Finally Hong Kong Day 1: Getting Lost and Lantau Island

We touched down in HKG on time. So happy! Looking forward to the great holiday ahead. We just didn't factor in possible "adventures" that would derail us.

Ok, I haven't done enough homework. I booked a hostel, the ONE and ONLY accommodation in Lantau island without checking how to get there. I only know bus S1 brings us to the cable car terminal and that goes to Ngong Ping, which is in Lantau. Thank God that we decided to invest in a mobile wifi gadget this trip.

We had a light bfast at the airport and headed to S1. On the bus, I started to Google map and realised how difficult it is to get to the YHA youth hostel. Zzzzz. We dropped at the cable car terminal only to be shocked at how long the cable car Q was. With no other idea how to get to Lantau island, we joined the snaking cable car Q. I think we waited for at least 30 mins before we were told by the staff that our luggage was too big to go into the cable car. We left the Q and we either could take a bus that would take over an hour or a blue Lantau taxi. Google map suggested uber too.

With no sight of the blue taxi, I called for uber and was assigned a car in 2 mins but couldn't find us and we only made contact after 15 mins. Murphy's law had to kick in and at least 2 blue taxis came while we were waiting for the uber car. Finally, we boarded our uber and that was when the driver said that private cars cannot go into some parts of Lantau island. Can you see me crying?

He eventually dropped us at the outlet mall nearby to get a blue taxi into Lantau island. The Q was longer than the one at the cable car terminal; the blue taxis rarely came. I was at the extent of googling for alternative hotel and forgoing the hostel that we had booked. After at least another 30 mins wait, we were finally on the way to the hostel in a blue taxi that took another 45 mins. My greatest worry was that somebody needed the toilet. Hahaha.

After all the adventures that took over 3 hours, we finally arrived at our hostel. It was next to the closed down tea restaurant. The building was left to rot and quite creepy.

Our room wasn't ready and we left to explore. One of the hostel staff was so nice to show us the way.

We went to join the crowd at the Big Buddha. It was really crowded.

The kids were more interested in the cows that roamed the streets.

We took a bus to Tai-O, hopping to catch sight of the wild dolphins. Tai-O is supposed to be a sleepy fishing village but is so tourist invaded.

We took a boat for HK$25 each. The tour was about 20 mins. It brought us to see the houses built on slits before going to the sea. Whether we get to see the dolphins is largely reliant on luck.

We didn't see any dolphins but Lil Shauna did see a flying fish. The kids weren't too disappointed bcos the boat ride was actually quite enjoyable. We spent some time walking the little streets after alighting and to find food. We only had some finger food.

We stayed for over an hour in Tai-O and took the 5pm bus back to the Big Buddha. The last bus was at 5.45pm. Nobody was keen on proper dinner at the limited eateries. I bought water and cup noodles from the only 7-11.

The kids were again very attracted to the cows. Haha.

I had to constantly shout at them to watch where they were going and not step into cow dung.

We came to the Big Buddha. 

But nobody was keen to climb the flight of stairs to go up. They were more than happy to just take a picture at the base.

We took a walk to the Wisdom Path and it was very scenic.

There were words craved on the wooden beams but I can't read a good half of them. We didnt feel any more wiser after completing the Wisdom path. Haha. There was some mountain trail next to the Wisdom path. The path was right next to the cliff and my poor mother's heart cannot take this kind of excitement. We did walk to the viewing platform near to the entrance for breathe-taking pictures.

We headed back to the hostel and finally got our "private" room. Daddy Lim was shocked when he opened the door. What greeted us was 4-bunk bed. The bathroom and toilet was shared and there was no TV. 

This was how the hostel looked like. There was also a camping ground and there was tent for rent! I was actually looking for campsite to rent when I was planning for the holiday. However, now that the opportunity presented itself, I wasn't prepared and didn't dare try.

Interestingly, the kids didn't mind. To them, it was a new experience, another adventure. 

Dinner was the cup noodles that we bought. After dinner, we sat in the cold evening drinking coffee/ milo and eating the snacks that we bought. It was actually quite lovely. Some campers were having a BBQ. 

Shower was a little challenging. The water was sometimes hot and sometimes cold. The water pressure was bad too. 

It was about 8.30pm after we were all settled down. Since there was no TV, it was an early night for us. We needed the early night too having woke up at 2.30am to catch the plane. Yawn.

Mummy Lim

Finally Hong Kong: Almost There

I sweared that any other friend that I have on FB is on some holiday. I know we just came back from BKK bit that barely qualified as a holiday. It was mad rushes and constant pressure from the competition. Whatever filler activities were targeted to entertain the kids. It didn't feel like a holiday, except that we took a flight and got our passports stamped.

After working hard to clear work, I was pinning for the HKG holiday. I couldn't be more glad that the itinerary had more or less been planned out some time back bcos the month before the trip was impossibly busy.

Finally the big day. Muahahaha.
We had a 6am flight bcos we wanted to maximise the time we have in HKG. More importantly, we would be taking a budgeted flight this time, having spent too much on many other holidays that we had this year. Lol. Making the flight this early possibly means that the kids will sleep on the no entertainment flight, right? Crossing fingers.

We made the kids go to bed at 8.30pm but I think they only went to bed at 9pm. I hit the pillows at 10pm and had trouble sleeping too. Maybe I am overly zealous like the kids.

We woke up at 2.30am and nobody complained. Soon, we were on the way to the airport. The ride was very peaceful bcos we had half awake kids. Muahahahaha.

At 4ish in the morning, the airport was very quiet. The kids decided to play ninja while waiting for food.

Pizza, right from the oven.

And of course the usual playground to complete preboarding.

Bye Singapore. Hello Hong Kong! My long awaited holiday.

Mummy Lim

Big Ouchie

On the night that I was back from my business trip, Zaky came home with a big ouchie on his right big toe. Popo said that the kids went to a movie with the Fs. When the movie ended, Felicia and Zaky left the cinema ahead of the rest. When they caught up, they found him in pain and with a lot of blood. Apparently, some door closed on his toe. Ouch!

The wound looked bad but didn't look deep enough to warrant stitches. We left it as it was and he didn't complain much about it. Life went about as usual; he was as active as ever. In fact, he even went for TKD and sparring class on Friday. He said that Master asked him not to kick with the leg with the ouchie toe though.

Last night, he didn't sleep well. In the middle of the night, he complained that his ouchie toe was painful. He whined when I accidently hurt the toe; he whined when he hurt it himself while changing positions and also whined when the toe hurts even when nobody do anything to it.

It made us look at the toe in detail this morning. We were worried that there was an infection. We saw this white spot underneath the nail and couldn't tell if it was pus. He said that his toe was ouchie. To play safe, we decided to send him to the doctor; we didn't want medical emergencies in HKG. The best part? We sent him to the doctor AFTER his TKD make-up class. Muahahahaha. Actually, we didn't think that there was an infection but it is good to play safe.

The GP inspected his toe and said that there was some swelling, which means that there could be an infection. He asked us to come back on Monday. Errrr.... we are in HKG Disneyland on Monday. So the GP wrote us a referral letter to any A&E, just to play safe.

Daddy Lim sent him to NUH Children A&E and sent me this picture.

I was shocked; I thought they were going to cut up his toe or something. Don't worry, photo only. He was just waiting for his turn.

The specialist inspected Zaky's toe and he even got a Xray. The conclusion? No infection lah. However, he was given paracetamol and antibiotics, just in case. We are glad to take those with us to HKG.

While Zaky was at the A&E, Lil Shauna was in Maths class. Zaky was so glad to skip Maths class; he rather wait in A&E. Zzzz.

I am so glad that everything is fine. The question now is whether he can wear his sneakers. We even planned to go hiking leh.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 69

Last night, Lil Shauna prayed: she had just finished the competiton and hoped that she would get better in ice skating. I was secretly smiling.

This morning, she said that she wanted me on the ice to help her. She said that it felt funny after spending the last 2 months training intensively for the competition. I was actually feeling so lazy and I am quite sure she would regret her choice. Lol. Back at the rink!

She started with the usual warm up and mummy-intensive-training followed shortly. I can see regret painted across her face. Hahaha. After 2 months, she almost forgotten her jumps. She last stopped at loop jump and stretch spin and it is time to pick those up.

Her spins are still horrible; I think she just didn't concentrate hard enough.  She almost got her loop jump and she pleaded for a break. What is a break without snacks?

She headed to the 1/3 ice and had less than 30 mins before her class. She did some more jumps and spins and started class.

Teacher Raymond started with her foot work before making her do her loop jump. She almost got it a couple of times! Then Teacher Raymond taught her sit spin.

Lil Shauna was totally exhausted by the end of the lesson but she was smiling away. She was happy to be learning new things. I am happy that she is happy and she said that sit spin is very fun.

Mummy Lim

Email War - Reading Ambassadors

One day, many moons back, Lil Shauna came home and declared that she had been selected as a reading ambassador. She will be required to do a book review and make a presentation. She was proud to be selected.

I didn't think much about it until she brought back the program write-up. Seriously, I didn't read in detail but understood that she has to submit a book review using PowerPoint. Ok, I don't know how many 8 YOs can use PowerPoint but definitely not mine, which will mean that she would need the almighty busy mummy's intervention. We eventually submitted the book review on time and we didn't hear from the program coordinator (PC) until some time later.

When the PC replied, it was to ask for a 2nd book review that she will present in P3. I didn't pay attention bcos Lil Shauna hasn't even done her 1st presentation, so why would we need to rush to submit a 2nd review? He did come back on the amended 1st book review presentation.

We waited and waited. Towards the end of the year, I emailed the PC to ask if Lil Shauna would be presentin good soon. I was told that she would only present in P3 bcos she didn't submit the 2nd book review. Ok lor. I have to admit that I didn't read the program write-up or the PC's email for 2nd book review submission properly. She will only get an opportunity to present next year if she submits the 2nd book review by the given timeline and the 2nd book review will be presented in 2018, when she is in P4. What.......

This time, we did work a little harder. Seriously, I wouldn't care if it is not bcos Lil Shauna wanted to do that presentation. We submitted the 2nd book review last week and heard quickly from the PC.

In his reply, he was direct to point out that we didn't stick to the standard format (oops, sorry) and that Lil Shauna shouldn't end the review with a cliffhanging question. The book review is supposed to end with questions to entice the others to go read the book BUT NOT cliffhanging questions. Ok lor.

However, his last feedback got me upset. Bcos the 2nd book review is to be presented in 2018 and Lil Shauna would be in P4 then (as the PC rightly pointed out), he commented that "for subsequent reviews (2019 and 2020), Lil Shauna have to choose books of higher level". I had to reply to this comment and I did.

I pointed out that Lil Shauna is P2 now and would naturally be reading books suitable for a P2. If the PC is worried that the book review is too "low level" when she present 2 years later, I suggested that maybe the kids shouldn't be asked to submit a book review now for a presentation that they would make in P4. In that way, the problem would resolve by itself.

He replied to my email, sharing that students can only be considered as reading ambassadors if they are able to read books that are 2 years advance of their age. If they are reading their age appropriate books, then they cannot take on the leadership role of a reading ambassador. It is a basic requirement for the reading ambassadors to do book review and submit 1 year in advance at least.

Hello, does it make any logical sense? Of course I replied. I asked if they have any assessment to make sure that the reading ambassadors are reading 2 years advanced of their level bcos I heard from another mummy that there are many reading ambassors and wondered how many are indeed advanced readers. The rest of my reply as follows.

"Shauna would love to make a presentation; I just checked with her. I am not sure if she is qualified afterall she is reading books her age now. Looking ahead, I too wonder how she would feel if she has to make a presentation in P4 for a book that she has read in P2. I mean, how much would she remember of the book? Would she be embarassed to share such a simple book? Would she be able to passionately share about the book then? 

If the idea is for advanced readers to be reading ambassadors and for them to be role model to the rest and influenced them to be advanced readers too, then shouldn't they do a book review of an advanced level and present now and not wait until 2 years down the road? Otherwise, even if they are really advanced readers, by the time they do their presentation, you wouldn't be able to tell because they are presenting a book of their "level", though done 2 years back, when they would be reading something that is more advanced then. This loses the intent of making them take the "leadership role", isn't it?"

I rest my case. Work done, book review submitted. Daddy Lim asked me not to read the PC's email if he does reply. Later spoil my day. So silly. It is one of those things in life where you don't agree but can only suck thumb and follow.

Mummy Lim

Bangkok AGAIN??!!

We were in Bangkok for Skate Bangkok from 7th to 11th Dec. After touching down on 11th afternoon, I unpacked and then repacked my bag..... also for Bangkok. Yes, I am serious. I had a business trip planned before we knew and decided to hit Skate Bangkok. The trips literally fall back to back. I tried changing the business trip air tickets but that didn't work. As a result, I took the plane like I was taking the MRT. Hohoho.

Early Monday morning, I was in the cab heading back to T2. This time, all alone and a very quiet taxi ride.

All alone again in T2, but I like. Lol. The quietness and peacefulness was very much appreciated after noisy kids bugged me for the last 4 days.

It is SQ this time. I so enjoyed the inflight meal and also entertainment. Nobody screaming boring, lalalalala. Feel the leg-space baby. Woohoo! The kids were very jealous when they knew that it was a full flight. 

I had to mention that the hotel is located at a really convenient location, right next to the BTS. I did get to do some shopping. It didn't satisfy my hunger bcos I was so deprived from the 1st Bangkok trip. I had so wanted to go to Platinum Mall, which closes by the time we were done with work. Zzzzz.

The bfast was wonderful. The kids would have loved the spread.

I had a nice dinner last night too. Bbq/ steamboat! Super nice. We eat until the shop was closing. Haha.

It was a short trip. This morning, we left the hotel at 6.30am to the airport. I caught another 1.5 movie on the flight and tucked in to yummy eggs and sausage.

I am so done with business trip this year.

Mummy Lim

Happy 39th Birthday!

On the day that we returned from Bangkok, Daddy Lim turned 39. Truth be told, I didn't remember that it was his bday until I saw his friends' watsapp wishes for him. Sorry, sorry, I didn't regain some part of my brain after the 2 pregnancies. We didn't have time to do much though, afterall we were rushing to catch a flight.

Back at Changi Airport, I was prompted by FB that we took this 2 years ago. Lil Shauna was still into dresses then.

We saw that he was wearing the exact same T-shirt 2 years later and had to snap this pic to share on FB.

Auntie S commented at least he can still fit in the same T-shirt. T.T It is a big T-shirt; it is a nightmare if he cannot fit in. Haha.

We had a good family dinner together. Daddy Lim ordered this weird festive drink. It looked fabulous but tasty mainly like soda water. Zzzzz.

All thanks to him, we had free ice cream too, which the kids and I attacked with no mercy. Bday or not, we didn't care. Lol.

Popo was really nice and bought Daddy Lim a bday cake. The kids insisted that they want to help with the candles, so they each put a candle and insisted that Daddy Lim does likewise. Suddenly, he was celebrating his 21 YO bday. Not bad huh.

Happy bday bb! Isn't it amazing that we had spent 12 out of your 39 years together? You must be glad, bcos the other 27 years without me were just plain boring. Hehe. May you have good health and counting the many more bday cakes to eat with you. Muaks.

Mummy Lim

Finally Bangkok Day 5: Home Sweet Home

I felt bad towards Lil Shauna after "talking" about how I felt over watsapp with the SHSS girls. I spent the last half hour before bed playing ipad games with the girl. Zaky was already fast asleep, I made him read the storybook as a punishment bcos he misplaced the book. He read the book until he fell asleep!

On the final morning, the heartache from the competition seemed to dissipate. I was glad; I was feeling much better too.

We had to wake up early to be in time for the 11am flight. There was filming at the hotel and we had to tiptoe out of the lobby. The actress was very pretty and very skinny but somehow looks good. She makes a skinny person look fat.

We were all tired after the 4 hectic days and I was secretly worried about the traffic. Fortunately, it was smooth traffic once we hit the expressway and arrived at the airport in less than 30 mins.

The immigration took some time though. They made all of us take out our shoes and we had a girl sitting on the floor wearing her shoes and blocking the way. Haha.

The flight was alright. Daddy Lim sat on his own again. Nobody nap but it wasn't too bad; everybody survived.

This marks the end of our trip. I did check again if Lil Shauna enjoyed the competition. Interestingly and thankfully, she said that it was actually exciting. I can't help smiling.

Mummy Lim

Finally Bangkok Day 4: Freestyle 2

I think I was just as nervous as Lil Shauna or more anxious than she is bcos I didn't sleep well.  I think this should be what it feels like when she finally takes her PSLE. I woke up many times, in between, I vaguely remembered that I was dreaming about reminding her what to do and not to do for the competition, urging her and encouraging her. Seriously? Even in the dream??!!!

We decided that we would leave the Bangna area bcos the journey going to town is way too painful. We had bfast and met the other group of skaters with the Coach CY. The parents were very knitted. I saw them having bfast together 2 days in a roll. Or maybe we are the hermit parents. Lol.

We finally had chance to swim in the pool. I was worried that Lil Shauna would swim so much and overtired herself. There was no need to worry bcos the water was icy cold. No joke! After dipping in the water, baking in the sun was actually more comfortable. We barely lasted 30 mins. The kids were happier soaking in the room's bathtub.

We headed to the mall for lunch and burnt 3 hours. It was quite easy. Meanwhile, I spent almost the entire day reminding her this and that for the competition.

An hour before her event, she got changed and had her makeup touched up. The old school hair spray was working very well and holding her hair up. She spent the rest of the time warming up.

Lil Shauna said that she was more confident bcos it was the 2nd time competing and she got a medal even when she didn't try very hard the 1st time. Zzzz.. I had to remind her that there were 6 competitors this time and only 5 medals. I was hopeful that she would do better.

Soon, it was her turn to compete. She was the 2nd out of the 6. The 1st was impressive and did stretch spin nicely. Wasn't the item only requiring 1-foot spin?

The moment Lil Shauna hit the ice, she was on her own and nobody could help her. I thought she was rushing through her program. All that I reminded her was not done. Arrgghhhh. In fact, she rushed through so much that she forgot her steps and did a jump with a wrong foot. Dead. Ended up, she was faster than her song; she forgot everything about telling her to stretch her program, along with asking her to go further to the other side of the rink and not so near the wall. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.. I was very upset.

Teacher Raymond was much nicer, telling us that she was nervous as it was her 1st competition. We saw some of the other competitions and saw how confident and good they were. I already know the results.

Lil Shauna actually didn't think that she did so badly. This time, I was unkind and told her off, pointing out all her mistakes and showing her the video. I also made her read her own results. I didn't want to hide the truth anymore. She got 6th of course but still took pic with Teacher Raymond nonetheless.

She was upset bcos I was so upset with her. I made her cry. I think she should be upset bcos she didn't do her best. Things did cool down after the competition, after bowling and dinner.

We even went to the arcade again and the kids took an interesting 4D ride.

Back at the hotel and now that Lil Shauna and I had cooled down, we discussed about the competition again. I told her that I was upset bcos she worked so hard over these 2 months and so had I. However, all those hard work had gone to waste when she didn't perform in that 1.5 min on ice. I think there were times that she did her item much better during practice. I reminded her the importance of doing the right thing and the ability to overcome that anxiousness and masked it with confidence.  It is really about whoever appear stronger will win.

Remember the skater who went before her and I said was impressive? I checked the result when we were leaving and saw that she was 5th! In other words, the other skaters were really much stronger than her. With that, my anger with her not winning also disolved and remains in her not performing her best with all the hard work.

I don't know if this competiton encouraged her or did the opposite. I hope she finds more passion to train after we go back to Singapore. Meanwhile, she is still happy with her medal. Oh, they also gave a medal for the 6th place. Lil Shauna said that they were very nice to do so.

Mummy Lim