I am back in Singapore after an extended trip to Belgium and France.
Christmas was a series of parties (three in total, including the Osterrieth gathering, where unfortunately only 60 people showed up) during which I was able to see most of my family. I also spent some time with friends and relatives outside of these parties. I always go to Belgium with mixed feelings – I am very glad to see family and friends, but it is not really a relaxing vacation, and I tend to eat too much.
After Belgium I spent two weeks in France. My mother was not very well, so I spent time with her and my father. I still managed to spend a week in “my house” – actually the first time that I stayed there as the ‘owner’ since I bought it from my parents in 2005. Rajan, Julie and Georgia joined me and we had very nice trips together to Avignon, Cassis and Digne-les-bains.
As I said, I am now back in Singapore where ‘normal’ activities have resumed. I am doing a lot of cycling, swimming and running, getting ready, right now, for the Biathlon which will be held at the beginning of March, but also looking forward to the Triathlon in July.
Last Saturday, Ben organised (very well I should say) a cycling outing for the whole extended Papillon Clan. We started on the East Coast Park with a Safety Briefing by Freddy
and then we cycled about 20 km to a first pit stop at Changi Beach
We actually ran into Richard (one of the team with whom I had done the ‘ironman’ triathlon last year) while we were relaxing – he was on his way back from Changi Point, where we were heading for refreshments
Some had 100 Plus – but Ben and Freddy brought me a beer. They know what I like! We also celebrated Samuel’s birthday with a cake and a song
We cycled back to the starting point but on the way, Ben and I bought some chicken rice and satay so we could have a pic-nic
It was a very civilised pic-nic, we also had excellent wine (one bottle of white and one bottle of red) and Belgian chocoloate!
At the end, we prepared a short video of the team and good wishes for Yen Nee’s upcoming wedding (this Sunday as a matter of fact). It was a very nice day out.
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Pierre, I’m sorry to hear that your mother wasn’t feeling well. It’s good that you got back to Europe to visit family over the holiday season.
I know that Singapore has the same weather year round, but it really hadn’t struck me until I saw your January pictures as summer. I’ve had a really busy January, spending a lot of time in New York — with another short trip to Paris — and have had very little time for exercise. I would love to be able to go cycling, as you have!
Hi Pierre,
Thanks for the update. I wish we were in Singapore joining in the fun.
We’re deep into parade preparations. The dance steps are lookin’ good, and the costumes are finished one week before the parade, which is unheard of. If only the weather will hold. Wish you were here.
We’re also going to Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year, which will be a first for Jon, and a first-in-a-long-time for me. We’ll send photos later.
Mary