filled with friends and fun...

I am completely knackered and losing the track of the day and time in the last 36 hours but I certainly remember the exciting two weeks away from Singapore. It didn't seem like a long time ago when I last went on a holiday – it was about 8 months ago to be exact – and now I have just returned from another one. That short stint in Rubbishville was enough to motivate anyone to go on holiday as often as possible, especially where yours truly is concerned.

This is a holiday with a difference for yours truly – not doing too much of the touristy thing – I had a different objective this time and it also involved a lot of spending time with friends.

I was in Vienna to run a half marathon. My first race of the year and I completed it in 2 hours and 31 minutes – a personal best (previous best was 2 hours and 45 minutes). Kevin ran too and he completed it in 1 hour and 58 minutes. Not his best but still, it was better than me. Apart from the race, we also visited Schonbrunn Palace – spent half a day there and most of it were at the palace garden, where we lied on the grass, enjoying the view surrounding the palace, the sun and the fresh air. A visit to Vienna will not be complete without an evening at a classical concert - a couple of champagne were had and we truly enjoyed the experience.

Spent a few days in London, doing a spot of shopping, going back to my favourite eating places Wagamama, Giraffe, La Creperie de Hampstead and hanging out with friends. Went for a nice dinner with Ger in a part of London where I have never been before. I also met Kam a few times – I have not seen him in five years, so there were catching up to do.

Kevin, Ger & myself also spent a long weekend in Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in Spain. We hit the beaches for some sun worshiping and around the island, where the beaches and sceneries were beautiful. It was like an early summer holiday for some of us. As for me, it was the first time that I have ever spent a holiday by the beach in Europe. My previous beach holidays have always been in Asia.

I also made a brief stop in Paris to meet some of my wonderful friends! These are the people who I used to work with during my time at a French organisation. Cyrille and his wife, Helene, hosted a nice soiree at their home. I truly appreciated their hospitality. It was good to spend an evening among friends and I am very happy to have met them again. Nothing has changed – the camaraderie is still there.

All in all, like Kevin said, a wonderful, action packed and fun filled holiday. It was not long enough but I certainly enjoyed every moment (except for some stressful moments towards the end, which I will cover in another entry). I am looking forward to my next holiday – I don't know when that will be but I hope it will be just as great as this one.

Photos will be up soon!