Ocean Park 海洋公园

19 Match 2014

We had a light breakfast of milk and biscuit before setting off for our Ocean Park escapade via the local public transport from our hotel.

(1) 10 mins walk to MTR Mongkok Station (via link way) ---) MTR Admiralty Station.

(2) Exit B to Bus No 629 that takes you directly to Ocean Park

The experience was a breeze and wasn't as complicated as I initially expected it to be... the only challenge would probably be the long flight of stairs with no lift access!

It was quite a crowd at the entrance of the park when we arrived at about half past ten in the morning. Thanks to our earlier purchase of the tickets at the MTR station, we were spared the agony of the long Q...

The park is divided into 2 sections, "The Waterfront" and "The Summit", connected by both cable car and train.

"The Waterfront" focus mainly on wildlife conservation and bringing back the culture of Hong Kong in the '50s to '70s.

The ride up to "The Summit" was terrifying for me as I am not a huge fan of cable cars! The 3 monkies definitely had fun... fun contributing to my fear!

The long winding way up gave high vantage point of Lantau Island and the entire Ocean Park. Despite the fear, I was able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery...

We managed to cover a few attractions in "Marine World" and "Polar Adventure" before Kaeden got distracted by all the thrilling rides "The Summit" had to offer.

Our indulgence in ice-cream while waiting for the boys under such not-so-cold-almost-to warm weather.

After a quick lunch at The Bayview Restaurant which overlooked the awe-inspiring sea, I braced myself for another ride down the park...

Ocean Park was fun and we enjoyed it alot (not as much as Disneyland though). Definitely worth a visit if you have young kiddos with you on your holiday!

Its FuN in Hong Kong!

18 March 2014

As promised... its work hard during the school term and play hard during the holidays!

Fun... here we come and off to the airport we went in anticipation of our afternoon flight to Hong Kong!

Our quick lunch at Gurney's Drive before checking in at the gate...

It was evening by the time we landed at Hong Kong International Airport...

Airport Express, Airport Station --) Kowloon Station --) FOC Shuttle Bus K5 to Royal Plaza Hotel

Checking in was a breeze and the room we were given.... Awesome!

The hotel sits atop Mongkok East MTR Station and is directly linked to Grand Century Place, one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong with over 200 shops!

Our tummies were growling by the time we left our room in search for dinner. Not wanting to travel out of the hotel's vicinity,  we settled for what appealed to us most! Beijing cuisine...

All of the above including one soup and one dish (not in the picture) for about SGD$100. Not too sure if its considered expensive but its definitely a fulfilling dinner on our 1st day here in the land of 买东西，吃东西... *buuuuuurp*

"Mee-Hoon" Party

Last Sunday, we had a "Mee-Hoon" party at my place with Edleen, Karen and Yiling.

It has been quite awhile since we last met and meeting each other again for a makan session like this felt like those days back in Mountain Home... Kinda missed those days where we used to take turns hosting breakfast/lunch/dinner whenever our hubbies were away for deployment.

I am indeed thankful for the friendship and hope that we will get a chance to meet up again before they go for their next tour to MH :)

Baby Boss 中保宝贝城

04 December 2013

Baby Boss is a huge indoor themed park with around 50 different types of professions such as doctor, pilot, fashion designer, policeman and fireman etc for the children to choose from. They even come with their respective uniform for each occupation!

These little employees will be given a short briefing on their role at each individual work station that they signed up for. Upon completion of the task assigned, they will be paid "Baby Bucks" which can be used to exchange for toys and treats at the end of their 'work day'.

It was a  fun learning experience for Kaeden and I am proud to see how he was able to converse with the staff confidently in Mandarin.

Ash, on the other hand, was rather reluctant to participate in any of the activities without Daddy's accompaniment. Although the recommended age for Baby Boss is from 3-12, I felt that 5 might be a more suitable age for them to fully enjoy themselves.

Baby Boss 中保宝贝城

http://www.babyboss.tw/

Back to Taipei

03 December 2013

The drive from Miaoli to Taipei took us about 3 hours and it was about late afternoon when we finally alighted at the entrance of our very chic and trendy hotel for the next 5D4N... Just Sleep (Xi Men Ding Branch).

The hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the XMD shopping district and is within close proximity to the MTR. Room is very beautiful and most importantly, decently sized for a family of 4! 

We didn't have anything in mind planned for the day so its just random shopping and walking around anywhere and everywhere!

Our exploration of the busy streets of XMD brought us to 豪大大鸡排 which was one of the must-try food on my list! Seeing such a long Q at the shop, we had much anticipation for it! However, to our disappointment, it tasted nothing fantastic at all.

All these walking around has gotten our feet aching away!... so.... when the kids requested for a ride on the MTR, we gladly obliged! Kaeden got really excited when he saw tokens were used instead of the usual train tickets!

Milo's Cataract Surgery

Milo is finally back home after his cataract surgery with Dr Robin Stanley @ Mt Pleasant! Glad that all went well and whatever that has to be removed/repaired/replaced, it has been done so accordingly :)

A lengthy discharge instruction together with anti-inflammatory medicine for Milo were given by the animal hospital. The next few days will be crucial to ensure no adverse reaction to the implanted new lens in his left eye (and that explains why I will be on leave...)

Be good Milo! and Gambatte!

A New Tradition in the New Year

It has been a yearly tradition for us (except while were were away in Potatoland) to gather at Mum's house for steamboat dinner on the 2nd day of CNY. This year, we suggested having it outside instead so that Mum can do away with the hassle of food preparation...

Food was good and everyone was happy! Mission accomplished!

Legoland Malaysia Resort

21 December 2013

We made an impromptu decision to drive into JB to check out the newly opened Legoland Hotel!

The moment we stepped into the hotel's main entrance... All of us went WOW at the two huge Lego pits smacked in the middle of the lobby and an entire wall of Lego Mini Figures!!! We (heart) it!

It took us almost an hour just to get ourselves checked in due to the long queue and some "mathematical error" at the check-in counter. The kids were more than happy about the long wait at check-in counter because they had plentiful time at the play area...

The whole hotel put great details in making sure the presence of Lego and Lego-themed feature are all over the premises. No effort was spared even for the lift and corridor leading to the rooms...

Our 'all-things' pirate room was located on the 5th level... the beautifully decorated room comes with a separate sleeping area for the kids with their own bunk bed and TV. Finally, no more sharing of beds with them!

The kids were given a mission to uncover the secret code to the Monkey King's treasure chest by answering 4 questions where clues can be found 'hidden' in the room!                                                                

It wasn't too difficult to decipher but the counting of the required number of "things" does need some "imagination". Alas, Kaeden got it after 2 tries! and he uncovered the 'treasures' which was all his to keep!          

After much hype about the treasure hunt, we proceeded to Legoland in anticipation of more fun once again.

The weather was wonderful in the evening with very short Q for all the rides! Kaeden couldn't have been happier... to be able to ride on the 'The Dragon' roller coaster continuously for 8 times!!! I hope Daddy's heart will continue to stay fit!

Although Ash may not be able to take most of the rides due to age/height restriction but she definitely had fun admiring the Lego displays in MiniLand and throughout the entire park.

No regret signing up the Legoland Annual Pass as we are sure that we will be back to visit again.... real soon!