We headed to the indonesian Island of Batam on Friday morning.  We took the ferry from Singapore, and arrived at around eleven island time.  We stayed at the Turi Beach resort in the balinese huts.  It was a great little getaway.  Tim and I really enjoyed swimming up to the pool bar.  Lar had a few naps, and Kae liked strolling along the beach.  Tim and Kae also found a monkey hideout, and caught them doing all kinds of funny stuff.  We had 2 great dinners at the tapenaki restaurant, and even went into Batam center for a little shopping.

We came back on Sunday afternoon, and Larry and I had to attend a funeral wake for a co-worker's father.  It was a Chinese wake, and it was truly fascinating.  Larry and both felt honored to have been able to experience it.  We were both a little nervous, but we were warmly welcomed, and shown how to participate.  They mourn for five days, for 24 hours.  Larry's co-worker looked worn out and exhausted, but seemed to be holding up okay.  There was traditional music, food, and chanting going on....as sad as it was, it was also joyful.  Again, Larry and I were humbled to be allowed into a very intimate aspect of the Singaporean culture.

Tim and Kae are off to Chinatown today for their last day in Sing.  They are going for souvenirs and stuff.  They are getting good at riding the mrt themselves, and like exploring on their own.  We are going to the East Coast Hawker stand tonight for their last dinner in Sing. (Tim's request...he loves having so many choices!)