It is close to midnight, the air is thick, the heat is sweltering, and the excitement is high. After much anticipation Popi, Mimi, Dandy, and GiGi arrive on the scene. And I can assure you it was indeed a scene.
I'd like to take a moment to explain that Asians by nature are not very animated individuals. They do not typically show a lot of emotion in the public arena. Suffice it to say, skin color was not the only characteristic setting us apart from the Asian culture on the night in question.
The next 12 days were filled with emotions, new experiences, unique activities, unusual tastes and smells, adjusting to culture, adjusting to heat, adjusting to family, traveling around SEA, and for the Duncan's a long awaited homecoming to the wonderful world of Chili's and Hard Rock Cafe.
More than once we heard the family say, "It is soooo hot!", "Where's the toilet paper?", "Forget the toilet paper, where's the toilet?", "What's that smell?", "What are we eating?", and a few other comments that might be better left in the closet.
Through it all, it was an enjoyable reunion. Jackson was thrilled to celebrate his fifth birthday with family. This year we celebrated pirate style with some old buccaneers, young mates, and a few scallywags. Even across the miles Dandy and Gigi came through with a fabulous Birthday cake, their generous tradition for Jackson's annual milestones.
The family visited local fish markets, pearl markets, souvenir markets, malls, villages, food stalls, and mosques. The family also island hopped, cruised down a river to see wildlife and thousands of fireflies, and toured the cleanest city in the world - Singapore.
Singapore was a treat for the family. It is the most western city in SEA. And the family was able to reconnect with their western way of life. Singapore was indeed a pleasure for the Duncan's. Ahhhhh...we enjoyed Nachos, pancakes, "western" diet coke, clean public restrooms, toilet paper, and organized transportation. We also enjoyed the Singapore Zoo, a Laser and Fountain show, and the boys had a blast on the sky lift and luge.
Vacationing is always a delight. But doing so with family from so many miles away is a precious gift. And the memories will be a wonderful pick-me-up for the busy months ahead.
