Creating Memories Phuket Day 2: Rachai and Coral Island

I told the kids that we would go gadget free this trip. The only cartoon channel was in Thai and they have more Chinese and Russian channels on TV than English. Even the discovery channel was translated to Chinese. Yes, Phuket has a huge Chinese and Russian tourist base. Nevertheless, the kids made do and survived the 1st day and night on the Thai cartoon channel and Chinese discovery channel. Yay! Surprisingly, nobody complained.

Many small tour stalls lined the streets of Phuket. Our size is also a great strength to bargain for good prices. However, I hate that we could never tell if what we had paid is indeed a good/ right price. The thought of lugging a group of 9 to look for bargains is also nightmarish. Ended up, we booked the Rachai and Coral Island Snorkeling tour with Klook. Everything was booked with the click of the finger, after we had happily checked the itinerary and compared the different snorkeling tours. The price was decent too. It was so easy and stress free.

Our hotel came with bfast. We each chose a main  bfast set and had free access to the mini buffet bar. We met for an early bfast at 7am; the transport was coming at 8am.

I totally want to live by this motto.

The van came on time. It was comfy and spacious.

We got very excited when the driver said that the pier was 5 mins away. It turned out to be a very long 5 mins. It wasnt 35 mins later and many "are we there yet" from Zaky before we finally arrived at the meetup place. Daddy Lim made use of every opportunity.

We ended up snacking again on the provided snacks, biscuits and drinks while waiting for the others to arrive. As the tour was on a speedboat, I was surprised to see that it was a huge group of about 30.

The tour provider was friendly and humorous and made the safety briefing much bearable. With the briefing and logistics done, we were led to the speedboat. It was a huge speedboat and we filled up all the space available. In fact, I do find it a little tight.

I bought a water-tight hp sleeve and was supposed to be the official photographer for the trip.

It was about 20mins boat ride before we arrived at the 1st snorkeling spot. Look at the blue waters and sky!

This is the kids' 1st ever snorkeling experience. The full face snorkeling masks that we bought for the kids can finally be put to use. Daddy Lim and I had our own snorkeling gears from Decathlone too. He also bought a rash guard especially for the trip but I totally forgotten. I brought wet shoes for the kids only to leave them in the hotel room. Hohoho. Old age lah.

The 1st snorkeling spot was mainly greyish corals and a few fishes. The kids were still very awed by the experience. Me too! Lol. While the full face mask worked perfectly for Zaky, Lil Shauna struggled and ended up exchanging her mask with me. It was a little hard to breathe but otherwise alright once the technique is mastered.

It was also C and T's 1st experience. T was terrified by the open sea and didnt quite enjoy the snorkeling. We had 45 mins in the waters but didnt stayed that long as first timers. We were not the only ones and many had gone back onto the boat before us. Spotting jelly fishesfloat8mg alongside us basically sped up the already short snorkeling session. Haha. Lil Shauna kept complaining that something bit her and she had these little red spots. We had them too but tolerated them better. I totally forgot my photographer role and only remembered when I came back onboard. Lol.

The speedboat brought us to Rachai island for lunch and R&R at the beach.

Lunch was simple but decent. The kids spent the remaining time soaking at the beach. The sea is such pretty blue, right??!!

We were brought to a 2nd snorkeling spot near Coral island after lunch. This spot had so many more fishes! Zaky freaked out at the sight of the schools of fishes swimming so near to us. He koala-bear me for a while until he finally calmed down. Lol. The remaining time was much more enjoyable than the 1st experience. This time, I did remember to take pictures but found it difficult with the sleeve, wet fingers and glaring sun. Taking pictures underwater was impossible. I ended up only with this picture. Haha. Ok, I had a video of the fishes too. Mission considered accomplished.

If we had indeed spent 45 mins in the waters, it was a very fast 45 mins. We were soon asked to go back to the boat to head back to shore. Lil Shauna had gone onto the boat earlier. She hated whatever that bit her, which we googled later and suspected to be sea lice but very much harmless.

The sun was blazing hot in the mid day. While many wanted to hide in the shelter part of the boat, Zaky wanted to sit in the front of the boat, right out in the open.

The ride was slightly bumpy but comfortable with the wind in our hair, mitigating the blazing heat. The ride was about 30mins. Sheltered or not doesnt stop the Zzzz monster.

Back on shore, we didnt have to wait long for the van to send us back and we all knocked out from the activity.

The water soaking didnt stop and we adjourned to the pool. Woohoo! It was a small pool but when there is good companion, there is fun. We even bought munchies to have our own picnic by the pool. Shiok! Especially paired with a cold can of coke.

Dinner and deserts followed.

Then the beach again! We had to lure the kids away by promising the fish spa that they had been eyeing. Daddy Lim also benefitted.

The kids had more fun in our room after showering. Daddy Lim nobly took care of the kids while the mummies went for a well-deserved massage. Auntie S and I had a body massage while Auntie SL opted for a foot massage. It was so cheap at THB 250 and so, so good!!! I could have this massage every day. Awwwwwww...

Daddy Lim was still alive when we returned. The kids were much zombified in front of the TV from the too much sun and sea. Needless to say, sleep was very easy. We survived another gadget free day. The kids were tempted when seeing T on his Pokemon quest and tried their luck a few times but took the rejection in their stride. There were afterall so much other fun stuff to indulge in.

Mummy Lim

Creating Memories Phuket Day 1: Arrival and Jungle Extreme

It was very impromptu; I finally realised that the global meeting was one week before the school holidays, which meant that we could go on our quarterly holidays! The flight price to Phuket was decent. I jioed Auntie S and Auntie SL. The next moment, tickets were booked and we were heading to Phuket! Hoho.

The days before Phuket was a haze bcos I was so busy at work, which was a good thing so that my neck didnt have to grow longer from the pinning. In a blink of eye, the bag was packed and we were on the way to the airport!

To maximise time in Phuket, we had booked the 8am flight, which meant checking in at 6am and into the taxi at 5am. Yesh, we were up at freaking 4.15am, panda eyes and all. The ride to the airport was a very quiet one; the kids were catching up on the lost sleep.

The excitement started the moment we met up. Checking in and baggage dropped were easy peasy. Immigration was a breeze too. Woohoo!

Bcos it was budget airline, it was important to fill the tummies before boarding. The kids had their usual run at the little playground before and afer bfast. Apparently some things dont change for a long time even when the kids looked too old to be playing at the playground.

Group picture before boarding.

Monkeying around as we waited to clear the gate.

Checked again on the plane.

We bought allocated seats bcos Daddy Lim insisted that he needed seats with extra legspace. I ended up sitting with both kids with Auntie S behind me, followed by Auntie SL. The kids were making so much noise and soon swop seats such that they were split by gender. All were good once they settled down and were plugged into the downloaded movies on our phones.

No food on board = tummy filled preboard and Mummy Lim who brought a lot of snacks. Hoho. No entertainment = self prepared with pre downloaded movies. It was a short 1hr 45 mins flight. Before long, we had touched down to the land of sunshine... a lot of sunshine.

The boy was very excited and it meant a lot of fustration and whinning when met with a looooonnnngggg immigration Q.

It took us a while to clear the immigration and then to join another Q to exit the airport. We had booked a private van transfer from Klook to the hotel only to realise that it was another wait. It was fustrating to wait without knowing what we were waiting for, especially when it was nearing lunch time and our tummies were starting to growl. The communication was bad; "mam, wait there, wait there, shirt, shirt". What?!! Zzzzzz.

We saw my name waiting alongside with us but on the floor with the agent.

Then got "upgarded" to the side.

As per the previous groups, we knew that it would be our turn when it was finally picked up and handed to the driver.

We took the time to take pictures and buy snacks bcos we were bored and HUNGRY! Roar.

After like forever, the driver finally appeared. It was a comfy 10 seater van with ample space for luggage. The hotel was 1 hr away but a lovely ride bcos the boys were still occupied with the movie. We chatted and joked on the ride and it was such a pleasurable ride except that we were growing hungrier and hungrier. 

Kokotel Phuket was where we would spend the next 3 nights. It was like a stone throw from the Patong Beach. The iconic sheep. Blaaaa...

And the slide that provided the kids with much entertainment while waiting. 

The rooms were not ready. We left our luggage in search of lunch. There was a huge eating place right opposite our hotel but was more catered for dinner; many of the stalls were still closed. We walked and walked and walked to look for an "Auntie SL approved" eatery. She is like the group's eating guru ok, dont play play. 

We did find a Thai food place along Patong Beach only to realise that Patong is a totally touristy place and cheap food doesnt come by in touristy place. However, the pad thais were to die for when we were that hungry. The kids had their 1st exposure to the Patong Beach though in the totally wrong attire; we were still dressed for the chilly plane ride. They only got to stroll on the beach and wet their feet.

We had to head back soon after lunch bcos we were melting and also bcos we had booked the Jungle Extreme (JE) zipline park; the pickup was at 1.30pm. It was a pleasant surprise to know that the rooms were available. Hurray! Our triple beds room was huge though a tad old. I couldnt help but noted how much prettier the room pictures on website looked. Lol. 

The transfer came on time. For a while, I was worried that park would play us out. It was a good 45 mins drive to the park. This time, we were all knocked out - the early morning and the aircon comfy van provided the perfect setting. 

It was the perfect nap before the physical workout.

We opted for the 40 platforms instead of the 62 one bcos the boys were not tall enough. They had to be at least 1.5m tall. 

Then, the 1st real challenge came - the staff who confirmed our booking assured that payment could be made in cash or cc but we were told that only cash was accepted. While we had enough on the spot, it reduced greatly the spendable amount left for the trip. 

Once the "hurdle" was cleared, we prepared for the zipline. 

As part of the prep, we had to watch this very long video on safety precautions. The demonstrator was very naggy, it became especially bad when we were all raving to go. 

Finally, it was time for action. We had to climb a few flight of stairs before the start point. By then, we were panting and huffing, joking that that was the actual obstacle course. 

Bcos no phones were allowed, we had no picture as well, except for the group picture that Auntie S bought. 

The 40 platforms were not as tough as I had expected. The initial platforms were more physically demanding; the last few were mainly ziplining. Chill leh. Some of the obstacles were tougher and required some height so it must be really challenging for the little ones with short hands and legs. Haha. The most challenging one in my opinion was the tree climbing with wall climbing studs, largely bcos it was a vertical climb. My arms were literally shaking from exhuastion by the end of the tree climb. I still thought that the zipline park in Bali was better; there were more varieties and the obstacles were more challenging. 

By the time we arrived at the last few ziplines, the kids were experts already. We conquered the 40 platforms and returned to the reception for ice cream as a reward.

The same van sent us back to the hotel. What did we do? Knocked out again after the workout. Lol.

It was the perfect time for dinner by the time we arrived back at the hotel. Poor Zaky had fallen into a deep slumber and couldnt wake up. He continued to sleep at the table while we dug in to delicious fried maggie mee, mango sticky rice, satay pork, banana prata... woohoo! 

The boy was finally awake when dinner was done. By then, his tummy started rumbling and he was happy to settle for instant noodles in the room. Lol.

With the setting sun, it was the perfect time to hit the beach. 

While the weather couldnt be any better, the fading daylight also meant that the kids couldnt stay in the water for too long. We needed to make sure that we could eye power them and it got harder by the minute. 

We headed back to the room and it was 8ish by the time we showered and settled down. By then, Lil Shauna had alread6y quietly crept under the blankets to lala land. Lol. 

We were all beat and sleep came so easily, even for Zaky who had a long nap that lasted through dinner. 

Mummy Lim

Another Taste of Independence

It was the start of the school holidays. The young lady excited half told me and half ask if she could go ice skating with her school mate. Apparently, she had already dated a number of them to hit the ice when the holiday starts. She even told me that her friends cant really skate and so she will pretend to be a noob. Lol. What?

The plan was complicated; there was even a chat group dedicated to the occasion. Various CCA and classes were taking place in the afternoon and the girls agreed to meet at 4.30pm at JCube. I saw one of them typed a long and comprehensive what is happening when message. Impressive. 

I was one anxious mum. It would be the 1st time that Lil Shauna is taking the mrt to the rink on her own. I even insisted to give her extra practice by taking the train with her the Sunday for ice time. Hehehe. Oh yes, I was reminding this and that (yes lah, nagging) the whole way. Lol. We also had rules set; that she had to watsapp me before she start her journey and to watsapp me immediately upon arrival.

The day turned out really fine and as planned. She messaged alright, had dinner at Mac with her friends before hitting the ice. It was full ice with the center rink cornered off for advanced skaters. Did she try to be a noob? No lah. She said that her friends can apparently skate fairly well and I bet the temptation to show off was too strong. Haha. 

Daddy Lim picked her up at 7.30pm. She had so much fun. Looks like going out with friends mode is starting soon.

Mummy Lim

Back to Sparring Classes

We took a rest last week after the competition; the boy needed to recover physically and emotionally and so do the parents. I is tired.

Master Kim, the head of the school, reached out bcos he wanted to provide and ask for feedback on the competition. That is a nice gesture. I was jokingly telling Daddy Lim that maybe he reads my blog. Haha.

Zaky spent the entire Sunday on gadget; I know I should limit him soon. The excessive screen time made him tired and lethargic. He barely had any energy left by the time sparring class started. There werent many kids partaking in the upcoming interschool competition, leaving only a few of them in the competition sparring class. This could be good, allowing the Masters to focus on correcting their techniques.

After class, Zaky's Masters (A - the one who led the team for the competition and another who had been teaching Zaky) shared their thoughts about the competition and I highlighted too how Zaky appeared to lack strategy and techniques. His opponent was obviously more experienced and skilled. Master A pointed out Zaky's lack of stamina, which I totally agreed. As a result,  he was mindlessly attacking usessly, which in turn left him even more tired. Master A said that he couldnt take in a word of instruction during the break bcos he was so physically drained.

The Masters shared their training plan to help the kids strategized and improve their techniques. They asked that he stopped the usual TKD classes and instead come for 2x per week sparring classes. They were truthful that one month is too short to create miracles. To further help, they have a "home training plan" for the students, making up of 100 rope skipping, 20 squats, 60 kicks and 30 mins jog PER day. No joke! The Masters particularly pointed out Zaky's weak turning kicks that isnt impactful and asked specifically that we helped him train on that.

Master Kim came soon after and shared the feedback that he had recieved from the other parents, which arent different from mine. Basically, the lack of information, the lack of strategy and insufficient Masters during the competition. The pattern competiton was the day before and he seemed to indicate that the school was more well-prepared for that. Like Daddy Lim suggested, the school appeared more oriented towards pattern and demonstration than sparring. I suggested the school to train the kids in the competition format so that they are better prepared physically and mentally. Also, to garner on the parent volunteers; we were all sitting and waiting there anyway.

The feedback session was very much a confident booster. Master Kim reminded that the kids will take a while to gain experience and in the next competition, Zaky should at least aim for a higher score and to close the point gap. That is very fair.

We did our home training plan yday. Again the boy was on gadget the entire afternoon; I hid his phone in the morning. Muahaha. He was lethargic and whinny initially until we finally got the adrenaline pumping. We did a lot more than the required except for the jog. I hope it isnt the 三分钟热度. Haha. Let's work hard!

Mummy Lim