The HSC gods arranged the music exam in the first few days of the exam period which then allowed me book a last minute trip to Singapore for the fabulous F1 night race. I was there for 3 nights only, but managed to see 9 exhibitions, 2 temples, 4 bands, shopping, drinks and even a swim and reading my book by the pool. I was lucky enough to have people there to kick around with and was able to get a room for a relatively good price, walking distance from the track (so I could safely and comfortably walk home at 1 am without feeling fearful as a solo woman).
I was saying to my husband last night, that the best part of the weekend was being able to leave the room without having to organise anything for anyone else. No children to feed, no 'stuff' to carry, no one to think about except myself. Everyday there, I'd do my own thing and then meet my friends for lunch. It was a luxury that I'd forgotten, and I'll be honest, I miss. This year, little of my time has been my own. While I can't really complain, it does a little more wear and tear emotionally than I'd realised.
Part of me wants to bring the family next year but part of me wants my respite. That little window back into the person I was, when I could explore as I wished, stay out as late as I liked (without the responsibilities of the morning's obligations pressing into the enjoyment of the night before).
Fittingly, as the closing performer Martin Garrix said, I was high on life. Had Kimi made the podium, it would have been the perfect weekend for me.
Quick thank you to Singapore for as always, putting on the best race weekend of the season. Your Night Race is the jewel of the F1 calendar and your city shines bright for everyone who travels to participate in the festivities.
Do you escape by yourself ever? Would you want to? Do you love Singapore?
Linking this old post with #HappyTuesday because I'm counting down the days until I go again!
I'm with you re the respite from the every day - yet on the face of it have little that I need to escape from. And I love Singapore - it was the first overseas destination I ever went to - back in 1989 - and was the first overseas country I visited with my husband (in 1992) and the first overseas destination we took our daughter to (when she was nearly 3). We're going back in May to celebrae 30 years together & 25 years married...and I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI do solo trips at least once a year. And I love Singapore. I've been to Singapore a few times when I traveled to South East Asia.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Singapore someday. It sounds like it is a special place for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had such an enjoyable solo trip to Singapore, Lydia. I too am looking forward to my bit of respite from the everyday (to paraphrase Jo in her earlier comment). 8 days to go for me!
ReplyDeleteSSG xxx
Singapore is a favourite of mine too - like Jo, it was the first overseas trip I took just before I got married and I've been back twice since and would happily go again - I love Gardens by the Bay!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you did this even though I have no interest in the event, being solo as a traveller has so much appeal when you are used to being the one who gets everyone else sorted before herself.
ReplyDeleteDenyse x
Solo trips are a must here and there! I haven't been to Singapore but it sounds like a great place to escape to. #WanderfulWedesnday
ReplyDeleteAmanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
What an awesome trip! Happy Wednesday :)
ReplyDeleteAh Singapore what a wonderful City. Whilst F1 isn't my idea of fun I can imagine what a buzz that must have been in an already buzzy City.
ReplyDeleteI'm another whose first overseas destination was Singapore! It was perfect - not too far away, lots of people spoke English, and it was so safe and easy to get around. Plus of course, the food and shopping. Later, my then in-laws lived there for a while, so we'd visit at least once a year, staying at their apartment near Orchard Road, and getting more of a feel for the island from an expat's point of view. I would love to go back, but I'd like to take the kids!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Singapore on two occasions and have enjoyed it immensely both times. I love the fact that it's orderly, clean and safe. Plus it has lots of tourist attractions and great dining and shopping. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteWow, you packed so much in! I know someone else who went to the F1 race. I think I said this last time you went, but who knew it was so damn popular! #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteGood for you, taking this time and managing to fit so much in! It sounds like a really fun little break #WanderfulWednesday
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Singapore yet but I have friends who lived there and loved it. Sounds like you had a great time. #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love time for me, though I've never escaped as far as Singapore. It's a delicious time and I relish every second of it! #kcacols
ReplyDelete...'High on Life.' You've got that right. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to see you back again.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteEscaping is essential, though over the moor on my bike is usually as far as I get. It will be a long time before I can leave the business and go to Singapore, but may be one day #GlobalBlogging
ReplyDeleteI was in Singapore some 10 years ago. It is not the same Singapore today as it was 10 years ago I know.
ReplyDeleteWorth A Thousand Words
So nice!
ReplyDeleteI love travelling alone and the amazing sense of freedom you experience. Singapore is a wonderful city.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Singapore - great post!
ReplyDeleteI was on my own in Manchester last weekend (not as exotic as Singapore!) but I cried like a baby when I drove away from my family. I am definitely a homebird! Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteBeyond an hour or so at the spa, I've never really escaped on my own... One day! I love visiting Singapore with the kids. I feel safe going around on our own. Most of all, though, I love the eats!
ReplyDeleteHappy WednesdayAroundTheWorld! I enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law and her family life there and I can't wait to visit. I totally agree with you and can understand why you are not sure about taking the children. It's nice to have some time without them too. Thank you for sharing with #stayclassymama
ReplyDeleteOh gosh this looks lovely. I would love to visit Singapore, but chances of going alone without the kids would be very slim whilst they are still young. #kcacols
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you got some much needed time for yourself. You deserve it and it's good for the soul.
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ReplyDeleteOh wow. Looks beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with #KCACOLS this week. Hope to see you again next week.
Back again from #globalblogging this time, thanks for joining us!
ReplyDeleteThis article is so much informative and awesome about Singapore, I would like to share it. Also I like to share best auto transport services that may give you best facilities just come and join us
ReplyDeleteWe were meant to visit Singapore for the first time in March this year, but Covid happened...
ReplyDeleteOh dearest Lydia! I would so wanna go back to Singapore! I've been there last 2012 and 2013 but I still have a LOT of places and dishes I want to try that I haven't.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
ReplyDeleteYou packed a lot of activities in a short period of time. Glad you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday, Lydia.💞