Breaks without breaking

Two weeks more and we'll be off to Krabi. I, A and most of all, the kids cannot wait! Not that they're not having fun while waiting but a beach break has always been something special.

The long, deep sleeps only vacations can perfectly offer. Breakfast buffets, board and card games by the pool, frozen fruits on a stick offered genuinely with a smile, numerous massage hours, snorkeling, sand castles, beach beach beach....

Best of all? After the flights and accommodations were paid...we still have enough to cover the rest without touching a cent more. Woohoo!

Another Thai Break

After some thinking and calculating, we have decided to go on a summer holiday working with a budget but without sacrificing the quality. I've always believed that it doesn't have to break the bank to be good. So, I scoured the net and A did some queries as well. After a week or two, we had a good list of choices and we checked them all out.

Some places were really nice but the price was too much. I guess if it's just the 2 of us, we'd go for the usual 3 days/2 nights offer but a family break is usually more than a week with the kids having their own room, so that would require deeper digging. Then we have to consider eating out and some recreation activities...these little things are the unknown budget danger so that has to be addressed right from the beginning. This time I'm not bending the bank---Not when the more important trip is 6 months from now.

We decided to inquire at Anantara and after a few email exchanges, they offered us a very nice package which we immediately grabbed before the wind changes their minds. So Krabi it is.

Flying July

The weeks seemed to have glided and here I am cramming myself to update this blog-cum-reference of my past in the future. My lack of the usual detailed narration is evidendce to the busy agenda that passed and still is yet to happen. Thank goodness for digital photography which bear witness to beautiful memories.

July is almost over but there are still upcoming trips to archive. For now, click on each album and let the photos tell the story...Riders Lodge CSA89 mini-reunion Francisco-Kabiling Wedding I Francisco-Kabiling Wedding II

The Day @ NANAS

The weekend at NANAS was a success! My children were amazed and all smiles at the sight of so many different yet friendly dogs. It was an unforgettable experience. A rottweiler mix welcomed us and his size was intimidating but I cuddled him as if he was a shih tzu.

The number of dogs by the hundreds wasn't felt because of the space they had to run around freely. Each group had a corner and they respected one's territory. How I wish people could be the same...

A dachshund named Billy Jean found Keanu fascinating. He never left his side and walked and played with him the whole time. A GERMAN sheperd found A,--why am I not surprised? haha

Max, the rottweiler and I bonded but A doesn't trust the breed and was wary of him. Alyanna's animal connection was all over..she was overwhelmed by their number and couldn't focus on any one of them. Instead, she took lots and lots of photos and enjoyed every single moment.

On the way home, she told me, "Mom, this is one of my best days ever!"

Weekenders

The weekends of summer vacation before the planned trips aren't the most quiet. Being at home the whole day during the week makes the kids hyperactive. No matter what activities I've planned and set for them, they're still looking forward the weekend when Mom and Dad are at their lowest energy level...when usually we'd just say, YES! just to have some peace haha

So I've planned some extra weekend getaways before the Philippine trip. Yesterday we visited NANAS a paradise for animal (dog) lovers like me and my daughter. Its goal is similar to the regular dog shelters but the big difference is, the dogs aren't caged at all. They run freely in the 10 hectare land and have the dignity to enjoy life until their last day. I admire Raymond Wee and Lynda Goh for their dedication and so my daughter and I have pledged to share a bit by giving a monthly donation and perhaps, whenever possible, a visit to help in giving some cuddles and care.

Next weekend, my sister, me and the 2 small ones are going HERE. I was trying to get Alyanna a riding course over her summer break but the price tag and the scheduled trips ahead weren't really working out. Thank goodness I earn a little pocket money ;-)

Three months LATEr...the BORA trip!

How overwhelming can daily life sometimes be that one forgets to share a beautiful break? Ah, am guilty of such. Nevertheless, as it has always been said, better late than never...

The white, powdery sands in the beaches of Boracay in the Philippines are still a beach lover's paradise. Despite the touristic times, (READ: Holy Week) that we've been there, a little bit of walk or a ten minute trike ride is all you need to get away from it all---Except of course from my 15 member clan of whom each did not fail to entertain.

***I miss the barbecue hotdogs and longganisabuns for midnight snacks by the beach as the karaoke guy (who really couldn't sing) gave his all!

So what comes in mind when you hear Boracay?

Away from the hustle and bustle

After a week of searching and comparing, this year's summer vacation is booked. Maldives being the first choice but someone's got to dig very deep for that budget.

The Pimalai Resort and Spa in Thailand has won our tastes and budget. The resort looks like up to our standards. Facilities and activities are well suited to entertain. The spa's description gives me a preview of relaxation as I would hope for. The beach, though just a glimpse from the photos is well-inviting to bask under the sun on. Not bad so far.

My first option was the pool villa up the hills for some away from people feeling until I realized the danger of a fall from the villa's pool and terrace, which was told to me by a friend who went there and also advised on the resort's site. So, no can do. Am not there to take risks.

A couple more email exchanges and the manager himself convinced me that the Pavilion Suites
are best suited for my safety and facilities accessibility concerns. I admire his patience.

So the countdown has begun. My dear daughter made her own beach calendar and Keanu never stops asking how many more sleeps til the trip. I hope I did a good job and selected the best place to meet expectations.

B for BUSY

Busy has many faces and I have worn them all for the past weeks. Running around the city has been overwhelming. My sister's vacation and job hunting schedules and interviews kept us on our feet every single day. whew!

Jurist and her family's visit (MIL FIL and SIL included) have been a great shopping experience. With the 2008 Great SINGAPORE Sale ---It was SHOP & THE CITY---with me being the window shopper for better(er) bargains haha Dine outs and evening chitchats are enjoyable.

Despite all the busy schedules, time with my kiddos comes first. And if I can put pleasure and other chores together, the better! Efficiency at its best.

We've gone to the usual places but the company is priceless! Reminiscing childhood memories at the toy MINT museum, eating like there's no tomorrow at the Jumbo Restaurant @ the East Coast Seafood Center, Bar hopping at Clarke Quay and exploring Sentosa are just some of the few rounds we've made.

One rare moment, I'm running OUT of words!!!---too much going on!

Simply Heart Fattening

We were having a break at the playground of McDonalds from our daily bike rides @ the East Coast Park when a woman approached my kids and asked for my permission to ask them some questions. After the kids agreed, I watched from afar for it was supposedly a surprise.

I could see Alyanna was shy but liked having her answers written down. Keanu had no qualms. He'll answer in his simplest way.

I know Mother's Day is over but let me share this site with all of you so you can read the simple words that make my being a Mom all the more worthwhile.

In Manila

The thing I dislike about vacations is that they END.

Just as you're beginning to get used to lazing around doing nothing and freeing your thoughts, you suddenly find yourself planning meals, schedules and other to do's once more. Oh well...life *sighs*

The first day in Manila was filled with screams and surprises when none but one of my siblings knew that my eldest was coming as well. His closest cousin, Bryan, was really glad when he showed up over dinner. Reactions were priceless!

Being back 'home' didn't feel the same without my parents, most of all, my mom around. Greetings were a bit empty without mom's laughter and happiness and dinner lacked the homemade cooking.

But no point being sad...we're in for a nice time together. The beach vacation we've planned months ago was something to look forward to.

Stay tuned :-)

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***

Touring KL

Although seeing a city in two days isn't really the best way, I have managed to see little bits and pieces of KL's touristic places. Either from the comfort of a cab and the detailed descriptions of the drivers or under the heat of the sun, --I took every opportunity that I had.

Seeing the city of KL is like going through a time warp. Modern skyscrapers stand side-by-side to old-fashion shop houses or nouvelle cuisine to hawker stalls. To fanatical shoppers, KL is wonderland. From designer shops and brands to the made-in-Malaysia items, the competition between merchants are a blessing in disguise to consumers.

During my visit, I had two attempts to see the Petronas Towers but twice I failed. The amateur lone tourist in me wasn't wise enough to ask the visiting hours before going. I did, however, get to pass by "The Istana Negara", the King's Palace and take some photos 'outside'. From there, I checked out the Lake Gardens. Made a walk through the park until I reached the Hibiscus garden (a small terraced garden which provides a colorful panorama of countless varieties of this flower)

Touring alone was a new experience but I actually find it quite enjoyable. My pace, my time, my choice of place =)

Visiting KL

I am preparing for my trip to KL (Malaysia)---meeting a friend.

That's the advantage of being in Asia---travel is cheaper and I'm less afraid to go around alone. I couldn't picture myself travelling solo when I was living in Germany. Had it not for the fear of missing good company and food, I wouldn't even dare drive to my friends' place which was just 45 minutes away.

But not anymore...

I have a list of to do's and to go to's (if not, even have a glimpse of) To tour by myself would be a new experience but it has to be done.

A usually flies to Malaysia and so we'll be going together. My friend will be staying at the Shangrila, and us, at the Hilton KL

Business and pleasure...literally ;-)