It's Great to be Back!

"It's great to be back".....that's what I found myself saying throughout the month of July, as the entire family enjoyed some time back "home" in the US after almost five months in Singapore.  Truth is, we might have enjoyed it too much, and now need a vacation from our vacation! 

During the four weeks we were back in the US we had more than 40 visitors spend at least one night at our house in Delaware, and we spent at least one night in three different homes.  It was great to see everyone and we brought back a ton of memories to get us through another year of being away from such good friends and families - but man am I tired!

Our trip to the US began on June 30, boarding the dreaded 20+ hours worth of flights back to JFK (via Frankfurt).  Aside from a few spilled drinks somewhere over Uzbekistan, the flight was uneventful.  The kids did great, enjoying a few movies and several games of multiplayer battleship to pass the time.  Cooper's "you sank my battleship" comments from a couple seats away are among the highlights that make me smile about the flight.

Upon arriving at JFK, we were greeted by the "warm hospitality" of the car rental agency.  Ahh, so great to be back in the US.  Like the scene from Seinfeld, they did a wonderful job of taking my reservation, but weren't as competent in keeping the reservation.  Bottom line, our full-sized SUV rental turned into a Crown Victoria and we pimped our way through Staten Island headed to my parents' home in PA.

The family and friend reunions started right away, spending two great days with my parents before heading to our, now primary US residence, in Fenwick Island, DE.  As anticipated, my parents had more food in their house then could ever be consumed, but we did our best and enjoyed steaks, burgers, fruit, "crab wonderfuls"  (I made up that name just now), and of course.....brownies and all kinds of desserts.   We all enjoyed the pool, played cornhole and generally just relaxed.

Upon arriving at our home in Fenwick Island a couple days later, we were pleased to find everything in great shape.  All of our friends and family who visited the house while we were gone were very gracious about leaving behind the little things that make coming home easier.  Paper towels, toilet paper, a few very nice "thank you" gift cards, and most importantly a clean house.  Actually, I think my favorite find was the single bottle of pumpkin beer in the fridge......I can guess who left that behind.  Honestly - for all of you who visited our place at Bayside, thank you for leaving the home in such great shape and for the very generous "thank you gifts"!

After settling in for about 36 hours, the rotation of guests began.   Both families visited, as did good friends like the Prestiannes, Fidlons, Wingerds, Kochendorfers, Sandersons, Wests, Clarks,  - and of course, the Pattersons were thankfully right across the street. 

We managed to squeeze in a lot of our favorite activities during our time in the US, including Sophia's horse show, informal birthday party for the kids, tennis lessons, a few rounds of golf, time in the SAP office, miniature golf, two days on a boat, lunch at Hooper's, Darius Rucker concert, multiple vet visits (preparing Jessie for her trek to Singapore)....and hours of crabbing on the Bayside dock.  Like I said...I am tired.

By the end of July, we were sad to leave friends, family, and the home we love in Fenwick Island - but also very much ready to return to Singapore.  I have to admit, I had thoughts of being just as happy to stay in the US, head back to the SAP office I had worked in for 10+ years, and pick up life where we left it in March.  However, after four weeks of entertaining, I was so exhausted that the 20+ hour flight back to Singapore was actually something I looked forward to.  The idea of sitting with nothing to do for a full day was delightful - even if it was strapped into a 20 inch wide seat in a giant, flying tin can.

Cooper was clearly ready to return to Singapore and "home" (gotta love how that kid lives in the moment), but Sophia - like me - was a little more reluctant.  Her attitude changed, however, when we picked up Aunt Kara in Conshohocken on our way to JFK.  Several months ago, Kara agreed to have the lucky distinction (or unfortunate role as guinea pig) and will be our first guest in Singapore.  With Kara in the car, Sophia's attitude changed from being upset about leaving friends and family to acting as tour guide preparing Kara for the flight, food, public transportation, etc. 

Unlike our last family trip to JFK in May, this time we arrived nearly four hours before our flight.  Traffic was practically non-existent and we made it in nearly half the time we had estimated.  We took the opportunity to find a comfortable spot at the terminal bar, enjoyed a celebratory drink and a few light snacks.  Cooper slipped into his PJ's (after accidentally spilling his drink on his shorts) and we all got ready for the long flight back "home".

Upon arriving back in Singapore, I have to say it was very comforting to walk through the familiar atmosphere of Changi airport, enjoy the efficiency of Singapore immigration, and eventually walk through the front door of our Singapore home.   Of course, it didn't hurt that we had great weather and swaying palm trees just outside the patio doors.  We were also lucky enough to have a friend's helper check in on our home a few times a week while we were away - making our arrival much less daunting.  The house was clean, air conditioner on (she had turned it back on about an hour before we arrived), and everything in its place.

Now that we're back in Singapore, with Kara in tow, I realize how much I do enjoy it.  My feelings of being content staying in the US have left me, and I realize how great an opportunity this is for our family.  Even Sophia, who was the most reluctant of us all to return, had a smile on her face and was excited to share everything we love about Singapore with Kara. 

So again, I find myself saying "It's great to be back!" - but this time, referring to Singapore.  I do miss our great friends, families, and all the things that we got to enjoy while back in Fenwick Island - but I look forward to all the amazing places we will get to see and experience in the coming 11 months.  In fact, just around the corner is a trip to the Batu Batu resort in Malaysia...can't wait!

Stay tuned - and we'll see you back in the US before you know it!