Bali and bliss.....

Well, after SIX MONTHS APART (six months!!!!!!! Six! 3+3! 4+2! You need two hands to count that high!), Peter and I were reunited in Singapore. Sadly, it was a short reunion, as my employers did not give me any extra time off (even though Thursday was actually a holiday here), but it was very, very sweet. I can't believe how much he's been through since we last laid eyes on each other. I can't believe I wasn't there to hold his hand through all of it. It was awful and difficult and will be a long journey. The fact that I couldn't be there during that time will always remain one of my biggest regrets. However, when we saw each other, not only were we able to pick up right where we left off, but it became immediately apparent that our relationship had also strengthened considerably. Now, I realize that life is not a contest. Neither is love. However, I wonder if there are many couples out there whose relationship would be able to survive so many intense tests. I mean, I think all couples THINK they could, but when it comes right down to it, it's a lot to handle: Six months apart, many difficult life changes, bad phone connections, an 11 hour time difference, and another year to go.....and yet, we are more in love than we ever have been, and feel more secure in our relationship than ever before.

So, yes. Love is not a contest. But we **TOTALLY** win!! I think it's pretty safe to say that we are in this for the long haul. I want to enjoy the year ahead of me, but I am also really excited about planning our future together.

As far as Singapore is concerned, well, I gotta admit that I didn't, um, see much outside of the lovely hotel room (sorry you had to read that, Mom and Dad). Peter is speaking at an economics conference there, so I feel as though I should send a thank you note and a batch of cookies to HBS for putting us up in such fabulous accommodations. Now, I certainly don't want to say anything negative about someone else's home, as I know how much it bothers me when people make fun of Minnesota. Singapore is a place many people call home and they are proud to live there. I think it is a wonderful place and I did enjoy my time there. However, as an uninformed outsider, I would have to say that Singapore is my least favorite of all of the places I've been in Asia. The artifice of it all is palpable. It is a place with a fascinating (and relatively recent) history, some very interesting language and educational policies, and it used to be a swamp in the middle of a jungle. Much of its land was originally constructed out of sand from Indonesia. So the fact that it all feels so artificial makes sense--it is quite LITERALLY a man made city that hasn't had a chance to accumulate the wonderful age spots that a rich history will give a place. I DO have to say, though, that it was so nice to be able to drink the water and eat whatever I wanted without worrying about my stomach. I highly recommend the food vendors (or "hawkers") in Chinatown. Peter and I had some satay and some Tiger beer and it was all kinds of awesome.

So....Peter and I will be reunited on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, and then we head to Bali for a week. I've been reading all about Bali today and it is going to be an incredible trip. It seems like SUCH a romantic place. It'll be like a pre-honeymoon....y'know, the kind that you have BEFORE you get married (or engaged, for that matter). I'm pretty sure we'll have internet access, but whether or not I will spend any time blogging is a question that can probably be answered in the NEGATIVE.

Life is good. Be well while I'm gone!!

xoxoxoxo