Hong Kong

 Last week, the Singapore Government cancelled work to ensure Singaporeans were able to make it to the polls to vote (seriously, great idea - America take note).

Since Jim and I are obviously unable to vote, we took advantage of the surprise 3 day weekend and hopped a flight to Hong Kong.  The trip started out on a high note - with an incredible room upgrade and bottle of champagne.

Kyle & Meg in Asia - Part 2

After a few days exploring Cambodia, we returned to Singapore to continue showing Kyle and Meg our favorite spots.

We began with the monorail to Sentosa Island and explored Fort Siloso, where the Japanese surrendered to the British in World War II ending the conflict in Singapore.  The museum is very well done, allowing people to explore bunkers and watch-towers.

Kyle & Meg in Asia - Part 1

What a fabulous two weeks!  Jim and I just said goodbye to our visitors Kyle & Megan.  We had the best 10 days with them.  I really enjoyed playing tour guide and was surprised that my 2 page typed agenda did not scare them off ; ) 

After a minor airport hiccup, we welcomed Kyle & Megan to Singapore with some fresh coconuts at 2am.  Then, off to bed to get rested for a non-stop trip!  Within the first 48 hours, we showed them our favorites – river taxi, cloud and flower domes, Merlion (half lion/half mermaid), Lu Pa Sat, Level33, Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Haji Lane and Korean BBQ.    

Happy Singapore 50

National Day was extra special this year as Singapore celebrated their 50th year of independence. The government even declared an extra holiday (yay - 4 day weekend).  As cheesy as this sounds, it was an honor to be here for it and watch the celebratory preparations and festivities. 

Bintan, Indonesia

Jim's 30th Birthday celebration continued into the 3-day holiday weekend.  Our plan was to celebrate the big 3-0 in Bali, but due to volcanic ash spewing in Bali - the airport closed - island problems ; ) 

We quickly regrouped and planned a fabulous weekend in Bintan, an Indonesian island that is a quick ferry ride from Singapore.  We boarded the ferry Thursday night and headed off for an all-inclusive weekend in paradise.   

Jim's 30th Birthday

On Friday, Jim picked a lovely Thai restaurant in Dempsey Hill (the fancy area) of Singapore named Jim Thompson.   We enjoyed a delicious meal outdoors with traditional Thai dancers performing around us.  The restaurant was amazing and we truly felt like we were back in Thailand.  Ironically, when we got the bill, we realized we could have flown to Thailand, eaten, and flown back.  Oh well - you only turn 30 once ; ) 

The Formans in Singapore

Our first visitors arrived in Singapore!  Ashley and Taylor arrived shortly after midnight.  I met them at the Changi Airport and quickly whisked them back to our apartment to crash after the 21 hour flight.

The next day - we went non-stop! Ashley and Taylor only had 2 1/2 days in Singapore so they pushed through the jetlag to maximize their time here!