Hello everyone,
I can't believe it is a 6 weeks or so since I last sat here at the laptop sharing my views and adventures whilst here in Singapore.

I have been a little reticent to write, as we have just been going about a fairly routine sort of time, with no Overseas trips or fantastic adventures to share.

Chinese New Year has come and gone with all the pageantry and color that goes along with it. During the 17 or so days of celebration, small utes laden with locals playing drums and bedecked in red and gold decorations were evident. Singapore was a little bit of a ghost town, as expats make the most of the 4 day weekend. Many shops and stalls were closed as Chinese people use the holidays to visit family and friends.

Kafil and I have continued to explore the island, mainly on foot and have regularly been walking the paths and parks of our surrounds. there is a series of tracks called connector paths which link various parks and open spaces together. These have the benefit of being car free and we can enjoy the relative peace of strolling through the suburbs on these often shady paths.

We also went out to Mt Faber which is a small incline overlooking the Harbour and along with our friend Celeste walked about 9 kilometres thru gardens and over architecturally interesting linking canopy bridges. Given the humidity here, we certainly feel very virtuous after being out in the weather for 3-4 hours to complete a walk.

I have reached the peak of my football prowess, I actually scored a goal. our team Sahara Scorpions ending up winning 11-0. I was buzzing for a few days after the cheer that went up at the game when I snuck one past the keeper. Kafil has been giving me some tuition at the park to improve my skills, and I am feeling confident and happy with my soccer progress. Its not easy being the oldest and the heaviest in the league, but my enthusiasm and ability to listen to coaching makes me quite a good player I think.

Oops update on the soccer, I have managed to do some damage during an extensive 2 hour training session. I fell heavily and jarred my ankle and hurt my knee. Some 3 weeks later,
I am still suffering if I stay on my feet too long. I have just been back to the doctors for a second visit, and procured some anti inflammatory's and pain killers. It is a real set back, and I am a little concerned as K and I fly to Ho Chi Minh on the weekend and we love to walk heaps when we are exploring new places.

My injury is making me feel old and tired. Oh well hopefully I will be OK soon, if I rest it more and follow the routine of ice packs etc. (how boring) In an effort to stay off my feet and out of the heat I have been going to a few movies. Kafil and I saw "Slumdog Millionaire," just prior to it blitzing the Oscars. I thought it was really well done movie, different interesting colorful,however I don't think it was a "feel good movie" as billed in its advertisements. Worthy,
well acted interesting concept, but "feel good" I don't think so.

I also went to see "the Reader" with Kate Winslet and The Changeling, featuring Angelina Jolie, they are both gritty and realistic historical dramas. Movie going is a very popular pass time here in Singapore, however mostly block busters and populist movies get shown.

There has been huge amount of news about the terrible bushfires that have ravaged Victoria here, Kafil and I are both deeply saddened by the loss of lives, properties animals and bushland incurred. We went to a benefit evening which had a terrific response from locals and expats alike and raised 20.000 dollars. We have many friends who live in areas that were directly in line of the fires, but am glad to say were not victims of the loss so many suffered.

I will sign off now, and promise a more interesting blog next time, undoubtedly filled with photos of our trip to the southern part of Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.

Until then take care,

Love Kerri