Lauren in the Lion City: Turning 30 in Singapore

Officially 30 but Mentally 20.
Perhaps 10 in this Photo

I'll admit, I was mildly depressed in the weeks leading up to my birthday. Not at the prospect of turning 30 (I think 30 is a great age), but at the thought of celebrating a milestone birthday in a "strange" place, away from family and friends.

But three things changed my mindset:

How COOL to celebrate one's birthday in a new place, especially a foreign country halfway around the world from home.
Louis is coming! He booked a trip especially to celebrate with me.
I have fabulous friends here, so what a great opportunity to get a group together for good drinks, laughter and the usual silly conversation.

With the ever-fabulous Chi and Arwen @ eM

We ended up at eM on Saturday night, a chill Euro-style bar right on the river. Lychee martinis seemed to be the drink of choice, although the guys opted to become friendly with whiskey, scotch, vodka and gin instead.

It was a fun night where friends from certain groups met friends from other groups (and got along great -- success!), all friends got to spend time/meet Louis. The ladies looked hot in their fabulous party dresses. Strangely, we all seemed to match.

With Chi, Arwen, Des and Lindsay

Preceding dinner was at La Villa, a favorite relaxing Italian place with to-die-for funghi pizza (mushrooms, truffle, ham, cheese, egg), hot sauce, montepulciano and truffle risotto. Proceeding snack was McDonald's delivery (don't judge).

Other festive moments that week included a romantic dinner with Louis at our favorite French cafe, L'Carillon de L'Angelus near Club Street (sancerre, escargot, charcuterie) on Monday, thin-crust pizza, mussels and frites at a French place west of the downtown, lunch with Louis and work mate Wendy at Pho 99, and other fun things.