meetoliver

Pre NATAS Fair

2012-02-05T15:52:00.004+08:00

Planning for our trip this year, so we went to the ASA Fair at Suntec. Not too sure about the deals but the fair was quite interesting, with face-painting booth, mascots, stage performances and lucky draws, ample space and minus the crazy NATAS crowd.

Best exhibit was this double-decker coach from Malaysia. Oliver and Heidi spent a long time climbing up and down the decks.

Chingay Parade 2012 - A Waterway Parade of Love & Care

2012-02-04T16:33:00.000+08:00

Oliver try his hand at calligraphy

2012-01-24T17:03:00.001+08:00

At Sophia's cousin annual CNY party, Oliver wrote 春 after some encouragement from us.

Going Solo

2012-01-07T17:01:00.001+08:00

Oliver started his solo piano lesson on 7 Jan 2012 after about 1.5 year of group lesson. On hindsight, even though it was frustrating for me at times, mainly because I don't have the patience to coach him, I must say that I am quite proud of him that he has come a long way. He really enjoys the solo class, judging from the first 2 sessions.

2012-01-05T14:54:00.002+08:00

Tooth Fairy

2012-01-01T14:28:00.001+08:00

Over Christmas, Sophia discovered that Oliver front tooth was shaky. We thought it might drop anytime, but there was no chance for us to sing "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".
It got really wobbly just before new year. So much so that it could rotate even though it was still attached to the gum.
In the early morning of New Year's Day, Oliver pulled out the tooth himself while half asleep and placed it on Heidi's bed.

DIY Hairdo for New Year

2011-12-31T16:25:00.000+08:00

Cutting Oliver's hair now is so easy... no more tears and screaming in the distant past. Not that we cut Oliver's hair that often though.
Still, we needed iPhone and vitamin sweet to keep him occupied.
This will be the last year that Oliver will have his signature floppy mop before he goes to P1 next year. I will dread the day that we had to cut it short.

2011 Christmas at Swissotel

2011-12-29T00:32:00.006+08:00

Oliver's piano performance at Marina Square

2011-12-19T00:23:00.004+08:00

Belated Birthday Celebration at Delcare

2011-12-13T20:30:00.005+08:00

(Left to Right) Christopher, Edison, Caleb, Jun kiat, Yu Yuan, Oliver, Yun Xuan, Shania, Shanice, Tarryn, Boon Shuan, Clarrisa, Yi Jung and Cosmos

Homemade with lots of love...

Oliver's English Teacher, Ms Bernice

K2 Classmates

2011-12-11T09:26:00.005+08:00

We intend to hold a belated birthday celebration for Oliver in school on 13 Dec. But we somehow could not remember all the names of Oliver's class mates, including Oliver.
Boys (7)
Caleb
Christopher
Edison
Jun Kiat
Oliver
Yu Yuan
Who is the missing boy? Finally found out who and surprisingly he was not around during Oliver's birthday celebration.

Girls (7)
Boon Shuan
Clarissa
Shanice
Shania
Tarryn
Yun Xuan
Yijing

Finally.. Birthday celebration at home

2011-12-06T23:03:00.002+08:00

First Swimming Lesson

2011-12-05T16:52:00.004+08:00

Oliver clad in blue swim attire

Oliver was all ready for the first swimming lesson. He was eager to take the first plunge into the water, but somehow ended as the last person in the queue to swim. Not used to having goggles, he keeps taking his goggles out and trying to put them on. He obviously has a taking to water.

2011 Sports Day

2011-11-24T21:55:00.003+08:00

Oliver and friends

Green House vs Yellow House at Hort Park

All clad in cheerleader rode.. waiting for their turn to perform on stage

The lucky princess who fell sick, but looking fresh here with cousin Vera.
Her wish of not running on Sports Day was fulfilled.

Transformer Birthday Gift

2011-11-21T12:41:00.004+08:00

This is Oliver's second day attempt at the scooter bike... picking up the skills really fast.

Oliver requested for a scooter bike for his birthday. So we went shopping for one at Toys R Us last Saturday. At first, we spotted one bike that cost $50, then as we walked around the area where the transformers were. And... we spotted another scooter bike with transformer design, double the price. This has got to be the one for our boy. Recently, he has been kinda crazy over Transformer, including his dad. Boon Heng bought the movie "Transformer 3 -Dark of the Moon" for Oliver and himself. Oliver loves it, and Heidi tries to watch the show with much bravery.

Birthday celebration with Chew Family

2011-11-21T12:10:00.004+08:00

Lunch at Brunetti

2011-11-12T22:08:00.000+08:00

Dinner at Kok Sen Restaurant

2011-11-05T22:14:00.000+08:00

Publish Post

Cycling Fun at Marina Barage

2011-10-29T22:34:00.002+08:00

Barclays Family Day with the Pans

2011-10-22T23:10:00.000+08:00

Precision comes with Patience

2011-10-20T22:22:00.001+08:00

Satay Club

2011-10-12T10:00:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, Oliver and Heidi took a late nap after an afternoon of playing at the playground, watching their Cars DVD, and swimming. We had a late dinner and we headed to Satay Club. While we used to frequent Satay Club pre- Oliver and Heidi era, we haven't been there for ages. To my surprise, Oliver took on to the Satay quite well. Heidi needless to say, needed no coaxing.

Cars 2 Frenzy

2011-09-29T22:20:00.001+08:00

Watching Cars movie at home...

Waiting for the big screen... another few weeks to go

And finally... the big moments are here.

Heidi is not in the picture, as she is stuck with the coin-operated car.

Miss Oliver and Heidi badly in Canada

2011-09-25T12:17:00.011+08:00

First time away from our kids for so long, and longer for Boon Heng. We miss Oliver and Heidi badly. Never a day we don't think about them and talk about them. This is crazy. Have a break, I tell myself. Some of the things we thought of during our trip:

- Oliver will definitely survive the trail which we did on the summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, and Heidi will probably say "I want carry".

- Oliver and Heidi will definitely love the train which passed by the Bed & Breakfast place, The Artist House at Sicamous.

- Oliver will definitely love the chicken broth cooked with rice, a type of Greek soup, and Heidi will eat the souvaki until she over-eat and throws up.

- The old spagheti house at Banff will be the place to bring them. Although we are quite disappointed with the overcooked fettucine.

We called Singapore three times during our 10-day canada trip. Canada is 15 hours behind Singapore. 9pm in British Columbia, Canada is 12pm in Singapore. For the three times we called Singapore to speak to Oliver and Heidi, they happened to be watching the DVD - Cars. Oliver would speak to us for a few minutes and continued to glue his eyes on TV. Heidi simply refused to talk to us for the first two calls. For the third and final call, Heidi spoke but only one word, goodbye. Oh mine... probably it is only Boon Heng and I missing them.

Mid Autumn Festival Celebration with Cousins

2011-09-11T21:33:00.000+08:00

Cycling at East Coast with The Pans

2011-08-13T22:29:00.000+08:00

Ikea Chicken Wings

2011-08-12T01:44:00.001+08:00

Movies at the park

2011-08-12T01:41:00.002+08:00

Goodbye Car Shoes from Perth

2011-08-10T13:12:00.002+08:00

We bought this pair of shoes on the last day of our Perth trip in 201o. Oliver has been wearing almost every other day. The base of the shoe had given way after running around for a year.

2011 National Day Celebration at Labrador Park

2011-08-08T17:11:00.004+08:00

Face of a Transformer

See Photos of National Day Celebration at Labrador Park in 2008. Same old shirts.

Water boys

2011-08-07T15:41:00.004+08:00

While boys are doing their diving stunts, find out what is happening to our girl..

Craving for Porridge

2011-07-30T16:49:00.003+08:00

There are some days which you just crave for a certain food. For me, it is porridge from any Restaurant, and not food centre. So off we go to Red Star Restaurant at Havelock Road. We are expecting hordes of people queuing up for the food. Little did we expect to have a table right away. No waiting for our growling stomach. With just the two of us and two kids, we ordered two bowls of porridge, two char siew buns, fried dumplings, prawns dumplings and siew mai, and ended off with desserts. The bill came up to about $40. Quite expensive, we thought. It is however a nice change instead of our usual hangout, since we have not visited Red Star for months. We are also quite overwhelmed with the attention of the friendly servers had showered over Oliver and Heidi.

Oliver loves swimming

2011-07-30T16:22:00.002+08:00

Over the past few weeks, our pool has been our regular hangout. Managing Oliver and Heidi are easier these days. Boon Heng is able to cope with two kids in the pool. With the arm float, Oliver is very much on his own. He could jump into the pool and swim on his own without much hand holding. Heidi will probably take a while to pick up swimming, as she slowly building more confidence in water. For the months or even years which we did not make use of the pool, we have definitely fully utilised it these days.

Parent Volunteer

2011-07-01T13:38:00.005+08:00

I used to laugh at parents who are kiasu, but now that Oliver is nearing P1, and reading the competitiveness of parents, it's inevitable that I become one.

So I sent in my PV form to River Valley Primary School last year. Somehow RVPS is quite appealing to us, as we stayed very near to the school before, and it is near the river, a place that we continue to visit during weekends.
My 2nd assignment after the band camp in the June holiday was for a Arts Fiesta. This was the first time that the school was organising it. The teacher-in-charge got a external supplier to provide some of the materials and ideas, and the 10 PVs manned the booths.

The one that I took charge of was doodling. Students during recess time came to my booth to doodle or draw on the 4 given templates with colourful markers, and could bring their masterpiece home if they wanted to. This is a sample drawn by a fellow PV. He is in the multimedia line and he is really very good at doodling. So good that many kids actually tried to copy what he drew.
The girl in uniform is Athena from P4.
This is her version of the monster/dinosaur. Really good with the colour of the teeth to illustrate that they are sharp, and the blood as well.
This girl is very friendly and came to my booth for all 3 days. Her name is Yue Ran from P2 and I learnt that she is from Shanghai, although she spoke with a Singlish accent. She has art lessons at home!
But the cutest is this girl from P2 called Cheng Hui. Unfortunately my iPhone is lousy and didn't have a good picture of her. She drew a Peanut Boy and a Peanut Girl the first time she came, and on the next day she drew Peanut Grandpa and Grandma. I called her the Peanut Girl.

I actually enjoyed the Arts Fiesta, and was totally exhausted in the evening after my first day.

Oliver's second visit to Hair Salon since birth

2011-06-13T17:34:00.005+08:00

The Salon - La Coco, a Korean hair salon located at Orchard Central

Pampering hair wash which Oliver was most comfortable with. There were moments which Oliver just relaxed with his eyes closed. This boy knows what is enjoyment.

The scary moment with his bunny tooth in full view.

Almost over .. blowing dry

Oliver's once beautiful hair, all swept away

The Outcome... My kind of boy!

Adelaide Day 8 - Anzac Day

2011-06-07T15:58:00.016+08:00

It also wasn't in our itinerary to coincide our trip on Anzac Day. We only saw banners hung on lamppost as we were driving in the city that Anzac Day was on 25 April, and that there would be a parade.
On the mornnig, we headed down the street and saw that long stretches of the street were cordoned off, and people were lining the pavement waiting for the parade.
One thing good about the parade is that they don't need fence to keep people away from the parade route. The audience really just respected the procession and keep to the pavement of the roads. There is a very relaxed feel to the whole thing.
WWII planes flying across the sky as war veterans marched beneath... a stark reminder of the heroics and sacrifices of the servicemen and women.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.
Anzac Day is quite an big event in Australia, and I suppose NZ as well. Many major cities held parade, observance ceremony or dawn service no this day, as we found out later in the evening while watching the news on TV.
Scots in kilts joined in the parade too.
This group was also in skirts, and they hailed from Greece.
After the parade and a quick brunch, we took the tram and headed top Glenelg, which is a popular seaside suburb, has become a popular tourist destination due to its beach and many attractions, and is home to several hotels and dozens of restaurants.

The tram took us to the terminus, or Mosley Square, where Jetty Road meets the beach. Many cafes, restaurants and shops lined the streets. This place really has a holiday feel to it, even though it was a Monday.
The long jetty where it was windy and many came her to fish or just to soak in the sun and sea.
This old friendly lady gave JJ and Oliver a ride on her 3-wheel moped around the square. Sharing an ice cream probably taste better!

An Alfa 156 in Glenelg. Reminded me of my car back home.
One of the many things listed as "must-try" in the itinerary prepared by Sophia is the Frog Cake. The Frog cake is a dessert in the shape of a frog's head, composed of sponge cake and cream covered with fondant. It was created by the Balfours bakery in 1922, and soon became a popular treat in South Australia. Originally frog cakes were available exclusively in green, but later brown and pink were added to the range.

When we reached our hotel from Glenelg, it was in the evening and Sophia quickly rushed to get one, the last one in the shop. The Frog Cake is really too sweet, and even Oliver didn't ate too much of it.
Back in the hotel, Heidi also arranged the shoes, something which Oliver would have done. This is the last day of our trip. Adelaide has been quite awesome, more so than Perth.

Adelaide... we will be back someday!

Adelaide Day 7 - Adelaide Hills

2011-06-05T03:51:00.008+08:00

The world's biggest rocking horse, built in 1981. Me, Charles, Oliver and JJ climbed up this 18 metres structure at The Toy Factory Gumeracha.
While Heidi preferred the smaller version.

She also staked claim to the rocking horse inside the restaurant.
What was better than the rocking horse was the 7 arces animal park, where wallabies, emus, ducks, goats, rabbits, and kids roam free.
Surprisingly, Oliver and Heidi weren't afraid of the animals and went about chasing them.
Poetry in motion.
Oliver is really good at running.
Up close with a kangaroo.
A funny looking chicken that we had never seen before. The feathers seemed to be very well-coiffed.
Next stop, the Beerenberg Farm near Hahndorf.
Here we paid a small fee to pick our own strawberries. Oliver and I had a taste of it right after plucking them.
Sophia choosing strawberries with Heidi.
The harvest.
After that was the nearby town of Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement.
There's still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the smallgood outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street.
There are also many restaurants in the town serving German cuisine. We settled for the famous Hahndorf Inn, and were lucky to grab a seat along the pavement. If we are back in Adelaide in the future, I would want to stay a few days in Hahndorf just to soak up the atmosphere.
The oysters were really good, although the wurst trio weren't as good as those in Barossa.
What is a panda doing in a German town?
Our last stop for the day was a trip up Mount Lofty Summit. And we were there in time to see the beautiful sunset.
While waiting for the sun to set, Oliver, JJ and Jiaen climbed up this pagoda thingy which belonged more in Tibet or Nepal.

Clowning around.
Before long, they got a bit rough.
The sun finally dipping and calling it a day.

Adelaide Day 6 - Barossa

2011-05-28T00:53:00.010+08:00

Day 6... to the wine region of Barossa.

First stop, to the Whispering Wall of Williamstown. The Whispering Wall is in fact the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir built in the early 20th century. The dam was a revolutionary engineering feat in its day and attracted attention from all over the world, right up to today judging by the number of tourists that we saw though the place is not too assessible.

What draws visitors is its unique acoustic effect. We tried it and Sophia was at one end talking to us, which was about 100 metres away. We could hear her voice clearly.
Further away was the Lyndoch Hill Rose Garden. Apparently there are 30,000 roses here, and some of the shrubs were planted by royalty or celebrities.
These tractors made of hay along the roadside just reminded me of Hokkaido.
Lunchtime came and we headed straight for Elizabeth Street in Tanunda in search for food.

But first, to the Apex Bakery. First fired up in 1924, the wood oven used in this bakery has been going ever since, making it Australia’s longest continuously fired oven. The breads and yeast cakes that emerge from its hallowed doors are as much a part of the Barossa’s food culture as any wurst or wine. We stocked up on some legendary cookies which were really nice.

This black and white photo is quite fitting to the history of the bakery. Along the street, there were a number of eateries and cafes. We chose this one as the German spread seemed quite authentic.
Our choice was indeed good as the wurst trio that we had was really good.
Next stop, to the Barossa Vintage Festival, which is the highlight of the day, and for me, the main attraction of the whole trip.
The Festival Ball remains a signature event of the festival, where cellars open their doors for tasting and sale, crowds throng huge winery compounds, and a range of community driven events including art and craft, music, literature, heritage, and of course food and wine congregate to give the festival a truly carnival feel.
The Barossa Vintage Festival has evolved to become the premier wine tourism festival in Australia, and is the jewel in the Barossa events calendar. Our timing for this trip, although not planned for this festival, is just impeccable, as the Barossa Vintage Festival only happens once in 2 years. Here we are at the heart of the festival, where there are live music and performances, and of course food and wine. A vintage car from Seppelt Wines, of one of the 2 founders winery personalities Colin Gramp (Orlando Wines) and Bill Seppelt (Seppelt Wines) who concieved the idea for the festival in 1938. A fire truck was on display. The friendly firemen helped both kids up to have a taste of being a rescuer.
After leaving the carnival, we stopped by Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. Not many photos but here is one with Heidi's big head.
Dinner time came and we headed to Peter Seppelt Wines Grand Cru Wood Oven Restaurant... what a long name. The place was really in the middle of nowhere, even our GPS couldn't lead us to the exact location. It was only after a bit of guessing and driving that we saw a board that pointed us to the place.
Sophia googled for this restaurant while planning for the trip and made a reservation. Booking is essential as they are only opened on Friday and Saturday evenings, and for lunch on Sunday. Great planning and timing again. Here she is, either annoyed by Oliver, Heidi, or me.
The place is really cool, with their own wood ovens. The owner is also friendly and has several huge dogs.
Children-friendly with white papers laid out and crayons for the budding artists.
This foccacia was really yummy.
Gourmet pizzas... not as good as the foccacia though.

Adelaide Day 5 - Adelaide City

2011-05-21T01:06:00.009+08:00

The morning of Day 5 saw us heading straight to this famous Café Bavaria in Victor Harbour. Many German settlers helped to establish townships of the Fleurieu Peninsula. This part of the region's heritage is reflected in the offerings at Café Bavaria in Victor Harbour.
Café Bavaria boasts a fine selection of German bratwurst, goulash and Bavarian tortes. For the sweet tooth, they offer cakes, apple strudel, beestings, cheesecakes, and pastries. All the traditional foods at Café Bavaria are baked daily, on site, using fresh ingredients.

We ordered an apple strudel, a sausage pastry, a cappuccino and a babyccino. All did not disappoint, except the babyccino which is very milky.
iPhone... bringing little people together.
Next up, the horse drawn tramway. The tramway links the visitor information centre in downtown Victor Harbor with the nearby Granite Island, running for half of its route over a 630 metre wooden causeway.
There were camels ride available too.
Surprisingly, Heidi wasn't afraid of the pony called Tina. I didn't ask her if she wanna ride it though.
She even talked to Tina.
The hairy Clydesdale horses pull the double-decked tramcar to and fro Granite Island every half hour or so daily. I am sure Granite Island has a history, but on our visit there, it just seemed like all rocks to me, so I won't have anything to say about it.
In the afternoon, we drove up to Adelaide City.

We visited the Light Square park in the city centre in the evening, near to Chinatown and just a few tramstop away from Oaks Embassy, which was to be our base as we explore Adelaide the next few days.

Oliver likes his trenchcoat and thinks he looks like a soldier. I think so too, like a commie.
The tram which was our main mode of transport. Free within the city.
Heidi contemplating what to eat in Chinatown, on my shoulder.
Oliver playing with his spinning tops at the dining table.
Back in the hotel, Sophia made 2 cups of Milo and placed it on the table. Oliver kept shouting for us to come and see... a face!

Sophia is a Milo barista.

Adelaide Day 4 - Victor Harbour

2011-05-20T23:54:00.009+08:00

Next day, we headed back across the channel to Cape Jarvis en route to Victor Harbour.
Heidi and Oliver taking turns to wear the red fish beanie.
Before we boarded the SeaLink vessel, we spent some time on the shore of Penneshaw. Oliver wrote his name on the sand... such nice calligraphy.
Our first stop upon reaching Victor Harbour is the Cockle Train.
The Cockle Train travels along the oldest steel railed railway in Australia dating back to 1887 when it was constructed to provide a link between the River Murray and the ocean wharfs at Port Elliot and later at Victor Harbor.

Between Victor Harbour and Port Elliot we travelled along picturesque coastal scenery on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
After a 30 minutes ride, we reached the terminal station at Goolwa for a 45 minutes interval before the train heads back. Time for lunch. We checked with the station staff and this lady pointed to a couple of cafes along the historic Wharf Precinct alongside the River Murray. We chose the nearest one and Sophia ordered a spinach pie. The pie was just heavenly... good choice by Sophia.
On the journey back, we spotted this beautiful rainbow.
Nobody nobody but you.
The black stream train that we took.

Evening came and we check into the place to rest for the night at McCracken Country Club.

Adelaide Day 3 - Kangaroo Island

2011-05-09T12:02:00.031+08:00

Day 3 was spent entirely at Kangaroo Island, exploring as much as we could. This is the Ford Focus which we rented for the journey and parked just outside the service apartment of the Aurora Ozone Hotel which we stayed for the 2 nights. The seafront facing the hotel is tranquil and there were hardly any cars on the road. Lavender on the walkway outside the hotel.
Our first stop for the day was to Seal Bay.
Seal Bay is on the south coast of the island, and is famed for being the permanent home to a colony of some 500 rare Australian sea lions. The broadwalk from the visitor centre to the beach is really user-friendly, and Oliver and Heidi were walking happily in the morning sun towards the colony of sea lions.
They are really cool kids on the catwalk.
The sea lions loll about on the sands and in the dunes, nurture their young and recover from days at sea.

Sea lions everywhere.
More sea lions.
Heidi fishing for coins in her pocket.
Seals dotted the coastline.
Seal Bay... not a bad place to visit on a balmy day.
Next, we headed for Little Sahara. The place was a little obscure and we nearly missed it as we were speeding along the highway.
As the name suggested, it was a beautiful of the Sahara I guess. Waves of sand dunes about 15 metres high could be seen as we climbed the first ridge.
Little Sahara is a nice little place where the locals like to come here to sandboard.

Heidi liked Little Sahara too and roamed around on her own.
After that we drove to nearby Vivonne Bay, which was voted by Sydney University as the most beautiful beach a few years ago based on privacy, clarity of water and cleanliness.
But Heidi is a scary cat... refusing to be anyway near the water.
On the way to lunch, toilet break in the middle of nowhere.
We didn't try the marron the last time we were in Perth, so this time I was determined to have one in Adelaide. So we headed to the quite famous Marron Cafe in the middle of the island, driving through a unpaved track off the main highway. The place is primarily a marron farm supplying the cafe, and probably elsewhere, with their marron that are bred in holding tanks. We went to take a look at the tanks after our lunch, and saw and array of marron, some babies, some blue, some ready to be cooked.
Marron is like lobster, except that it is freshwater crayfish. Surprisingly, the cafe here is relatively crowded even though it is like quite out of the way.
The staff here weren't too friendly or patient though. Maybe they were shorthanded. They gave a piece of colouring paper to us, and when we asked for more since there were 4 kids, it didn't come.
Meal times was quite challenging for us over the last few days. Either they were throwing tantrums or refusing to eat, especially Oliver.
So it was good that the colouring paper (when it finally came) kept Oliver and Heidi busy. This is Oliver's masterpiece. Gone were the days when he would colour out of line and all over the place.
It didn't dissapoint. The marron and seafood and even the naan were delicious. Heidi finished off the skewered prawns.
Next stop, to the Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks found in Flinders Chase National Park. Similar to Seal Bay, the walkway here leads us to a colony of New Zealand fur seals.
The cliff face moulded by the sea and time.
Seals lazing in the sun.
At the end of the walkway is the spectacular arch sculpted by weathering and erosion from the sea over thousands of years.Plants that look like jelly beans.
Just a stone's throw away is Remarkable Rocks.
What makes this place so remarkable is both the rocks, which take on sculptured organic shapes, and their percarious position, perching on a large dome foundation which sits on a high cliff overlooking the southern ocean.
Australia is famous for it's red rocks, with the biggest one in the world located in Central Australia called Uluru, or Ayers Rock. Remarkable Rocks is also red, but unlike Ayers which is caused by rusting iron oxide, the redness in remarkable stem from a tiny living plant called a lichen. The interesting thing about lichens is that they are very susceptible to pollution, and their presence often indicates a very clean environment.
The 2 boys silhouetted against the skyline.

The hole in the rock is like a crack in a dinosaur egg.

Adelaide Day 2 - Kangaroo Island

2011-05-04T17:40:00.035+08:00

Day 2 was an exciting day. We are heading across the straits to Kangaroo Island, including our cars. Kangaroo island is actually bigger than Singapore. Among its many attractions are the seal and penguin population along the coastline, Remarkable Rocks, Little Sahara, Vivonne Bay and Admiral's Arch.
Sophia getting grouchy by the constant demands and tantrums of both Oliver and Heidi. Both of them acquired the habit of removing their shoes in the car during long journeys.
The main transport across to the island is the SeaLink freight and passenger vessel operating between Cape Jervis on the mainland to Penneshaw, the 2nd largest town on the island.
Vehicles and cargos are transported on the vessel at scheduled interval throughout the day. I spotted a truckload of sheeps from the farm of Kangaroo Island heading to South Australia.
Oliver was quite excited to see a ship carrying cars across the sea.
After we landed on the island, we headed inland towards our first destination. It wasn't really on our itinerary but we chanced upon Prospect Hill along the route. We decided to climb up the flight of timber steps to the summit. There are 512 steps leading to a rewarding view over American River, Pelican Lagoon, the Southern Ocean and Pennington Bay. Oliver did what Captain Matthew Flinders did in 1802, climbing up to the summit of the highest peak of the island.
Posing for the camera atop Prospect Hill.
The view from the top. It was worth the climb.
Next stop, Clifford's Honey Farm. The lack of large-scale development on the island meant that small industry has floushished. Kangaroo Island's apiarists harvest honey from the pure strain Ligurian bees, which is unique and was introduced to the island in 1885.
Oliver acting silly.
This is Jenny's famous honey ice-cream sold at the farm. Dave and Jenny started out a couple of hives as a hobby in 1973. During the 1980s when the wool prices dropped, Dave and Jenny diversified by expanding their fledgling honey industry. They opened the shop in 1993 and it has been a buzzing success ever since. Heidi is anticipating...
We always just buy one cup or cone of ice-cream and make them share.
After the farm, afternoon nap beckoned. Both of them slept in identical way.
When we reached our next destination, we were greeted by a few big turkeys.
More ice-cream sharing at the Kangaroo Island Lavender Farm. The lavender ice-cream falls short of expectation (if you compare to those in Hokkaido).
The lavender farm was established in 1998 and is home to an array of birdlife. Over 60 varities of lavender are harvested and distilled annually and used in extensive range of products at the farm shop.
We then headed to Kingscote, in time to catch the pelican feeding at 5pm at the Fisherman's Jetty, near to the place that we would stay for the next 2 nights.
The pelicans were waiting for their dinner and were really skilful at fighting for their share. The fisherman feeding the pelican was quite entertaining and informative. Somehow he reminded me of Hemingway's The Old Man And The Sea... for no particular reason.
Our last adventure of the day was to tour the Kingscote's little penguin colony. This is the Penguin Centre near the jetty, which is an interactive and information centre that houses various sea creatures found in the bay of Kingscote.
We started the penguin tour at half past eight with a guide introducing and feeding some of the sea creatures in the saltwater aquariums.
Most fearsome looking was this squid that looks like Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars. It swallowed up the live crab in the blink of an eye. Moving outside, we are led by a guide on a torch-lit walk along the foreshore through the penguin colony. The penguins live in burrows and we could catch a few glimpses of the penguins in the natural habitat.

Adelaide Day 1 - McLaren Vale

2011-05-04T10:47:00.023+08:00

Our first stop after collecting our car from Hertz at Adelaide Airport was McLaren Vale, 35km or so away from Adelaide city. It is a wine region that is internationally renowned for the wines it produces. It also has an abundance of cafes and restaurants that happily showcase local produce.
Oliver and Heidi quickly settled into the black Ford Focus. Heidi is showing the 3 fingers.
On the way to McLaren Vale Motel, they felt asleep, and me and Sophia also felt into a deep sleep after checking into the room. The flight really made us very tired.
When we awoke, it was mid-afternoon. Time to fill our stomach and head to one of the more famous eating places, Blessed Cheese, which is a unique combination of cheese shop, cafe and provedore specialising in artisan cheeses.
This salad and the figs in it is really delicious. The fig looks like a lime from the outside, with pulp like grapefruit. But the taste is entirely different. How come they don't use figs in salad sold in Singapore?
Along the walkway outside Blessed Cheese, Oliver does his now signature pose.
Heidi loves the cappuccino. Which made her looks like Joker.
Why so serious?
Next stop was the Jubilee Park Adventure Playground. This is a very impressive fort-like construction made mainly of wood into mazes, towers and bridges. Even the floor is covered with wood shavings so that it cushions any fall.
Oliver loves speed. And he is game to go ever higher.
The community came together to build this playground with voluntary labour, and it has won numerous award with its design and innovativeness.
Just before we called it a day and head back to the motel, we stopped by this place atop one of the beautiful beaches in the region.

Australia Again

2011-04-17T23:25:00.000+08:00

As usual, my mum and sis sent us to the airport for our 2225 flight. This is the 3rd medium trips we are doing within 11 months, and we are making up for lost time. We didn't travel for 4 years prior to Hokkaido in May 2010.

This time round we headed to Adelaide, after the planned trip to Central Japan was aborted. And Sophia did all the research prior to the trip, often till the wee hours, so that we have an itinerary that is similar to Follow Me Japan's standard.

Oliver didn't sleep on the flight till about 2am. Captivated by the inflight entertainment.

2011-04-11T15:41:00.001+08:00

The earthquakes and tsunami in Japan took many lives and wreaked havoc in many towns. Oliver replayed the images which he saw on TV, and probably through his conversation with his friends in school, while playing his cars.

We also had to change our travel plans.

Emo and too much of it

2011-03-21T00:46:00.002+08:00

I remember many years back, my colleague and friend Karen Ho even told me that I am very 'emo'. As much as I did not admit to it back then, I know indeed, I am very much a 'feeler' rather than a thinker especially these days. Since young, my grandma labelled me as crybaby. I never like that labelling, as I feel like a weakling. I always wonder why, was my mum an emo queen (unfortunately I never have a chance to find out), certainly my dad does not appear to be like one. That curiousity actually had me examining my tear ducts closely at the mirror, and my conclusion after looking at those ducts, they are quite huge. Thats two huge assets I have owned so far - big mouth and big tear ducts. God is somehow not very fair, isn't it? My consolation is that somehow when all my face features come together, they make quite a friendly face whom people find it easy to talk to. Well, if that still apply these days, with my ever sunking cheeks.

Until these days, that crybaby in me never quite go away. Recently, I became very affected by the earthquake followed by Tsunami that struck Japan. We were planning to tour Japan in April, and I was looking forward to it, and wanted very badly to get out of my work. Almost every other nights, I had to work till 1 am after the kids dozed off at 10pm. Some nights, I had to just work and Boon Heng looked after the kids. It is very frustrating as I treasure every moments spent with my kids. Being around at home, but not around with them. Last Friday, Yvonne smsed me the bad news when we were out catching a movie. We didn't know it was that devastating. Still, I glued myself to the TV trying to catch every news clips. It was horrifying watching the news, and I could not control my tears. Gosh. Japan is such a beautiful country and I could not imagine living if the people I know were all gone. Somehow, I had the compelling need to share my sadness with Oliver. At bedtime, I explained to Oliver why I was sad.

Me - Oliver, I feel very sad.
Oliver - Why?
Me - We cannot go Japan, because there is tsunami and many people died.
Oliver - Is it died like Snow White?
Me - No, Snow White fainted. She did not die.
Oliver - What is died?
Me - When someone dies, they go to another place and never come back.
Oliver - Where is the place?
Me - I don't know where is the place, because I have not been to that place.
Oliver - Is the place 'Japan'?
Me - speechless... (oh dear, I should certainly take stock of my emo and not confuse Oliver).

At Marina Bay Promenade

2011-03-15T18:15:00.001+08:00

2011-03-14T13:30:00.003+08:00

Saw this video at a friend's blog. We hardly get any good ads like this from local TV.

My favourite brunch place is...

2011-03-03T13:03:00.001+08:00

Riders Cafe... winning hands down.

Chingay

2011-02-23T10:11:00.015+08:00

We were at Chingay for both parades. First night we were working, but we brought Heidi and Oliver there on the 2nd night. This was behind the F1 Pit where there were many booths, performers, exhibits etc as part of the pre-show.

Some cosplay characters posing. Oliver and Heidi didn't want to go near, as they were quite shell-shocked by the colours and commotion around them.
As we were heading to the entrance I saw a troop of scout troopers and stormtroopers marching hurriedly behind us towards the start of the parade. I turned around and recognised the first one in the pack.

It was Edvan hamming it up as Emperor Palpatine's army.
Heidi just woke up from her quick nap as the parade was about to begin. The man behind us is kinda funny.

We hanged around with some of the contingents at the waiting area awaiting for the start of the parade. Baby Hee was also there to cover the event. He seemed to be wearing the same headdress as Edvan... is he a stormtrooper too?

Lion Dance

2011-02-18T13:27:00.010+08:00

A couple of years ago Oliver was pretty scared of the lion dance performance put up by his older schoolmates. But now he is the lion head and thoroughly enjoyed the dance.
Claire, another of the 3 lions.

After that there were even healthy yusheng made of carrot and apple and biscuit fish. Tasted yucky though.

Our Town

2011-02-17T10:16:00.010+08:00

That is one of Oliver's favourite song from the Cars movie.

Whenever the song came on during the later part of the show, he would listen attentively. Sometimes he would ask why the song is so sad.

http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/Our+Town/2ycuK?src=5

It tells of a town that used to flourish, but has been bypassed due to development.

Until Lightning McQueen came and saved it from extinction of course.

Lightning McQueen

It reminds me of Queenstown, or more specifically Margaret Drive, near where I grew up. It used to be quite a happening place, with 3 cinemas, a polyclinic, a library, and a Tai Chung Emporium. Lots of schools there too, including mine, which has since defunct.

Of course the nexus of the place is the hawker centre, which has survived until now. Lots of good food there like the chicken rice and guotie on the 2nd level, the char kway teow and dessert store on the 1st.

Sadly all of them are either gone or will be gone in a few weeks' time, if not days.

We were there a couple of times recently. Oliver and Heidi quite like the place and will run round the drain gratings.

Oliver and Classmates at Pinnacles@Duxton

2011-02-15T14:33:00.006+08:00

CNY Visitation to Oliver's new classmate Calissa's house

CNY Day 2

2011-02-04T13:35:00.000+08:00

At Michelle's place, we didn't take a group photo and the only decent photo was this one. Oliver sure looks like a pop star.

I was busy playing mahjong and made a killing on the table :-)

CNY Day 1

2011-02-03T13:48:00.003+08:00

Reunion

2011-02-01T13:23:00.002+08:00

Reunion dinner with my family at Tampines. Oliver is quite good at using his chopsticks.

The Leak

2011-01-24T16:38:00.004+08:00

Last Friday my water heater storage tank in my toilet decided to give way. Water started to leak and drip down the false ceiling. Frantic calls to a few plumbers were all futile, as they were all too busy to do my business. Didn't know that business is so good that some rejected outright, not even trying to fix a time and date. Maybe it is a hassle to fix water heater, as our neighbour Richard said.

To save my ceiling, we had to climb up a ladder and put a container under the heater. And when the container is full, we have to climb up again, empty the water, and place it back. At first it took 2 hours to fill up the container, now the leak is getting worse and it takes just 1.5 hours before it is full.

So for Saturday and Sunday night, I woke up every 2 hour just to empty the water.

We also couldn't go anywhere far or time-consuming lest the water overflow. Which it did on Saturday morning when we sent them to music class. We also tried another method to drain the water using my hose for washing my car and a cut-up milk bottle as a funnel, but it failed.

Everytime we went out for food, I start to worry.

Coupled with Oliver and Heidi staying too long in the house, they got onto my nerves.

I also didn't go to office today so that I can drain out the water at home. How I wish that the leak could be fix up soon and life can return back to normal.

Enrichment

2011-01-18T10:43:00.006+08:00

Oliver is not exactly the most extrovert or expressive kid around. After Storycove and music class, Oliver has progressed to some theatre thingy that comes after Storycove, and of course he is now in the 2nd term of his music appreciation class. All these to get him more exposed to stuff so that hopefully, he can be well-adjusted and all-rounded, and become a gifted-programme student, then a scholar and eventually make lots of money.

I used to think that the word Enrichment is for kiasu parents and for tuition centres trying to make a quick buck.

But after hearing quite a bit of horror stories from friends about how their children couldn't cope in primary school, and how they load them with tuition teachers and enrichment classes, we are starting to panic. Just starting only.

We also realised that Oliver can't seem to pronounce some words properly. It doesn't really bother us, but we thought we should rectify it soon before it become a problem. For example, he would pronounce "tar" instead or "car". Or "tat" instead of "cat. Or "tite" instead of "kite".

His teacher, and his Storycove teacher, told us that he might not adequately curl his tougue to pronounce some of these words correctly. Actually he can if he try. But unconsciously, or conveniently, he would lapse into babytalk.

Last Monday we tried him out at this phonetic class at Tiong Bahru Plaza. Vivian used to attend the same one, but in another branch in Marine Parade. Unlike the music class, parents are not allowed into the class.

To my surprise, Oliver took on really well to the class! I expect him to cling on to us or cry, and I even preempted the ang mo teacher Jason. But somehow Oliver took on to him, and went into the class with 7 or 8 other new kids without too much of a fuss. Really steady.

So after the trial class, we sign him up and last night was his first session. Again, he went into the class and I could walk out leaving him alone. I think Jason played a part as well. He was quick to address each child as they walked in and talk to them to distract them, that helped.

There was also a trial dancing class called Dance bug yesterday. Eli, Shanice, Vivian, Boon Shuan, and a few others signed up for the trial class. We were there to see how was the class. Oliver seemed to enjoy dancing, and Eli too. If we were to sign him up, Mondays would be a very long and enriching day for him.

Oliver's Story

2011-01-05T17:06:00.003+08:00

Not sure if he picked this up in school, or he has a sense of humour.

Last weekend, in the car on our way to breakfast at Hans, Oliver told Sophia that he will tell her a story. So Sophia said ok, go ahead...

Oliver said: "One day... The End!"

Alfa Romeo

2010-12-30T23:09:00.002+08:00

Didn't really take too many pictures of my bella except for the first few days after collecting it. Partly due to the fact that our camera was really idiot-proof, and also I'm quite lousy at taking photos.

So after getting a new camera, still idiot-proof one by not so idiot, Sophia took these for me outside Papa Palheta.

The famous grille that is the envy of many others.

My dirty stock rims.

Bitten by the serpent and there is no cure.

Candyland Performance at Central

2010-12-29T23:53:00.004+08:00

We chanced upon this Christmas show at Central one weekend after work, while Heidi and Oliver were at my mum's place. It's called Kayla's Adventure in Candyland, very much like Alice, with a Madhatter as well as a Sour Queen.

The production was quite impressive, as it hailed from Australia. As good as the one we saw at Suntec around the same period by ACT 3.

So we decided to bring Heidi and Oliver to see it after their Christmas Party. There wasn't too many seats left, but luckily we managed to find one on the front row and one on the second.

Heidi wasn't too enthusiastic about the larger-than-life characters and the whole show though.

The cast was awesome. The best was the hatter and the sour queen.

Oliver all dressed up for the show.

Christmas Party at Del-Care

2010-12-23T23:46:00.008+08:00

We don't really bothered to dress up Oliver for the Delcare Christmas Party every year. Oliver and Heidi always have lots of hand-me-downs from cousins or friends, or my mum or sis would buy for him, so we don't really spend too much on clothes for them. In fact we hardly buy anything for Heidi at all as she is the recipient of Vera and Vivian nice dresses.

This year, somehow we decided to and we brought him and Heidi to do some Christmas shopping at Vivocity. More in preparation for CNY too.

We went down to the party on 23 Dec afternoon. Some of the kids were all decked up, and lined up at the corridor before being ushered in pairs into the centre which the teachers and staff had decorated. These princes and princesses each wore a crown too.

Heidi was quite unsettled by the loud cheering and party atmosphere, and we tried to avoid her seeing us lest she stick on to Sophia. But after the food was served, she was better and started to tuck in.

Oliver's seat was beside Nate's.

Heidi in her beautiful chiffon dress.

Nate and his mom were invited back for the party. It was like old times and I saw Nate and Oliver chatting and making a fool of themselves :-)

Complexity kicks in

2010-12-10T23:13:00.000+08:00

The cars are no longer in singular line. Oliver parked his cars in a certain pattern which he himself could understand. He sometimes would explain that it was a condition of traffice jam.

At the F1 Race...

2010-12-08T12:13:00.002+08:00

Have wanted to post a lot of pictures taken on my iPhone, but unfortunately I can't download many things like iTunes from my office laptop. I work for the government, which can sometimes be paranoid.

Here's one which I took at the walkabout area during the F1 Qualy. There were 2 vintage Alfa on display along with other classics.

Depressed mode

2010-12-01T22:57:00.005+08:00

I have been feeling quite depressed recently. But I don't really know why, maybe it is the working of hormone and possibly mid-life crisis, considering the fact that I will be 40 years old another three years down the road. Anyway, today I am really depressed, and thought I should share my feelings with my kids and why I was putting on a sulking face all nightlong. Here's how our conversation goes...

"Oliver, I am very sad today."

"why, mommy?"

"because mommy ..., Can you say something to cheer me up?"

"Beetle"

If there is one car which I can get hold of... it will be a old volkswagon Beetle.

3D2N Escape to Bintan Lagoon Resort (27-29 Nov)

2010-11-27T23:54:00.002+08:00

45 minutes ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Bintan

Heidi occupied herself with writing or drawing?

It rained almost everyday, which gave us good reason to take the resort's buggy in getting around the resort.

We love this restaurant, serving up delicious green curry chicken. Heidi ate almost half of it.

Realised that I did not took any photo of the hotel. Only took a picture of the restaurant during sunset.

The beach was so clean.

Heidi... beach, sand and sun.. not exactly appealing. She preferred to just put on sunblock, oh.. for whatever reasons?

Fun in the sun.

Enjoying the sea breeze.

Farewell Kyler

2010-11-25T23:32:00.000+08:00

Taken at ACS Barker Campus Auditorium during their school concert.

Kyler moved on to another childcare centre.
Take care Kyler. I am sure Oliver misses you very much.

4 years old birthday celebration at school

2010-11-22T21:25:00.004+08:00

Generous Boy at Heart

2010-11-21T23:43:00.002+08:00

Sometime ago, I spoke to Guan Lao Shi who is Heidi's teacher at Del-Care. As usual, we would talk about Heidi, but not that very day (probably about an month ago and I thought I should pen it down before I forget about it). She said Oliver did something which she found very touching (gan dong). It happened around evening time when the kids were in the gym room playing toys. One of the toddlers was crying very hard, as the rest of the kids had taken the toys and there were none left. Guan Lao Shi was busy comforting the little girl and said that she would get another one for her. At this point, Oliver ran over and passed her the only train which he was holding, and nothing for himself to play. Lao Shi was touched by Oliver's generous gesture and brought another toy for Oliver to play. Oliver certainly has a big heart.

Two more days to go... Oliver will be 4!

2010-11-20T22:38:00.002+08:00

Sunday - Oliver's Birthday Celebration with Boon Heng's family
Monday - Oliver's Birthday Celebration with school friends
Thursday - Oliver's school concert
Saturday - If the kids are not sick, to Bintan we shall go!

Home with two kids

2010-11-20T21:17:00.004+08:00

It has been for quite a while since I pen my thoughts and day-to-day happenings in the blog. October and November were really lousy months with the four of us falling sick and working life has been equally crazy. Boon Heng and I looked like sticks as we lose about 2-3 kg of weight. After recovering from illness, I fell immediately sick again with persistence coughing for almost a week. I almost decide to go for x-ray scan, as I was worried that it could be a relapse of tuberculosis which I had prior to going Australia for studies. I remember that my dad was then preparing me for the worst - lung cancer (wondering what did the doctor actually told him), and thankfully, a half-year medication did the trick. The sign and symptom back then were indistinct. I just had chicken pox and the only sign was my loss of weight. No coughing and my body felt nothing except for the never-ending sinus which lasted throughout my poly years. Somehow, I felt that sinus affected my school result during those years. Almost every day, In the morning, I sneezed and by mid-day, my eyes were teary and tired. Ok.. now why did I deviated so much from what I have intended to write. Signs of aging or loneliness with no companion for the past six days?

Boon Heng, away again. This time round, it was not for national service. He went on a working trip to Hong Kong. Truly envy him for such opportunity to get away for a while, from the kids and I. When will I have such opportunity? Everyone need a break right?

Strangely, Oliver and Heidi would always behave better with one parent around, especially Oliver. I think Boon Heng most probably agree with me. Before Boon Heng went on trip, I prepared Oliver and Heidi that they needed to wake up in the morning and walk to school. Amazingly, the kids never give me any trouble when I got them ready in the morning. Another more peculiar thing which happened was that Heidi actually allowed Oliver to push her stroller, and insisted the next few days to have Oliver be her 'driver'. Heidi had never allowed anyone except me to push her stroller.

Initially, I wanted to bring kids from school after work. But changed my mind to have transportation to fetch the kids home in case it rained. These days, the weather were simply erratic. On the first day of taking school bus, Oliver and Heidi had differing experience. Heidi was scared and cried. Oliver loved his ride.

It was a mad rush for me to reach home by 7 pm. I had planned to leave office on the dot at 6 pm, but there would always be some delay. Everyday, I just gobbled up my dinner, bread and instant noodles. Think my body would soon give way. Back home, the kids were great. Oliver's first stop would be to the toilet followed by shower. Heidi, as usual, would be somewhere near. These few nights, she would brush her teeth and wait for her turn to shower. Oliver would dress himself up after I towel dry him. After showering Heidi, Oliver would be expecting his supper - apple. Believe or not, he actually ate two apples, had stars cereal and a bottle of milk just before he slept. And some nights, two bottles of milk. I wonder what dinner he ate in the school.

The books from library were helpful. On Monday night, I told the story of "Snow White and Seven Dwarfs". Heidi was scared when I spoke of the evil queen; Tuesday, I picked "The Christmas Magic" by Lauren Thompson and was beautifully illustrated by Jon J Muth, which almost had me spellbound - a tale about Santa Claus getting ready for his sleigh ride; Wednesday, Oliver had his piano practice while Heidi and I danced along with the playing of each note. (It was funny to watch Oliver as he pretended that he was playing like a pianist); Thursday, we did nothing much with me watching TV and the kids playing on their own; Friday, I decided that we should have an early night as Saturday would be another long day. Read three books actually - "The Christmas Magic"again because I really love it, "The Bear in the Cave" which was quite disappointing as it was the same author who wrote "We are going on a bear hunt". I enjoyed reading "This is my book" by Mick Inkpen - a character, the snapdragon whizzzes around the book and gobbling up the dots from 'i' and other letter as well.

This week past really fast, and thanks for that. It was almost like a week of catching up with my family. We had lunch with my brother and the women in his life on Wednesday, Hari Raya Public Holiday, and had lunch with my dad on Saturday. Tomorrow, Boon Heng would return to Singapore, and I am happy!

Storycove

2010-11-19T23:37:00.001+08:00

Welcome to Week 1 of Storycove!
We start the class with some simple introductions and of course, ground rules!

We start off with a sit down warm up. B says this is to test our listening skills and group work. See how we listen to B while she delivers her instructions through the chants and movements.

The driver is informing us of the rules and regulations in the train that we must observe during the journey. She asks for our tickets before we board the train.
After securing our seats, it is time to move! The train moves slowly at first but it picks up speed after a while. What a fun ride!

It's story time!
We finally find the tree. We make ourselves comfortable and B starts by asking us to cover our eyes. She surprises us with a special book. This book is about a bird friend named Penguin Pete.

Before our tongue twisters, B says we have to exercise our facial muscles and articulators to help us with our enunciation.

Tongue Twister

Lets say: PENGUIN PETE

Edison Birthday at Del-Care

2010-11-09T00:40:00.003+08:00

Oliver wrote his name!

2010-11-03T23:17:00.000+08:00

A bad week

2010-10-15T10:29:00.002+08:00

It started on Monday when the school called up and said that Oliver had fever.

On Wednesday I got the virus as well, headache, dizzy, fever, lost of appetite. Still like that today and the medicine I took doesn't really help.

Then it was Sophia's turn on Thursday, almost the same symptoms as me.

And Oliver seemed to relapse with fever and diarrhoea yesterday after being fit enough to go to school on Thursday.

Heidi is the last one standing.

Formula One Racing 2010

2010-09-26T20:43:00.005+08:00

Heidi looking more excited than me. Actually I was quite excited too, free tixs from my company, so managed to get all 4 of us to our first F1 race.

Some vintage cars at the Zone 4 walkabout. There were also 2 Alfas on display.

A fringe performance at the Padang. The weather was thankfully good for the 3 days of F1, and it poured the day after. The organiser must really have good karma.

Earplug was absolutely necessary. Luckily we bought them at the entrance. After a few rounds, even we couldn't take the noise and had to stuck tissue papers into our ears.

The F1 cars were so fast even though they had just turned a bend. Our camera couldn't match up. We left halfway through the race, as Oliver and Heidi have had enough and were willing to go.

maiden haircut

2010-09-26T19:57:00.000+08:00

Mid Autumn Festival at Chinatown

2010-09-13T09:09:00.002+08:00

To the Zoo

2010-09-10T23:51:00.002+08:00

It has been quite a while since we last visited the zoo. We decided to go again last Friday, a public holiday (Hari Raya). It was the first time we visited the zoo during a public holiday, and the zoo was swarmed with people. The weather was quite cooling as there was a heavy downpour just before we reached the zoo.

Standing next to Oliver is Raidon Ma, my poly friend Caroline's elder son. Both are borned in the year of Dog. Oliver in November and Raidon in December. Adeline, another poly friend said that Raidon looks like eurasian and Oliver like Japanese. Not sure she meant the look, but I certainly agree with the height. I think Oliver will never match up to Raidon in term of height. Already, Raidon is a head taller. Oh man, what kind of food did Raidon's parents give him? They are making him growing so fast and tall. Perhap, it is more like Oliver's fuzzy eating habit of just eating white rice, white bread with nothing on it and CORNS! Oliver is crazy with corns, he can eat two whole corn by himself. I seriously think his past life must be a rooster. I mean look at his head with thick mane of hair. Don't I make sense. A mother's instinct is always right. Ok, if he is not a rooster, then he had to be a dog. His sense of smell is extremely sharp. Once I bought a loaf of bread and the moment I got back into the car with Oliver waiting. He said he smell bread. When Heidi poo, he could also sense it from afar. Sometime, he would sniff his food before he decides whether to give it a try. What a cute Japanese puppy I have.

Raidon was quite good with horse riding. Oliver had a bit of difficulty playing it, but he sure learned fast. The boys collided but surprisely, they were laughing over it. I was expecting them to make noise or scream at each other.

Although both of them wanted to sit in front, Oliver seemed to oblige with Raidon siting in front. Showing the big brother's spirit to Raidon, after two years' of hard training by Heidi.

Just realise that I did not take any shot of Xavion, the charming brother of Raidon. What a waste! He is really adorable and charming, especially when he looks at you as if you are the only person in the world. Blame it on my ever forgetful brain...

Boys being boys. Both are crazy about this truck at the zoo.

We reached the zoo at around 11 am and left around 5pm. An exhausted Heidi slept during the tram ride, while Oliver endured right till the end and dozed off almost immediately on our journey back home. To the zoo, we shall come again!

Cars craze

2010-09-07T11:05:00.007+08:00

Oliver is cars crazy, and I guess probably quite a few of his schoolmates as well, especially the boys.

Oliver can play his cars for hours (ok, mebbe not hours, but very very long), just by arranging and parking them in a straight line or any other formation is a joy to watch, especially for a father like me who is also a perfectionist when it comes to arrangement. And when Heidi or us accidentally put one out of position, he would obviously not be very happy.

His favourite show is still Cars, although we try to only play it sparingly so that he won't get too addicted to it, and he always says he wants to drive a lambo next time. He can also recognise the brand of cars when we are on the road, besides the old Vios, my sister's Mazda, Jiajun's Altis, Mummy's beetle, etc. Just this morning he said "Japan car" when he saw an Axio across the road, referring to the rental car we had in Japan. And this few days he could correctly identify and pronounce Mitsubishi.

Adding on to the list of cars... Oliver also recognised Audi and BMW. = )

2nd Lesson

2010-07-27T15:51:00.003+08:00

A hiatus of 2 weeks and me and Oliver were back at the music course for beginners last Saturday. This was actually the 1st lesson proper, the one 2 weekends ago was a briefing and orientation.

We were late and Oliver resisted entering the classroom even though I was carrying him. He was his usual self, clinging to me and not too participative. However, when it came to playing with the little instruments like handbells, castanets and shakers, he was ok and could identify almost all of them when teacher Elaine asked the kids to pick it up. It was followed by singing and appreciation of the high notes, where the kids had to flap their arms like a bird whenever the teacher played the high keys. When Elaine asked if anyone knew how to sing "The farmer in the Dell", Oliver sang out the few lines.

Then it was "keyboard time"! A 10-minute session where the kids sat with their parent at the keyboard, and this was the time when they were most excitable.

Elaine did something different from the previous session, and perhaps it was to stop this other kid from irritating the hell out of everyone as he was whining and banging on the keyboards. Elaine first got him out to the piano, made him bow to the audience, and allow him to tap on the high keys. Next was this girl who did the same thing.

After that she asked if there was any volunteer. To my surprise, Oliver put up his right hand. He gamely walked out from his keyboard seat on his own, and took his bow at the piano (like a planist in a concert), and played on the piano. Although it was just a couple of notes, I could already imagine him to be performing at Carnegie Hall, or maybe Victoria Concert Hall... or maybe Esplanade.

Shoes

2010-07-27T15:47:00.003+08:00

Nowadays when Oliver is angry or throwing a tantrum, he would remove his shoes and socks in protest, just to let us know he's not happy or he wants our attention.

Very irritating when I need to wear them back again... but at the same time very funny too. That's how he expresses his anger.

First Music Lesson at Mac's Music School

2010-07-13T23:04:00.002+08:00

My first attempt to enhance Oliver's musical ability was almost half a year ago, when we went to the Music for Young Children at newton. The teacher was reluctant to accept Oliver as she found Oliver not ready for her lessons. With my failed attempt to register Oliver, I decided to enrol into the same music school as Oliver's weekend buddy, Jiajun at Mandeville Music School in United Square. It was again another failed attempt, as the school released the slot to another student as I was unable t o make a deposit due to my extremely busy work schedule just before we left for Hokkaido. Even when I appeal and almost begged for a place, the school could not allocate a place for Oliver. Desperate, I decided to surf the website and found another possible option - Mac'sMusic School at Forum Galleria.

Not wasting anymore time, I emailed the school asking for the next available course. Perhap it was all fated. The school was starting the course just the coming saturday which I sent the email. I was also quite happy that Oliver could sit in the lesson to find out if he is ready before registering him. Mac, who founded the school, is probably a very flexible person. He also allowed us to observe the violin course which he taught himself.

Saturday came. I enjoyed my Saturday moment with Oliver. Just the two of us taking the train from Tanjong Pagar to Orchard station, followed by a breakfast stop at Dunkin Donut. We then strolled to Forum Galleria and reached them 20 minute earlier. Oliver, like us, is extremely introvert. I thought it would be good if we reach them early, so that Oliver could take in the sight and sound, the new environment and the people running the school.

At 11am, Teacher Elaine started her briefing to a class of five children accompanied by their parent. These kids are all borned in year 2007, while Oliver is the only kid from year 2006. I wonder if I might have started Oliver too late. Indeed, Oliver was very shy as compared to 07 kids and was always hiding behind our back away from the rest. Boon Heng arrived in time from his work to accompany us. I was quite worried about the reaction of the teacher and the parents who sat in; whether they find Oliver hindering the progress of the class in any way. The only positive moment was when he had a chance to play the keyboard. He was full of confidence when he 'played' the key and responded to the teacher. You can say that Boon Heng and I were so elated and relieved that all was not lost and there was still hope.

After class, Elaine shared that she also had students who did not participate during class for almost two terms and she would not force them to participate. These students picked up the skills quietly and learned better when left alone. It was comfort to hear this from Elaine.

Hesitate no more, I sign up Oliver and look forward to our first lesson.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 10

2010-05-28T15:48:00.001+08:00

Our 10th day in Hokkaido and our last day of the trip. Took these pictures in the car to mark our final journey from Sapporo Grand Hotel to Chitose Airport. It would be a direct 7 hours flight to Singapore..

This was the GBS which we relied on for the past 10 days. It took us almost the third and fourth day to realise that the CD player was actually hidden behind it.

The only thing which Boon Heng missed from Singapore was his Alfa Romeo.

At Chitose Airport, waiting for our flight which was delayed by one hour.

Chitose Airport are very kid friendly, and they are ever ready to offer us the baby stroller.

This playroom at the foodcourt area kept our kids busy while we enjoyed our last bowl of Ramen at the airport. Goodbye wet Hokkaido

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 9

2010-05-27T15:40:00.003+08:00

SAPPORO

The Ishiya Chocolate Factory - home of Shiroi Koibito "white chocolate" eclairs is more than a factory, it was almost like a play land.

Oliver and Heidi spent most of their time outdoor, playing with these tiny houses with tiny furnitures of just the right size for them.

If only the "white chocolate" chocolate eclairs is this big...

Housed at the upper floor was this quaint looking cafe with irresitable looking cakes. We just have to stop everything which we were doing and rot right there - and doing nothing except eating cakes and sipping hot chocolate. Boon Heng and I could have stayed for hours there, if not for Oliver and Heidi running around the cafe, reminding us that they needed to be entertained by other amusement.

The cafe overlooked this tiny town which was so charming.

After spending almost half a day at the Chocolate factory, we drove to Otaru. This is the famous canal that all visitor to Otaru must go. In the evening, the canal is dimly lit with the street lamps lined along the canal making one feel sentiment.

This shot of Oliver holding Heidi's hand reminded me of some korean drama with story centralising childhood lovers.

Heidi insisted on carrying the bag, and with her dressing, looked like a country girl visting the downtown city.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 8

2010-05-26T23:46:00.004+08:00

TOKACHIGAWA TO SAPPORO

Departing Tokachigawa, our first stop was Sahoro Bear Mountain which was around an hour drive away. The residential bear - Brown Bear is the largest terrestrial mammal living in Hokkaido. Over the years, bear population has decimated drastically leading to the opening of Sahoro Bear Mountain. At the Sahoro, a vast land area was devoted to the bears making it possible for researcher to study bear to be carried out in their natural habitat. In the process, these researchers could recommend measures to lessen the human-bear conflicts.

Our close encounter with the bears.

Next, we set off to Furano Jam Garden and Anpan Man.

We took this shot at Anpan Man, which Oliver was stucked with the digger for almost an hour - love at the first sight. Boon Heng was very tempted to buy the digger back, but it was way too costly. So Oliver, this photograph is specially taken for your keepsake.

While the kids hang around at Anpan Man Shop, I made my way to the Furano Jam Garden. It had the most exciting range fo jam from raspberry, carrot to sweetbriar and hascup berry. All handmade and additive-free! I tried almost all samples and yummy, why we can't have such concept shop in Singapore. Wholesome jams.

Sometimes, I wonder if I am becoming more auntie. Oliver, did what a kid do, hang out at the toy shop, and I did what an aunte do, hang out at the Jam shop? The shop mascot who resembled a Japanese elderly lady seemed to saying "all mothers and aunties, come into my shop. You shall be trapped here."

It was almost 2pm, and we seriously needed to fill our stomach. Lunch stop would be at Rokugo no Mori.

Set in amongst the beautiful Rokuogo forest are two buildings which were used during the filming of the long running drama - From the Northern Country. The name of the drama sounded familiar, but I took no notice of it. We had lunch and bought a piece of scenery poster at the little restaurant there.

It was popular for its soup curry cooked with the ingredients wholly from Furano. After lunch, the kids wandered about the forest, and I could not believe what I had found, something which I had been trying to find for many years. When I was young and at school going age, I fell in love with Hokkaido, its beautiful snow mountain, the lonely and brave fox which out of curiousity catching a glimpse of human on the snow field, and a family of father and two children living in a cosy hut up on the mountain. These were the scenes of the Northern Country, which actually had their filming done at this very spot where I was , Rokugo Forest. This was such an amazing experience. I had been trying to search for its soundtrack which lingered in my mind for years. I had known the drama by the chinese title, and did not know the English title of the drama being the Northern Country. This got me really excited, as I asked Boon Heng to check with the restaurant whether they sold the sound track. Yes, they do! I could not believe it. Gosh... almost like a dream coming true.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 7 (Part 2)

2010-05-25T23:41:00.001+08:00

Yummy, right after our Butadon lunch, we had ice-cream at this little ice-cream house, which is very popular among the ladies and students. I did not see any, except our tour group members.

Oliver and Heidi learnt to share ice-cream with each other, and we are quite proud that Oliver is a very good brother, even when it comes to sharing his favourite ice-cream. I remember Jeanette shared with me, at one occassion which I was too sick to fetch the kids back from school and Boon Heng needed to work, Oliver, she said, ensured Heidi walked safely into the lift and used his body to block the door from closing when Heidi stepped out of the lift. He also held onto Heidi's hand until they reached the school bus. I feel like so proud after hearing it.

One of the best shots on Oliver's greedy look taken by Boon Heng during .

Next, we headed out to another confectionery shop - Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden. We were expecting more from this factory, but not quite cosy compared to the cake shop in Furano. We thought of getting the pastry here, but the expiral date of most cakes fall exactly on the date we returned Singapore. Still, we searched through the shop and found a few items that could last long enough to give to friends.

We stayed at Tokachigawa Daiichi Hotel.

Our room had a stunning view of the bridge crossing over Tokachi River at night.

We did not have the opportunity to take the view of the bridge. I found this photograph from the Internet. Notice the beautiful lit bridge, it is simply breathtaking.

mmm. This was Oliver's dinner. Not too appealing to a four-year old boy.

Although the food served at this hotel was relatively not as good, it was still not as stressful when it was served on a tall table.

We left the dining hall after the disappointing dinner. Not expecting our guide to call us saying that we did not complete full course. Hence, they bought in this huge ice-cream to our room which excite not just the kids, we tucked in happily too.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 7 (Part1)

2010-05-25T23:41:00.000+08:00

AKAN TO TOKACHIGAWA
From Akan Yukunosato Tsuruga Hotel, we moved on to Tokachigawa stopping at a number of interesting places.

The first stop is Michinoeki Ashoro road station, which produce five kinds of cheeses and use main and sub raw materials from the best of Ashoro. "Gouda" with light taste and "Camembert" with exquisite softness. Blue Camembert Cheese is a popular item and Boon Heng's favourite, but sold out. We also bought the camembert cheese curry for cooking back in Singapore.

Just when we were about to leave the road station, a truck loaded full with cows come our way. Oliver kept laughing when we told him that moo moo cow needed to go poo poo at the road station too.

The Wine Castle was the next destination. By the time we reached, Oliver and Heidi fell asleep. It was drizzling and we took turns to pop into the 'castle'. Not a wine, but a juice person, I bought a bottle of grape juice. Drank back in Singapore, very sweet and my kind of 'wine'.

Lunch stop is at Obihiro at Tokachigawa Butadon (Restaurant Ippin). Obihiro is the birthplace of the delicacy butadon (pork on rice). The pork is specially grilled and popular with the locals there.

Oliver was bored with the waiting and was pouring water from cup to cup.

Finally... the irresistable butadon!

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Six

2010-05-24T23:05:00.003+08:00

AKAN / TESHIKAGA

Breakfast at Akan Yukunosato Tsuruga

This tofu was very fresh. To eat the tofu, we had to peel off the plastic wrap by placing the tofu into this round secured bowl. We then poked it with a toothpick breaking the wrap with the tofu inside the bowl. What an innovative way to eat!
The Washo Ichiba seafood market is famous for its unique way of eating katte don. First, we purchased a bowl of fresh rice and then roamed around the market choosing slices of fresh seafood from the various vendors who would put these seafood on top of our rice, creating our own donburi.

It was always fun to share ice cream with our kids, and we could not help ourselves to another one when we spotted this interesting looking house on our way to the seafood market, and decided to check it out on our way back to hotel. Beside the ice cream, we also bought a bottle of fresh milk (like the glass bottle - now on display in my kitchen at home).

A popular shop for the local too.

Our dinner at Akan.. Yummy.

This is not the real thing - Marimo, but the jelly which resembled it. Marimo, a unique living creature is considered as Lake Akan's jewel In 1921 marimo were designated as a Japanese National Treasure. Lake Akan has become the only lake in the world today where large round marimo can still be observed. And guess what, I ate two boxes of these treasures.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Five (Part 2)

2010-05-23T23:08:00.001+08:00

Once again, it was a pity that we stayed only one night at Shiretoko. This national park deserved more than just an overnight stay. As we travelled down southwest to Akan, we hit some mountainous roads, feel almost like we were in winter minus the freezing cold weather.

I couldn't take a picture of quaint looking Jun no Bany (local family restaurant) as it was raining outside. Serving only the freshest seafood, the owner is a local fisherman and their menus were usually "The catches of the day". The foods were i-chiban, but perhap the owner should do something about the piece of song which they kept playing at an unnecessary high volume.

Here's the inside of the restaurant. Full of characters.

Sadly and not knowing why, I did not take a lot of pictures here at the Notsuke peninsula. Must be the cold air or the morning cruise ride which made me sleepy. The Notsuke peninsula shaped like that of a shrimp's bent back. It was made up of fields and marshes and at 28 km in length, it is Japan's largest branching sandbank. In summer, many varieties of flowers would bloom, but we did not see any in spring. As we drove along the peninsula, the place looked quite deserted. Houses and boats were abandoned, obviously for years. It could have been a small fishing village years ago.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Five (Part One)

2010-05-23T18:07:00.000+08:00

UTORO TO AKAN

At our last trip to Hokkaido, we missed the Shiretoko cruise due to the bad weather. This time, we tried our luck again and were greeted with a sunny day.

The cruise was around 1 hr and a half.

Managed to spot the bears? In this picture, there were two actively foraging for food ahead of their winter hibernation. We spotted four bears,which accordingly to the guide, it was rare to have two families of bears so close to each other. Shiretoko Peninsula is home to around 600 brown bears, one of the largest communities in Japan.

Shiretoko National Park (386 sq km) features a peninsula with a range of volcanic peaks leading out to the rugged cliffs around Cape Shiretoko-misaki. It has seen little development and remains one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Japan.

Almost half a day gone when we ended our cruise journey on board Fox-2. Leaving our hotel, we made our way to find the Minshu which we stayed before. It was quite easy to find it,as it was located just opposite the bus terminal.

Minshuku Taiyo, which opened it door in 1981 was closed when we visited it. The owner was an old lady and cooked authentic Japanese dinner. I can remember the wide window overlooking the road from the room which we stayed. I hope it is not closed for good.

Heading towards the Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko), we found this deer along the road. A few of us alighted from our car and busy taking pictures of it, I was expecting the deer to be disturbed by our presence, but hardly, it just kept sniffing the ground, possibly for food.

I love trekking and I wonder how many more years I have to waited before Oliver and Heidi could walk with us. One trip that I remember very vividly was the Wilson Prom , Australia. Both of us were inexperienced, and pretty unprepared for it. We just carried our backpack, camp overnight and walked for days, over cliffs, crossing river. The place was beautiful - low vegetation, highland, white sandy beach, waterfall. Okay.. let come back. Why I am saying all these is because I wish I could take the full trail which would last two hours. But dream on..

Over here, wooden trails like those in the photo lead around the pictureque lakes. Oliver imagined himself walking on the train track.

There were wild flowers like this every where around the lake. Waterlilies?

I wonder who named the lakes. The lakes are actually named "The First Lake", "The Second Lake", and so on for the rest of the three lakes.

Heidi fell asleep after her first ride on the cruise boat. So lucky Oliver now had our full attention.

Took this picture so I could remember the size of these giantic water plants.

Caught another deer glazing away.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Four (Part 2)

2010-05-22T15:16:00.002+08:00

ABASHIRI TO UTORO

Near Mt Iou (volcano), we headed to a shop nearby. We bought a small slice of melon (cost around $4) to try. It was extremely sweet, but definitely not worth the price.

Another ice-cream stop Kuriimu which always managed to perk up our kids' mood. This photo was taken by one of our fly/drive couple. He initiated to take the family photo for us. How nice. We were in fact quite lucky to find friendly Singaporeans who were always saying that we were brave to bring two kids out, and gave good excuse for us saying that our kids were crying because they were tired.

Shiretoko Grand Hotel "Kita Kobushi"
Sunset at Utoro. Utoro is the largest and only sizable town along the western coast of Shiretoko Peninsula.

It is always a wonder how Japanese can dish out such tasty food and arrange them like a piece of art on your table.

Almost halfway through eating the crab, that I realised that I should take a picture of it .

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Four (Part 1)

2010-05-22T12:01:00.004+08:00

NonkyLand (Shibazakura Park) is another moss pink park which is larger (80,000 m2) than the one we went earlier. I prefer the latter as this park is more commercialised. You can find shops selling Japanese products and hot spring facility, fishing pond, stage, couse for go-kart, budgy which brought the visitors around the park, even helicopter to see the aerial view of the park.

Oliver was quick to try out the go-kart at the park.

At Bihoro Pass, we stopped at another roadside station with fantastic view of Lake Kussharo.

This roadside station is also popular for its delectable fried potato balls - ageimo.

Oliver loved the potato ball which made me happy, but we realised he only ate the crust and left us to finish the potato.

Boon Heng took this picture at Lake Kussharo while Heidi was sleeping in the car, with me by her side.

The swan was iconic with Lake Kussharo. Oliver soaked his smelly feet at the sand-bath here.

We retraced our footsteps six year ago when we visited Lake Kussharo, and found the Ryokan which we had stayed. It looked more run down than we could remember. Took a picture of the place which bring back many fond memories.

Moving on, we headed towards the volcano.

Strong sulphur which had Oliver covering his nose.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Three (Part 3)

2010-05-21T21:56:00.000+08:00

The third hotel Hokuten no Oka is probably the most interesting one we had stayed. The hotel concept is similar to those boutique or Gallery Hotel in Singapore. There are sculptures at each corner of the hotel. Even the dining experience was fun (challenging).

This picture tells all. Not quite, this is just the first course. There were the main and dessert too. But this very night, I had my most stressful dining experience.

Oliver and his 'Japan hour'. Very challenging as the table was lightweight. Any slight movement, it would move. I was very stressed by the two kids running around and about in the dining hall. With the low table and the food laid out while awaiting the other diners, I couldn't eat and enjoy my dinner at all. My eyes would follow every single movement of Oliver and Heidi, afraid that they would knock down other diner's meal. When Heidi finally fell down and knocked one of the tables (thankfully not the food), my heart almost stopped, and I decided to bring the kids away.

Asking Boon Heng to continue eating his dinner, I wanted to bring the kids back to our room, but found the perfect place to wait for Boon Heng. Next to the dining hall was this lounge area which intrigued me. Rarely in Hokkaido or hotel in countries which we stayed (other than youth hostel), the hotel management invested a lounge area for its guests to mingle without the need to get a drink. This hotel not only allocated a space, it had interesting chairs of different shapes and sizes for us to try out. I especially like the sound system which enhanced the mood of the place.
Look at this incredibly handsome looking speakers. I wondered how much this set of McIntosh sound system cost. I may not have the best pair of ears, but the sound generated was unimagineable heavenly.

Notice the bell like looking structure in the middle of the room, it is a fireplace. This place must be romantic during the winter.

This is an outdoor hot bath for tired feets. No chance to use it as it opened during the night time only. sob...

Least of what we expected, a spacious room with many doors. Before coming to Hokkaido, I were expecting the four of us to squeeze into two small beds in a small hotel room. Oliver amused himself opening and closing the doors most of the time when we were back in our room. Heidi looking up and down seeking for "treasures" which I tried to hide away from her.

Missed his cars at home badly, Oliver parked our shoes into the lot neatly. Truly a genetic disorder which he has inherited from Boon Heng.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Three (Part 2)

2010-05-21T11:26:00.000+08:00

There are many roadside stations along the highway in Hokkaido. Some of these roadside stations offered local delicacies, just like this one at Lake Saroma, which is located on Route 238. Oliver and Heidi were both sleeping in the car (again) when Boon Heng went to get the BBQ scallops which the roadside station is famous for.

Fresh and succulent broiled scallops.

Despite the heavy fog, we drove up Northeast to Cape Notoro, eager to catch the magnificient sight of Sea of Okhotsk. "Sea of Okhotsk" sounds pretty exotic and romantic, right? Probably worth the drive. Hoping that the fog would clear by the time we reached the cape. Our wishes did not come true.

Despite the heavy fog, we drove up Northeast to Cape Notoro, eager to catch the magnificient sight of Sea of Okhotsk. Hoping that the fog would clear by the time we reached the cape. Our wishes did not come true.

I took this picture inside the car with Crazy Boon Heng outside braving the cold weather. Not sure why he choose to stay outside when the inside of the car was warm and cozy. Heaven took no pity on this crazy man choosing to suffer out in the cold, the fog did not cleared out after almost 30 minutes of waiting.

Maybe I should study harder and take higher learning in Geography. I have always been amazed by the working of nature. As we drove further away from Cape Notoro. The fog got thinner and by the time we reached this little seaport town, we could finally see the Sea. Our dear Heidi woke up just in time to share this moment.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Three (Part 1)

2010-05-21T10:32:00.000+08:00

SOUNKYO TO ABASHIRI

Hotel Taisetsu at Sounkyo. The hotel has three type of hot spings. The Onsen at 7th floor overlooks the Sounkyo Gorge, and such a splendid sight.

Almost all ice-cream parlours in Hokkaido have this huge ice-cream to attract the greedy folks with sweet tooth.

Along our journey on the high ground, snow still covered these beautiful rolling hills.

Moss Pink Season atTakinoue Park.

Simply breathtaking with Daisetsuzan in view during the only Sunny day we had in Hokkaido.

Heidi stretched her hands, wanting to be carried.. not again.

At the Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, the sky was starting to turn grey.

Oliver is quite a corny person.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day Two

2010-05-20T23:06:00.004+08:00

The first hotel which we stayed - Hotel Mount Racey

Spring in Hokkaido

Rainy Season at Hokkaido. Pathway to Sandantaki Falls.

What a pity that Oliver and Heidi slept when we visited the Deli. Boon Heng and I had to make separate trip to the Deli as both kids slept in the car. Bought the cheese and chestnut and ended up eating the chestnut cake in the car.

Early Spring in Hokkaido is definitely not the best season to go. Almost everyday, it rained. If we had never been to Hokkaido during summer where flowers were full bloom, we could better appreciate the scenic flower park. Only a few flower batch were at its full bloom.

Lavendar season fall between July and September.

Still, flowers cheered us up.

What more could we ask for, Lavendar Ice-cream and ...

Japanese curry rice. Even this simple plate of curry rice is an artisitic piece of work. The restaurant owner proudly explained to us that the rectangle plate represents the four paradigm, with the rice being the sky and the vegetable growing from the soil (black curry).

Quite surprise that we were the only customer when we were there. The restaurant owner shared with us celebrites from Hong Kong, Singapore visited his restaurant, including RuiEn.

At Hotel Taisetsu, Oliver was overwhelmed when the server placed the tray in front of him.
Caught him giving the crooked smile.

Futon bed, how I loved sleeping on them. No worries about kids falling off the bed.

Follow Me Hokkaido - Day One

2010-05-19T12:04:00.001+08:00

Maiden trip for Oliver and Heidi

At Narita Airport after a tiring night flight. My arm's muscle was aching all over after carrying Heidi all night long as the air steward recommended us not to use the bassinet - "her legs will be sticking out".

Right after we touched down Chitose Airport, a bus took us the the car rental place to pick up our rented Toyota Corolla Axio. We were taught how to use the GPS and after a round of test drive, out we went. Hokkaido, we have returned.

The reliable GPS with Japanese text. Annoucement in English and good enough for our navigation for the 10 days stay here.

The Cherry Blossom season was over,but we could still see them around the island - according to Yuki, our Japanese guide from Singapore. True enough.

The first place we visited. A restaurant famous for its beef.

Not a good choice, as we spent half of our time 'educating' Oliver and Heidi on the hot plate.

After late lunch, we drove ___ km straight to hotel for a night of good rest.

It was melon season in Hokkaido.

Delcare at Marina Barrage

2010-05-14T11:32:00.002+08:00

Oliver with his classmates at Marina Barrage.

7 May Kangaroo Newsletter

2010-05-13T09:23:00.001+08:00

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

How was your week? Mine was fantastic and I hope yours was as good, or better! Now, let me tell you about the great time I had in school!

The theme for the month of May and June is "Native animals around the world". In May, we embark on a journey to the farm! When you go to the library, borrow books on farm animals so I can share them with my friends please.

This week was all about goats and horses. For the latter, we learnt their eyes grow at the sides of their face and they have sharp ears and the young of a horse is called a foal. For goats, female goats are called doe and male goats are called Billy goats while the babies are called kids. I bet you didn’t know that before!

In conjunction with learning about horses and goats, we had a poll as to the types of milk we liked. The candidates were soya milk, cow's milk and goat's milk. Guess what? Majority of us prefer goat's milk! By the way, thank you for making a pony's tail for me. Although there was confusion at first, thank you for your efforts Mummy and Daddy!

We played this game where we were blindfolded while trying to pin the pony's tail unto a cut-out of the animal. It is not easy but with the help of my friends, the tails managed to go on where they were supposed to!

Math saw us attempting sizes where we had big, medium and small. We played a sorting-by-size game and a listening game where we had to pull out or hide the specific size. We even arranged them accordingly, from small to big and vice=versa. There was much laughter in completing the activities and, you guessed it, we are good with the concept of size.

Phonics this week had us on letter "o" where we were introduced to Oscar Orange. We were fast in recognising this letter and how we should write it because it looks exactly like a circle. With that, we made words like "orange", "otter", "octopus" and "Ostrich". Do you know which of my friend’s name starts with "o"? That's right! It's Oliver!

Speaking of friends, we had 2 activities that were a blast.

First up was Hort Park. We brought our stuffed toy animal along and upon reaching the venue, we found a comfortable spot to talk about our animals. We even had a mini picnic with yummy animal biscuits! Next was Branden's birthday on the 7th of May. His Mummy and Daddy were good sports to engage a magician to entertain us on his special day. Thank you, Branden's Mummy and Daddy for the cake, goody bags , yummy cupcakes and a very entertaining magician!

That about sums up the wonderful times we have had in school. Be sure to catch us in our next letter!

Lots of love, Caring Kangaroo