So Long Singapore

Well, I have spent the last 2 days sorting through our junk (i mean belongings), trying to get it organized for the movers on Wednesday. It's amazing how much stuff we really have. I never seem to notice it until it has to fit into boxes. As I am spending my last week in my Singapore home, I have constantly been thinking of how blessed we have been to experience life in Asia. From the amazing friends we have made, to all the interesting places we have visited, the past 10 months have been a truly awesome experience!
While there are lots of things I'll miss (the carefree lifestyle, not working, tropical climate), I won't think twice about leaving some things here (walking 10 mins to the grocery store, then carting all my groceries the 10 min walk back in the sweltering heat!). Looking forward to getting home, but sad that Adam will still be here for another 2 months until the rig is complete. Hopefully those 2 months pass quickly with me going back to work and catching up with friends and family!

Travels to the Land Down Under

I finally made it to Australia! I've been wanting to go there since we moved over here, and I managed to fit it in just as time was running out. Adam was unable to take off work, but my cousin Laura was able to get away from the US awhile and meet me in Sydney. We spent a week there and the weather was a pleasant surprise. It was so nice...warm during the day, and cool at night! Oh what a relief from the steamy humidity in Singapore.
We did everything we could think to do in the week we were there. Monday we walked around town, went up in the Sydney Tower, took pictures by the Opera House, and had dinner at a little cafe. Tuesday we went in the Hunter Valley region and visited 2 wineries. We learned about the wine-making process and tasted A LOT of different wines!

touring the vineyard and winery

Wednesday we climbed the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. 1400 stairs to be exact. I would have to say it was the highlight of my trip. We had to change into these lovely gray jumpsuits and put on safety harnesses. The entire climb took about 3 hours and the views from the top were amazing!

our cute jumpsuits

not us, but this is what we were doing about an hour before

Thursday we took a trip into the Blue Mountains. We visited a wildlife park and got to pet/take pictures with a koala. After multiple stops to enjoy the views in the mountains, we stopped for mimosas in a park and got to see some wild kangaroos. So cool! That night for dinner I had kangaroo filets. It was surprisingly delicious :)

wild kangaroo

dinner - yum

Friday we took a cruise around Sydney Harbour for lunch and went to the opera in the Sydney Opera House at night. Great experience.

Opera night

Saturday we went to the local weekend markets and bought some souvenirs and then headed to Bondi Beach.

Sadly, Sunday was our last day. We ate breakfast at a pancake place where I had pancakes with strawberries and ice cream on top. YUM! Then we visited the Sydney Aquarium and headed for the airport.
I believe this will be the end of our travels for awhile. In about a week I'll be moving back home! Hard to believe how time flies. I'll miss my carefree lifestyle, but will be so happy to be in my own home again!

Bintan Island, Indonesia

This weekend we took the ferry over to Bintan Island, Indonesia. We went with some friends and their 2 kids and had a blast! We stayed in a beach-front villa and packed the weekend with as many activities as humanly possible. Highlights of the trip were watching the elephant show and volunteering during the show. We all had our turn to make the show even more fun. Shirley and I volunteered without knowing what we were up for. Scary idea...we were told to lie down with a little space between each of us (this is where I really got scared). Then we were told not to move. (ok, I'm terrified now) Here comes the elephant. He literally walked over the top of us; stepping between us. You can tell from the look on my face that I was praying this elephant knew what he was doing and was a good judge of distance. Luckily we made it out unharmed, and now I can say it was pretty cool!





Then we rented jet skis for an hour. Not my favorite activity. The water was so rough! Adam was driving and I think we were airborne more than on the surface of the water. Next, we rented dune buggies (after the downpour of rain). I think it was my favorite part of the weekend. We went through giant mud puddles and water and mud covered every inch of us...including shooting up our noses.





On our last day we rode the banana boat, which was a blast. I managed to hold on, but today I'm really sore. Then we lounged at the pool for the rest of the afternoon. Great weekend!

Shirley giving the monkey a drink

pool overlooking the ocean