You can, indeed. But as Laura pointed out they are different editions from the ones Western homeschoolers are used to (at least, the elementary school ones). However, they are not expensive if you want to experiment. Lots of people buy electronics in Singapore as the prices are lower here than in the West, especially with the GST (sales tax) refund. Some people look for the Singapore Airlines stewardesses' costumes as gifts, as well. Feel free to ask further questions if you have any, and hope he has a great time :001_smile: Anne in Singapore

My impression is that doctors (here at least) would exhaust all other options before going to Accutane, so if you haven't tried antibiotics yet, they might be worth a go before considering Accutane. However, the people I know who tried Accutane, after unsuccessfully trying everything else including antibiotics, were glad they took it since it turned out to be the only thing that worked. Anne

I'm in Singapore, and most people don't use mosquito repellent regularly unless they're going to be outdoors for the day in grassy areas or near jungle patches. When repellent is used, the OFF sprays seem to be the most popular (one trick: spray on your hands and wipe on your ears so ears are protected too). I'm quite sure you should be able to buy OFF in Malaysia. For indoors, it really depends on the area your house is in. Something I have personally used in the past is a noise-emitting device that you plug into a wall socket. It emits a very high-pitched sound that apparently keeps mosquitoes away - some adults can't hear it, but it might bother you if you were sensitive to sounds. (It worked for me and didn't bother my ears too much.) There are also UV light devices that attract mosquitoes and other insects and zap them when they get in. Some people seem to attract mosquitoes and get bitten more than others... no idea why. Hope this helps :001_smile: Anne

Muji pens :001_smile: They write smoothly and there are lots of pretty colours. I think this is the US online store site: http://www.muji.us/store/stationery/pen-pencil/gel-ink-ball-point-pen-0-5mm.html Anne

My solution to developing an allergy to soft contact lenses (permanent, not disposables) after 2 years was to switch to hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses - which are so much more convenient! They are smaller than soft lenses and don't rub against your conjunctiva, hence less chance of allergic reaction, but are less comfortable than soft lenses and take some time to get used to. Anne

I got this vaccine for myself, as did some of my friends, and if I had daughters we would want them to get it before they got married. I doubt there is such a thing as a 100% no-side-effects vaccination or medication. Anne

I did this too. Only bottled water for brushing teeth, washing hands before putting in contact lenses, etc. No ice and no cut fruits/salads. Anne

I second the brass suggestions! Trumpeters can get asked to play at weddings :001_smile: Anne

I developed an allergy to soft contact lenses after a couple of years and had to switch to hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses to continue wearing contacts. But you said you switched from rigid gas permeable lenses to soft lenses, so I'm not sure if this is still an option. Anne

Oops, forgot to add that your laptop should be alright since the power cable should be dual voltage, but you'll need a plug adapter (Malaysia uses British plugs). Anne

Most, if not all, DVD players available in Malaysia and Singapore will be region-free but you can check with the salesperson just to make sure when you buy. Electronics are not expensive either, relatively speaking. I agree with the posters who recommended buying new appliances as fiddling with transformers is just not worth the trouble. None of the people I know who have moved to the US from this part of the world have taken any appliances over. Anne

I second this! I'm in Singapore and get my books in about a week after they ship from the UK. Anne

Welcome to South-east Asia, if you decide to take it up :001_smile: (I'm down in Singapore) Random snippet of info: Penang is the only Malaysian state that is more ethnically Chinese than Malay. All the best deciding! Anne

I agree with this, although the laparoscopy may be also be worth considering. You can PM me for more details if you like (am not too comfortable sharing such details on a message board). Anne