Living Large in Black and White

Most people dream about living in Singapore's black-and-white houses, and this Norwegian family is no different.

But after two decades of living in them, first at Alexandra Park and later in Ridley Park, the Kyrkjebøs decided it was time for a change. "We loved being surrounded by greenery, and having the space to throw parties. But living in a black-and-white house is really hard work," says Mrs Else Kyrkjebø. The family, who are permanent residents, have been living in Singapore for the last 23 years. Her husband is in the shipping business, while she is a fulltime mum to their two children, aged 19 and 21.

Mrs Kyrkjebø recalls the family once had to deal with a 3.5m long snake in the bathroom, and a ceiling that caved in on another occasion.