Bukit Gambang Resort Part 1

We have never thought of a getaway as Andrew is super busy since the beginning of this year.  Meetings after meetings… and traveling here and there.  Not to mention his extra responsibilities are keeping him on his toe.  On the other hand, I am extremely stressed out with the new routine in life.  The kids are driving me to the wall; and the emotional vacuum is draining me.  Finally, I suggested for a family getaway and Andrew agreed instantly.

I checked out on a few family orientated holiday destinations and finally we settled for Bukit Gambang Resort.   We bought a package deal for 3 adults 1 child.  This includes 2 breakfast 1 dinner and entrance tickets for both Water and Safari parks.  Perhaps this isn’t the best time after all.  We left on Monday and came back on Wednesday.  Wednesday evening itself Andrew had a church meeting; followed by another 2 days in Segamat and finally occupied with church seminar on Saturday and Sunday.  Nevertheless, the children had so much fun in Gambang and we wished we could spend more time together.

We left Malacca around 8am on Monday.  Stopped for an hour lunch break and reached the resort by 2pm.  It was raining the entire journey.  We were a bit concerned as our initial plan was to submerge in the water park when we arrived. 

Children were a bit restless and the all-so-familiar question was raised throughout the journey: Are we there yet?  When we finally arrived and passed through the signature arch-shaped tower, their face were literally glowing under the sun!  The check-in took awhile as there were many guests at the front desk.  We decided to head to the water park right away without wasting any time.  Thankfully, the rain has stopped and Mr Sun was shining brightly.

Free trams were provided to transport guests from hotel to the park.  It only took 5 minutes to reach the parks.  Both Safari and Water parks are side-by-side.  We quickly changed into our swimwear and immerse in the funfilled-water!

Erwyn had been to A Famosa Water Park but not Elyse.  The concept is similar but this park is much smaller.  Moreover, there are a lot of rides in A Famosa that require a certain height requirement which my kids fail to comply.  Not so in this park though.  Hence, kids enjoyed themselves to the max.  One of the rides that both kids love the most is the Family Raft Ride.  Hubby and I took turn to accompany the children for this ride.  As a result, both of us caught the dizzy spell for the rest of the time.  I’m sure if the children can do it by themselves, they would have gone for it over and over again and not just stop at the 7^th time.

I encouraged Elyse to try out the 6 Lanes Racer, which is supposed to be the longest slides in Malaysia.  She was tempted to do so, but back-off when she stood on top of the slide.  The height was a bit alarming to her.  Perhaps mommy should try it, but she was too dizzy to do anything else.

The kids spent a lot of time at the Aqua Play.  Erwyn was very happy with the small slides at the pool although it was very crowded.

The park closes at 6pm and we returned to the lobby to retrieve our hotel room key.  We opted for the studio room in the Carribbean Bay Resort.  It isn’t big but it’s good enough for a family of 4.  I was glad to find the toilet clean, but annoyed that there were no towels and floor mat in the room.  Called the housekeeping and it took them quite awhile to send it over. 

Tummy was rumbling after all the screaming and fun at the park.  Time to treat ourselves with the buffet dinner at Arabian Bay Resort.  This was part of our hotel package deal as well. 

The buffet dinner was average.  Nothing to shout about.  Surprisingly, mommy had quite a big portion as compared to her usual meal.  Even hubby noticed that.  Perhaps too much energy was expended throughout the day; perhaps the jovial mood of being together as a family boost her appetite.

After the dinner, we took a leisure walk, exploring this place with curiosity.  That’s where we ended up at the Amusement Park at the other side of the hotel.  There were a number of children rides available.  The management is really intelligent in making money.  Each ride is RM3.  The noise pollution is on the high end, I wondered how those occupants on the top floor managed to sleep at night.

To be continued...

Calligraphy and me

After the calligraphy competition organised by Confucious Association last year, Elyse was eagerly anticipating the next competition.  Finally, the teacher informed her there would be one at Taman Merlimau.  I didn’t even know where it is???  Thankfully, the teacher was one of the judges and she graciously offered to bring Elyse there with her.  I was spared from chauffeuring and baby-sitting.  That was good news!  So, I packed some food and water for her and then rushed her to the teacher’s house after Sunday Service.

With prior experience, I foresee that Elyse could probably be back around 4 or 5pm.  On the hind sight, I was happy because with her absent, I need not to play the peace-maker role between the sibling rivalry.  The whole afternoon passed by swiftly with me thinking, ‘Is Elyse bored there?  Did she drink water?  Have she eaten the food I packed for her tea break?  Is she alone?’  Mothers will always be mothers.

Tick Tock Tick Tock … it was already 6pm but still no sign of Elyse.  I was anxiously waiting for the teacher to call me so that I can pick Elyse up from the teacher’s house.  Finally this concerned mom tried to get in touch with the teacher.  ‘doo… doo… doo… doo…’  No one picked up the call.  Perhaps the teacher was occupied.  Perhaps the hall was too noisy.  After a few attempts, mommy decided to go to the teacher’s house without waiting for her call.  Her reasoning is: By the time the teacher called, it would take her easily another 20 minutes to reach the teacher’s house.  Then another 20 minutes to drive home.  Darling would be starving.  If she waited for her daughter there, it would save 20 minutes then darling can come back home faster to have her dinner.  Mommy even packed dinner for her darling in case she wanted to dig-in in the car.

Finally, the teacher called me back while I was driving.  She told me that they are now on the way back from Merlimau.  I reached teacher’s house and waited there for quite awhile.  Waiting for our kids is a norm for parents, don’t you agree?  The only guilt I have was that my son has to wait together with me.  Thank you for your patience, my little prince!

Elyse was overjoyed when she saw me waiting in front of the teacher’s house.  She couldn’t wait to share the good news with me.  She won the consolation prize!  Looking at her sparkling little eyes, I swallowed all my complains and cheered her up for her achievement.  Indeed I worry too much, my darling was not a least bit hungry nor tired.  On the contrary, I was famished and wearied. 

Lesson learned:  It’s time to let go… my kids are growing up and they can take care of themselves.  So, does that mean that hubby can bring me for our second honeymoon soon?!!  hehe…

Revisiting Year 2016

As the year 2016 came to an end, these are some of the highlights of the year.  This rusty brain couldn't contain so much information, so memories are kept in the form of pictures.  If no picture taken, I may have missed out.


January

• Happy birthday, Daddy!  Another mini birthday celebration in the office for my dearest.  Looks like this is gonna be a yearly event.  Thank you, office staff, for making this day so special. This time, the children didn't join in the celebration as they were in school.  

• Cornelius and Irene invited the DG members to their house for CNY gathering.  The food was yummylicious and the fellowship was awesome.  We had fun singing some 'action' songs (haha... back to youthful days).  Thank you so much for their hospitality.

February

• Back to JB for CNY reunion.  

• Pak Tor 101 - visited two tourist attraction restaurants, The Daily Fix and Locahouz.   These are some of the highly recommended cafe in Tripadvisor.  

• Hubby's first visit to Botanical Garden.  This used to be some of my DG members Sunday's walking spot.  

March

• A visit by Vic Cern and Yieng Yin.  Baby Faith is always so adorable and lovely.  Enjoyed the warm fellowship and stories shared.

• Another friends' visit - Yap and Hazel.  First time seeing this cute, chubby baby Matthew.  

 

• Discovered a heaven for my kids - Bukit Serindit playground.

April

• Joining Ujong Pasir's DG retreat at HS Farm.

• Watched magic show at Dissendium Theatre.  Fantastic evening!  A big thumbs up!

• My DG retreat at Titi Eco Farm.  Food adventure trip: Eating hibiscus flower and weird healthy food for the first time.

May

• My prince is turning 5!

Birthday celebration at Sunday School

2nd round at the kindergarten

June

• The much anticipated musical '2nd Chances'

July

• Circus was in town!  Sadly, Erwyn was disappointed as he thought he would be seeing lion and tiger in the circus.  Instead, the circus nowadays are mainly acrobatic performance.  Even that, I commented that it was just an average show.  

• Elyse sat for her Initial piano exam and passed with flying colours. 

Aug

• A visit to the Zoo Negara - highlight of the trip: Panda!!!

• Stumbled upon this special place: Submarine Museum - an informative exposure to both kids and adults.

• Wanna take a peep into the royals' daily life?  Istana Negara, the old palace is now opened for public viewing.

Sept

• Finally her wish come true: Elyse's birthday party at McDonald

• First time participated in a calligraphy competition

• Back to JB for some swimming, rugby, cycling, funfair, and karaoke session.  

• Lantern Festival celebration organised by the church

• Celebrated 12th Wedding Anniversary with a surprise from hubby: a bouquet of white roses

• Another trip to HS Farm with a another DG.  This time, we had a surprise visit from Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse!

Oct

• Daddy and Erwyn had a wet fun day at A Famosa Waterpark whereas Mommy and Elyse made a trip to Chiling Waterfall, KKB.  Love the fishes!!!

• After the visit to the waterfall, I lost my hearing on the left ear for two weeks.  It was due to the ear infection as I was having a terrible sore throat prior to that for a couple of days.  Quite a torturing experience as I couldn't hear very well and the cause was unknown initially.  Through it all, learn to appreciate my 5 senses and God's grace for good health.

•  A make-over for my faithful little Kancil.  Nothing impressive.  And though I chose the wrong colour :(  At least, my little Kancil is 'brighter' now.

•  Hosting my honorary guest - grandma, for a couple of days.

• Erwyn received his first love letter from a kindy friend.

Nov

• A very important day for the queen of the house.  But it didn't end very well with too many 'unfortunate events'.  Still, I feel so blessed to have friends who remembered my birthday and delivered the birthday cakes to my doorstep for the past 3 years.

• This year, Elyse was invited to perform at Erwyn's kindergarten graduation/concert.  So, both kids are happy!

• A visit to Tanjung Bidara beach and the Turtle Sanctuary.  Our favourite beach for the time being.

• Your sincerely and two other church members attended Bob Fitts Worship Seminar at FGC JB.  

• Elyse sat for her Piano Grade 1 Theory Exam.

•  A midnight shocking visit by Mr Snake.  Truly make this year very eventful indeed.

Dec

• As an act of appreciation to all the members in the worship team, I threw a Thanksgiving Dinner at my house.  This was the first time I had a party at home.  The stress was intense.  Tried out two new dishes and it turned out not bad.  We had a good fellowship.  So much so that we have forgotten to take any pictures.  Argh...

•  A day after the Dinner, my house turned into a mini swimming pool.  It was raining non-stop for the entire day and at midnight (again!) water seep into our house from the air well.  Thank God that I noticed it earlier.  But it happened so fast that I only managed to protect the bedroom (right next to the air well) from flooding.  Half of the living room and the kitchen was covered with water. 

• Sending out Christmas cheer to 135 families during this advent season.

• Elyse was invited to attend Erwyn's kindergarten Holiday Programme.  Both of them enjoyed it to the max.  Erwyn even asked mommy to have another baby so that next time he can 'tumpang' attend the holiday programme when the baby attends kindy.  Oh my... oh my!

• Have a taste of snake meat!  Bravo, mommy!

• Andrew is 'promoted' to be the DS of the Southern District at the TRAC Conference.  He is also pastoring 3 churches now.  Great power comes with great responsibility.  It also means, less family time.  

• A day at the Bayou Lagoon Resort for some wet wet fun!  Unfortunately, mommy slipped and fell; and her hp had decided to go for a swim as well.  Lost all her contacts and precious memories.  Sob Sob.

• Missed this event in KL.  Was thrilled to find out the organizer had it here in Malacca.  Indulged in the romance of the LED lights.

• Just when we thought we would end this year with the highlight of the snake intrusion, we encountered another mysterious creature who made so much noise at our rooftop and caused one of our room's downlight's reflector to fell at 4am, waking all of us from slumber land. 

• This year, the church was brightly lighted up with Christmas lights all over the lawn.   Loving it!

Year 2016 was indeed challenging.  The first part of the year I was occupied with issues related to the musical.  Thank God that it turned out pretty well.  All the hard work and sleepless nights paid off.  The second half of the year we face threats like snake, the mini flood and the mysterious creature (we suspected it was a 'musang').  Finally, year 2016 is over and we are now in year 2017 with new challenges ahead of us.  One of the major issues is none other than hubby's new responsibility.  Praying for God's grace to sustain us and strength to face each day.   Looking forward to the many blessings God installed for us in the coming months.  Above all, thanking God for everything He has done for us and for Him to continue to work in us.