Bangkok, No Kids! Day 1, Part 2

The meeting place for the bicycle tour was at the Wat Khlong Toei Nok pier. On Google map, it is 15 mins by car away. Bcos of the jam, it took us longer than 15 mins and we arrived with like 3 mins to spare. At least we were not late and not the latest. 

There were 3 different groups and 6 of us. The other 2 groups seem to be Americans. The trip started with a short boat ride across some river. When we were walking to the boat, I saw that one of the couples consists of a really old man. He could barely walk. He needed help to go down the ramp and onto the boat. He can cycle in his state?

On the boat! 

The boat ride was 5 mins but according to the guide, after we crossed that river, we were no longer in Bangkok. We were in some island that is about 40km2 big, with a population of 40k people. 

The 1st thing to do was to select the rental bike. 

Did that elderly man (John) ride? Yes, but on a motorcycle while his partner followed behind on a bicycle. 

We started riding and the 1st stop was the local park for fish feeding. 

The colorful snacks are corn snacks for the fish. The guide - Sugar (yes, that is his name), said that we can try too if we wanted. Hoho. 

Then, we rode alongside canals, little narrow concrete paths that often lead to somebody’s houses. We rode for quite a while before stopping for a break and snacks. Mango sticky rice no. 2!

I had thought that Daddy Lim would complain about eating mamgo sticky rice again. He didn’t and was happily indulging in the sweet dessert. It was also this time that the lady shared that this was probably the last trip that she would be taking with John bcos his mental capacity has reduced so much. They are from Forida and flew 30 hours to BKK!

We rode somemore, stopping for a cold soda/ drink. The couple decided to end their ride earlier; John was probably exhausted. 

Daddy Lim and I both thought that the lady is so brave to take such a trip and to stick together in his condition. She was so jovial and positive throughout. I asked Daddy Lim if he would take such good care of me when I turned senile; he thinks that he would probably turn senile before me. Zzzzz. The lady said that John probably only understood 50% of what was happening. I wonder if she is making memories for herself more than creating a memorial trip for John. 

We continued our ride, then stopping at a local food market. 

I got very excited. The 1st thing that I bought was this hotdog with glutinous rice thing. Then, we got this fried pork belly that was so good! 

We washed everything down with a slushies. 

I thought we were heading back but were brought to a temple and coincidentally, there was a cremation ceremony ongoing and we ended up observing the ceremony. So weird. 

Sugar said that the man should be an important person previously bcos there was a huge guest turnout. 

Then, we went to the kindy school beside for pictures.

Finally, we headed back to the pier. More pictures of the cycling tour. 

It was about 5pm when we ended the ride. We rode about 14km. It took us a while to get a grab back. Then, it was mad jam near to Platimun Mall and we decided to drop at the mall amidst the traffic. We found dinner at one of the stalls outside the mall. 

Some Thai seafood fried rice. 

We walked back to the hotel, dropped our bags and headed for massage. Yay! 

The massage was so good for my aching and tired feet. Daddy Lim did the foot massage too but was seated so far from me bcos the salon was crowded when we arrived. 

Of course he fell asleep - the early morning, long ride and hot sun were no joke. I almost dozed off a couple of times too.

After massage must be supper. Daddy Lim bought grilled squid.

It was quite little and he finished it before we even reached back to the hotel. 

I have to proudly showcase my 战利品. 

For Naaa.

For Zaky.

Daddy Lim only bought this. 

I was so tired and needed to sleep. 

Mummy Lim

Bangkok, No Kids! Day 1, Part 1

A few months ago, we were deciding where to go for our couple trip (aka no kids!). Since the kids came to the world, we have always travel leisurely with kids and watch them grow up during the different trips. It is an experience that we so appreciate and never regret. 

Back in 2023, we finally decided to go for a couple trip to Bangkok; that was when we were still in LV and Popo had helped us to man the kids, even though they were not so little kids then. With Popo’s help, we traveled with much great peace of mind. 

Last year, we didn’t travel without the kids, except for a day trip to JB. I can’t remember if it was a lack of time or we didn’t want to leave the kids alone in Teck Whye. This year, I was exploring to go to cities that we haven’t visited but Daddy Lim didn’t sound as enthusiastic. We eventually booked Bangkok (again) bcos it is such a familiar city and thus easy to navigate. I cannot deny that I was very much reminded of our last stomach flu family Bangkok trip when booking the air tickets. Wish us luck! We will be back on Saturday night and would miss polling. Not intentional ah, we booked the flight way before the Government declares polling day.

Before the trip, I had been doing loads of laundry and as much chores as possible, so that it would be easier for the kids during our absence. Then kept reminding the kids to take care of each other and of Mochi.

Our flight was at 6.10am. We targeted to leave the house by 4am, and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time, and even had a leisure bfast.

The paper cups are so pretty! 

Bye kids! 

We flew Scoot.

Of course I had to pay extra for leg space - this is Daddy Lim’s requirement whenever we flew budget. 

The snacks we bought to keep us “entertained”.

The flight was originally timed for 6.10am. When we checked in, it was retimed to 6.30am. Then, it was further delayed while on the runway, something about the rain delaying some  routine servicing. We finally took off at 7am and I napped. I woke up a couple of time, but I probably slept a good 1/3 of the flight. I needed the sleep. 

I was pleasantly surprised to realise that the flight time was only 2 hours. We arrived in Bangkok safe and sound at about 8am BKK time, which is 1 hour behind Singapore. I texted the kids to let them know that we were safe. Zaky just woke up and Nana was still sleeping. 

The immigration was ok. There was some queue but it moved quickly. Similar to previous trips, we headed straight for the taxi. When the driver started driving off, he googled translated that the trip will be THB700 (inclusive of toll). I oked him, thinking that he was telling me an estimation of the taxi fare. It was only a while later that I realised that he didn’t turn on his meter (and didn’t have one). We kena cheated; a trip from the airport to the Pratunam area would probably cost less than THB400 with toll. We asked him to turn on the meter but he claimed that he doesn’t have one. We were also worried that arguing would make him drive us to some ulu place or drop us in the middle of the expressway. 

The traffic was very smooth, maybe bcos it was a PH. We ended up paying on the “agreed” fare. We are staying at the Grand Diamond Suite Hotel this round bcos the price is cheaper than some other Pratunam hotels. This hotel is actually right next to the Platinum Mall. The room would only be ready at 2pm. We dropped the bag and headed out for shopping. 

Unfortunately, the Platinum Mall opens only at 10am. At least Daddy Lim had a picture taken with some fluffy stuff. Hoho. 

We decided to cross the road in search of bfast and saw the Pratunam morning market. No harm walking. 

While walking, I was also trying to find food to eat. There were quite a few of those mobile food cart. No idea what meat this was.

Then, a variety of hotdogs.

Got pig’s ear too. We didn’t dare eat. 

We didn’t spent a lot of time in the Pratunam market and went to the Platinum Mall to do more shopping and then for a proper bfast. I got mango sticky rice. 

Daddy Lim got fish and chips. I duno why he come all the way to BKK to eat fish and chips. 

Ended up, this fish and chips brought back a lot of 小时候的味道. The fish and chips that I had when I was a kid were mostly breaded like this. Nowadays, most fish and chips are battered. 

We roamed Platinum Mall somemore and our bag got fuller and heavier. We started worrying if we have enough space to bring back our loot. We headed back to the hotel at 12ish bcos we needed to rest our poor legs. The room was still not ready. There is a 4 level shopping mall next to our hotel. While Daddy Lim rest at the lobby, I walked somemore but didn’t find anything to buy. 

We left the bags at the hotel and tried to book a grab at about 1pm. Bcos of the bad traffic, the car took more than 10 mins to arrive. The traffic in front of Platinum Mall is always so bad. For a while, we were worried that we would be late for our cycling tour activity. 

This was what we hooked. 

https://www.followmebiketour.com/siam-sawan/

The last round we came without the kids, we did the morning half day city tour on bike. It was so freaking hot and I almost died. I was hoping that I would survive better this time. 

Mummy Lim

Almost a Day Trip to JB

The optical shop informed that the glasses was ready for collection. We intended to drive into JB during the weekend but the thought of being stuck at the custom brings no joy. Nana was very keen to join us too, bcos she was dying for a massage. Bcos jiejie is going, Zaky tagged along.

To accommodate to the kids’ schedule and hopefully also to avoid too much jam, we decided to head into JB on early Sunday morning. The plan was to leave the house at 6am and we did! 

It took us about an hour to clear the immigration on both sides. What do we do at 7am instead JB? Massage! 

I googled and found 24/7 massage salons near to the Causeway. Fortunately, they eventually responded to my WhatsApp and I made an appointment for 7.30am. We were slightly early bcos the salon is literally like 5 mins drive from the Causeway.

I was trying to decide which kid looks more like me. Like none leh. lol. 垃圾桶捡回来的 - ok lah, they have my big nose and also super stubborn straight hair. Hoho.

I didn’t quite know what kind of massage the kids were after and booked 2 x body massage and 2 x foot massage. The kids took the body massage, claiming how their whole body was aching and needed relief. Hmmm… they are not the young people? 

The foot massage was very good. It wasn’t painful but very comfortable. Daddy Lim was more impressed with the big armchair that they had and declared that it was nap time. 

The kids also agreed that their massage was very good and relaxing. 

The next step was to look for bfast. While Daddy Lim was happy napping, I was googling for Tim Sum places and found one that was near, good google reviews and reasonably priced. It was only 3 mins drive away. Along the same street, there were several kopitiams and restaurants that were fairly empty, only this Tim Sum placed was buzzing. Must be the right find.

Daddy Lim found an empty space by the road side and we were lucky to find a table for 4. This tim sum place is one of those old school kopitiam places. To order, we carried a tray to the steamer and point to this and that. A glass display is on the other side, carrying all the different fried tim sum. Very much self service. 

Look at our spread for round 1. I am so happy that there were the 4 of us; we wouldn’t be able to try such variety if it is just Daddy Lim and me.

Still, the boys disappointed me. All of us are watching our diet, holiday or not. Zaky was the 1st to declare that he was full and had enough. I could eat tim sum all day long but unfortunately, my diet also didn’t agree. Haiz. 

The bfast cost us about RM100 and gave us very happy tummies. We went off to search for car wash places and didn’t have to search too hard. There was one right at the corner. More importantly, no queue. 

Snow wash + duno what = RM40. It took less than 30 mins and Nana was very intrigued by the 2 stray kittens. 

The timing was perfect, just nice for the mall’s opening. We drove back to JB City Square and were very efficient bcos we only have about 2 hours. Glasses collected, cargo pants bought, haircut done. 

Zaky was contemplating a haircut and I strongly encouraged him. It isn’t exactly cheap; we paid RM88 for some creative director. In Zaky’s mind, he will walk out of the salon like some Korean idol. I thought so too. In reality, he ended up just the same but with neater trimmed hair. Zaky was so upset with me; I cannot remember the last time he was this upset with me. I didn’t cut his hair and he didn’t look bad but he was upset that I made him do the haircut and he would be better off without. 

While we weren’t exactly hungry, we stopped for lunch. Daddy Lim was saying that maybe we wouldn’t do lunch but have desserts or snacks instead bcos of the heavy bfast. He ordered a fish and chips for himself. Lol. Zaky was still fuming and I had to coax him to have some snacks. 

We did last bit of food shopping before leaving for home bcos Zaky had tuition at 3pm. Immigration was smooth and we made it back with buffer time for tuition. 

Daddy Lim said that we should do more of this. I need to think hard bcos of the custom jam. Zaky said that he wanted to perm his hair and I promised that we could do that and would need/ plan an overnight trip, so that he can sit 3 hours at the salon. Lol. 

I am amazed at how efficient we were - massage, bfast, car wash, shopping, cut hair. We did everything that we wanted for the trip. Yay!

Mummy Lim

Project Rio - Let there be Light.. and Water too!

The seller/ tenant has officially vacant the unit though they had paid rental up to mid May 25. Yes, we 赚到. They had ceased the utilities on 16 April, and it is our turn to apply for the new account. Without power and water, no work can be done. 

Applying an account with SP power is not difficult and can be efficiently done online. We got an appointment. Somebody needs to give condo access to the utilities staff and also be present if the switches are in the unit. We have no idea where the switches are and decided that it would be safer to be present.

Bcos I am the one with the flexible work arrangement, of course I am the one to be present. The appointment was on Friday between 9am to 10am. I was pleasantly surprised that we have a bus across our block that brings me very nearby to Rio Gardens, though the bus ride takes a good hour. 

I buffered ample of time and Google map did its job very well, reminding me when to alight. I had to cross a long overhead bridge. 

Then cut across some estate and the canal before entering Rio via the side gate.

It was a good 7 mins walk. Though unsheltered, most part of it was shaded. 

The SP Powers staff turned up on time and I was even informed when they were arriving within the next 15 mins. That prompted a question - how to open the main/ side gate ah? I eventually figured out by testing out the telecom at the gate itself. Hoho. 

In the end, I didn’t have to open the gate; I don’t know how the staff got in anyway. I also got to know that the switches are outside the unit. Hohoho. At least, the staff tested and confirmed that the power and water are switched on. Yes, we now have lights and water, but no fans. Hoho. 

The next step? We will be meeting the IDs and their electricians next Wednesday evening for measurements. I think work will start soon after? Oh ya, the kids had finally seen the unit last week and now jiejie also wanted her bed on the bay window to maximise space. 

Mummy Lim

Another Bicycle Sold!

We bought Nana’s Liv Alight Hybrid bike back in November 2020, right in the smack of Covid. That was when everyone was buying bicycles and cycling and so did we. We paid $560 for the 2nd hand bike, which the seller claimed that she had bought it just a few months ago. While it had been 4.5 years since we bought the bike, Nana probably cycled on it less than 20 times. The bike did go for a RI trip though, bcos a cyclist friend loaned it once. 

Trying to cycle as a family is a big logistic task and even more difficult as the kids grow older and have colorful social lives. Our last family cycling trip, which we amazing did 50km was sometime back in 2024. Ever since then (and a long time before that), Nana’s bike has been sitting locked outside the house. We sold Zaky’s hybrid bike for $70 in March 2025, when we bought his bike (also 2nd hand) for almost $200. He outgrew the hybrid and it was also in a not great condition due to the lack of maintenance. 

Given that we will be moving in a few months’ time, Daddy Lim and I are commencing our decluttering mission. We had recently sold our stock wheels for $30 and $45 (my and his). We changed to the Hunt wheels shortly after we bought our roadies and that was back in 2018. While the prices are on the lower side, we figured that we will just keep storing them in the storeroom and do the same when we bring them to the new house and eventually throw them away. A little money is better than nothing. 

With the same mindset, I thought of selling Nana’s hybrid bike bcos it is so underutilised. Keeping it longer will just lead to bigger depreciation. I listed it on Carousel for $380. I didn’t think that it would fetch such a high price given that it is almost a 5 YO bike. Yet again, it is one of the “cheaper” bikes on the platform. 

There was little interest and some lowballers. Then, a serious buyer asked if I was willing to let go for $300. He is intending to buy the bike for his wife and ask about the condition of the paint work. I said ok to the offer and he asked to view the bike.

While it is not obvious in the pictures, there were quite some marks/ stains on the bike frame. I didn’t even know if they were stains or scratches. Bcos he asked, I became conscious and made an attempt to clean up the bike on Sunday night.

Armed with degreaser, then some car wash spray, then added on the hand soap and finally down to Mr Muscle kitchen cleaner, I was wiping and cleaning for a good 30 mins. At 1st, I couldn’t remove many of the marks and half suspected that those were scratches. Eventually, Mr Muscle turned out to be the winner, alongside an old toothbrush. By the time I was done, I was so impressed and told Daddy Lim that I should charged $350 - the extras would be my labor cost. It was seriously hard work.

The buyer came to view the bike and bought it. My hard work didn’t go to waste! This $300 will go into my foldie fund. I am intending to get a new foldie to ride to work when we move. Hohoho. 

Mummy Lim

Zaky is Baptised too!

One year ago, Nana out of the blue asked if she can be baptised. I don’t know why she thought I would disagree. Of course I was thrilled. For a 1st generation Christian parent, there is no bigger joy than for their kids to find a personal relationship with the Lord; not be a Christian bcos they are borne into a Christian family but choosing the Lord as their personal saviour bcos they really believe in Him. Praise the Lord. 

I read my blog post on Nana’s baptism and saw that I had asked Zaky if he would be baptised too. He wasn’t ready then and said that he would see if God would speak to him.

Fast forward 1 year later and Zaky came with the same good news. He wanted to be baptised in CNL too. Of course I am supportive and just as overjoyed. 

His baptism was on Easter Sunday, just like jiejie. Daddy Lim and I attended the service and were much more prepared for the long service, as did 1 year ago with Nana. The schedule was similar and started off with videos of the people who would be baptised. 

I duno why Zaky had crazy hair for his video. lol. It was pretty touching though. 

The worship went on for a long time, for as long as it took to baptise all 12 of them. Finally, it was Zaky’s turn. 

Again, the pastor said a lot to him.

With his wet clothes and all, he went to hug jiejie, who obviously didn’t share his hugging enthusiasm. lol. He went off to change but shortly texted that he had forgotten a change of underwear. Luckily, there was a supermarket next to the church and we bought him disposable underwear.

All “clean and dry”. Haha.

Zaky was awarded a certificate. The pastor said that it is his house deed in heaven. I hope it is a big house. 

The service ended with holy communion and also worship. 

Yes, Zaky is baptised too! Praise the Lord for choosing the kids to be His children and touching their hearts. May Zaky continue to seek God and strengthen his walk with the Lord. May the Lord bless him with abundance and surround him with God fearing people to aid his growth. 

Mummy Lim