greetings to all

Hello everyone,

Well what a week its been, a new President of The USA a collective sigh of relief was palpable as news filtered through that Barak Obama was made President elect. The world feels a safer place already.

Well we continue were we left off in steamy Singapore. It was great to be back in Melbourne a whirlwind of social activities and lots of chatting drinking and wining and dining. It felt great to sleep with a doona to snuggle up to, to drink red wine without breaking into a sweat and of course to catch up with dear friends family and the enthusiastic Mali boy. A big thankyou to Kirsten for looking after our home and for caring for Mali. He seemed very happy to have us back but also very comfortable with his new routines.

Three weeks went by in the blink of an eye and I was really glad we were able to get back for the fabulous fiftieth birthday celebrations for our dear friends Sue and Phil. We heartily recommend the party experience of the Queenscliff Blues Train. It was a hoot, dancing, debauchery drinking and telling stories. Spending a weekend in the serenity of seaside Queenscliff was a welcome change from our urban lifestyle here in Singapore.

We also managed to get to see Leonie and Hans at their rural hideaway, it was great to spend some time in the bush with dear friends and enjoyed the open fires, the walks in the bush and of course the laid back company. Mali loved it too he bounded around loving the space and freedom the Eldorado property gave him.

I managed to see some live music whilst in Oz. the Guild League who are a lovely melodic Melbourne group complete with trumpet sax and cello, great way to spend a sunny Sunday Arvo. Seeing Michael Franti play at the Forum was fantastic, he put everything into his show, he is so charismatic energetic and such a free thinker, if he started a religion I think I would sign up. He played for 2 1/2 hours a huge set where he played with his band Spearhead and also some solo numbers. The Forum is a great venue spacious and resplendent with its Grecian figures gazing down from the domed roof top.

I loved that we were able to catch up with some many friends and family thankyou everyone for making time for us during our fleeting trip home.

Well Singapore continues to be hot and steamy. As I gaze thru the window, the rain is pouring down , lucky I missed it whilst I was on a long walk down to East Coast Park.. They say Melbourne's weather is changeable only 2 hours ago I was sitting under some palm trees looking at the water as the sun shone down making it look like hundred of fairy lights had been scattered across a stretch of water. No chance of a drought here the rain is frequent and copious in its intensity.

Well the five a side soccer season is about to start, and I have been invited to join a team. I think once I belong to a team it will be easier. Training is getting busier with numbers in the 20's instead of the handful who showed up in September. There is even talk of a sponsor to pay for our uniforms. OH my God, who would have thought that I would be part of a sporting team, it may be the first time in my lifetime!! Since arriving back from Melbourne Kafil and i have been walking most mornings for about 45 minutes, this seems to help with dealing with the heat later on in the day. I have also started 10 pin bowling there is a group of women who meet weekly for coffee, bowling and lunch I was very disparaging when first invited, but I thought why not, I am terrible at bowling I seem to have a defective arm which shoots across ny body and sends the ball hurtling down the gutter. Most discouraging, however I guess persistence may show some improvement, and its a fun group of mainly older women. ( im the only one who bowls and trains for 5 a side soccer!!).

Last week Kafil and I went for a Sunday saunter around the Perekan ( traditional malay) area of Joo Chiat, it was interesting and the guide book directed us to a great lunch spot as well as some interesting buildings and street scapes.

Kafil has his end of year bash for work tonight on Sentosa Island, its got a Rio theme, so it gives him an opportunity to wear one of his loudest floral shirts. His boss Wayne has banned his loud shirts from the workplace much to Kafil's dismay.


Melbourne Cup seems to be a big day for expats here, and I joined a group of women for a great lunch on the riverside, the venue is very new and the owner kindly donated some bubbly to drink to get the party started. I got 2nd in the sweep which was a bonus,it was a little surreal being in Singapore watching the Cup especially as it was only midday here. Some of the women went all out withhats and fascinators, but the rest of us just got a bit fancier than usual.

Cant think of any more new so until next time.
Warm wishes

Kerri