Between celebrating the holidays and welcoming a new year, my final Singapore travel diary seemed to get lost in the mix. I don't think memories of travel ever get old, so this week I'm taking it back to a December week of warmth, adventure, and a sane American president (had to throw that one in). Our second day in Singapore was spent venturing through the city, away from Marina Bay's tourist hub and into more local favorites. I've heard several times that "there is nothing to do" in Singapore, but after this busy day we only wished we had more time. 

CHJIMES

CHIJIMES is a restored convent from the 1800s now known as a place for dining, drinking, and hanging with friends. We visited before opening hours to quietly explore the area and its stunning architecture.

As I write this I'm now realizing it's my third consecutive year concluding with a travel post. I guess you can predict my priorities. There is no doubt that my destinations are of the first things I think of when reflecting on a year. 2016 has had no shortage of incredible adventures -- check my travel tag for proof. But looking back on this year and all that has changed, the first thing I'll remember is that home is truly where the heart is.

This year has been defined by adulthood. I started my full-time career, my sister left for college, and my boyfriend and I re-secured our relationship. My sister and I are now both living apart from our parents, and in some ways it feels like we've now all become closer. With change it's a blessing to know you have constants. For me, it's the shoulders I have to lean on that I appreciate the most. 

These photos were taking at a family wedding on the last day of our trip in Asia, where I spent a consecutive week with solely my parents for the first time in a while. As the last trip of an ever-changing year, it was a reminder that home is family, and it will follow me anywhere. With this transition away from the holidays, out of 2016, and into the new year, it's moments shared with those closest that I will carry through.

As much as I loved Malaysia, Singapore quickly became my favorite city on this trip. Between the sense of innovation and fusion of cultures, it felt like the perfect blend of New York City and Shanghai, the two cities I hold closest to my heart. We spent our first day in Singapore at its heart of modernism, Marina Bay. Despite its reputation as the tourist hub, there is really no other experience like it. 

For anyone making a visit to Marina Bay, fortunately all the best sights are within walking distance (although don't ditch your sneakers -- it is still quite a bit of walking!). I recommend a full day in this area to truly enjoy the sights without adding stress to your vacation. When your day of adventuring is over, take the subway just one stop over to enjoy a night market dinner at Lau Pa Sat. You will need a full meal after a day in the Lion City!

Second to Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi is Penang's second most popular destination with its long stretches of white sand beaches. With an easy half-hour drive from our Georgetown hotel, we spent our second and last day in Penang on a brief adventure to the area. While it's no Caribbean, Batu Ferringhi has its own unique sights to offer between tropical gardens and deliciously local food.

I'll admit this is the longest break I've taken from blogging, but leave it to a long-awaited trip to get me re-energized and re-inspired. My parents and I recently traveled to Southeast Asia for a week of adventuring through Malaysia and Singapore concluded by a family wedding. 

Truthfully I had no idea what to expect from this trip, but I left with a reminder of my love for Asia. The history and culture that define these regions are vibrantly unique and refreshingly different from our familiar surroundings. As of now I'm just waiting for the day I get to return. Read on and stay tuned for highlights from our travels abroad.