by now, have seen the pics...some are absolutely breathtaking...some are even more so...If you think for a minute, or even one second that I am living in some sort of dream world (keep in mind I don't sleep, making a dream, just a far off concept) well, you are absolutely correct!! My new routine, in that I am totally done with the "bath tub" at my ever so lovely apartment (in comparison?), is that I head to the "office" ok, spa early (in a cab by the way, what a concept...) and take a shower among other things as below (ie: here comes some random thoughts)....my day may typically starts at 11am (granted, after meetings, I am typically done close to midnight)...first week, 47 new patients....over 20 xrays ordered, or something ridiculous like that....everyone who wants care is starting, it is an interesting thing, practicing in a spa, as patients/clients are not in here as a "doctor driven" concept, but rather, a wellness, physical well-being concept and this is one of the most successful, if not the most, successful spas in Sg.

In a normal practice (granted I may never know what that term means again), you may have a situation where your office procedures are determined and reorganized over a month or two...the movement in this place is so quick that if any procedure is off by a fraction, not only will I screw up the entire day, but by the end of the day, we have new procedures to account for any potential problems/handles etc..this is truly efficiency at its finest, nothing is overlooked, from patient satisfaction (of which I literally just had to call and check on two patients, both are doing fine, btw already I am treating two SG physicians, one in family medicine residency and one is the Head of Endocrinology at Sg. General Hospital (no meeks, this is not a show, sorry, at least not yet...)

Ok, the point of this was to post some pics of the spa, I have more coming, stories to tell, fun to be had and things I wish to share...but as sleep continues to evade me, I am contemplating it...sleep that is...having tried all of the suggestions...though in time, I suppose my body will just adapt...miss you all and I hope you enjoy your new President, lol...ie: not mine, haha...

My best to you all...Dylan

PS:

At any rate, as I was rambling about, I get in, hit the hot tub, if time permits on occasion, try a new massage therapists (what, I have to be able to refer to the appropriate one, right?) and then take a shower, maintain a locker here full of clothes and essentially get dressed for the day....ok, enough babble, time to put up a few pics...hope you enjoy them...take care, be well and God Bless..."Dr Dylan"

PSS: the gal and I throwing up the peace sign is my "actual" first patient to receive a chiropractic adjustment and start treatment with my in Sing!!!! Her name is "Yumi"...and she is funny!!! "Dr. Dylan, did you eat", "Dr. Dylan" what time did you get home" "Dr. Dylan....." you get the point...and on top of that....sarcastic too...hey, patients always keep it fun! thanks!!! DA

My Apartment: A picture is worth a thousand words..

LIFE IN HOLLAND HILL:

Hey gang: So, I am going through some pics, finally making my way about this concept of "settling in"...key word is "concept"....as to date, sleep remains a fantasy...deceptive as it may be, I know it is near, I have found it a few times and when I do, it quickly leaves me...nonetheless, to follow will be a few pics of my lovely little "abode" in Singapore.....where to start? hmmm, ok, it is a quaint, yet sparse place as predetermined by my colleagues (who remain fantastic to work with btw)....it is a one bedroom, one bath (albeit, lacking a shower curtain, thus, have I yet told you how much I love baths?)....you enter the actual apartment into the "living room" of the apartment...it has in it a leather sofa, fridge, small table, another table with a flat screen TV and I believe a microwave on the top of the fridge...to date, I think as a novelty, I have turned on the television perhaps once....

I guess I will let the pics do the talking...hospital ward comes to mind, ummm...but alas, I have no complaints other than deceptive sleep patterns and no outright appearance other than complete blood shot eyes, a blink that lasts a full second and random thoughts that frequently escape me...at current, these pics were taken essentially on the day I arrived, not that I have remodeled the place, though, having to buy some sheets and some incidentals (ie: PB&J...haha), it appears very similar...make shift desk and all

Alas, at this point, many of you now know, I work so frequently (ie: 12 hour days, the last 8 days in row, that I am rarely even home...matter of fact, the bldg superintendent just saw me for the first time in weeks and asked why I never open the door, he has been knocking and knocking, I couldn't help but laugh...I told him I practically live at the spa...more pics of the apartment grounds are coming as are pics of the spa, a recent Chinese New Year Celebration at the Spa and a BBQ I got to go to with a friend of Morgan's (Michael Stein, granted, only in Sing does a BBQ start at 11pm and I got there at midnight "straight away" from the office"/all coming soon, just playing a little catch up with all of my free time...miss you all and lots of love....many smiles, Dylan

Chinese New Year!

Hey all, just a quick note in the middle of my day...it is after two pm on Friday...it is just being confirmed...for my Chinese New Year plans...apparently Singapore turns into a ghost town, so, what in the world was good old "Dr dylan" to do for the 3 nights of nada to do?

Lucky for me, as people are going to take a holiday and go to places like "Bali", Thailand....my "assistant" Amy, is turning over her reservation to this place in Indonesia for me to take her rental..of 40Singapore dollars per night (about 1.5 dollars per 1 US dollar) so, the adventure continues...not this weekend, but the following Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night, this is where I will be...don't imagine I will have a laptop with me (or if I do, what good it would do me?)...but, I will have a CAMERA...thank you SCOTT!!!!!yay!!!

Here is the link:

http://www.lobo.kinemotion.de/www/accomodation.html##1

Promise to take lots of pics even along the 45 minute fairy to Indonesia to this lovely little island, and shack...nothing like the bare essentials....wish you could come? So do I...as for food? another story, have to write about that when I get back...we still have a weeks time....Check it out, let me know what you think..

Lots of love to you all.

Only the very best,

dylan

PS: Think good thoughts on my health talk on Chiropractic tonight with 20 people attending so far tonight....time to grab a bite...aloha, DA

PS: if you aren't on the "blog" and I BCC'd you, check it out....happy to have you trek along my lovely adventures!!! Hope you are all great!!!

greetings from Singapore

Greetings family and friends:                                           15 January 2009

 

A brief summary of the week past; as some of you know...I had intended to write about my trip over and the details and I actually started writing these things down...amazing...wow, where do I begin?! First of all, on my way to Tokyo, I had the luxury of being upgraded to the upper deck of the 747 into what the flight crew calls the "penthouse"; wow, what a treat that was for the 12 hour journey from LAX to Tokyo, truly amazing. 

 

I had told the gal (yes, I realize I say "gal" and you guys truly love it) in LA at the gate my "story" on how I was moving overseas and she was so amazed that I was essentially going with my "three suitcases" and embracing some serious new adventures, wild new changes and said she simply wanted to make my trip that much more enjoyable...well, she certainly did that and then some by the events that followed!

 

During the flight, a few things happened, only a few of which, involved sleep..haha, but so true...(mom...don't worry, slowly but surely, I am catching up on it...if their is such a thing)...

 

Upon speaking to one of the flight attendants and learning that I was Chiropractor, she asked me if I was familiar with the "Gonstead Technique"...OK, familiar with chiropractic is one thing, being familiar with technique that I utilize is a completely different thing.

 

She was so thrilled to meet another "Gonstead Chiropractor" she says, "Let me buy you a bottle of wine" (not to drink on the plane silly people, to take home!); unfortunately, coming into Tokyo, you can't take the liquid onto the next flight (or was it the alcohol?)...so, she was very kind, we had a nice chat, she assisted me with several things, all of which, "Dylan" things...IE: my coat, my Pepsi, my, my, my ....I could get used to it quite easily....she was very sweet and yet also very amazed at the adventures in the future.  Her daughter it turns out is an actress in LA; have her name written down somewhere, but, alas, can't remember it at this time.

 

Immediately upon boarding the flight, I was asked to change seats in the upper deck by yet another flight attendant so an elderly married could sit together...I said NO... kidding...naturally, I obliged....and it ended as such:

 

I end up sitting next to the nicest man I could have asked to sit by; who goes on to describe the essentials of how "live abroad as a US citizen" (and the things I need to know to function) I need to "bank" (IE: not with my ssn), how to utilize Skype (got it figured out), how to maintain a US telephone number utilizing Vonage...and on and on...he was so nice in fact, he let me use he telephone/cell to call Gaylin to say I had landed safely...a great guy, who has lived in the Philippines for the past several years...

 

His name is Jim...Jim has been so helpful in fact, on learning one of the things that I wasn't clear on, I asked if he could perhaps call Gaylin directly to explain, of which he essentially did immediately...part of getting situated and not being able to call was a little frustrating to say the least...Jim to the rescue (perhaps he too is due an email on my lovely status)...

 

Jim is the VP of an energy company in the Philippines (and does extremely well for himself, perhaps thus the explanation of his personal security/army in the Philippines, more on that another time?)...his wife is Sarah and his son is what?  Dillon...just 14 years old (who goes to an international school in the Philippines and loves it overseas so much, he doesn't even call the US home anymore)...Jim was explaining that the International Schools are so intent on seeing the students succeed that not only are they very ahead, but that essentially, failure is not an option, kind of like life...failure is not an option, but rather different approaches until success is achieved.  I could go on and on about Jim and how great he and his family is, bottom line, I have a new friend in the Philippines,  who I still keep in touch with and periodically gives me sage advice on SE Asia  (umm, where I now live????, yes, still perplexing)...

 

Upon getting to Singapore..I was greeted at the airport by my colleague "Les" Kwok and his girlfriend "Michelle" ....from which we took a photo I will also be posting soon....I have a lot of updating to do and will finish for now on this post so as not to create a total novel for you to read, but instead, leave you with a thought of what we did the rest of the evening and getting to my new "apartment" in Singapore (or "sing" as "we" say) and the "stories", experiences and photos that follow...

 

I love and miss you all, so I hope you are all staying in touch with one another...and you don't take the presence for granted...I truly am glad to have seen my family and friends these past four months and really looking forward to our new life abroad...as much as I hope you look forward to the "stories" of my life abroad that follow...this is such an adventure that I vowed never to pass up on should I once again be given the chance to live and practice abroad; I am truly blessed...life is for living...I hope you all live it with every breath and enjoy reading about mine as I live it...and pretty soon have more to tell and more to share...

 

Wishing you all love and happiness.....dylan (or as I am affectionately now called on my 12 hour days "Dr Dylan" and put a little Asian accent on it and you got it "spot on")...

 

 

Much Love from Singapore,

 

Dylan

Greetings from Singapore from Jan 15,2009

Greetings family and friends: 15 January 2009

A brief summary of the week past; as some of you know...I had intended to write about my trip over and the details and I actually started writing these things down...amazing...wow, where do I begin?! First of all, on my way to Tokyo, I had the luxury of being upgraded to the upper deck of the 747 into what the flight crew calls the "penthouse"; wow, what a treat that was for the 12 hour journey from LAX to Tokyo, truly amazing.

I had told the gal (yes, I realize I say "gal" and you guys truly love it) in LA at the gate my "story" on how I was moving overseas and she was so amazed that I was essentially going with my "three suitcases" and embracing some serious new adventures, wild new changes and said she simply wanted to make my trip that much more enjoyable...well, she certainly did that and then some by the events that followed!

During the flight, a few things happened, only a few of which, involved sleep..haha, but so true...(mom...don't worry, slowly but surely, I am catching up on it...if their is such a thing)...

Upon speaking to one of the flight attendants and learning that I was Chiropractor, she asked me if I was familiar with the "Gonstead Technique"...OK, familiar with chiropractic is one thing, being familiar with technique that I utilize is a completely different thing.

She was so thrilled to meet another "Gonstead Chiropractor" she says, "Let me buy you a bottle of wine" (not to drink on the plane silly people, to take home!); unfortunately, coming into Tokyo, you can't take the liquid onto the next flight (or was it the alcohol?)...so, she was very kind, we had a nice chat, she assisted me with several things, all of which, "Dylan" things...IE: my coat, my Pepsi, my, my, my ....I could get used to it quite easily....she was very sweet and yet also very amazed at the adventures in the future. Her daughter it turns out is an actress in LA; have her name written down somewhere, but, alas, can't remember it at this time.

Immediately upon boarding the flight, I was asked to change seats in the upper deck by yet another flight attendant so an elderly married could sit together...I said NO... kidding...naturally, I obliged....and it ended as such:

I end up sitting next to the nicest man I could have asked to sit by; who goes on to describe the essentials of how "live abroad as a US citizen" (and the things I need to know to function) I need to "bank" (IE: not with my ssn), how to utilize Skype (got it figured out), how to maintain a US telephone number utilizing Vonage...and on and on...he was so nice in fact, he let me use he telephone/cell to call Gaylin to say I had landed safely...a great guy, who has lived in the Philippines for the past several years...

His name is Jim...Jim has been so helpful in fact, on learning one of the things that I wasn't clear on, I asked if he could perhaps call Gaylin directly to explain, of which he essentially did immediately...part of getting situated and not being able to call was a little frustrating to say the least...Jim to the rescue (perhaps he too is due an email on my lovely status)...

Jim is the VP of an energy company in the Philippines (and does extremely well for himself, perhaps thus the explanation of his personal security/army in the Philippines, more on that another time?)...his wife is Sarah and his son is what? Dillon...just 14 years old (who goes to an international school in the Philippines and loves it overseas so much, he doesn't even call the US home anymore)...Jim was explaining that the International Schools are so intent on seeing the students succeed that not only are they very ahead, but that essentially, failure is not an option, kind of like life...failure is not an option, but rather different approaches until success is achieved. I could go on and on about Jim and how great he and his family is, bottom line, I have a new friend in the Philippines, who I still keep in touch with and periodically gives me sage advice on SE Asia (umm, where I now live????, yes, still perplexing)...

Upon getting to Singapore..I was greeted at the airport by my colleague "Les" Kwok and his girlfriend "Michelle" ....from which we took a photo I will also be posting soon....I have a lot of updating to do and will finish for now on this post so as not to create a total novel for you to read, but instead, leave you with a thought of what we did the rest of the evening and getting to my new "apartment" in Singapore (or "sing" as "we" say) and the "stories", experiences and photos that follow...

I love and miss you all, so I hope you are all staying in touch with one another...and you don't take the presence for granted...I truly am glad to have seen my family and friends these past four months and really looking forward to our new life abroad...as much as I hope you look forward to the "stories" of my life abroad that follow...this is such an adventure that I vowed never to pass up on should I once again be given the chance to live and practice abroad; I am truly blessed...life is for living...I hope you all live it with every breath and enjoy reading about mine as I live it...and pretty soon have more to tell and more to share...

Wishing you all love and happiness.....dylan (or as I am affectionately now called on my 12 hour days "Dr Dylan" and put a little Asian accent on it and you got it "spot on")...


Much Love from Singapore,

Dylan

Hi all....

Just a quick note to let you know that I will be posting some of the retroactive posts that I have sent you but yet post to my blog....check it out, look for pics and let me know if you have any thoughts...

By the way; hope you can all deal with my fairly frequent, often called, "stream of consciousness" emails on my Singapore adventures in life...

Much love to you all....

Dylan