I’m back!

After our month away and a few weeks spent getting over jet lag and getting ready for ‘back to school’ time, I’m back on the blog at last and it feels so good. What can I say, I’ve missed you all!

Our trip to Australia via Singpore was incredible. Life changing even. I went knowing it would be the trip of a lifetime for us as a family and well I wasn’t proven wrong, however what I didn’t realise prior to going is quite how much the trip would change me, because truly it has. I’ve come back a very different (and hopefully improved!) person than when I went. Such is the magic of travel I guess.

There were so many moments whilst we were away that were so special. Moments that made me teary eyed with gratitude or sheer happiness. Watching Elsie run riot on quiet deserted beaches as the waves lapped the shore was a joy to behold and seeing Leo fall in love with the Australian wildlife, especially the birds, was something I’ll never forget.

I wasn’t quite sure how or even if to share our trip with you on here. I know lots of you followed my updates on social media whilst we were over there so I don’t want to go over old ground again or bore you silly.

However, I’m also aware that quite a few of you wanted to know more about our trip and the places we went to, because it appealed to you. So with that in mind, I thought I’d do a couple of sum up pieces instead and share with you what we loved as well as some of our favourites places and why. (With one exception to the rule being Fraser Island, which is such an incredible place that it deserves a whole post to itself.)

Hopefully these posts will give you an idea of how bloomin’ marvellous the whole trip was whilst providing some inspiration to those of you who may just fancy going ‘down under’ too. I know you won’t be surprised to hear that I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.

First up, our experience of Singapore in a nutshell.

SINGAPORE

What we loved

The people – Singaporeans are the warmest, friendliest people we have ever come across and so incredibly polite.

The food – we dined like royalty on a pauper’s budget by eating with the locals (try the Hawker centres) and all the food we tasted was just delicious!

The scenery – Singapore is an incredibly pretty place. To me, it was like Utopia and continually made me gasp in awe.

The cleanliness – we didn’t see any litter or graffiti the whole time we were in Singapore! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place as clean in my life. Incredible.

The airport – quite possibly the best airport in the world! Beautiful, clean, efficient, slick and packed full of designer shops and interesting ‘attractions’ such as a butterfly garden and movie room. As airports go, it’s wonderful.

Our hotel – It was a bit of a gamble when we booked the Park Hotel Farrer Park as it hadn’t been open for too long, but it paid off because it was fantastic. We had a really lovely loft room, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Reception even let us check in five hours earlier than normal for no extra cost when we were all really suffering from jetlag,for which we are eternally grateful! It’s in a brilliant location too.

What we didn’t love

The legendary humidity – quite a shock to the system at first but you soon get used to it and failing that you can always buy an oriental fan to bring you a little extra comfort.

Places We Loved

Chinatown – If I had a pound for every time Elsie or I said how much we loved Chinatown, I’d have enough for another flight back already! It was by far my favourite place in Singapore. Bright, colourful, bustling with people and packed full of charm and intrigue. Go to shop until you drop, eat with the locals at the marvellous Hawker centre, visit one of the Temples for spiritual enlightenment or just grab a cold drink and watch as the world goes by. What a place.

Clarke Quay – This historical quay is the perfect place from which to hop on a tourist boat and see the city. (Particularly if you’re strapped for time.) We only visited during the day but I imagine that in the evening, it’s also a great place to go and eat, drink and be merry too.

Gardens By The Bay – Part of Marina Bay Sands, this park is one of Singapore’s top attractions and for very good reason. Go at night like we did to catch the famous and very impressive light and music show. So good it gave me goosebumps.

Queensland, Australia…you’re up next. (Part 2 coming soon…)