On Tuesday I got to do some shopping with our friends and that night Mark and I hit the downtown Orchard area where there were thousands of Christmas lights and celebration. They even had a hugh Noah Ark complete with characters and singing. Many of the churches put on Christmas activities. It was beautiful and of course I forgot the camera.
On Wednesday Mark wanted to go to the zoo, we missed it several years ago because of rain and guess what, it was pouring. After several hours the rain slowed so we made a mad dash for the bus, then we had to take the MRT subway, then another bus, we arrived two hours later. By now the rain had stopped and we got to see many of the animals before the rain started up again. We truly felt like we were in the rain forest, it was so beautiful. We arrived home after again riding the bus, MRT and another bus and only had one mishap when the bus driver though we should get off several miles from where we needed to be. We finally were able to give him a street name that he knew and he called Mark back onto the bus to continue for two more stops. Thank goodness because by then it was really coming down. The weather all week was cloudy and cooler than Vietnam. Thank you God !
Christmas day was quiet and restful. We took a walk in the park, along the beach across from our friends, flat ( that is what they call their apt). This is a unique park, Singapore is so organized, in the park they have one pathway for walkers and another for bikes and roller bladders. See my picture, they have little feet painted to let you know this is the footpath. I love it. As we proceeded down the path we came to a large water area, which is used for water skiing, well no boats but they are pulled by wires attached to pulleys in the air, and no ski's but they use boards. I think they call it wind skiing. One guy had a Santa hat on and he was in the water more than on the board. They even had a restaurant called Long Beach. I felt right at home.
Friday was Boxing Day and our friends had an open house for 45 people. Now you must understand this family has spent many years as missionaries in Papau New Guinea and other places. She makes everything from scratch and has solutions for any problem I could throw at her. She is now a high school teacher at the International school in Singapore and a super mom, according to her fellow teachers. Now back to the party. She made turkey, ham, quiches, home made rolls, pigs in a blanket, veggies trays, spinach puffs, pinwheels, ambrosia salads and pies and cookies and fudge, even home made whip cream for the chocolate cream pies. Now you must remember that even though Singapore is more modern than Vietnam they still have small kitchens and as far as the oven, it is half the size of an American oven. I watched in amazement as she went from one dish to the next and all of that after we hit the market early to get some of the forgotten items. I tried to help prepare things but mainly stuck to the dishes and pans that just kept piling up. I fell into bed exhausted that night after helping clean up and she was still on the couch reading. Joyce you are my hero !! Thank you for all of your great ideas and the goodies you donated to us. We love spending time with you guys.
