July 2006

Back in March when I updated the website we were just packing for a much long awaited trip to Bangkok.  This time we did it the expat way and took our maid with us! Sounds like a big luxury but if we hadn't then we would have never been able to get out in the evenings to see anyone, as Sean won’t even let Mike put him to bed never mind a babysitter he has never seen before. The trip was not a holiday, it was quite exhausting, but then isn't any trip with two kids ? The reason we went was to see all our Bangkok friends who we haven’t seen since before Sean was born. This was my first trip out of Singapore in over 18 months! We flew business class, not that I noticed as Sean cried hysterically all the way and I spent most of the time in the toilet with him, or on the floor, or having to defend myself against not very helpful comments from an aussie woman in front of us.
Apart from the nightmare plane journey, which made us make up our minds as to whether to chance a 13 hour flight to the UK, the rest of our short stay was really enjoyable. ( And no we are not going to endure 13 hours of crying and then 2 weeks of sleepless nights.)

We stayed in a serviced apartment just across the road from Mawf and Amy. It was nice to be back, with everyone being polite and helpful in the hotels. The place had plenty of space so the kids had enough room to play and of course were the centre of attention with all the staff. In the few days we were there we managed to pack in a trip to the Grand Palace, an evening catching up with Mark and Karen, a whole day with Phil, Carole and Emmet at the new aquarium and then at their apartment, where the boys went swimming and just loved playing. Lots of time with Uncle Mawfy and Aunty Amy, dinner with Eric and Ruby, an afternoon and evening at Squeaky and Cat’s apartment and I even managed one facial, which was my treat while Frosty was out boozing. To my delight the same somtam lady was still working along soi 11 and she remembered me from the days when i used to stroll down the soi for my fried chicken and fresh somtam salad. There were still not enough days to eat all the different kinds of Thai food i miss.

Since we got back though, missing Thai food is not such a problem these days after my lovely Thai neighbour, Pom took me to the Thai supermarket in Singapore, showed me what to buy and then taught me how to make authentic green curry. She is a wonderful cook and no doubt i will master a few more recipes whilst i live here.

Around April time Elaine came to visit us again with her friend Steve. When Joe was told she was bringing Steve, he was convinced Steve Irwin , the crocodile hunter was coming to stay. We had a lovely week entertaining the kids at the zoo, sentosa, and boat quay as well as plenty of time round the pool at home. Joe as usual loved all the extra attention and both kids have a soft spot for their auntie Elaine.

MiSteVious has been entertaining us with more performances at Mox.  Frosty dragged Kate along to one and this is when we first met Amber and Nick who have recently moved here. Rachel and I went to see a comedy hypnotist one night and also spent a Friday evening at the book launch of Jake Needham’s new novel The Ambassador’s Wife which is set in Singapore. The first woman in this crime thriller gets murdered in the hotel right in front of our old house! We are also becoming regulars at the one nite stand comedy club each month with Joe and Rachel. We have seen some really good acts lately as well as a few that were a bit odd to say the least. We also enjoyed a great Sunday night at Fort Canning Park watching Simple Minds in concert. Jim Kerr was still wearing the same kind of stuff he wore 20 years ago! And I reckon the average age of the crowd was about 40! It was such a nice setting to have a concert even if it was a bit hot!

Other visitors have included Jane on her 6 month round the world trip. Last we heard she was partying in Rio with all the football fans. Mick came round ages ago and as usual horsed around with Joe. This week we managed to catch up with Dougie for an hour in the pub which was lovely to hear about all his ongoing flying. Even after 4 years of not working in the markets, it was hard to keep him and Frosty off the subject, thank goodness Frosty was late and I got to talk about other things before he got there! Mike has a new work colleague, Ben who has moved here from Australia with his wife and new baby. Thanks to Ben we now have found an aussie pie shop round the corner from our house. Frosty now though is demanding that i wake him up 10 minutes before the football starts with a pie and a coffee, Ben has a bloody lot to answer for!

Birdie x x x