Off we go again

Taking a short break from packing, seems like I do this a lot here. Anyway, this time round we're heading back west for a month. Can't believe that we've been here in Singapore for almost a year. So far our experience here has been great and enriching. I've loved sharing with you our life here and hopefully have persuaded you to come explore Singapore. Thanks for following our adventures and wishing you all a wonderful summer.

xxx

Zai Jian Beijing

A couple tacky, touristy pics of our Beijing escapade, have not had time to download the rest. 

As for our impressions of our Beijing trip - Interesting, has been my hubby's favorite word since we've returned from our Beijing escapade. Anytime anyone asks him about any aspect of our trip he answers interesting. Kind of glad he went to see the sights, but not ready to go back very soon and very happy that he's living in this part of Asia. The kids thought the best part of the trip was anytime were weren't mobbed by thousands of other tourists, so rule out Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Zoé and Rose's highlight was walking along the Great Wall and Oscar remained true to himself and loved seeing the pandas at the zoo. As for our mandarin, we were hopeless. Completely lost. It's as if we had never taken a mandarin class. Needless to say that we will be retaking mandarin 101 next fall.

Happy Birthday Rosie

My favorite summer child celebrated her birthday with a pool party last week before everyone left for their summer holidays. All her friends had a splash at her party and we hope to have a splashing time in Beijing with our birthday girl. 

My birthday girl - 8 yrs old today

Nihao Beijing

Off early tomorrow morning for a 5 day escapade to Beijing. We're finally going to be put our year long lessons of mandarin to the test. Yikes. Watched last night "en famille" Bertolucci's "Last Emperor." Way too complicated for my kids but they understand now the role of the Forbidden City. Have been reading up our Beijing "Lonely Planet" copy and planned an itinerary. We're set. Zai Jian.

Bye Magic

Z's goodbye letter to Magic

Little boys were playing with Magic's cage and forgot to close the gate to his cage... 

Hence, Magic (no idiot) decided to fly away for his holidays too. Our girls are distraught, but comforted knowing that Magic will enjoy roaming the Singapore skies with his friends the hanging parrots.

R's portrait of Magic

Goodbye Magic. Enjoy your new freedom. 

We will miss you.

Langkawi Holiday

Cruising along the mangroves

Snakes & monkeys somewhere in there

Sister's act on the beach

Tonton's sandy gecko

Thanks Ic & Nouna for a fun getaway

Just an hour flight away from Singapore is the malaysian island, Langkawi.  Perfect beach holiday destination for a short stay. Beautiful beaches, but just not much to do apart from lying under the sun and sipping cocktails. We did venture to the mangroves. Loved cruising along the rivers and spotting the wildlife. As for the kids they loved just hanging at the hotel and Rose wouldn't leave the kids club, so sometimes less is definitely more.

ie. no temple visits for the kids = fun holidays according to them.