Visit to our Bedok Library

We have become library members! And what a fantastic library we have. Of course, it is not right beside a lake like in the Beaches. Living in different places around the world makes me compare. But it is near Pit's school and a great food center so we can visit the library and have lunch afterwards and that is just what we did on Monday with the Daddy. In fact, Daddy picked Pit up from school and met me at the library. We chose some books for Pit's project and then had delicious, boiling hot pots of herbal soups afterwards.

Pit is doing a month-long reading programme for his K1 project in which he visits a library and chooses books. He has to write about the books and draw pictures. The kangaroo book he chose had a green monster. Pit wrote, "The big, fat green monster looks like the gigantic frog from Australia that we saw at the Singapore Zoo." Those were his words and he printed them very well.

Speaking of monsters, an adaptation of The Gruffalo is coming to Singapore and playing at the Alliance Francaise Theatre. I will get some tickets! Our life is obviously very child-centered and yet, I found myself at a movie last night at Tampines Mall. Daddy was out in China Town with colleagues and so thanks to Amy, we have time for adult fun too.

Swimming Lessons

When I first met our helper, Amy, she told me she would like to take swimming lessons. I found her a class at the Bedok Swim Complex and this morning, we walked over there together for her first try at swimming. I am really proud of her since she is quite shy and nervous about swimming. I left her face-down in the pool blowing bubbles. Good for her! Another course I hope to do together even is CPR as I have not done a St. John's Ambulance-type course in several years. I think these life skills are important to have, especially with kids around.

The rains have finally arrived! Now we are having a rather wet dry-season and I like it. Around 4pm, the skies go very grey and the winds pick up. Next thing you know, some lightning and thunder and boom! Amy and I are running around the house closing windows. The rains don't last long but the relief from the heat sure does.

It seems most everyone I know has joined FaceBook. I joined tonight but have to say that I barely have time to check emails and maintain my blog. I do not know how friends and family have time to keep up with all of that and FaceBook as well. We finally got cable after 10 years of no t.v and I don't even have time to watch it!! When the kids are awake, we are doing stuff and when they are in bed, I am researching this new region in which we live or reading a bit of a novel.

Mostly, scanning my beloved cookbooks for the next recipe. Tonight Amy and I made Asian Rice Paper rolls and a Moroccan soup. Did the fusion thing...just wanted to try some different recipes. Tomorrow will be a coconut chicken curry with lemon grass. In our "back 40", the kids are growing mint and lemonbalm. Can't wait to add them to some delicious dish in the future. Too much fun!! Maybe once my kids are full-time in school, I will be able to look at Facebook again. Until then, I hope I can keep in touch with you all in these old-fashioned ways!

Sincerely, the Mommy, slinging back the Oriental Flings in Singapore!

Green Green Grass

If I had not seen a picture of Tom Jones in the newspaper that morning, I probably would not have recognized him at all. At 70, he is snowy white now. He is in Singapore to perform at Sentosa Island's Universal Studios which just opened last month. He got on stage and after two songs, had to postpone his concert. Too sick. That was what the article was about in the paper. He hopes to sing later this week. Daddy and I got home and listened to some of his songs. It was a nice way to end our date...furniture and arts and craft shopping and checking out Bugis Junction. With Amy at home, we can enjoy some time getting to know Singapore at night.

It's Not Unusual

So, we're sitting in the lobby (pictured) of the Inter-continenal enjoying an Oriental Fling which is far better than a Singapore Sling. The Daddy just put down his empty Tanqueray No. 10 when who should walk by, none other than Tom Jones. Happenings like these are not so unusual for high-flyers like us.

Surf and Fish

Normally the menu says Surf and Turf but we have another recipe for fun in Bali, it's called Surf and Fish. We started our day on the beach because the lady from the surfing school convinced with a "buy one get one free" promo. Only that we weren't really buying anything, just renting body boards for the full day. One big board for The Daddy and one small one for Frunty. We hit the waves and they hit back. Frunty got bashed on one of the first big waves and it took the rest of the day to build up his confidence. He had loads of fun closer to shore where the waves had mostly finished crashing and he wants to ride the waves again today. The Mommy was less enthusiastic since a big one caught her by surprise, stole her sunglasses and rinsed all her nasal passages.

By 2pm, everyone was exhausted and we had too much so the boys went to Planet Trekkers and The Girls went for 3 hours of spa treatments. Planet Trekkers was high on the activity list because they were going fishing. The pond fish are eager for leftover bread and don't care to get a hook in their mouth for an easy meal. On the other hand, if they're too eager and too small, the fish became an easy meal for the Jalak Bali - a local egret like bird who got hand outs from Pit and Frunty.

Planet Trekkers

It feels like we have landed on a new planet. We transferred accommodations yesterday because our quiet Ubud Villa was already booked for the remainder of our stay in Bali and because we also wanted a change in scenery.

About one hour south of Ubud and conveniently located on Jimbaran Bay is our hotel, the Inter-Continental Bali Resort. The entrance gardens and lobby are an impressive sight but nothing compared the idyllic paradise that was waiting for us after check-in.

A half dozen pools with themes ranging from tranquil to invigorating  and multiple areas with lounge chairs on beautifully landscaped gardens are only the beginning. Beyond the gardens is a large smooth swath of sand serving as the shore of the Indian Ocean. There is a gentle slope stretching the full 50 meters and beyond into warm waves, gentle at times and battering tough at others.

When we had enough of the surf, we went back to swim in the main pool. The water is hot like a bath so we sat at the pool-side bar and cooled ourselves with cocktails with names like Bali Hai, Jimbaran Sunset, and fresh fruit juices. Afterwards, we strolled along the beach to enjoy a wonderful sunset and led us to a grilled seafood restaurant where we over-ate thanks to the delicious food clouding our sense of better judgment.

This next part of our vacation has received critical acclaim from Frunty who can be quoted for saying, "Bali is the best" (as he leaps in waves just taller than he) and "This hotel is an awesome resort" (as he runs from pool to pool). Sometimes, it feels like we really have landed on a different planet.

Actually, for hours at a time, the boys have enjoyed rocketing off to their own special zone of fun just for kids aged 4 to 7. They have gone fishing, made crafts and done all sorts of other fun excursion on the hotel grounds. The nanny service has a better name: Planet Trekkers.

Happy New Year!

Our day began like any other but ended with the end of the world. We left the house by late morning to head down to the bridge in the hopes of finding a trail to see rice terraces. I use the word 'down' literally because our villa is situated at the top of the Penastanan Steps. Penanstanan refers to the name of next village and Steps refers to the 100+ irregular increments strewn with fallen vegetation and covered in slippery moss that the locals call steps. It's not as bad as I make it sound and it certainly exudes local charm especially with the many hanging vines draping down to the ground. The boys have no problem with running up and down the steps - well Frunty at least has no problem. Pit complains about going up because some steps are as high as the knee bend point of his little legs and so I end up carrying him on my back.

At the bottom of the Steps is a local shop selling bracelets and necklaces made of small wood, glass and shell beads, so our hike to the rice paddies didn't get off to a fast start because we stopped to shop. The boys especially like choosing necklaces and bracelets and Pit was excited about his shark tooth acquisition.

Eventually we made it to the start of the walking trail but didn't get very far before stopping to admire a mother hen sitting on 7 tiny chicks. Just beyond the hen is a temple hidden by the overgrown jungle but marking the trail to the hills beyond and the rice paddies. At the top of the ridge, we were stopped by a 1-eyed man selling coconuts who thrust the refreshing drink into our hands. We scrambled some small cash to pay him a fair price and then everyone except Pit continued walking along the ridge.

Pit was on strike and refused to go any further. Luckily he paused in the shade and then suddenly without much warning, he scooted off to rejoin the group so fast that I was left alone wondering what had happened. At the end of the ridge, at the top of a hill is a village with some gentle terraces for the rice paddies. The boys and I walked along the edge of a terrace and Frunty made the comment that maybe it's a little too scary for Pit. Pit said, "nooo.." And we continued along until he toppled over the edge and down the tall side of the terrace. Luckily, the height was not so steep as in other places, but it was still a good fall as he went over the edge bum first into the slimy mud. Pit's pride was hurt more than his bottom.

We rinsed him off and headed back to town where we split up and the Mommy and I went to a local eatery called Warung Teges for some good food and afterwards some grocery shopping. We needed to get supplies because later it would be the end of the world. After a short cool down period in the pool, we went back to town to witness it happening.

In Ubud town centre, great platforms supporting hideous statues of creatures, the agoh-agoh, were paraded along the street carried by troupes of young men. The monsters symbolize the end of the world together with the noise of firecrackers and the playing of gamelan music.

After the end of the world comes the Silent Day symbolizing a new beginning. On this day there is no talking, no electric lights, no music, no leaving the house, and even no eating. It is the great void before the world begins. Luckily, this is just symbolism and we can summarize everything in a single phrase: Happy New Year!

Volcanic Day Trip

What began as a lazy day turned out to be a flurry of activity as we tried to cram as much as we could before the end of the world. At least that's how the story goes. After a leisurely late breakfast, we talked to our local hosts about the possibility of having them tour us around the island to see some of the main sights. They informed that tomorrow would be new years eve and they, as others, would be occupied with ceremonies, processions and celebrations. The day after tomorrow would be new years day, during which we're not allowed to leave our house!

I'll write more about the end of the world later... (Ever hear the joke about the TV news anchorman who announces during a commercial break 'End of the world at 9 o'clock. Details at 11') It was now late morning and we had our plan straight: lunch at noon, tour at 1pm or so the plan went but who's keeping track of time - we're on island time. And so, after a late start on just about everything, we were on the road towards kintamani and Lake Batur. It was about an hour on the road and we pass many local scenes.

The villages along the way showed us many things we had never seen before: women carrying large trays of offerings to the temples, men selling gasoline for motorbikes in 1 litre glass jugs, boys no more than 10 years old driving scooters with their 2 younger siblings as passengers, and so on. Simple acts of daily, and not so usual, life as many villages prepared for new years eve celebrations.

Eventually we made it to a high view in the road for a picture of a mountain peak, apparently the remnant of a volcano - but who could tell - the mountain peak was covered in a veil of cloud. At the base of the mountain is Lake Batur and natural hot springs. So we stopped there for an hour soak in a nondescript pool before getting back in the car for the journey home.

Along the way, we stopped at a temple and a photo opportunity of rice terrace before finally returning to Ubud. It was 7pm before we got out of the car and already it was dark. The boys were cranky for dinner but we had the prospect of seeing a traditional Balinese dance. We needed to split up: the boys we to hunt for food while the girls enjoyed the show. Well, it turns out that the boys got dinner and the show by finding a restaurant with a balcony overlooking the stage.

It was late in the evening when dinner and show was over and the boys looked exhausted from a long day trip. Luckily I got them home and asleep before there were any eruptions.

Arrival in Bali

Our arrival in Bali was smooth. The flight was uneventful and airport formalities straight-forward. The boys are clearly seasoned travelers and know the usual airport/ airplane routines. Our driver was waiting for us outside the final airport doors and after an hour on the road, we found our destination: the bottom of staircase. In the dark, it looked like a jungle mystery but the agents of the villa we rented were also waiting for us and carried our luggage and worries away.

The 5 minute walk uphill ended at a beautiful villa. Multiple rooms, balconies and terraces with huge Balinese wooden lounge sofa day beds are scattered in an open air concept amidst jungle growth and fragrant flowers. It feels like having entered a luxury spa scented with exotic perfumes and the noise of Singapore replaced with the quiet buzz of crickets and cicadas. The soft lights shimmering in our private swimming pool were definitely calling us.

We jumped in and admired the night sky trying to spot the constellations visible south of the equator. Pool time was not long as the cool night breeze ushered inside for a light snack and dry clothes. By midnight, the boys were in bed but not asleep but fatigue eventually set in and the house was quiet.

I was awoken at 5am to find both boys inside the mosquito screening of our large four-poster bed. They slept soundly but the sound of some religious ceremony was clearly the reason for waking me. Beating drums and ringing bells off in the distance could be heard across the faintly brightening dawn. I suppose its not much different from the practice of tolling European church bells... But do they need to do it at 5am? I changed beds and moved to the lounge in the tower. It's the top most room above the villa rooftop. From here, a 360 degree view of the surrounding area can be seen. After sunrise, it was easy to see the sleeping volcanoes to the North and the picture attempts to capture the small rice paddies that surround us.

Singapore Slings

Gramma and I are on the hunt for the best Singapore Sling. Grampa has joined us but Daddy sticks to his "usual". We started at Raffles where the sling was very sweet and syrupy. Next up was the Hyatt. Its sling was extremely strong. So far, we all agree that the third sling at the Goodwood has been the best. Not too sweet, not too syrupy, slightly bubbly. These taste tests occured several days apart.

Yesterday we met Daddy downtown for lunch at the Soup Spoon followed by visiting Merlion and going on a bum boat trip along the quays. Afterwards we headed over to Orchard Road and saw where we first lived when we moved to Singapore...what feels like ten years ago. The great thing was that Pit was with us the whole time and knew where to go...leading us like an expert tour guide. The other thing that was great was coming home to Frunty who did not complain that he could not come with us due to being at school and having to study for his math test.

Today we enjoyed some massages while Amy babysat and then we went downtown to catch some night life and dinner at Bali Thai. We chose this "halal" restaurant at the Ion. There is always lots of fun to be had, especially with the grandparents here. Tomorrow means packing!

Swimming Lessons

Every Friday I put on my TPS PSG navy blue shirt and jump in the school bus along with Frunty and Song One to head over to their school. I am a parent volunteer who helps get the kids safely to the pool, watches them while they swim, and helps return them to their classes. Along with the other parents, including one grand papa, I really enjoy my volunteer job. Who doesn't look forward to Fridays!!

I was really surprised when I found the grandparents all ready to jump in the school bus along with Frunty and me! Jet lag has been a non-issue and they are feeling good to go! What fun to have them tag along and on the bus to the pool, Frunty sat on grandpa's lap. It was a good day for them to come along as Frunty had his swim test. He did not pass to the next level. Actually, he passed to the next next level!! He really is a beautiful swimmer and as in all sports, seems to really excel naturally.

It was such a huge help to have breakfast ready for all of us and I can't help but thank Amy. Mornings are hard enough as it is and with guests, it can be even harder to make sure all their needs are met while I get the kids ready for school. With Amy, I know she is taking care of their needs and I really appreciate the help.

After the pool, the grandparents and I walked over to the mall to look for swimsuits. The shops were still all closed so what better way to kill some time? I surprised my folks with a back massage in a chair. It was their first time and they really enjoyed it and want to come back for feet massages!! For years, I have been trying to get my dad to try a massage and he always said "no". But I think when we all go together like this, it is super fun. We came home to a nice lunch followed by playing in the pool and after a delicious pasta dinner (Amy's sauce was amazing) we headed over to the night market for an ice kachang.

Happiness is found in sharing experiences in life with those we care about, that is for sure.

Today's the Day!

I am about to go to the market to pick up a plethora of tropical fruits. Amy and I will prepare a welcome, watermelon boat full of delicious delectable delights of the region: papaya, pineapple, jack fruit, mango, apples etc. Gramma and Grampa are in the air as we speak, flying from HKG to SIN. We are all excited!

Pit and I will pick them up at the airport and when we arrive back, Frunty should be home from school and ready to party!! I hope the kids don't have too much homework as that will be very hard to do with all the excitement. But nevertheless, homework is still important despite family and friend visits. As in Brussels, my folks will win the "First to Visit Us in our New Land" award.

Today is quite hot here and again, Singapore is experiencing especially hot weather due to the lack of rain. At least there is always a lovely breeze and a pool to slip into when the heat gets unbearable. Our house looks tidy and clean, my plants healthy and thanks to Amy, our laundry is being done while I write this blog. The kids are at school enjoying themselves and Daddy has just gone off to work. And the Grandparents are on their way!! Who could ask for anything more!?

Gramma and Grampa arrive tomorrow!

We are just settling into our first week with Amy. Yummy food! Big smiles! Great babysitter! Clean home. Okay, before Amy I could write exactly the same but I would be pretty tired in this heat writing in my blog. Well, the house would not have been this clean for these many days in a row! Because my philosophy has always been that I can have a clean home when my kids are in university. Right now, time is short with my little ones to play and goof around after homework so each day, yes, a few chores, but not like what is going on now. NONE STOP COOKING/CLEANING.

Tomorrow Gramma and Grampa are arriving and we are going to prepare a watermelon boat full of lovely, fresh, tropical fruits. They are in the air right now on Cathay Pacific...YYZ-HKG-SIN. Can't wait to see them!