Beijing

It was great seeing Rina in Beijing. But not so great to know that her job's not really treating her well and leaves her no time to take care of herself! If it was one thing I learnt during my China trips, it's the fact that one should never be too polite. C'mon, you can't even get across the road if you're too polite! And it makes no difference even if it is a "legal" pedestrian crossing! Nevermind if you got there first for a cab, 'cos there will always be someone who comes later and coolly getting into the cab that you thought you'd flagged down. Nevermind if it is the grand lobby of a grand hotel; there will always be staff pushing a noisy metal trolley right across the lobby! It's either the staff needs re-training (which I'm told is "pointless") or the trolley needs re-oiling!

Anyhow, Rina had no choice but to leave work behind so that she can play host. I actually didn't feel half bad since I provided the perfect reason for her to leave work earlier (like 8pm!!!) and enjoy a soothing foot massage. Hou Hai where she brought me for dinner was beautiful. It is actually a stretch of eateries and pubs, filled with a young, fashionable crowd. And of course I tried my "self-photography" skills again - which turned out with hilarious effects. Rina (being Rina) decided that we should also get "proper" pictures and asked someone to take a shot too :-(

Wangfujing is another bustling street. Although tourist(y), it has quite a number of unique stalls. Like the chopsticks shop I found myself in. That's where I found a very pretty set for jemej as a wedding gift. And Rina's apartment was huge and comfy! Ironically, it's also where she spends very little time in :-(

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Tuesday - flight booked; Wednesday - finally found accommodation; Friday - departure. That's how our Hong Kong trip had been planned. It was Gideon's first real overseas trip and he was excited about being on a plane - although a Jetstar experience wasn't the equivalent of true air travel.

Che che and Nick were also holidaying in HK. We met at the Airport Express station, a very inexpensive and convenient way of getting from the airport to the city. Having woken up at 5.30am (almost missed the flight at 6.40am thanks to our (t)rusty alarm clock!) we were tired and decided to rest in the comforts of our 33rd storey hotel room before setting out to satisfy our tummies. L'Hotel Causeway Bay http://www.lhotelcausewaybayhv.com/ is a new hotel just one MTR station after Causeway Bay. I love the wooden flooring - something not many hotels boast. The interior was cosy and being on a high floor, one can't quite complain about the view. You can catch a section of the harbour from a corner of the room. We were pleased. Gideon, who simply LOVES hotel rooms (I wonder why!?) was elated!

The next few days were filled with aimless walking around, strolling and eating. Then it was Ocean Park day. Endless escalator rides uphill and constant irritations with mainland Chinese tourists. Sighhh... but it was the Kids' World and the cable car that Gideon enjoyed most. Of course, the Ocean Park Grand Prix got the two boys in action - the father and son team on the tracks!



The following day, we were off to Disneyland. A much anticipated day, which unfortunately saw Terence fall ill, skies turned grey, rain and more irritations with more mainland Chinese tourists! But more importantly, Gideon had a great time - which was why we were in HK in the first place, anyway. I was glad Terence managed to stay really patient the entire day despite the wet weather and his wet nose :-)



Our favourite had to be the Buzz Lightyear ride. Gideon took about 4 rides in all! The 3D Mickey's Philharmonic Orchestra was a splendid show as well - not to mention the 3D glasses which amused Gideon quite a bit. As though a carousel ride didn't turn my world into a giddy haze, I went on a dizzy Dumbo ride right after :-(

It was finally time for home. And a 2-hour flight delay back to Singapore which left us in bed only at 3am Wednesday morning! Until our next holiday...
Oh! And Mickey waffles anyone?

Debut Performance

Gideon made his debut as an "actor" at his kindergarten's Christmas concert. The Nursery kids put together The Nativity. Though not the lead performer in the cast, he managed a pretty convincing role as one of the sheep that witnessed Christ's birth. In fact, he was so immersed in the role that he continued "mehhh(ing)" away when the play ended and everyone started singing Christmas carols!


To our dearest Sheep, we are so proud of you! Mehhhhhh...