Greeting to all our friends and family and friends all over the world.
Well it is nearly two years since Kafil and I embarked on our relocation to hot and steamy Singapore. In this time we have met loads of great people who will undoubtedly be friends who endure across continents and who we will watch come and go from our lives with a smile knowing how they have enhanced our expat experience.
There have been plenty of highs and lows in leaving our beloved Melbourne and venturing out to South East Asia. We are about to embark on part 2 of our journey, we are moving from our spacious terrace house in the suburbs, to a cosier apartment in the centre of the commercial and shopping district. Whilst enjoying living in the burbs, its time for a change and most importantly a residence with a pool. we imagine a much changed life style with Kafil living minutes from work by public transport, rather than the hour he commutes at the moment. As you probably know Kafil has a permanent position at CS and he is enjoying the challenges and rewards of working in a huge international financial environment.
I for the most part have loved the freedom of not having to work, it is such a different environment here and I am not in a rush to return to the workforce. I count my blessings regularly as I enjoy being a kept woman…. I have immersed myself in the trailing spouse exploits, Mah-jong, coffee, gym museums, shopping etc etc… I miss working at my quirky old school but somehow don't think I could recreate the camaraderie of that environment here in Singapore.
I apologise for my lack of communicating individually with you, but sometimes I think it must be a bore for those of you who continue to hear about our life here. As we have settled in and spent less time travelling in the region I have felt less need to share our experiences with you all..
One of my great fears about living abroad is losing some of the fabulous connections and friendships we have valued for so many years. I remember in the 80’s when I returned from the UK with Kafil in tow that for the most part we had to forge new friendships together when we settled in Melbourne. I am hopeful that when we return to Australia we will pick up where we left off with most of our friends. the electronic media, makes it easier to stay in touch, and I hope that even though we are out of sight we are not out of mind. That said I appreciate that some friendships will wane, and I guess that is a casualty of long distance relationships…
The first half of 2010 has been a fairly traumatic one for us. Despite my dear Mum being very ill for a number of years knowing that she has passed is a horrible feeling for me. Mum was such a unique and and eccentric character and I feel much sadness, that she had such a depleted life for so long. I mss her and knowing she is not there waiting for my infrequent visits, leaves a huge hole….. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend her funeral and for your cards and best wishes & flowers' at the time…
I have had a lot of trouble with a dodgy knee, I guess starting a football career in my late 40’s was not the brightest of moves. However I love being part of a team…wish I had discovered that earlier in my life.! I have been reluctant to go under the knife as I have had mixed reports on the success of it given I have no obvious diagnosis. I endured several TCM or traditional Chinese Medicine sessions in an effort to get back on my feet. Massage acupuncture and heat treatments were very painful but seemed to help with the injury at its worst…which of course referred into my back and hip…..Oh the problems of growing old….. I also recently had my first ever surgery, a very personal and painful procedure which has left me flat and sore…. Oh and must remember I can’t drink alcohol and use antibiotics it sends me into a real Tizz….four days in hospital was very traumatic for me, and I was grateful for the support of dear Kafil and friends who visited to cheer me up….
Just sending out these thoughts and a big hello to all of our dear friends; we miss you and hope to hear from you soon or meet you out there in the big wide world.
Love and best wishes,
K&K
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