Siyuan and Sihuai

Had an epic game with the boy, playing the Rise of the Empire expansion set to the Star Wars Rebellion game. The new cards changed the dynamics, allowing for unexpected losses. Siyuan pulled a fast one, entrapping my Luke Skywalker and killing him.

Having dinner - a repast of pizza and chicken wings - by the sea. With the food almost gone, I'm kicking back and Sihuai asks me if we can go. Told that we seldom have the opportunity to eat with sea nearby, she said - what's the point of the sea if you can't see it? Haha.

Perhaps a dying trade. The chef came with the ducks, thr roast pork and char siew in a bike at one ish. Some in the coffee shop have been waiting for an hour. The roast duck didn't disappoint.

The boy turned 11 today. Seems just like yesterday when he was a babe. The hotel was kind enough to provide a surprise birthday cake - which he loves. To celebrate, we had gone to the Penang Tech Dome earlier, a science museum. The displays were simple, but interactive and practical. The staff were helpful and cheerful. Siyuan even got to put in practice what he learnt about circuits.

Took the kids to the National Museum for an exhibit marking the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore. Kids learnt about how Singapore fell, looked at the weapons and tanks on display, listened to accounts from survivors and peered at maps, katana, and various artifacts. A good day out.

As it turns out, both Siyuan and I loved custard buns and mooncakes. As I finished my share, I offered to buy Siyuan's cake off him. An amused Siyuan says : it's not for sale!

Food is almost always excellent in Thailand. We have had seafood of most variety, including curry crab, grilled spicy prawns and here steamed fish. Even Siyuan is happy.

Doesnt get better than that. Martini by the pool, with the sea in sight.

The beach was gorgeous. Fine white sand, the smell the sea, blue to the horizon, and the endless waves. The original wave pool. Siyuan danced in joy. We all swamped by the occasional wave, scrapped our knees or legs but nobody complained. On day two, Lux rented a surf board, with the kids taking their turn as she sought to help them from memories of surfing in Adelaide. Again, what a beautiful scene. Could sit the whole day, looking at that.

First time heading to Phuket, flying via AirAsia and staying at ClubMed. The excitement of the holiday had the kids raring to go.

It was instructive to learn what the new Chinese ownership meant for ClubMed and the changes that had preceded that with the advent of Chinese tourists. Instead of later dinners from 7 pm, its now 6 pm. More resorts in China, new funds to upgrade and invest in technology - wifi, LED screens for performances - and Chinese General Officers. And of course everybody from the guards to the money changers can speak a few sentences of Mandarin. Phuket ClubMed did feel dated - a good idea 20 years ago, and now feeling its age. Apparently, Fosun was keen to retain the concept of GOs whereas the competing Italian bid has wanted to away with it. The concept is compelling - a multinational team of staff rotated throughout to share experiences and to talk about other resorts. Making it compulsory (?) for staff to eat with guests is a masterstroke. One wonders what the new Chinese sorts look like.

Spending a few days babysitting the kids and knowing their routine. The 530 wakeup to ensure Sihuai can catch her 610 is brutal Makes my normal 615 wakeup look great. One evening, Siyuan came over to sit opposite me to read his latest Magnus Chase book. Had a thought that these quiet evenings would be treasured memories years later. Got the two kids to read the papers after needing to get some for Sihuai art class. Might be the first set of Straits Times I have bought since returning. 

One of the things we noticed coming back was the relative lack of value for food here vs HK. In general, we seem to get less. Food  in Singapore also seems more oily and carbo-based. Heres the first decent Japanese meal we had since coming back, and we got it at the airport!

A course not unlike ninja warriors at Changi Airport for kids. Watching the finale, Siyuan was as excited as if he was a contestant. He was jumping up and down.

Heavy rain in an unseasonal January brought about this phenomenol. Bright orange sky seen in most of Singapore.

Playground at the condo has a mini-game, where kids chase after lights that would flash at different parts of the structure. Test of agility, speed and alertness. Kids are fascinated by it. Just a little creativity and a small structure becomes a great source of entertainment.

Heres Sihuai making her own sushi from the kid's meal at a Japanese restaurant. Siyuan went for the big bowl of rice. Sihuai loved to play with food as a toddler and she hasnt changed through the years so far.

Dinner at Safra, followed by a leisurely stroll along the waterway. Caught the sun setting, though Siyuan was a little concerned that it would be dark before we got home. Sihuai reckoned the 20 minutes walk back was really long. 😂

And on Valentine's Day, Lux bought me a nice slice of cake. Okay, she bought us all a slice of cake 😎