Batam

Larry and I spent the day after Christmas on the island of Batam.  It's only a 35 minute ferry ride from Sing, and once you step onto the jetty, it's like stepping into a different world.  It's part of indonesia, and feels a little like Bali.  It's beautiful, quiet and very relaxing.  We stayed at a small resort that was very nice, and enjoyed a day of lazing by the pool, walks on the beach, and a yummy dinner.  There was no internet service, and cell reception was poor, so Larry was able to really chill out and not worry about work stuff.  He even asked if I had packed him a book (uh, no.) I was in mid sentence when I started snoring (according to Lar).  Saturday morning we woke to a gorgeous day, and met friends Leone and John for breakfast at the resort.  They have a villa up the road about 10 minutes.  We walked to their place after breakfast, along the beach and that alone was a treat.  Their villa is at the top of a hill, so Miss Out Of Shape 2008 was huffing and puffing and *glowing* like no tomorrow.  However, I do not exaggerate when I say it was a beautiful and completely worth it walk.  Their home is beyond lovely, and peaceful.  We enjoyed a house tour, and after cooling off a bit, we had a wonderful, traditional Indonesian lunch.  YUMMY!!  The company, food and wine were all superb.  One more thing to be thankful for about Singapore. I must have said the word "beautiful, or gorgeous" about 9000 times...I need a thesaurus for next time. We walked back to the resort to catch the shuttle back to the ferry terminal, and we realized Larry didn't have his wallet.  So we were sitting at the pool, waiting for Larry to get it out of his suitcase, and a man walked up to us and asked if were were staying there, and the room number.  I told him, and he produced Larry's wallet and our passports from behind his back.  He was one of the managers, and was looking for us.  BIG relief to say the least.  The rest of the trip was uneventful, and we arrived home to a very happy to see us Frank.  We will definitely be back, and will even be bringing my Aunt and Uncle when they come to visit in February (um yeah, I'm slightly excited, and need to buy towels stat!!).  it's just such a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Singapore...we highly recommend it!

Larry and I are getting ready to go to Cambodia in the next few days as well.  We've wanted to go since we've gotten here, so we're very excited to finally go.  The big draw are the temples, and we plan on going to the biggest one, Angkor Wat.  I just checked out the hotel online and it looks pretty nifty as well.  Should be a good trip.

I've been spending this week getting ready to go back to the US.  I am coming in the next few weeks and am looking forward to seeing my family and friends.  I'm planning on a good chunk of time with my best friend, as well as hanging with my parents.  We're also going to a wedding in Texas (Larry's brother) and to Seattle for Annabella's 3rd birthday (can you say pink bike with a basket and a bell??).  So lots of laundry and cooking for me this week!  

Happy New Year to all of you!  Here's to a wonderful, healthy 2009!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Pam