Finally Bangkok Day 1: Arrival and Ice Time

The main motive is to let Lil Shauna competes in Skate Bangkok. Bcos leave is always so very precious, we opted only for half day leave. It was a super mad rush in the office for the 1st half of the day. Can die. I almost thought that I would be stuck but managed to lug my butt out at 12.30pm. This leaves us ample time to have lunch, throw in last minute stuff into the bags and head to the airport.

We took Tiger Air this time bcos air tickets were expensive when we finally decided to book a few weeks back. After the recent business class flight, I was shocked to see how narrow the seats are and the pathetic leg space. I atas already. Lol. I sat with the kids while Daddy Lim was on the other side of the aisle. When I looked over to Daddy Lim, he was a big man in a tiny seat and was very uncomfortable. Fortunately, it was only a 2 hrs flight.

It was a budgeted flight and there was no entertainment. I came prepared with books and downloaded a lot of games into the ipad. There wasn't much need to think so hard bcos all thanks to Popo, the kids soaked in the pool for 2 hours in the morning and Zaky was dead tired. He napped for a good hour. Lil Shauna is always good with self-entertaining.

Zaky woke up right when the plane touched down on the runway. We arrived at 5.30pm but only made it out of the airport 45 mins later. We took a cab and went direct to the Mega Mall, where the rink is. Lil Shauna had a 45 mins ice session at 7.45pm; the parents shared to book the entire rink for the kids. We didn't had time for dinner and was glad that the kids munched on biscuits on the way.

The rink was much smaller than the one back home, probably about 2/3 the size. At the dot, Lil Shauna started warming up with the other kids. Teacher Raymond had 7 kids including Lil Shauna competing this time. I don't know if she is the oldest but she looked the biggest. She is also the most advanced as compared to the other kids.

After the 5 mins warmup, the kids lined up to do their program with the music. Bcos it is a new rink, all the kids appeared to be going to the wrong direction, including Lil Shauna. The ice was also much worse than JCube's. They each had 3 tries with music, then rushed to practice their solo compulsory and then were chased out of the rink.

Lil Shauna was still confused about the direction. For each of the 3x, she had to make adjustments so as to skate the entire rink.  She tried very hard and practice very hard too when she was waiting for her turn. She looked at the verge of tears when Teacher Raymond corrected her on her 3rd and last trial; there wasn't anymore chance to practice and I bet she didn't feel confident.

At the end of the session, Teacher Raymond told her to start more towards the center so that she can used up more of the rink. He also tried to correct her about which direction to go, only to get a very confused looking Lil Shauna. His parting words: on the actual day, just open your eyes and go wherever there is space. I like that. Lol. Afterall, nobody can help her when she is finally alone on the ice. She will have to improvise and do her best.

We went for a late dinner at the foodcourt right next to the rink and then shopping at the big supermarket before heading to the hotel. I saw these sweets and just had to buy them. In Singapore, a tab of 10 of these cost $1.60 and one of these huge bags is only THB 49, which is like $2.00!!!!!!

We only checked in at 10.30pm Thai time (1 hour behind Singapore). I was freaking tired. The hotel is actually a service apartment 10 mins from the Mega Mall. We booked a 2 bedroom suite in Oakwood, Garden Towers. The cost wasn't too much different from a normal hotel room. The kids went ooooo and wow the moment we stepped in. It had a living room.

A kitchen complete with stove and dishwasher. It is a pity that we are not cooking.

Two big bedrooms and even a washing machine.

Lil Shauna said that she wanted to stay in Oakwood forever. Lol.

It is now Singapore midnight and they are all watching TV.  The idea is to sleep late tomorrow. Haha.

Mummy Lim