Having spent two nights staying at Sharifah’s house, after checking out of The Boulevard early on Thursday getting to grips with moving to Desa Park City was both exciting and somewhat daunting. We had arranged to arrive at DPC at around ten to formally move in. It wasn’t really a formal occasion but all Lawrences were pleased to be gaining our own front door again. Prompt therefore at 1030 we all arrived and lugged various suitcases in to number 82 and then thought, “What next?” We had scheduled several appointments that day, some of which we had some control over.
Shirley was first. Meeting her at the new and empty Chateau Lawrence at around 1100 we discussed her duties and agreed for her to work for four hours a day, weekdays, from 1430 to 1830 ish. Marvelous. Done. Next the internet man, Lego, was scheduled between 1100 and 1200. He was a fast talker and trying to understand him on the phone had been tricky. Nevertheless both he and had persisted and an appointment made. While we awaited his arrival I managed to confuse the gas supply company as to the number of where we were trying to live all with the aim of trying to buy a gas cylinder to fire our hob. Determination reigned and within half an hour a bloke on a Honda Dream arrived with three gas cylinders attached to his purpose built vehicle and set about installing the gas plus adding a new regulator. Job done he sped off, with his phone skilfully tucked between his helmet and ear chatting this boss as he went.
1200 and no sign of Lego or lego, so it was lunchtime at the Waterfront Shopping area. Lots of different shops in manageable proportions. During lunch the great internet man called to say that he was running late and so would be with us at 1330. No problem. Back at the house he arrived bang on 1430 and rapidly sold us an internet and TV package brought to us in association with Unifi. Apparently we will also be having a landline phone too, although Mr Lego, or Legolas Goh to give him his full title, assured us that nobody used them these days. Mr Lego was a short, wirey chap who seemed to work at rapid pace and talk faster. There was no time for dilly-dallying or soft sell with him it was simply what did we want? There you go. Job done. Fitting in seven to ten days.
While he was doing his internet stuff furniture was being assembled by a team of guys working for Carol, the landlord’s agent. They built beds, bunk beds and sofas, chairs, tables etc at a pace that made me feel proud that I was a drama teacher, and even prouder that I was not having to do it. Could this be the end of me having to un-flat-pack?
Furniture assembled, internet bought, stuff brought in the house it was time to jump in the pool. The whole pool area does have a very holiday feel to it. I also discovered a sauna area too, just what one needs on the tropics.
As 1700 we began to realise that we really did need to dash off to do some house shopping, mainly because we had beds, but nothing to put on them. Nor did the children have any trainers or white socks to wear to school. Shattered we arrived back at 2200 with piles of stuff and tired children.