Krabi

In February, Hubby tried to convince me to take a couples trip, but I couldn't bear to leave the kids to the grandparents. They'd just arrived in a new land and were feeling a little displaced. Not that I don't trust my parents - they would've been fine - I was the one with the separation anxiety. So the solution was for all of us to take a trip together!
We took a short flight to Krabi, Thailand and stayed at the Mercure. The hotel was a little ways from the airport, but a shuttle picked us up. The staff were nice, but the check-in took forever. Things just moved at a different pace there. We splurged on a pool side room which was great fun for the kids.

Pool access direct from room

Took a couple of tours - everyone went on the James Bond Island tour, and Hubby, Boy and I went on a snorkeling tour. The James Bond Island tour included stops at a floating village and a temple. The traveling was longer than we were led to believe. We got glimpses into local life as we left from a little village by the water. The floating village was neat and lunch was pretty good. The temple hosted monkeys (we were asked to wipe our feet before getting back into the bus) and the caves with buddha statues were a little eerie.

Boats at the floating village where we were served lunch

Floating vendor

The snorkeling was closer but the water wasn't so nice. Still it was fun to hang out. At one stop, there was a cave full of phallic symbols and I was glad Boy didn't notice. At least he didn't ask. We had picnic lunch on the beach (more monkeys) and fresh fruits on the way back.

Swimming spot

Fertility temple?

None of us had been to Thailand except Hubby, so it was interesting. I guess a resort area like that doesn't represent Thailand so well, but it was an easy family vacation. Food was very touristy, and pretty expensive, which was disappointing. One of these days the couples trip will happen.

Singapore - making it home

Market stall near our place

Neighbourhood near our place

So we have been in Singapore for 8 months now. Routines have been worked out. Kids go to full day childcare. I go to work and hubby splits time between home and office. We have even engaged a live-in helper, local style. She helps with the kids, keeps the house clean and prepares meals. Just because of this, I may never want to leave Singapore.

We finally take the kids to see the merlion

Boy is settled, I think. He only occasionally talks about going back to Florida. He goes to taekwondo once a week, but still misses Master Kwa. When he plays with the local kids, he adopts the Singlish accent - very cute (but a little annoying). Actually, I probably do that a little too, at work. Colleagues say it sounds funny, so I should stick to my American English. Then when I speak Mandarin, I sound like I'm from China. Can't win here - apparently I will be foreign anywhere I go...is that what the kids will face?

Taekwondo class

Girl seems to be growing so fast. She is proud to be able to reach the elevator buttons for going up, down, and to the first floor. She seems to miss Florida a little, saying occasionally that she wants to go to "Merica". She is in a Disney princess phase and choosy about her clothes and shoes (already!). Both kids are speaking more Mandarin - I am amazed at their progress.
We haven't done so much on weekends, but are trying harder. Now with a helper who can watch Girl while she naps, we took Boy to watch Ice Age 4 last weekend. We've had friends over (from Finland too), and playdates. Again, it's starting to feel like a normal life. One of the things the kids really like is to go to Palawan beach at Sentosa. There are sand, water (including water play features), playgrounds, and a food court! Not the prettiest beach (with cargo ships in the horizon), but an easy day out.

Palawan Beach at Sentosa

From the Palawan food court - fried carrot cake, sausages and hash browns

Another treat is Chili's. There are a couple of them in Singapore, and it feels just like you're back in the states. The kids like that their meals come with ice cream, and there is a toy store next door where Boy gets his monthly Lego installment. All the comforts of home.