Monday, 23 January 2012
U.S.S on S.I for CNY in SEA
What does the title mean?! Well, after two years in Southeast Asia, we finally went to Universal Studios Singapore for Chinese New Year!! Papa and Frunty went last year for one day but we have been waiting for Pit to grow tall enough for us to all enjoy the day there together. And indeed we did!
We woke up early and got some provisions at Shop n'Save before jumping into a cab to go directly to Resorts World. Papa had purchased/printed the tickets for U.S.S on-line the night before. After talking to a taxi driver, we determined that yesterday would be the best day to visit of the 4 days for Chinese New Year because most locals would be visiting their familys' homes and not Sentosa Island. We got there and stood by the gate waiting to be admitted, eating some delectable oranges wrapped in little, Chinese plastic wrappers. As soon as the gates opened, we all knew where to head as Frunty made the call. "D-380!" That is the name for the Enchanted Airways Junior Rollercoaster in Far Far Away Land. Not much of a line-up throughout most of the day meant that we rode it many, many times. Lost count! In Far Far Away we also enjoyed the 4D Shrek Adventure which was a fairytale adventure. We watched it while it poured with rain outside. Perfect timing!
We spent most of the day in the Lost World enjoying the new ride called Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. It was closed for a wee while when there was a threat of lightning as were some other rides. We all loved the Canopy Flyer during the day but especially at night! It was beautiful to see the whole park from up high in the sky. One of the highlights of the day was when Frunty and Pit rode the ride alone and actually caught the very last ride of the day during which they got to watch the fireworks while flying in the sky. Magical!
Pit and I enjoyed the Dino-Soarin' ride while Frunty and Papa ran off to do some other ride which was too scarey for us. Frunty and Papa also did the Amber Rock Climb together where they scaled the walls of the Lost World to explore precious stones and fossilised insects. Frunty pretty much ascended and descended within a few minutes. Papa took longer and fell upon landing. Sleepy Papa!!! At 2pm, we watched WaterWorld, a show with death-defying stunts, awesome explosions and thrills. Loud and crazy!
We also watched a show hosted by Steven Spielberg called Lights, Camera, Action where a sound stage recreated a hurricane in New York City. The line-up for the adult rollercoasters were very short, only about 5 min., so Papa took advantage of that and did the Revenge of the Mummy and Battlestar Galactica: Cyclon over and over again. I think those woke him up!!!
Pit and I did the very slow Treasure Hunters ride which got suspended for awhile due to the weather but when we finally did it, it was short and fun. We then raced over to join Frunty and Papa who had just finished Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle for the second time. The four of us did it together and although it was incredible, I felt a bit sick as Frunty and I raced over to the River Rapids again while Pit and Papa did the Transformers another time. Frunty and I sat with some very funny people all wearing plastic rain coats. The two of us got absolutely soaked for the second or third time of the day but that did not stop us from running around and joining Papa and Pit in the line-up to go on the rapids again!
After the beautiful fireworks, we rested at Chili's just outside the park. We sat at the bar and watched hockey, eating our nachos and drinking Hoegaarden while the kids sipped water...they had enough sugary drinks with their super fruity blue juice in Pit's T-Rex cup! Lunch at Mel's Diner was fun, icecream the Celebrity Cafe and Bakery was nice but our favourite was Chili's!
We had a really special family day and I am so grateful we can afford to do a day like that and have fun together in a silly, crazy, scarey way. It was worth the wait! Happy CNY!
We woke up early and got some provisions at Shop n'Save before jumping into a cab to go directly to Resorts World. Papa had purchased/printed the tickets for U.S.S on-line the night before. After talking to a taxi driver, we determined that yesterday would be the best day to visit of the 4 days for Chinese New Year because most locals would be visiting their familys' homes and not Sentosa Island. We got there and stood by the gate waiting to be admitted, eating some delectable oranges wrapped in little, Chinese plastic wrappers. As soon as the gates opened, we all knew where to head as Frunty made the call. "D-380!" That is the name for the Enchanted Airways Junior Rollercoaster in Far Far Away Land. Not much of a line-up throughout most of the day meant that we rode it many, many times. Lost count! In Far Far Away we also enjoyed the 4D Shrek Adventure which was a fairytale adventure. We watched it while it poured with rain outside. Perfect timing!
We spent most of the day in the Lost World enjoying the new ride called Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. It was closed for a wee while when there was a threat of lightning as were some other rides. We all loved the Canopy Flyer during the day but especially at night! It was beautiful to see the whole park from up high in the sky. One of the highlights of the day was when Frunty and Pit rode the ride alone and actually caught the very last ride of the day during which they got to watch the fireworks while flying in the sky. Magical!
Pit and I enjoyed the Dino-Soarin' ride while Frunty and Papa ran off to do some other ride which was too scarey for us. Frunty and Papa also did the Amber Rock Climb together where they scaled the walls of the Lost World to explore precious stones and fossilised insects. Frunty pretty much ascended and descended within a few minutes. Papa took longer and fell upon landing. Sleepy Papa!!! At 2pm, we watched WaterWorld, a show with death-defying stunts, awesome explosions and thrills. Loud and crazy!
We also watched a show hosted by Steven Spielberg called Lights, Camera, Action where a sound stage recreated a hurricane in New York City. The line-up for the adult rollercoasters were very short, only about 5 min., so Papa took advantage of that and did the Revenge of the Mummy and Battlestar Galactica: Cyclon over and over again. I think those woke him up!!!
Pit and I did the very slow Treasure Hunters ride which got suspended for awhile due to the weather but when we finally did it, it was short and fun. We then raced over to join Frunty and Papa who had just finished Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle for the second time. The four of us did it together and although it was incredible, I felt a bit sick as Frunty and I raced over to the River Rapids again while Pit and Papa did the Transformers another time. Frunty and I sat with some very funny people all wearing plastic rain coats. The two of us got absolutely soaked for the second or third time of the day but that did not stop us from running around and joining Papa and Pit in the line-up to go on the rapids again!
After the beautiful fireworks, we rested at Chili's just outside the park. We sat at the bar and watched hockey, eating our nachos and drinking Hoegaarden while the kids sipped water...they had enough sugary drinks with their super fruity blue juice in Pit's T-Rex cup! Lunch at Mel's Diner was fun, icecream the Celebrity Cafe and Bakery was nice but our favourite was Chili's!
We had a really special family day and I am so grateful we can afford to do a day like that and have fun together in a silly, crazy, scarey way. It was worth the wait! Happy CNY!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
CNY 2012
Our first CNY in Singapore, Frunty and Mama took a very long bus ride up into the hills of Malaysia to the Cameron Highlands. I tried to get out of the trip the night before because of Frunty's fever but in the morning, he said he wanted to go! We ended up having a very nice trip with beautifully fresh air and despite the heavy traffic, we had a good time.
Our second CNY found the four of us with Nonna and Nonno in Borneo. Pit and I went ahead with the Nonni and enjoyed visiting the cocoa plantation in Tawau. Then Frunty and Papa joined us and we all went over to Mabul Island to Scuba Junkies. The snorkelling and scuba diving was incredible and our hostel had simple but tasty food.
It is now the year of the dragon, and we have decided to stay in Singapore to soak up some of the spirit here. We were going to head to China town tonight, perhaps, but some of us are not feeling great and there is quite a storm as I write this post with heavy lightening and thunder. I think we will just stay put in Joo Chiat where we are doggy-sitting our French teacher's Beagle puppy, Lulu. Afterall, we need to rest up for tomorrow's exciting day at Universal Studios!
Yesterday the lion dance came to TPS and I could hear the symbals in our flat. Frunty and Pit said it was a really fun day half of celebrations at school with funny skits, gong xi music and orange throwing competitions! All the children received a small bag of goodies which is called hong bao. This morning at Karate, the children got a traditional, red envelop with $2 in it each! They were so excited. Along with their two oranges, we celebrated a bit of the new year with the Chinese. So even if we don't make it to Chinatown tonight, at least we had that experience!
Gong xi to all of you! Happy Lunar New Year of the Dragon!
stock‑vector‑vector‑of‑ancient‑chinese‑dragon‑pattern‑17499358.jpgshutterstock.comYou +1'd this publicly.442 × 470 - stock vector : Vector of Ancient Chinese Dragon PatternSimilar ‑ More sizes ‑ ‑
Our second CNY found the four of us with Nonna and Nonno in Borneo. Pit and I went ahead with the Nonni and enjoyed visiting the cocoa plantation in Tawau. Then Frunty and Papa joined us and we all went over to Mabul Island to Scuba Junkies. The snorkelling and scuba diving was incredible and our hostel had simple but tasty food.
It is now the year of the dragon, and we have decided to stay in Singapore to soak up some of the spirit here. We were going to head to China town tonight, perhaps, but some of us are not feeling great and there is quite a storm as I write this post with heavy lightening and thunder. I think we will just stay put in Joo Chiat where we are doggy-sitting our French teacher's Beagle puppy, Lulu. Afterall, we need to rest up for tomorrow's exciting day at Universal Studios!
Yesterday the lion dance came to TPS and I could hear the symbals in our flat. Frunty and Pit said it was a really fun day half of celebrations at school with funny skits, gong xi music and orange throwing competitions! All the children received a small bag of goodies which is called hong bao. This morning at Karate, the children got a traditional, red envelop with $2 in it each! They were so excited. Along with their two oranges, we celebrated a bit of the new year with the Chinese. So even if we don't make it to Chinatown tonight, at least we had that experience!
Gong xi to all of you! Happy Lunar New Year of the Dragon!
stock‑vector‑vector‑of‑ancient‑chinese‑dragon‑pattern‑17499358.jpgshutterstock.comYou +1'd this publicly.442 × 470 - stock vector : Vector of Ancient Chinese Dragon PatternSimilar ‑ More sizes ‑ ‑
Monday, 9 January 2012
Unexpected overnighter in Milano!
Making the most of being diverted from New Delhi to Milano on our way to Brussels! We enjoyed gelati, of course! And our hotel had room service with lots of gluten-free pasta options and Milanese risotto!In Brussels, we loved the chocolate covered strawberries, Marcolini delights and spending time with our host family, the Simpsons! Le Guignol resto for our first night's dinner...of course! Just like old times!
Around the World in Two Months!
Looking back at 2011...what a year! There were some really big challenges like finding a new flat near the boys' school and finishing up all the studying for exams. Some really hard moments. But we definitely ended the year in great style when a promise came true. I told the boys I would take them around the world one day and 2011 proved to be the year to live the dream!
Thanks to Papa's support, the three of us flew from Singapore to New Delhi. Our flight was ten minutes late and despite a rep from Jet Airways waiting for us upon arrival, we missed our flight to Brussels. We got re-routed through Milano and made it to Brussels two days later. Better late than never!
We enjoyed a great week of catch-up with most of our wonderful friends and we walked down memory lane so many times but didn't get sore feet. We went to the Grande Place for waffles, to Le Pain Quotidien for lemon tarts, Marcolini for our favourite chocolate covered marshmallows and Le Guignol, one of our favourite restaurants. We visited Chant d'Oiseau School and St. Luc where Pit was born and walked around Woluwe Park like old times.
After a week, minus the two days which we lost in transit, we flew up to Edinburgh to meet our new little cousin, one year old Katie. Rob and Viki were wonderful hosts as usual and we had fun spelunking at the coast, hiking outside the beautiful town of Garvald and even doing some whiskey tasting (just for grown ups) at the nearby Glenkinchie Distillery. One of the highlights was our day at the Edinburgh castle where we went on a really neat scavenger hunt. The boys were enthralled!
From Edinburgh we took the train down to London to catch up with our Canadian friend, Kirsten, her British husband, Eggy, and their three year old, Freddy. We explored a bit of London, hiked near their home in Teddington to Hampton Court and I took the boys to the Battleship near the Tower Bridge. Another outting which completely captivated the boys attention. They learned so much and had fun exploring every nook and cranny of the ship.
After a few days, we took the Eurostar through the chunnel back to Brussels and flew home to Toronto. Gramma and Grampa had very kindly set up our home so there were enough comforts to make a very enjoyable stay and for the next month, we relaxed and loved being in the Beach with family and friends. We did get some snow up at Uncle Chris' in Uxbridge and went ice skating with him. Tim Hortons was a highlight throughout our visit with TimBits being a usual hit! Lick's for $1 kids burgers was a hit too! Just being with everyone we love for an entire month, the sweetest treat of all.
I was very proud of Frunty and Pit as they did two sleepovers at the Nonni's which was a big step for them and they did it with flying colours.
On the 21st, we flew with Zia Lidia and the Nonni to Oahu to celebrate Christmas with Papa and the Wiaceks. What a beautiful place and we chose the same week and same vacation spot as the Obama's. Kailua Beach was a bit windy but we still had fun and went to our first Luau on our wedding anniversary on the 27th. Island Snow was cool for ice cones! We really had fun meeting Uncle Andrew's girlfriend, Charlene, and the boys could not get enough of their cousins, Matthew and Daniel. What a fun week in the sun with Papa's kite!
We spent New Year's Eve on the plane and the flight attendant gave us two cans of champagne called Gingerale. We had a great flight back to Singapore via Manila and voila! We went all the way around the world! Yipee!!! Stay tuned for our next act...never a dull moment with the Bello Boys! Happy 2012 everyone and thanks for all the wonderful hospitality we enjoyed and the Christmas spirit that we felt with all of you. We miss you already but look forward to the next time we make it your way! Cheerio!
Thanks to Papa's support, the three of us flew from Singapore to New Delhi. Our flight was ten minutes late and despite a rep from Jet Airways waiting for us upon arrival, we missed our flight to Brussels. We got re-routed through Milano and made it to Brussels two days later. Better late than never!
We enjoyed a great week of catch-up with most of our wonderful friends and we walked down memory lane so many times but didn't get sore feet. We went to the Grande Place for waffles, to Le Pain Quotidien for lemon tarts, Marcolini for our favourite chocolate covered marshmallows and Le Guignol, one of our favourite restaurants. We visited Chant d'Oiseau School and St. Luc where Pit was born and walked around Woluwe Park like old times.
After a week, minus the two days which we lost in transit, we flew up to Edinburgh to meet our new little cousin, one year old Katie. Rob and Viki were wonderful hosts as usual and we had fun spelunking at the coast, hiking outside the beautiful town of Garvald and even doing some whiskey tasting (just for grown ups) at the nearby Glenkinchie Distillery. One of the highlights was our day at the Edinburgh castle where we went on a really neat scavenger hunt. The boys were enthralled!
From Edinburgh we took the train down to London to catch up with our Canadian friend, Kirsten, her British husband, Eggy, and their three year old, Freddy. We explored a bit of London, hiked near their home in Teddington to Hampton Court and I took the boys to the Battleship near the Tower Bridge. Another outting which completely captivated the boys attention. They learned so much and had fun exploring every nook and cranny of the ship.
After a few days, we took the Eurostar through the chunnel back to Brussels and flew home to Toronto. Gramma and Grampa had very kindly set up our home so there were enough comforts to make a very enjoyable stay and for the next month, we relaxed and loved being in the Beach with family and friends. We did get some snow up at Uncle Chris' in Uxbridge and went ice skating with him. Tim Hortons was a highlight throughout our visit with TimBits being a usual hit! Lick's for $1 kids burgers was a hit too! Just being with everyone we love for an entire month, the sweetest treat of all.
I was very proud of Frunty and Pit as they did two sleepovers at the Nonni's which was a big step for them and they did it with flying colours.
On the 21st, we flew with Zia Lidia and the Nonni to Oahu to celebrate Christmas with Papa and the Wiaceks. What a beautiful place and we chose the same week and same vacation spot as the Obama's. Kailua Beach was a bit windy but we still had fun and went to our first Luau on our wedding anniversary on the 27th. Island Snow was cool for ice cones! We really had fun meeting Uncle Andrew's girlfriend, Charlene, and the boys could not get enough of their cousins, Matthew and Daniel. What a fun week in the sun with Papa's kite!
We spent New Year's Eve on the plane and the flight attendant gave us two cans of champagne called Gingerale. We had a great flight back to Singapore via Manila and voila! We went all the way around the world! Yipee!!! Stay tuned for our next act...never a dull moment with the Bello Boys! Happy 2012 everyone and thanks for all the wonderful hospitality we enjoyed and the Christmas spirit that we felt with all of you. We miss you already but look forward to the next time we make it your way! Cheerio!
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Happy 2012!
We are back!!! On November 6, 2011 the three of us departed Singapore and spent the following two months travelling around the world! Meeting Papa in Hawaii for Christmas and doing the last leg with him was definitely one of the highlights of my...life? Yes, indeed! It was a very special 14th wedding anniversary on Oahu Island. We are now in Singapore and enjoying the start of school and gorgeous weather with lovely breezes which waft through our new home... a flat in Tampines, near the boys' school.
I will describe our 2 month voyage in the days to come alongside fun photos. The break was excellent and we really recharged our batteries. A break from blogging was nice too as we were too busy living. Stay tuned...
I will describe our 2 month voyage in the days to come alongside fun photos. The break was excellent and we really recharged our batteries. A break from blogging was nice too as we were too busy living. Stay tuned...
Friday, 23 December 2011
Bangkok Birthday
A six and half minute video showing the exploits of our trip to Thailand in September. The trip was part of the Daddy's post-40th-birthday celebration. What a surprise when everyone we knew in town showed up to celebrate, not to mention some out-of-towners who used Aeroplan points! Thanks for a great party celebration. (the video was designed for an HD TV so the images here are painfully small and low quality)
