As expected, my holidays started with a tropical cycling elf with lights, beside the Christmas bamboo. But then we went to Canada, where it was much colder, and I had much nicer hair.
Barry ate this many cookies to celebrate the season.
The angels and space creatures sang,
And the family rejoiced with traditional champagne and fondue.
Soon, it was time to start planning my eating for 2010.
In Canada, we celebrate Boxing Day, which is where, after having received presents, you buy yourself even more things. I used the opportunity to buy pants and underwear, so as to avoid buying XL sizes in Singapore.
The next phase of our holiday involved visiting the little people.
And borrowing their books to catch up on our reading.
Then we caught up on our eating. Tex Mex is an important culinary movement not yet available in Singapore.
Finally, upon our return to Singapore, we donned receding hairline hats to welcome the new year!
Since 60% of this blog's visits are from outside of North America, I thought I'd point out some sights which will appear common to the other 40% of you. Like, for example, a quaint barn used as a subtle expression of Canadian patriotism. Brings a tear to the expat's eye, no?
But then the expat will remember things like this. What could it be?
It is a shed to store salt, which is spread on the roads to melt some of the ice, so that drivers don't die, but instead suffer stained boots, shoes, coats, cars, etc. Then there are the weirder things, like Blenheim, Ontario's biggest claim to fame. Yes, that's cherry pit spitting. A finable offense in Singapore, Joe would have to pay $20.
This is a sign for a restaurant (read chip stand) off the highway.
And this is something I found among the dead/dormant winter garden plants.
More winter in Canada here.
Barry claims to have gone swimming, and I quote: "
Barry, the victorious athlete, says: "
Most suspiciously of all, Barry claims, that in the heat of the race, when he was starved for energy, electrolytes, and sanity, he ate, and ENJOYED 
Always good advice:
Here is some inspiration from our current favourite Engrish shirts:
My sister, during her visit, preferred Punjabi suits, which are not always as aerodynamic as was hoped:
Stuck in Bali for a work trip and don't know what to do for the weekend? I suggest, if you've been before, to forget about the temples, shopping, and beach resorts (above), and go hide in the jungle! This is the view from our private jungle chalet (monkeys not shown):
Unfortunately since these chalets are built into a cliff, there are a lot of stairs:
These stairs lead to the restaurant (see if you can spot the jungle chickens).
And to the infinity jungle pool.
And at the bottom of the cliff, there is a secret ravine with an awesome waterfall. To answer your questions: Yes, those are Tarzan vines and yes, Barry is ready for your fashion advice:
You can also walk along the roads. Face shown for scale - roads are basically paths.
The jungle is filled with 
Once you've hiked and 
And flowers.
Welcome to Qatar, where, due to a short day trip spent mostly in a car, I leave much to the imagination. I call these two: "Doha by plane".
This one: Downtown and Passing Palm.
This one, representing the most common view: "Desert via car window".
And finally: "Mirage".
Or enjoying some local beverages, like Quench, Star, or the economical Mandalay Rum.
You can take cruises up the Irrawaddy river to see dolphins, but I only got as close as this glowing-eyed representation.
Probably best to relax and watch the sunset, perhaps along with a Burmese wedding.