Jet lag finally got us. We were wide awake from about 2am to 6:30am. Thankfully we could watch some Netflix on the iPad and so we caught up on one of our series. We set an alarm for 8:30am, but of course didn't want to get up then...having only had 2hrs sleep. Eventually we got... Continue Reading →

Andy met me after work and we made our way on the train to Chinatown to have a look around. We have been really lucky with the weather. Whilst it's of course humid and hot, we've avoided rain and when out and about had clear skies. Chinatown is a precinct that still features the rich... Continue Reading →

If you've been to Singapore lately, no doubt you've visited the latest development areas around Marina Bay and the Gardens. If not, do yourself a favour and put this city on your list to visit. Whether it's a few days stopover or a destination point, you will not be disappointed! Andy met me after work... Continue Reading →

We arrived in Singapore local time just before 5pm on Wednesday. From the minute we stepped off the plane we walked through without queuing at border control, bags were on the carousel within minutes and we walked out through customers without any holdups. So efficient! Out in the terminal we found the signs to the... Continue Reading →

Our final day in Scandinavia. Still so much we want to see and do. The weather outside is wet and pretty dark looking. We are not going to waste it though, we put on the wet weather gear and head on out...Along the way we stopped and I wrote the following in real time: This... Continue Reading →

After a slow morning we set out firstly to the Tourist Info Centre at the Main Train Station. Armed with great maps and information we set off first for Temppeliaukio Church. Temppeliaukio is a church hewn out of solid rock. Therefore it is also known as 'Church of the Rock'. We circumnavigated the site before... Continue Reading →

After arriving early (6:30am) after in Sunday Morning in Helsinki, we were thrilled to discover that our hotel was just across the square from the train station, and then to find out that our room would be available this early so we could go and shower, sleep, and then start the day fresh with breakfast.... Continue Reading →

The sun's brief sojourn over Lapland is over. Back to overcast skies and drizzly rain. It's the sort of rain that is a bit misty and damp but no real substance and annoyingly hangs around and makes everything grey. We planned our day accordingly and headed into the town of Rovaniemi on the 'Santa Express'... Continue Reading →

Finland has clear influences from Russia and Sweden more than Northern Europe. Norway was more aligned with Northern Europe. The language, the architecture and atmosphere has an 'eastern' feel to it. Even though Finland was against Russia during the wars and ceded northern territory, the proximity has clearly influenced the culture here. We took a... Continue Reading →

I love Christmas. Always have. Loved taking the kids each year to see Santa in his Grotto, doing the advent calendars, putting up the tree, candles, lights, decorations the house, baking gingerbread, even cooking up a storm on Christmas Day. But there is one thing I've always wanted to do...and that is to visit Santa... Continue Reading →