We just returned from 2 weeks in Singapore, Thailand and even a short visit to Malaysia. Ken attended a 9 day conference in Singapore for work. While he developed and improved his leadership and business management skills, I stayed with some dear friends from our year in Switzerland who now live in Singapore. Radhika and I used our time wisely with shopping, eating, massages, and of course, talking non-stop. Ken and Rahul were able to join us a few evenings, so the four of us enjoyed thought provoking conversations over Starbucks frappuccinos. (We don’t have Starbucks in Belgium so this was a treat) Ken and I also had fun playing with their son, Rohan, who refers to us as Ken Uncle and Heidi Auntie. What a cutie!
Since a few other students and partners from IMD also live in Singapore, we decided to all get together for a night out on the town. What a blast catching up on each others lives, reminiscing on the time in Switzerland, and sharing future hopes and dreams!
One of Ken’s peers from IMD is from Malaysia, and although he doesn’t live there now, much of his family does. So, we hopped in a car and met several of them for a day in Malaysia. They treated us to a lovely dinner where Ken and I both tried ostrich for the first time. Surprisingly, it was one of our favorite dishes that night.
.jpg)
When Ken’s conference finished, we took a plane to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Set in the northern part of the country, it is surrounded by mountains and jungles. I didn’t feel nervous about the idea of hiking or taking an elephant into the jungle until one of our guides informed us that tigers still roam within that part of Thailand. Yikes! Still, we trudged ahead and enjoyed beautifully green scenery. Riding on the back of an elephant was definitely a highlight for us, and we watched in awe as several of the elephants demonstrated their ability to paint. The pictures impressed us so much that we bought one to hang in our home.
We loved visiting some of the hill tribes just outside of Chiang Mai. Seeing places which only recently acquired access to electricity but still do not have indoor plumbing made us value all that we have. Watching the women hand stitch clothing, the children run around bare foot on dirt floors, and the pigs and chickens meander beside the tiny, shed-like houses brought a new appreciation for our lives. Despite their living conditions and inability to speak English, the people welcomed us and allowed us to trespass into their lives as we asked questions through our guide and took photos of them and their homes. Truly moving.
We just returned from 2 weeks in Singapore, Thailand and even a short visit to Malaysia. Ken attended a 9 day conference in Singapore for work. While he developed and improved his leadership and business management skills, I stayed with some dear friends from our year in Switzerland who now live in Singapore. Radhika and I used our time wisely with shopping, eating, massages, and of course, talking non-stop. Ken and Rahul were able to join us a few evenings, so the four of us enjoyed thought provoking conversations over Starbucks frappuccinos. (We don’t have Starbucks in Belgium so this was a treat) Ken and I also had fun playing with their son, Rohan, who refers to us as Ken Uncle and Heidi Auntie. What a cutie!
Since a few other students and partners from IMD also live in Singapore, we decided to all get together for a night out on the town. What a blast catching up on each others lives, reminiscing on the time in Switzerland, and sharing future hopes and dreams!
One of Ken’s peers from IMD is from Malaysia, and although he doesn’t live there now, much of his family does. So, we hopped in a car and met several of them for a day in Malaysia. They treated us to a lovely dinner where Ken and I both tried ostrich for the first time. Surprisingly, it was one of our favorite dishes that night..jpg)
When Ken’s conference finished, we took a plane to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Set in the northern part of the country, it is surrounded by mountains and jungles. I didn’t feel nervous about the idea of hiking or taking an elephant into the jungle until one of our guides informed us that tigers still roam within that part of Thailand. Yikes! Still, we trudged ahead and enjoyed beautifully green scenery. Riding on the back of an elephant was definitely a highlight for us, and we watched in awe as several of the elephants demonstrated their ability to paint. The pictures impressed us so much that we bought one to hang in our home.
We loved visiting some of the hill tribes just outside of Chiang Mai. Seeing places which only recently acquired access to electricity but still do not have indoor plumbing made us value all that we have. Watching the women hand stitch clothing, the children run around bare foot on dirt floors, and the pigs and chickens meander beside the tiny, shed-like houses brought a new appreciation for our lives. Despite their living conditions and inability to speak English, the people welcomed us and allowed us to trespass into their lives as we asked questions through our guide and took photos of them and their homes. Truly moving.
No comments:
Post a Comment