Post-script - the trip home to NZ

We left via ferry, watching our island home disappearing as we sped away.

Farewelling Koh Phangan behind us as we head for bustling Koh Samui

Our sun-kissed beach babe.

Had a couple of nights in Samui at Bophut's Fishermans Village, for shopping, dining and visiting the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) temple.  
On our fourth attempt in 3 months we managed to get a booking at Barracuda restaurant for our last divine meal.

Lighting incense at the Big Buddha temple

Chiming each prayer bell around the temple courtyard
for wisdom and casting out evil spirits.

A heart stopping moment at the airport when an airline official told us we would have to pay 500B per day for the children overstaying their visas.  The advice we had previously obtained was that this fine was waived for children and so we hadn't renewed their visas.  Fortunately the advice turned out to be right and we were stamped through customs, because this would have cost us about $1000 !

Then a flight to Kuala Lumpur where we ate at local noodle houses, gazed up at the impressive sparkly twin-towers and visited the Batu Caves - up 272 steps, dodging the playful monkeys and then visiting the Hindu shrines at the top.  We caught the train to the caves and observed 'ladies only' carriages and waiting areas.
Later that day the kids enjoyed a indoor theme park too.  

Up 272 hot steps without complaints !

During a puja the swami adorned us with tilaka on our foreheads,
flowers and sacred wrist threads with golden charms.

..and then a henna tattoo for the girls - it will fade in about 2 weeks !

Then another short flight on to Singapore.  First up, the night safari - which was fabulous, the fire show and the rather active lions were a real highlight.  The night zoo is only really achievable with kids while travelling in this direction, as we are heading back to NZ when the time difference works in our favour.   

Mike took the kids to a movie and some fast car showrooms while I enjoyed my first real shopping in 3 months.

A Ferrari anyone?

Tim arrived for a couple of weeks work so we were very fortunate to see him and the kids were soooo excited to see their Uncle after all this time away.

That night, we went to the spectacular light and water show at the base of Marina Bay Sands.  It was incredible with video projected onto water vapor, interspersed with music, fire and lasers. 

"Wonder Full"

Do bubbles remain magical and popping-compulsive forever ?

While Tim and Mike were working, I took the kids on the MRT to a turtle and tortoise sanctuary.  There are 1000 live turtles/tortoises of various species, many just walking around in the centre of the Chinese Gardens.


One lovely last night in Asia - spent with Tim - drinks at Ku De Ta at the top of the Marina Bay Sands (the building that is three towers with what looks like an enormous ship balanced on the top) looking down on the the Singapore skyline from the 57th floor, then dinner in the monastic courtyard at Chijmes and a night cap at bustling Clarke Quay.

57 floors up at Marina Bay Sands

Singapore at night - truly spectacular

A dim sum lunch with Marika and family.  How lovely to catch up after all this time.

And we were off, with Annabelle, Matthew and myself flying together, a rather sleepless, short and tiring night !  Mike followed a few days later after some meetings.

It has been a busy and lovely first week back, catching up with everyone.  Now time to take a breath, and plan the next adventure.

I am learning fast that I need a strategy to be able to re-capture the mindset and peacefulness we obtained in our time away, while in the midst of life in Auckland.  Meditation perhaps is the answer...also protecting time for Mike and I, and for the four of us....re-visiting this blog is helping a bit too - transporting me back !

Until the next adventure then....