The kids didn't understand why we were going on a train ride. It is not any train ride, it is the Puffing Billy wor. This Billy turns up whenever the search is on things to do. We are tourists, we also must do.
Puffing Billy is located 3 mins away by car from the Treetop Adventure. There is no parking at the train station but 3 suggested parking areas that are between 3 to 10 mins by foot from the station. We had thought that maybe we can park at the Treetop Adventure, then walk to Puffing Billy and walk back after the train ride. While we were in the trees, Daddy Lim and Auntie S decided to move the car nearer to the station.
The instructions were clear - check in starts from 11.45am and train leaves station at 12.45pm. The train waits for no man. I got very anxious and was rushing everybody to rush to the station right after we were done with the trees climbing.
It was a steep down slope walk, then another up slope. Poor Daddy Lim and Auntie S had to walk these nasty slopes after parking the car.
The station is really near to the Treetop Adventure and we took less than 10 mins to reach, which meant that we were really early. We arrived slightly after 11am for the train departing at 12.45pm. Overly kiasu.
The sun was still scorching hot. It was too hot for us to consider exploring the area. We claimed our tickets and decided to just hide in the shade.
I was tired, I just climbed trees! I was happy just nuahing in the shade.
Obviously I wasn't the only tired one. Zaky even dozed off.
Crowds started forming and everybody was trying to squeeze onto the tiny shaded platform. Right beside us seemed to be an extended family gathering. I had fun watching how the grandparents interacted with each of the grandkid, spending time to talk to them. Particularly, the grandpa when on one knee ro talk to the little ones. Awwww... my heart just melted. It is so different to our Asian culture.
The train came and offloaded the passengers from the earlier trip.
Then the 火车头 was detached from the carriages. Not sure what that was for but I got excited and snapped pictures. Lol. I is mountain tortoise.
We were finally allowed to board. So what is so special about this Puffing Billy? It is another living museum and passengers are allowed to sit on the sills and dangle their legs outside of the carriage.
Of course we did just that, along with the many others on the train. It was so cool.
We went by nice scenery.
As well as the original landslide venue that halted the original train service a long time back.
We were assigned to a carriage full of Singaporeans. What was even more coincidental was that the other big Singaporean family is our SHSS volleyball juniors! I didn't recognise them but they did. What are the chances? They are probably 3 batches after us.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and unqiue experience. It would have been even better if I had stronger butt and back bcos I was aching not long after from sitting on the sill. Lol. The sun was also working very hard and we really missed the earlier cool weather despite complaining so much about it.
We arrived at Lakeside, the destinated stop. Ya, from the Singapore Lakeside to the Australia Lakeside.
There are picnic and swimming area. The weather was perfect for a swim but we didn't bring the swimming gear. We were very practical people and opted for an indoor cafe for lunch instead. Hoho. Daddy Lim smacked a big fat mosquito while waiting for lunch. Australians' blood is more nutrientional?
Zaky did try to explore a little. Playground. Never too old but maybe a little too big (physically)? He got bored shortly bcos it was too hot and the other teenagers rather hide in the cafe.
We didn't have much time either and soon made our way back to the Lakeside station for the train back to Belgrave. The ride back was equally enjoyable. One thing that I particularly like, was how people who had seen the train passed by would all enthusiastically waved at us and we waved back. This was regardless of whether they were in the car (at the train crossing), on their balcony or in a park beside the train tracks. I had fun waving back at people. At one point, there were people waiting for the train to pass by and we ended up taking pictures of each other. Super cute.
The train arrived back at Belgrave and we made our way to the car park, which was on a steep slope. The kids were complaining so much all the way to the car. Lol.
Our last hotel for the trip was the Rowville International Hotel.
Zaky asked why did I book a motel bcos motels all looked like that in the American movies. I am not sure if it is a motel but it was very decent. We had 2 huge queen size beds in the room. The room was also clean and spacious.
We then went in search of dinner. C had asked to go to Target and we arrived at a big shopping mall. C got very excited at the prospect of shopping only to be greatly disappointed bcos it was Sunday and most shops were already closed. We ended up having MacD for dinner again.
Sleeping was easy as we were all tired out from the fun filled activities and the heat. It was seriously very warm. Look at what happened to our chocolates. T.T
Even the gummy frogs had become a big lump of gummy. Lol. I aren't sure how I am supposed to bring these lumps of chocolates to the office.
We also spent the night sorting out the stuff to be discarded. These included the 2 pair of track shoes. Ooo.. I get very excited at throwing stuff. Hoho.
Mummy Lim
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