I have been to Bahrain, Singapore, Indonesia and back to Singapore, Australia and now Hawaii since I left London.

Bahrain was wonderful. I have not seen my cousin Merrina for years and it was great to catch up with her, Kirby (her hubby), Kameron (5 ¾ year old son) and Kylie (2 ½ year old daughter) in Barbar. Unfortunately Kirby was working and Kameron was in school the days I was there so it was Merrina and Kylie touring me around. Kirby works in Saudi Arabia and commutes each day. It is at least an hour each way to work and that is on a good day. As Saudi Arabia is mainly a Muslim country the "weekend" is Friday and Saturday. Kameron goes to school Sunday to Thursday.

Merrina was so welcoming and showed me around to the parts of Bahrain that were of most interest to me. We were able to go to the Grand Mosque and witness a pray session which was amazing (until I was in Singapore and the call to prayer happens at 5:40AM just outside your window!). Merrina also took me to a traditional market which was very cool.

We were able to hang out at the pool with the kids for a bit of time to enjoy the 30+ temperatures. It is a very hot and dry country. The trees and grass are a gray green colour just from all the dust that is blowing around. During the summer the temperatures can reach 55 C. HOT. It was a great chance for me to see how people live in a predominantly Muslim country. Seeing men in long white shirts takes a bit of getting use too.

So from Bahrain I was off to Singapore and Indonesia for a bit of beach time. I travelled from Bahrain to Dubai and had a 7 hour lay over in the airport. I chose to do this because I had heard about how great the Dubai airport is. I was very disappointed. I think I have been spoiled by the time I spent at the Singapore airport. I will not be rushing back to Dubai in the near future.

I transferred directly to Indonesia and spent 3 nights at a very nice resort right on the beach. The sand was so powdery that when I walked in the water it floated up around my feet. I treated myself to a lovely pedicure and foot massage with a view to die for. It was a very nice relaxing 3 days and I will definitely be going back to Indonesia in the future to explore a bit more.

So one night in Singapore to do a bit of shopping (not much success) and then off to the airport at 6:30 AM to catch my flight to Perth. John and his kids will be picking me up and I will be spending two more weeks in my favorite place.