Wednesday, September 29, 2010

it's a fishy business...


So, Mr W's little sister arrived fresh from England with the news that Grazia swears by the latest health craze - fish spas.  Emboldened by this piece of information, we went in search of such a suitable spa, and found one here.

Now, I'm not terribly brave, but Nooms is even worse.  Having managed not to bolt at the door, we paid our money, had our feet washed and, with a HUGE intake of breath, found the tank with the smallest fish in (about 3/4cms long, definitely NOT 5cms and more!).  We then sat for a minute or so with our feet dangling above the water, all the fish at the surface - eerrgh - and looked.  And I'm delighted to report that, after A LOT of screaming and splashing of water on our part, I managed to put my feet in for about 10 minutes.  Nooms, alas, never managed much further than dipping her big toe in - apparently seeing them covering my feet filled her with horror!

Initially, I couldn't bear to look, which rendered all my photographs rubbish, but eventually I managed it...

The sensation is very odd, a little like putting your feet in a fizzy drink, and after about 10 minutes, I'd had more than enough.  The end result however, is very smooth feet.  I'm not saying that I'd do it again, but there again...

Happy Wednesday x

Monday, September 27, 2010

f1 and crinolin ladies...


As you know, we went to the Grand Prix this weekend.  Now, I failed miserably in taking a picture of the cars at the practice on Friday, so I didn't bother to take my camera again.  LARGE error.  On Saturday night, there was the most amazing spectacle, the sort of thing you'd expect to see in a Terry Gillingham film.

There were flying men, huge crinolin ladies, some of whom flew...




and some of whom had ladies on swings buried in their skirts.  And there were inflatable balls, flying ships...


and plenty more, all of which was captured on my somewhat inadequate mobile phone - very frustrating!

Wishing you a happy Monday x

Saturday, September 25, 2010

friday frivolities...


I'm delighted to report that my birthday week has ended on a high note (hurrah).  Yesterday, I had a lovely spa day with a girlfriend at the Polo Club, topped off by a night at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which was very enjoyable but, to be honest, more noisy than anything else, although I'm not what you'd call a die hard fan.  Oh yes, and Mr W's little sister arrived in the early hours of this morning - perfect!

Wishing you all a happy weekend xx

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

birthday bleatings...


So, today is my birthday.  On Monday I was feeling a bit homesick at the thought of being so far from home today, but yesterday I felt a bit better and today I think, on balance, that I've enjoyed myself.  I had decided I was going to save my pressies until this afternoon, but the girls struggled with this idea, Betsy especially, so I've opened all but one.  And my favourite - a pretty key on a beautiful keyring.  One of the things I miss about living here is the absence of pretty things, and this really made me smile.  I'll take a picture of it and post it on Friday.

I've just collected the girls from school, so we've had fairy cakes and milkshakes (or tea, depending on who you are).  Now we're just trying to squeeze in some homework before we go out for supper - to the Italian restaurant near us that previously greeted us with "au revoir" as we arrived (I kid you not)!!!

See you Friday xx

Friday, September 17, 2010

checking in...


Well, it must be said, I've had a properly lazy week, gadding about and enjoying myself.  The Inspired Exhibition on Wednesday was enjoyable, although as we already have more than enough furniture, there wasn't really anything I was tempted by (queue big sigh of relief from Mr W).  After the exhibition, my girlfriend and I mooched around Dempsy's and then went for lunch at Jones the Grocer, which is always yummy. 

Yesterday, I went for lunch at Flutes at the Fort in anticipation of another girlfriend's birthday.  The restaurant is housed in a lovely black and white bungalow, which apparently was, at one point, home to the Fire Chief.  Of course, such a lovely setting provided me with an excuse to dress up, something I always enjoy.  In fact, I had such a lovely time, and the staff were so lovely (just look at the birthday girl's pudding, above) I think I might take Mr W there some time. 

Happy weekend everyone x

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

ladies who lunch...


Today, I'm going to play at being a proper ex pat!  First up, I'm off to the Inspired Living exhibition, then my girlfriend and I are going out for lunch.  Am quite excited as I don't usually do this sort of thing!  Will report back.

Happy Wednesday xx

Monday, September 13, 2010

settling back in...

olympic flags

Since we've been back in Singapore, we've been throwing ourselves into life here, mainly in an effort to make sure that we consider here to be our home from home.  And I'm delighted to say, I think it's worked.  I am definitely much more settled than I have been, and even Pickle announced the other day that she thinks she's feeling more comfortable and can't believe it's been 8 months!  Needless to say, we all breathed huge sighs of relief, especially Mr W.

The girls and I watched Europe 1's mixed relay team win gold at the Inaugural Youth Olympics Triathlon, which was very exciting...


We've been to Universal, taking the girls on their last day of the school holidays.  It was amazingly well done, from the huge castle in Far Far Away land (Shrek), to the delicious snacks enjoyed with morning coffee...


We had a brilliant time, starting the excitement off by travelling on the monorail, which Betsy just loves (we still haven't been on the pink one though, much to her annoyance).  It must, however be said that the girls are not as brave as we perhaps thought - can't think where they get that from!  This did however, work in our favour, as it meant that Mr W and I could go on some of the rides as 'single riders' thereby cutting out about 4 hours of queuing.

We've also taken up waterskiing.  Now, firstly, I must point out that when I say we, I really mean Mr W and Pickle - well, someone's got to take the photos, haven't they?! Twice now, we've been down to Harrys at 360, on the East Coast, which is only a short walk from where we live.  Huge amounts of fun have been had, and it is, apparently, quite difficult to go round corners...!


Wishing you a lovely week xx

Monday, September 6, 2010

long time, no blog...


Gosh well, hello again.  I've finally made it back to terra firma, and what a glorious time we've had.  Going back home was fantastic.  It was so lovely to catch up with friends and family again, visit all our old haunts, go for long walks in Dartmoor (above) & enjoy Salcombe...


watch village cricket matches, go up to the V & A to see the Grace Kelly exhibition  (brilliant, and the girls really enjoyed it too), be a proper tourist and take a trip to Covent Garden...


 And the girls found time to bake with grandparents...


(my early birthday cake - bless my mum)...



play by the sea...


have joint birthday parties with bestest friends living on the other side of the world...


and squeeze in several sleepovers with their friends etc etc.  Just what was needed me thinks.

It's good to be back.  Wishing you a fab week xx