I returned from my glorious two-week tour of Southeast Asia last Thursday, and, whew, only now am I getting back up to speed with all things Ped. But I know a lot of you are curious about my trip, and I’m eager to share the highlights. It was such a blast(!!!), and I have so much to say that I’ve decided to break my travelogue into four parts—so check back everyday over the next few days to get the complete scoop on where we went and what we did.

First stop: Singapore, where the Chuns hosted us in their gorgeous 18th-floor apartment.

Angela, me, Florence Chun and daughter Emily, Keri, and Kara, plus the spectacular view from the Chuns' apartment.

Here are the most memorable things about our stay in Singapore (a double asterisk means it’s a “must-do” if you visit):

** The Singapore Flyer is a gigantic, new Ferris wheel that fits about 15 people in each “pod.” Once aboard, you’re treated to a spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore.

Looking up at the wheel and out from our "pod."

*Au Jardin by Les Amis restaurant in the Singapore Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous restaurant set in the trees. Not only is the food spectacular, but the presentation is also top-notch. Go here for your fancy dinner in Singapore!

Just looking at that dish makes me drool!

**Shangri-La Hotel—Dad and Angela stayed here back in the early 1990’s. The hotel and pool area are stunning! The buffet dinner is also amazing—so fresh, with everything you could possibly want or even imagine. I hope to stay here next time we visit.

The lovely lobby and pool at the Shangri-La.

*Sentosa Island is a resort area that’s very close to Singapore. It has beaches (not great), rides, a luge, an aquarium, and restaurants. The best part for me was the hanging gondola ride back into Singapore, which provided gorgeous views of the area.

Keri and Emily goofing around and petting a pink dolphin on Sentosa Island.

*Paragon Shopping Centre—Normally, I don’t like malls (and in Singapore, they are everywhere), but this one had my favorite Japanese store: MUJI. I first discovered Muji in Paris in the Marais, and I love how it’s filled with home gadgets, organic clothing, and fun little objects.

*Food Republic—Located on Orchard Road (a major shopping street, this food court has every imaginable type of Thai, Malay, Chinese, and Japanese food! Fresh smoothies are huge there! My favorite was the watermelon freeze (yum).

Strange desserts at the Food Republic, and the happy travelers with our hosts post-meal.

Also, here are two practical bits of advice if you’re heading to Singapore:

*Make sure to buy a SIM card for your phone at 7-Eleven as soon as you arrive. It makes calling home to the US much cheaper! (By the way, there are 7-Elevens everywhere!!)

*The Singapore dollar is high, so don’t buy too much here. Instead, wait until you get to Thailand, where everything is much less expensive!

Check back tomorrow, Ped Fans, to learn how I fell in love with an elephant in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Ped fans, I am SO EXCITED!!! Tomorrow I jet off with my mom, sister, and niece for a two-week vacation in Southeast Asia! Do you know I have never taken 14 consecutive days off in my life??? After leaving San Francisco, we’ll visit Hong Kong, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. My mom (technically my step-mother, but I love her with all my heart) grew up in Shanghai, and she still has friends and family throughout Asia. For instance, in Singapore we’re staying with her nephew, who is the head of Hasbro Toys! We four gals have so many fun things planned: riding elephants, visiting temples in Chiang Mai, kayaking, and just chilling on the white sand beaches in Phuket. I promise to take lots of pictures and tell you all about it once I return!

So, you may be wondering what Ped things I plan to take on my big adventure? Well, here are few items that will definitely go on the trip:

1) Cydwoq’s Mint bag:

Not only is this bag beautiful, but it’s also large enough to hold everything I want to have on hand for the long flight: a couple books, a magazine or two, a sweater because I always get chilly on the plane, toiletries for freshening up, and a change of clothes, just in case my checked bag takes a vacation without me (please, no). Also, the Mint will make a great shopping companion when I hit the streets to hunt for souvenirs.

2) Jutta Neumann’s Kim sandal:

When you’re going to spend a lot of time walking in hot weather, you can’t beat this easy slide for comfort and versatility. Jutta’s craftsmanship is legendary—her all-leather sandals are molded so they feel custom-made for your feet. And the Kim’s design—so minimal and chic—looks fantastic with literally everything! 

3) Jamie Joseph’s Sea Coral Necklace:

I don’t know about you, but I hate fussing with jewelry when I travel—but that doesn’t mean I want to go without. So, I’m planning to put on (and never take off) this Jamie Joseph necklace. I love how the tiny diamonds sparkle from within the crevices of the oxidized silver “coral”! And it’s a necklace I don’t have to think about—I’ll wear it sightseeing, swimming in the ocean, out to dinner (have I mentioned the great food we’re going to eat?), and everywhere else! 

I hope the next two weeks bring you as much fun as I’m about to have! I’ll miss Terry, Lulu, and Ella, but just think—soon I’ll be here:

Courtesy of J.W. Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa