Batam! Day 1

It is the school holidays and that means that we can go for overseas holiday. I would love to go somewhere farther away, but the kids said that they would be busy and only had the weekend for us. We didn't want to be stuck in the custom jam and the next best option would be a ferry ride. 

After multiple searches and considerations, I booked 2 nights with the Batam View Resort. This is an old hotel, we had been there several times before covid and when the kids were much little. They don't remember much and in fact mixed up the Batam, Bintan and Bali in their head. They were recount a memory, only for me to tell them that that was Bintan/ Bali. So funny. 

Despite being just Batam, we were very excited; holidays are always exciting. Hoho. Our ferry was on Saturday 12pm and we should be at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal about 2 hours prior. I would imagine a lazy morning before heading to the Terminal and even skip the WWF ride. Turned out, we ended up at ECP for an early skate session. 

Start of our holiday, with McD bfast at ECP. 

We started late, arriving at the skatepark only at 8am. Daddy Lim and the kids took lesson while I went to cruise ECP. 

It was super rush, I didn't get to go far, clocking about 16km in all. We had to move everybody off at about 9.40am. Daddy Lim and the kids had fun though, telling them that they all accomplished some new stuff at class. 

The ferry terminal was crowded. We are obviously not the only ones going for a holiday. We had time for a quick snack but careful not to eat too much in case of rough sea. 

Yay! Holiday! We can smell it, but not for long bcos we were all knocked out after the early and tiring morning. 

We didn't get to nap long bcos it was only a 50 mins ride and it was soon time to disembark. 

Clearing immigration was super easier bcos the resort has this new service - they collected our passports and cleared the immigration for us. We only need to board the bus. Super nice. As we approached the immigration, the kids were like, "yes, I remember this place!"

The familiar yellow bus.

I had remembered that the resort was very far away from the terminal. Turned out, the ride was barely 10 mins away. Probably bcos it was the start of the Singapore school holidays and a normal weekend otherwise, the room was available and we didnt have to wait.

We went exploring after dropping the luggage in the room. 

It is a "resort" and is supposed to be self-contained. The only problem is that every other activity is chargeable. So I was super excited when the staff allowed the kids to try the ATV for FREE for 3 mins! It cost like S$38.5 for a 15 mins slot originally.

The kids only went around in that little tiny field but they had fun. I was more anxious than they are, in case one of them drive the ATV into some building or the pool. I don't have $$ to pay for an ATV. 

We spotted these little motorbikes too. 

Once upon a time, Zaky rode one of these. He also remembered riding it into some structure and cried a lot. Lol. 

The main reason for choosing this hotel is really this mini private beach that they have. It brought us down memory lane as we take the flight of stairs to the beach.

The kids has been talking about riding the banana boat for the longest time and rememberd doing so at the same beach. We would have gladly watched from the shade if it wasn't bcos they need a min 4 riders. So, we all got onto the banana boat. The staff asked if we wanted to capsize. Siao ah! Of course not. 

We did capsize once bcos it was windy and the sea choppy. The kids were very happy and trying to climb back to the banana boat was a workout on its own. Luckily, that was the only time. We paid about S$48 for our family to bounce around on the banana boat and thrown into the sea. Hoho. 

The kids had asked to kayak but it was super hot. They ended up with the striker. This was even more expensive at S$25 for mere few minutes but the kids said that it was damn fun. 

I saw them flew off the float at some point. Luckily, nobody got thrown off. 

After the exciting stuff, we headed to the newly constructed area on the beach.

Then back to the main pool for more monkeying around. 

We only left the pool bcos it was nearing dinner time. We were rushing for the sea activities and only had instant noodles for lunch. Nana wanted crab and we headed go the kelong restaurant for dinner. 

Unfortunately, the crabs were sold out. Dinner wasn't too bad anyway. This was very much Singapore pricing. 

We also headed to the all familiar jetty for pictures. 

We had games of pool at back at the hotel lobby. The kids are learning and are getting the ropes. This was us in action. 

Daddy Lim had beer while we had mocktail. Hoho. 

I told the kids that they should learn pool properly. In my times, the ones who can play pool well were looked upon as the cool kids. Hoho. 

There was supposed to be live band at 8pm but we were all so exhausted with the early morning, skating and a lot of swimming. Nobody had the energy to watch the band. 

We had a twin room and paid for an extra bed. As there were only 3 beds, I shared a bed with Zaky for the night. Good night!

Mummy Lim

To the Dark Side.. with iPhone

We are an android family. I don't know about Daddy Lim but I gave up on iPhone in the early onset when I wasn't able to properly download my pictures and then the battery failed and the battery was not replacable.

Since than, I had been an android user. Daddy Lim is on android too for as long as I can remember. We are happy android family and there are so many android phone choices. Hoho.

I had in recent years thought if I should switch back to iPhone bcos Nana had been wanting an iPhone, but the price of the iPhone scares me. Why does it cost so much? Zzzzzz.. 

In November 2021, I managed to convince her to stay on android and we both bought the Samsung S20 FE. The phone is good, I am still using it and liking it. I didn't hear complaints from Nana as well and assumed that all are well. 

My kids are very trusting of the world. They think that nobody steals and they leave their belongings (phone, wallet, valuables) out in the open. If somebody wants to steal, the rink is a good place, every other person (definitely include Nana) is leaving their phone on the seat/ bag/ rink barricade ledge). On top of that, my kids also think that if they forgot/ misplaced their belongings, other people will either leave their belongings as it is or pass them to the lost and found corner. 

My kids have misplaced their phones multiple times. Why? Bcos they have this bad habit of holding their phone in their hand in whatever that they are doing. So they either do what they need with one hand or resort to putting their phone somewhere when they finally admit that they needed both hands. Zaky has it easier bcos his shorts usually comes with pockets. Nana just ended up putting her phone somewhere ... and then forgot about it. Zzzzzzz. 

She did that a couple of times and tge last in Melbourne and luckily got it back. She finally ran out of luck back in Singapore, when she left her phone in the toilet cubicle in the Selegie Mall. Of course she was upset but I was even more. 

It had been several weeks since she had been using one of the old phones. She didn't dare complain and had asked for a new phone for her bday. She had wanted an iPhone but didn't dare ask for one. She said that 80% of the kids in her school use iPhone and the remaining 20% are deemed as outcast. Ok lah, remain as outcast lah. 

Daddy Lim said that I must be a villain Queen in my past life and killed all of them. I am here to repay my debts this life. Hoho. Of course I gave in. Her screen has discolored and I think she has learnt her lesson.

Oh no.. Nana has gone over to the dark side. 

She is of course super happy. 

Daddy Lim and I are considering if we should disown her. Lol. Yday morning, she was trying to set up the iphone. We eyed her and her phone with contempt. She was still very happy though and ignored us totally.

This morning, I made myself her wallpaper on her iphone. Hoho. My daughter loves me. 

Maybe not... I didn't last very long as her wallpaper and was switched away. Zzzz. 

iPhone really so good meh? 

Mummy Lim

New Year, New Business Trip, Part 3

Last day! I tolerated this trip much better than the last one. Traveling alone isn't that bad. 

I woke up early for the gym before making my way for bfast. That was when I realised that I had lost my aftershokz. It must have dropped out when I was trying to take the call in the uber the day before, pulling earphones and what not from my bag. Sob.

The restaurant is very decent.

Daddy Lim asked why no meat. Got, 1 mini suasage. Their meat dishes didn't look interesting/ appetising. The spread is the same every morning but I shan't complain. At least I get "pick and choose" bfast. 

I took 2 calls before making my way to the office at BKC. Different scenary and at one part, we passed by a road with mini shops. Interesting...

I finally made it to the office at about 12pm. 

There is a new Starbucks! An ice mocha is perfect on a hot afternoon. 

I worked until 7pm and was eager to make my way to the airport. I rather be early than anxious. I wouldn't mind stoning in the airport too. I am good with stoning.

 

It must be bcos it was peak hour, I booked an uber, which was supposed to take 10 mins to come but only finally arrived after 30 mins. Heng I booked the uber early. 

The way to the airport was equally bad. At certain parts, it was almost a standstill or inching on a very bumpy and squeezy road. There was road works going on but even without, the roads arent much better. I cannot tell if it was bcos I had 2 cups of coffee earlier or the mad shaking but I was quesy. I couldn't be happier when I saw the  airport sign.

No visitors is allowed in the airport. To enter the airport, we need to show departure proof and I panicked when I couldn't retrieve the email, possibly due to lousy network. I had to rely on the hardcopy that was addressed to a Ms Tan. Fortunately, I cleared. 

I had 3 hours before the flight departure but I wanted to clear the Immigration ASAP. It wasn't as crowded as my last trip, maybe bcos it was already late at night. This was my dinner. 

I hesitated about eating raw vegetables but the temptation of warm toasted bread and melted cheese was hard to resist. No tummy ache and I made it onto the plane alright. 

This time, I had the aisle seat. I finished the movie that I was watching on the earlier flight and got ready to go to bed. I had a long day ahead. I skipped flight supper, opting only for the bread and keeping it for Zaky. He loves the airplane bread. Haha.

Though interrupted, I had a good 3 over hours of sleep, until the announcement woke me, to inform me that we were descending. The last bit of the flight was bumpy bcos of the rainy clouds. 

Finally, home! Landed!

Still in time to catch the wet and wintery weather.

I napped again in the car. Reached home, unpacked and napped again until nearing lunch before started on work. I survived the half workday. Strategy well carried out. 

Mochi didn't seem to miss me too much. His litter box was so full and smelly. Zzzzz. I cleared a big bag of poo and pee. I didn't get to see the kids until late evening. Zaky was back from school and CCA and told me how hard it was. Daddy Lim picked Zaky and me from home to meet Nana at JP after his work and her tuition. Nana had a full week of staycation at my brother's house and told me how convenient it was to go to school. Hoho. 

Why to JP? I needed to get this. 

Had to spend $$ bcos of my stupidity. Haiz. 

This marked the end of my 1st business trip 2023. I survived! It wasn't so bad!

Mummy Lim

New Year, New Business Trip, Part 2

The hotel has a gym! It is supposed to open at 6.30am. I was slightly early but the gym was already crowded. 

I couldn't get a machine and did a HiTT instead. Bcos traveling time had been cut, I had time for bfast and even nuah a bit in the room before ubering to office. By day 2, I am very pro with uber already. The uber cars were old and small but brought me safely to my destination. Good enough.

For lunch, I headed to the eateries a few buildings away. In India, most of the people would bring their tiffin, aka tabao and lunch is usually simple - some gravy or mashy something with rice or roti. Most of them wouldn't make it out during the hot months for lunch. Even a building away is too much walking in the hot sun. That afternoon, I had the chance to experience Mumbai's heat and humidity. It is much worse than Singapore. Then again, I was told that Singapore went through Winter again while I am away. 

I bought "momo" for lunch and to share. What are momos? Chinese 锅贴. 

I again left the office at 7ish and was happy to be stoning in the room. My dinner. I duno who eats omelette for dinner but it was comfort food. 

I got kung-fu panda for companion somemore. 

The next day was an early day, like really, really early. During the last trip, I was asking if any hiking can be done and a colleague remembered. I was up at 4.45am and he picked me at 5am. Despite the little traffic, the roads were still busy, it still took us 45 mins to reach the Yeoor Hill. There was not enough time and we could only walk along the road and not into the forrested area. 

This was what we thought of going.

Too far, not enough time. Can only take picture. 

We ended the hike with refreshing coconuts.

The air was freshy and chilly. Very comfortable and refreshing. I took a cab back to the hotel to freshen up before heading to the office. I couldn't get an uber in time and ended up having to take a call in the uber with choppy network and then lugging the bags and laptop in hand to the office. 

Lunch was Chinese food again. The colleagues took very nice care of me, ensuring that I have familiar food. Bcos lunch was so heavy, I skipped dinner, snacking on complementary fruits and muruku. 

Mummy Lim

New Year, New Business Trip, Part 1

It is the new year and new business travel trips. The last I visited Mumbai was in early September 2022 and with a colleague. That was my 1st ever trip to India and I have to say that I don't like Mumbai. Maybe I wasn't used to the city or it was an exhuasting work trip. I didn't enjoy it and was constantly counting the days to go home. 

Time flies and 5 months had passed. It is long overdue and I know I should be back. This time, I would be alone and I wasn't at all looking forward to it. I am scared. Alone in Mumbai didn't sound interesting or exciting. Ok, maybe exciting but the wrong kind of exciting. 

My flight was on Monday morning 7.45am. I was up at 4.45am and at the airport at 5ish. Yawnz... the only thing that excites me about the trip is the shopping at the airport. Hoho. My chance to stock up my cosmestic and skincare. 

The last I flew for business, after clearing the immigration at T3, I had to take the skytrain to T1 for the flight. I found out a little late and had to rush. This time, after immigration at T3, I also had to take the skytrain. Why didn't they just let us check in at the right terminal? At least I have plenty of time bcos I already know SQ's "trick". 

The flight took off on time. I had the famous middle seat but fortunately had very cordial fellow flight mates, who didn't infringe into "my space" or did weird antics. I caught 1.5 movies, had inflight bfast and took a short nap towards the end of the flight. I know I had to sleep, it was a long day ahead. 

The fear of being stuck at the immigration is real. I was reminded times and again that India is where all documentations need to be in hardcopy. Bring everything, bring extra, just bring and there is this lingering anxiety that I might have forgotten something until I finally successfully cleared immigration. The passenger in front of me (sounded like Singaporean) was stuck bcos he was asked for his boarding pass and he misplaced that. We were in the airport, clearing immigration, where else can we come from lah? I don't know how long he was stuck, he was still there when I moved to another counter and cleared immigration. Good luck!

I booked a car from Booking.com. The driver was early, whatsapped me and called me. I cannot do anything lah, not like if I can rush the immigration officer. Fortunately, he was still waiting when I finally exited the airport. 

Welcome to Mumbai!

I started my hour long car trip to the office in Aroli. The familiar traffic, the honking, the messy landscaping, the dusty roads... I didn't really mind the traffic actually, bcos that was my last bit of idle before starting my work day. 

Oh ya, I was told that these small little shops do not come with toilet. Public toilets are built x distant away. I can imagine the hard conditions, especially during the hot months, yet these small shops lined so many of the city streets. 

Work started as soon as I arrived in the office with my 大包小包. My colleague nicely took care of me and ordered me Chinese food for lunch. Nice. 

I didn't leave the office until the sun had come down. By then, I was exhausted from the early morning and long day. Uber works well in Mumbai and I Ubered to the hotel. It was interesting sights on the way. I passed by some markets and parks

.

I chose to stay in Turbhe this time, which is about 30 mins away from the site office. It is the industrial area and my India colleagues were not very approving of the area, They had nicely advised that I should stay in BKC area, which is the Financial Center area and more "accessible". I am not sure what accessibility are they talking about bcos the last time I stayed in BKC, other than offices, eateries and hotels, there is nothing else. No shopping mall, no convenient shops. We were shuttling between the hotel and office, which isn't different from this time. BKC would require an 1 hour traveling time to the site office and in the last trip, we lengthened our work day bcos we had to leave the hotel early to miss the traffic.  

The area is indeed a little daunting but I was assured that it is actually very safe and the Vivanta Hotel is very safe. The hotel does look safe, with high walls, like a fortress. It is a good hotel and the room was huge!

Got bathtub somemore. 

I was exhausted and had to finish a little more work. Dinner was therefore comfort food. 

I usually don't sleep too well on the 1st night but I must be very tired. Hoho. 

Mummy Lim

Round 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, Part 2

I managed to steal another short nap on the bus ride home. Back home, Puffy's cage and Mochi's litter box were waiting. On normal Saturdays, I would have done the clean up after the morning ride. The routine was all screwed up. The silver lining was that the kids were home and Daddy Lim came home shortly too. I had extra pairs of helping hands. Soon, all done. Round 3 completed. 

Right after that, we proceeded for Round 4 - "new" car collection. Daddy Lim had been bugging me for a while. No, the Forrester was working well. It gave us some issues but all fixed. Other than boredom, I don't know how to explain why we are changing car. It is OK, so long as the man is happy and I could get him off my back for the next 3 years (at least).  

It had been a while since I drove and I asked to drive to the car showroom. It was my last chance and I needed to do it despite being very sleep deprived. 

Daddy Lim managed the documentations while the kids and I moved the stuff. They also took the last opportunity to monkey around. 

Goodbye Forrester, you have worked hard and served us very well. 

Hello A4, we have to get used to your height. 

It was a 2nd hand car bcos the COE is too crazily high. Another round completed!

We had dinner at IKEA and proceeded to the last round of the day - basketball shoes shopping at IMM. Zaky needed new shoes for his CCA training. By then, you can imagine how dead I was. Very.... Fortunately it was Zaky, he doesn't like shopping and wanted more than anybody to just buy and go. I was very grouchy by the end of the trip. Obviously I had thought too highly of myself. But would I still do the same the next time? Of course! Such partying sessions are so hard to come by and weekends are too precious for sleeping in. Hohoho. 

I am super mummy. #thatiswhywecelebratemothersday

Mummy Lim