Revisit Singapore and Home

We arrived in Singapore just in time to attend High Holiday service at Chabad House. Everything looked the same and yet different. The biggest change is that the "cruise ship" in the sky, new marina hotel and casino is finished. No more cranes and construction. We loved returning to this wonderful "home" for us back in 2009-2010. Quickly found our Fragrance Hotel across from the river walk and Clark Quay. Our former stomping grounds. Seriously, did our river walks, went to Little India, only to find "Mother's" was closed, back to Fort Canning, the Imperial. Even went to the Aquarium on Sentosa. It was like deja vu and we loved reliving our fond memories of my expat assignment. Thank you again, Welch Allyn!

 I met Gavin, visited the office and joined Lilian and Francis for dinner. All wonderful. The team is for the most part intact and enthusiastic about their careers with WA. I was proud of Con's, Jack's and my accomplishments during our tenure to hire, train and motivate this important group. Had to laugh when they told me I looked younger!!! Must be no work stress.

Anyway, took a few pics, but unfortunately, none of the team. Not sure why? Left this small island with a sense of prior belonging, deep satisfaction at returning for a visit, warm hospitality (thank you Gavin and Lilian) and pride. Our journey for Winter 2015 comes to a close as we fly home. But wait. I stop in Istanbul, Turkey to connect with Jerry, Marti and Ethan. A surreal meet up for breakfast in of all places, the Shangri La, Bosphorus after a night flight. Katz's look great and despite cold, wet, windy day, we explore a bit, catch up more and head out to a wonderful birthday dinner. Had the place to ourselves. Good pic brother Jer. Why am I not surprised.

I fly home via Montreal, but not after a long delay in Istanbul (oops, should have moved on Jerry's offer to get boarding pass on line but even more so, grabbed the earlier direct flight home). Aggggh Turkish Airways. Missed connection and after stay over in Montreal, finally arrived in Boston the next day. Aaron was already unpacked, laundry ready, taxes done and ready to start planning our next trip!!! Yes, it will be Greece and Israel. Our 30th, my 60th and my fantasy! Within weeks, we pushed "enter" on 3 week rental in Old Town of Rhodes, Greece.


Gosh, it's lovely to be retired.