Carpe Diem II

19th January, Saturday:---The day started with Keanu's cuddling demands. (him = squeezing himself in the midst of giants ha ha) He was up early and couldn't wait to start the day. I begged him for some more sleep but in vain. He was ready to go and hit the pool! Of course, nothing is to be done lest after a big hearty breakfast. And just as every resort will have---buffet!

The children had a blast munching this and thats, overfed the fishes and explored the grounds. A had earlier told them that they should leave us in peace for breakfast even for awhile because mommies and daddies need some break too. I sooo agree!

Before noon, we dropped the kids at the kids club for their T-shirt making hour. I and A went on an ATV (all terrain vehicle) tour of the "jungle" as they would call it there, more on coconut plantation for me.---After a 5-minute briefing, we were given our pulis pangkalawakan (space police) gears and we were ready to go! Birma, our guide, had me circling the track twice just to make sure I'm up for the hour and a half drive in MY dress! Yes, I was wearing one thinking that we'll JUST have breakfast.

In the beginning, I was too cautious driving, following our guide, Birma and ducking from hitting branches and overgrown bushes. But when I got the hang of it, twas like riding a bike and I started to enjoy the little adventure.

As we went further, Birma kept on letting us pass the harder trail. He seemed to enjoy my screeching every time I drove over mud, puddles and thin bridges. A was behind me speeding up every now and then daring me to drive faster which I refused to do in unknown grounds.

Finally, we exited the plantation and was welcomed by an empty beach. Birma, waved to A and I, with a smile that says, "it's all yours!" A looked at me and grinned, and off he went. I felt braver and took on the challenge and followed him. It was goooood! We were like little kids driving in circles for awhile. We stopped for some chat with Birma and a little walk then off we went to a little hut for some coco juice before we headed back to the resort to get the kids.

The next day, we all just took the time to relax more and lazed by the pool.

It was a wonderful time in Bintan, Indonesia. A good pause. Sometimes, you just don't want to go back to the real world where reality bites. The End.

Carpe Diem

"A bubbled thought. An impromptu invitation. An unexplainable response for very SPECIAL reasons. ---Tomorrow is not today."

Bintan, Indonesia, an island just an hour's ferry ride from Singapore is where locals and expatriates alike go and escape from the city. Resorts like Banyan, Angsana and ClubMed are just a few of the places you can enjoy relaxing in. This is my (our) second trip here. For the children, the first.

18th January, Friday:---Though the boat ride was just an hour, it turned out to be an unpleasant experience for Keanu. The winds and strong currents rocked our boat more than expected and seasickness finally took its toll. A couple of more minutes, I and the little one were locked-up in the washroom---for almost the whole span of the trip. I couldn't see what's going on and I couldn't care less then, but judging from the sounds they're making and the pounding on the door of our WC he he---IT was bad.

I pitied Keanu. He was pale and crying for dear Mom to help him. How frustrating it is to not be able to stop that lousy feeling. The best I could do was hold him and tell him everything's going to be fine.

Alyanna was with A, both wondering if we had plans of reserving the lavatory next time. A told me that 30 per cent of the passengers were using bags which the crew distributed in the middle of the journey. As for Alyanna?---Mentos did a good job.

In Bintan, the Philippine passport is an advantage. No visa required or USD10 tax to pay. But the 3 Germans with me would have to queue for it. No can do. My children were much too tired and another 45 minutes won't do all of us well. So I asked an officer for "assistance" which umm, was USD20 more expensive. But nonetheless...better than having grumpy and tired kids.

Dinner was at the Pantai Grill restaurant by the beach where the evening's menu was authentic Indonesian cuisine. We opted for the buffet and the children had a feast---relaxing ambiance! The day came to its end and it was time to retire.

to be continued...

A Beautiful Day

The new year has begun and the Xmas presents have been given but Alyanna's biggest wish is yet to be fulfilled---"A day at Rider's Lodge, Malaysia with her favorite horses, Springer and Princess Aurora.

Since our first visit there on August 2007, no month has passed that she never mentioned going back there. It's a good 1.5 hours drive from Singapore and getting there isn't difficult at all. You can hire a 6-seater van to pick you up from home for S$200 (round trip) or you can take the Express train.

I opted to hire a van like last time. My friend Simone and her daughter joined us so we shared the transportation and day room costs which turned out very reasonable. We were picked-up at 9am and by 9:40, we were already at the border of Malaysia. Immigration checks were done and after another hour of smooth driving, we were at the lodge. The kids were ecstatic as they saw the stables! We were then warmly welcomed by the Filipino staff and even our helper commented, "Ma'am I feel like in a province of the Philippines here"----honestly, I did too.

We all visited the horses and gave gentle touches and cuddling to those who wanted it. I gave extra hugs AND kisses to Impian (the horse I learned with on August) and the beautiful Golden Crown---such gentle characters.

The day went by fast but no minute was wasted. By 5:30pm, we were on our way back to Singapore. The kids were exhausted so it was a quiet trip home. By 7:30pm, all of us were back home safe and looking forward to our next trip to Rider's Lodge.

Alyanna had 2 sessions (an hour each) of horse riding. Keanu had a 30-minute trail ride, Simone and I had an hour each of traditional Malay (OMG!) massage,----plus good food and hospitable service. What more can I ask for for a day?

***The lower photos (except the one with the staff) were from August 2007***

The Dawning of 2008!

Though 2007 seemed to just have slipped away with various life challenges for myself and everyone around me,---it has strengthened me in its oddest way.

What lies ahead is unforeseen. I'm not saying I'm ready for it but I will face it step-by-step and MY WAY.

The skies aren't that blue yet but I've gone this far...