Perth Day 1 Part 1: Campervan

Only the next morning did we see that the house has a huge yard. It must be a nice place to relax in other seasons.

Zaky was so funny. Right after he woke up, he walked to the kitchen, sat at the dinning table and waited for bfast. Sorry mate, no food. At least I found hot chocolate in the kitchen and made him some. 

We needed to checkout by 10am but the host allowed us to leave luggage behind while we go pick up the campervan. The plan was to have MacD bfast somewhere and leave the kids there. We found Belmont Forum mall nearby. Thank you Google. A picture of the beautiful house before we took 3 ubers to the mall.

It was a big mall. The shops were opened when we arrived at 10.30am. Hmmmm... I thought the Australians start late? No?

We had an expensive McD bfast. We were not yet used to the higher cost of living yet. There was a mini playground at the McD and it was good to entertain the youngest 2. We ordered another Uber to collect campervan and took 2 girls along. At the same time, my SIL and Fione went grocery shopping for essentials (aka water and SNACKS).  Popo was given the most difficult task, which was to look after the 2 youngest while they played at the playground. 

Bcos we had done online check in, the campervan collection was easy. We added on the car insurance that was at A$45 per day and the easy checkout, which meant that we didnt have to top up the disesel and LPG gas when we returned the van. All in all, the campervan cost us almost A$1k for 4 nights. Yes, it wasnt cheaper than hotels but all in the name of experience. The girls loiter while waiting.

I had thought that the staff  will go through step by step on how to operate the campervan.  We were instead told to look at the tutorials available on the GPS. Tadah! Our home for the next 4 nights! We took a 6 seater campervan so that we could have more space.

The whole procedure took about 1 hour. Then we drove back for the rest, hoping that the 2 youngest did not kill them all. It was challenging in the beginning, trying to get used to the big vehicle. Midway, the inbuilt gps lost signal and we had to rely on google map.

The 1st time parking was so scary. I even helped to direct in case we knocked down some trees. *nervous laughs* Once we packed everyone up, we headed back to house to collect the luggage. Of course the kids loved the campervan.

We finally met with the lovely hosts, who were about to clean up the house. They suggested for us to visit the Heirrison island, which has free entry and have wild kangeroos to pat. We decided to skip it since we were already late. Finally, we started our journey, driving to Fremantle. We use Google map as backup as the GPS wasnt too reliable.

The original intention was to park further up north and take the free CAT bus into the town. Fortunately, the host recommended for us to try the open air carpark next to prison. We arrived safely at Fremantle, found the carpark and parked the campervan nicely.  We had to pay manually in advance at the self help ticket kiosk and paid for 3 hours. It was a deal, bcos the 2 campervans took up 2.5 lots when we paid for 2. Hahaha. 

Mummy Lim

Perth Day 0: Arrival

Goodbye!

We had a mini plane - 3 by 3, and it was a full flight. Daddy Lim sat with the 2 girls while I was with Zaky. Standard. I had to say that the movie selection on the Qantas flight was pathetic. I loved to watch trashy Taiwanese/ Hong Kong/ Korean/ Japanese movies on flight but there were only very limited English movies to choose from. Even Zaky gave up after a while.

Not only was the movie selection bad, the plane was shaking badly for most part of the journey. While the 2 youngest had a good 1 to 2 hour of rest, the remaining had at most 30 mins each. We were so glad to finally land at 11.30pm.

The immigration was smooth. We brought along coffee, sachet of ketchup (bcos we would have to pay for them) and some snacks and were worried that we wouldnt make it easily through the immigration but it was fine. So, for people who are visiting Australia, they arent as strict as we thought they are. Right after immigration, the cold weather greeted us. It felt like Taiwan in winter. Hehehe. The kids were dancing and jumping in celebration. Hello to 14 degrees celsius! Bye to hot Singapore for the next 8 days!

For the very 1st night, my SIL found us a house that was 10 mins' drive from the airport. We had intended to take 3 different cabs to the house but fortunately found a maxi cab that could take all of us. Woohoo! While in the cab, we watched the meter jumped by the second and so did our hearts. Damage to the pocket: A$42. Ouch!

We arrived at the accommodation and the clear instructions got us into the house easily. The adults were dead tired vs the very excited kids, who ran around exploring the house past midnight. I pity the neighbours. The house has 4 rooms but only 1 toilet. After a mad frenzy to wash up, we finally settled into bed at almost 1.30a.m. it was so cold that nobody would brave a shower. We rather be dirty pigs. I was so tired and didnt even bothered to take any pictures. That can wait; sleep comes 1st.

Sleep was easy. Daddy Lim and I noted how quiet it was before we fell asleep. It was only in the morning that we started to appreciate the beauty of the house.

Mummy Lim

Bye Singapore!

Finally, it is OUR turn! After looking at all the fb holiday pictures.

What is missing?

The fishes are taking a vacation at Nainai's house. Hehehe.

The kids are really excited! Having a blast at the playground before leaving.

With such great companion, the holiday can only be great! Yay!

See you all in 8 days' time.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 123: Chasing the Music

On Tuesday morning, we had the 2nd full ice session. It was supposed to be from 7am to 8am. Daddy Lim sent us to Jcube and I would drop Lil Shauna back home before rushing to work.

We were subsequently told that the rink was mistakenly double booked. The other group were the ice hockey players and the rink was given to them. Zzzz.. what to do? How could a group of little girls fight with a rink of big men? Fortunately, Coach Raymond was able to make arrangement and pushed our session to 8am. Being late for work was far better than an empty trip and the need to re-look for time for lesson. While waiting, we headed to McD and a much needed coffee.

Bcos of the screwup, the day's lesson schedule were all messed up. The figure skaters hit the ice at 8am sharp. There was no time for ice resurfacing. After some quick stroking warmup, I saw Lil Shauna tried her scratch spin, sit spin and back spin. Surprisingly, her sit and back spin were better than usual.

She tried running through the program once, switching to pancake spin instead of sit spin as instructed by Coach Raymond the last lesson. The 2nd run through was with the music. She was basically a mess. Lol. She was obviously rushing through and chasing after the music. Given that her sit spin was on form, Coach Raymond switched her back on her sit spin.

Lil Shauna was panting like mad after her program. She was so pitiful but I had a hard time holding back my laughter bcos she looked so funny. Lol. I was half wondering how she was going to complete an hour of class. I also realised that the ice was super rough due to the earlier ice hockey. It was the perfect training ground. Haha.

I think she did her program with music a total of 3 times. After each time, she was panting so badly that Caoch Raymond had to ask me if she exercise outside of her ice skating classes. Haha.

She survived the hour class eventually. Dont worry, no children was harmed in the session; she was very much alive. She improved a little each time she ran through the program. By the last one, while she still didnt look like she was enjoying the song and dancing to it, at least she didnt appear to be chasing after it.

We have 3 more full ice sessions before the competition - it is no big deal.... just like her song. Haha.

I was super late for work, having to drop her then go to the office.

She still has energy to pose for me. Look at my new hair color!

Mummy Lim

Junior Black Belt has to Wait

The results were released last Sunday... Daddy Lim sent the boy to class and I was anxiously waiting while at the off ice class with Jiejie.

He had a provisional pass. There were 3 parts to his junior black belt test - the sparring, the interview and the pattern. While he was great in the 1st 2, the tester wasnt too sure about his pattern. As such, he wouldnt be awarded his junior black belt but given the option to try the pattern again in the next grading test, which will be taking place in August.

The boy was absolutely disappointed. He had afterall passed all his grading tests at 1st try so far. While I wouldnt say that he is gifted, he wasnt too bad either.

He said that he didnt want to continue. Daddy Lim seems to mind more than I do. Haha. Anyway, we are giving the boy some time to think about it. If after the Perth holiday and he is still firmed about stopping, we would. At the same time, Daddy Lim is on a lookout for drumming and basketball trial class. I would prefer him to be outdoor anytime.

We'll see... would we get our junior black belt one day?

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 122: Spins

We had a special appearance on Saturday.

He insisted to go ice skating with jiejie even when I reminded him that jiejie wouldnt have time to skate with him. Jiejie had to warm up and she headed off to the 1/3 ice when it was opened, leaving him to skate alone in the public ice.

As guessed, he was soon bored and spent more time gobbling the snacks that we brought and bought than skating. Zzzzz. I thought he had recently grown taller to stretch out the fats, apparently he didnt like looking leaner. Lol. 

Lil Shauna lost her some of her spins. Dont ask me why; it happens from time to time. Coach Raymond spent some time teaching her new hand actions. She is still a 木头人. The remaining time was spent on her spins. 

Instead of sit spins, which she is still not going down low enough, Coach Raymond has changed that to a pancake spin. It is a variation of a sit spin. Strangely, she can do a pancake spin better than a sit spin. Her back spin is ok on its own but when combined with a scratch spin beforehand, it is still so ever wobbly.

After class, we were talking about the CMI back spin and Coach Raymond wanted Lil Shauna to practice more given that we still have time. He would scrap it if she really cant get it nearing the competition time. 

Daddy Lim took Zaky 1st after the ice time and Lil Shauna went back to the ice after resurfacing to work on her backspin. She wasn't concentrating and was simply burning time. *Angry* She did try hard in the last 5 mins after receiving a tongue lashing. Unfortunately, she fell and was in tears, which marked the end of the practice. Zzzzzz.

After we left the rink, I reminded her of the previous times that she couldnt do her scratch spin, loop jump, flip jump... whatever. It is about finding out and correcting to get the right technique. 

With renewed mindset and determination, we went back to the ice yday. The focus was on her spins and spins only. We identified the issues and she kept practicing part by part to improve her scratch to back spins. After about 30 mins of hard work, she got it. Yay! While there is still much room for improvement, at least she was so much better. She was so pleased with herself and so was I. Hehe. I hope she still remembers it the next time we are back on ice. 

Mummy Lim

Things They Say

Running Away
ML: I want to go to NTUC.
LS: But I want to read my book.
ML: The book will not run away, let's go to NTUC 1st.
LS: NTUC also will not run away.
ML: .........

Fishes
ML: Oh no, we are going to Perth, who is going to take care of the fish? They are going to be dead by the time we are back.
Z: Oh... goodbye fish, it was nice knowing you.
ML: ......

Fishes Part 2
LS: Popo can take care of the fish.
LS to Popo: 婆婆, 你会换鱼的水吗?
LS: (suddenly realised, turn to me and asked) Wait, is Popo going with us?
ML: Yah.
LS: Oh.......

Fishes Part 3
DL: We can bring the fishes to nainia (for her to take care of them) while we are in Perth.
SL: Does nainia know how to take care of the fishes?
DL: Yes, she had a parrot fish for a long time.
SL: (thinking that it was a "parent" fish) What about the baby?
DL: There was no baby.
SL: Then why did you call it a "parent" fish?

Riding
ML: Zaky, do you want to ride with us and the WWF when you grow up?
Z: Yes, but by then you are lao ah mah already.
ML: ....

Mummy Lim

Pulau Ubin

Bcos it was the PH. Therefore, Daddy Lim and I enthusiastically suggested to go to Pulau Ubin for cycling with the kids. This was even the case when we had the half RI the night before and was half dead when we reached home past midnight. We thought that the kids would be excited.

We said that we would change plans if it rained. When the alarm clock rang mercilessly at 5.45am the next morning, I was quite sure Daddy Lim had secretly hoped that it was raining bcos I habored the same thought. It didnt rain. Zzzzz...

We got ready in a zombiefied state before attempting to wake the kids. Lil Shauna shared none of our enthusiasm and almost didnt want to wake up. What???!!! At that point, if any one of us had suggested, we would probably blissfully climbed back under the covers. Lol.

Despite the not too energetic start, we managed to leave the house at about 6.30am. We had wanted to avoid the crowd, the sun and to secure a good parking lot. We brought the kids' bicycle along and intended to rent for the adults.

We arrived at Changi Village and found ourselves at the hawker center. The RI gang posted nice nasi lemak pic the night before and it was our turn to indulge.

The stall that we chose was so-so only leh. I found Daddy Lim's loh mee so much more tempting.

After the sinful bfast, we set out on our way. Probably bcos it was so early, we didnt have to wait long to get onto the ferry.

The kids "pretended" to guard their bikes but were actually using that as an excuse to stand at the hind of the boat.

The weather was fabulous.

It was a short boat ride and we soon found ourselves approaching the island. There was some prayer ritual going on.

Bicycle shops greeted us soon after we came onshore. I bet the shop owners saw that we brought our own bikes and with one of them being a trek, they started promoting the ir poloygon to us. We spent $50 to rent 2 poloygons that werent exactly comfortable. My own humble Giant was a lot more better.

In fact the 1st one that I rented gave me problem and I had to turn back to exchange for a proper one. I had afterall spent so much money renting it.

It was probably bcos of the already not too enthusiastic kids and the lack of companion, the trip wasnt as interesting as the last time that we were here with the Chan family. We did explore new areas though.

After 2 over hours, the kids started whinning and complaining about the tiredness, the dirt, the climb, the heat, the mosquito bites, the.....

They celebrated when we finally gave in and declared that it was time to head home. Zzzzz. We ended the trip with ice creams and ice milo to cool down.

We were glad to have started early bcos the crowd was beginning to come in. In fact, there was a long q at the Singapore ferry terminal..

The kids came alive the moment we boarded the ferry home. When approaching mainland, they were pestering to go to the beach and then the playground. They had so much energy to climb around when they looked half dead just half an hour ago. Win already.

Chey, next time no need go overboard and bring them to Pulau Ubin, go playground can already. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Half RI

Bcos Popo was on a cruise over the weekend, we couldn't join the WWF on the usual Saturday ride. In fact, we couldn't ride at all during the weekend bcos there was no adult to supervise the kids. Though they are not babies anymore, we feel safer to have somebody with them.

The WWF was going on a Round Island (RI) ride on the eve of Vesak Day so that they can crash in their bed the next day. A RI ride will clock 110km. Woohoo! Daddy Lim and I were very much tempted even though we have never clock more than 45km on our MTBs and we have to function the next day. We eventually opted for a half RI, i.e., at least 50km.

I started regretting when I realized that it would be a small group with all the expert riders; I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up. It was worse when Daddy Lim highlighted that we would be riding Mandai and how horrible the climbs would be. I died a little.

Monday evening came and we turned up despite the crazy butterflies that I had in my tummy. While waiting, the experienced ones were telling us about how many uphills there are in Mandai. One of them advised us to conserve energy while attempting the 1st climb bcos the 2nd is the worse.  I was light headed already.

Soon, we started rolling and the lead said that we would keep to 22km to 25km/hr. She definitely lied bcos the moment we started rolling, I was peddling like hell to keep up. Daddy Lim and I are more accurate than any speedometer; we would be panting like mad when the speed goes beyond 25km/hr and that was exactly what happened. I was wanting to conserve my energy for the 2nd Mandai climb but I had depleted most of it even before we crossed lakeside. Can cry. Lol.

One particular rider was especially encouraging. He kept telling me, “快到了, 快到了” even when we just started rolling but I had a good laugh from that and kept the spirit up. Nevertheless, it was a mad chase, I didn't even have time to look at the scenario along the way. Soon, we were in Mandai and I was half dead attempting the 1st climb. Daddy Lim was definitely better than me bcos he still had the energy to joke with me. He told me that it was his dream to ride Mandai – a BAD dream. Hohoho.

The 2nd climb was indeed worse than the 1st. I was dropping gears continuously and was almost at one of the lowest gears when nearing the end. It was a nightmare seeing the upcoming 3rd and 4th climb. At one point, I regretted having so much at dinner and wondered how embarrassing it would be to vomit my dinner. Fortunately, I didn't have to share that scene with anyone.

When I was finally out of Mandai, I felt so victorious as if that was the end of the ride. I wanted to raise both hands in victory and yelled out loud  like those who came in 1st at the finishing line but I was rudely shaken awake when they continued to ride on and I continued chasing. Died again but I still found strength to pose for pictures. Lol.

Finally, we arrived at Seletar airport, the 1st breakpoint after 27km. Upon arriving, I really threw the bike to the ground so that I can find a place to rest my wobbly legs. I needed a rest so much. While we had done over 40km without a break before, this was so much worse bcos it was much faster. Daddy Lim was in a much better shape than me.

After a good 10 mins rest, the group proceeded on. That same encouraging rider led Daddy Lim, me and another rider back home. Yes, in my half dead stage, I still had to ride home. Yes, to get home, we had to go through Mandai AGAIN. Why did I sign up for the half RI?

Fortunately, we went a lot slower on the way back since there were only 4 of us and I had been screaming murder. Lol. Mandai was bad but surprisingly easier on the way back. It was a long downslope on the 2nd climb, which also meant that it was a murderous forever uphill climb when we came. &(*%^$#@#$#@#%^$%**

We had wanted to stop for a drink couldn't find a suitable venue and eventually found ourselves at Railway Mall. The ice cold coke was much needed as well as the break to rest my tired legs. If my legs had mouth, Daddy Lim and the fellow riders would have been deafen by their screams. We were at least 12km away from home. Sob.

We had to “pay” for the coffee break -- what greeted us next were many more climbs. How come there are so many hills in Bukit Batok? I couldn't be gladder when we finally arrived back in Jurong East, to familiar landscape.

It was after midnight when we finally reached home. We clocked a total of 54km. Woohoo! We survived! We are alive! While it was a great experience and personal achievement, I don't think I would want to do another half RI (don't even think about RI) until such a time that I get my roadie. It only proved that I totally don't understand why would people push themselves to do marathon. Hahaha.

The group was very nice and encouraging, acknowledging Daddy Lim and my first half RI on the chat the next day. The lead even followed up privately to make sure that we survive. Awwwwww… such a great group.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 121: Music Please!

With the program fully learnt, the next step is the accompanying music. For almost the entire lesson, Coach Raymond was following Lil Shauna with the speaker.

The key is to remember specific move with specific part of the music. Lil Shauna said that she was too fast. Of course she was bcos she was on 1/3 ice. Haha. 

Coach Raymond went through 2/3 of her program with music. The rest of the lesson was spent on practicing her sit spin. 

We didnt spend extra time practicing. There wasnt much help bcos it was 1/3 ice and wouldnt improve her program.

Lil Shauna has a lot more to work on. While she can remember all her steps, she is seriously lacking that rythme in her dance steps; she is 木头人. Zzzzzzz. How come she never inherit my dancing genes? Must have inherited Daddy Lim's. Lol.

Mummy Lim