And then the Ampts arrive

Joan spent the best part of Wednesday afternoon with her leg elevated and on ice. We headed off to work and Jim found his way out to Punggol a little later where he spent some time in the classroom before meeting up with Joan, Peter and some other friends from 2004 at Bishan while we remained at work. When we returned home we found that they hadn't waited for us, the three of them were very comfortable in our lounge room with a drink in hand and not really very interested in how our lessons had proceeded for the evening.  I can't imagine why. Peter made it clear he needs more practice on the guitar before playing in public.  

On Thursday the Crisps took on one of our other Great Race legs which took them near Chinatown. They thoroughly enjoyed this area of town which they had not discovered before. They then returned home in time for a Chi massage downstairs. As happens, the leg injury is feeling much better but since the appointment was made they decided to commit to it. Joan was impressed by the treatment and tried to encourage Jim to indulge but he was having none of it. Unfortunately Eric had a senior management meeting so he had to leave early for work. We met up with them for dinner after work at the usual. 

The Crisps were leaving for Sri Lanka on Friday and Judy and Roger were due to arrive from Europe.  Both events took place while we were blissfully unaware at work. Somewhere in between we managed a quick vac and mop of the floors and a change of linen and towels. We took the Crisps back to Kampong Glam area for the best murtabah in Singapore at Zam Zams before we had to head to work. 

We left them to finish their unfinished business and apparently they misjudged the bus timetable and cut it very fine to make it to the departure lounge in time. Fortunately they did make it but I'm glad I wasn't in that taxi. They have already sent through email updates from Negambo. We sent them off with more educational ICT programs to give to Dilip when they eventually make it to Galle in another week's time.

Judy and Rog have had a fabulous time in France, Rog was so fortunate to be at the US Masters to see Adam Scott win on his way over. We arranged for them to meet us at our local hawker stall for a late meal after work. In the morning it was business as usual for us, heading to work early but they managed a good sleep-in which they obviously needed. They took the opportunity to cruise around town in the jump on-jump off bus tour. Rog noted that things have changed since he was here in the early 80s! 

They finished off the tour on the Sunday and then visited the Botanic Gardens. 
Sunday night saw us celebrating the last of the parent teacher interviews for another 6 months. It's a tough call managing a class and having interviews at the same time so we were very tired. quite a few staff met up at Wala in Holland Village afterwards and Rog and Judy joined us. 
On Monday we ventured out for our usual Monday walk, this time throyugh Bishan Park and around Lower Peirce Reservoir. Guess what? With backpack slung over the shoulder in the usual fashion, Eric sauntered by the security guard at the MRT without a problem. Jim, you seem to be the one that attracts their attention, the only common denominator. Jude and Rog needed a rest from all the sun and tropical heat so we left them relaxing at home and met up for Chicken Rice at lunchtime. 

Walkers with the intriguing Cannonball Tree

Flower of the cannonball Tree

In the afternoon we all went out and about,scouting the Great Race legs. As you would understand I cannot divulge any detail but let it be said we wore Roger out and left him snoozing on the couch at Marina Bay Sands at one point. We had already had an afternoon break at Raffles Long Bar where you traditionally drink Singapore Slings and toss your raw peanut shells on the floor. Maybe that was his problem. 

At Chijmes across the road from Raffles

 In the Raffles Courtyard

In Raffles Long Bar

Meanwhile, Eric left us to meet up with Peter and other likely trekkers for this year's December trek to Annapurrna, Nepal. While I keep saying I will not do it, I cannot stand the thought of not doing it so ............We all went to La Pizzaiola near Peter's for dinner. It was lovely to catch up with June from last year's trek, we haven't seen much of her lately as she has been working too hard, doing extra shifts at Orange Tree Pre School to fund a needy cause.

Bev and Eric looking through photo albums of previous treks

On Tuesday we had all sorts of plans lined up for the day but Rog had had enough of 'school excursions' as he called it, and just needed a lay-day at home, interacting with his ipad interrupted occasionally by a dip in the pool. A true holiday-maker's holiday. As he says they have been on the go for 7 weeks. We never ventured further than lunch at Nex. Jude was up for a walk but our timing was bad and we found ourselves confronted with a downpour just as I was intending to take her for a stroll to Kovan and show her my workplace. We did manage a fish spa where we sat for half an hour having fish nibble the dead skin off our toes and ankles. The fish seemed to prefer her feet, not sure why - European cobblestone corn flavour perhaps?  We sat there comparing our bunions and reminiscing about growing up in Dixons Creek. We are now beginning a collaborative google doc to jot down our memories and hope Col will contribute too. 

Judy's feet were more appetizing 

At 6pm we bundled them into a taxi for the airport. We think they will both enjoy getting home after being away so long.
Eric's brother Laurie and his wife Sue, from Maryborough, arrive next Sunday so the sheets and towels are back in the washing machine. they'll be just in time for the Great race. Another 'Baptism of Fire' coming up! The Yve arrives the following Sunday. 

I can't believe our trip to Portugal is less than 4 weeks away! We fly to Madrid and take the train to Porto for a few days then on to Lisbon. From there we train to Faro then can catch a bus to Seville. We have really enjoyed what we have seen so far of Spain so couldn't resist the opportunity to see some more, this time more to the south. Then we train to Madrid and home.