A family vacation

It is coming to 3 years I finally took the kids for a vacation on my own. Kids have been lucky to have great aunties, grand parents who love them very much. I planned for this family vacation since February and kept it secret away from the children. Two months ago, broke the news about the vacation to Bali.

We were away for one week vacation at beautiful Nusa Dua beach. How do I describe the trip ? It is fun, lots of laughter, also tired and stress coping with kids all day long ! Overall, my rating is a wonderful one. It is wonderful in many ways, children are seen very happy, the bonding is stronger which I could feel it wasn't there for awhile. Everyday is a learning day for me. Understanding everyone around me, coping with their moods and whatever that comes by.

It wasn't just vacation, I worked too trying to close a deal. But it is all worth it, the vacation seems like a paradise to us, sitting by the pool almost 1/4 of the day, and enjoying evening cocktail (not much of sunset) but enjoying the sea breeze and just relaxing.

Kids wanted our attention so much that Joelle sent a note to our room stating the time for UNO game...hahahaha. How could we ignore their request !? Such a great family bonding effort from her. I starved the kids without lunch on one afternoon, and they had no choice but to open up the mini bar and consumed the Oreo, but worrying how to inform me as I was out for an errant.

Little things that kids have done to make a man happy through their personal feeling and writing on a special card. It is a great feeling and I look forward to more of such family vacation !

First Introduction

I just feel like posting what I have experienced when I first arrived in London and Paris. I feel it is a great way to remember about the trip.

The very first impression I have when I arrived in London was the introduction of the subway (tubes). I heard of the mass subway system in London...honestly I don't know the fare...hahaha ! Maybe I don't need to know because I have a preloaded card and even when the value was getting low, he topped it up for me...a little pampered.

The very first station introduced was Tower Hill. That is where I go from there...I survived and I managed to get from one place to the other. My very first radio station was the magic.co.uk...unfortunately can't listen on internet. Great combination of songs of yesteryears..

To survive in a foreign place, the next thing was to know the supermarket. So I was introduced to Waitrose...I like this supermarket. The first time on my own, I went to buy some stuff for the house.

I was shown around the house...arriving in winter, I need to know the heating system, otherwise I can't imagine I will be freeze to death...hahaha!

The first countryside is Oxfordshire and Cheltenham. A very comfortable drive with great scenery along the way just about 2 hours drive from London.

When we arrived in Paris, my first walk was to Champ Elysees. We had the most comfortable and romantic walk. The first sight as I stepped out from the hotel was the Tuileres and a view of the Eiffel Tower and the Lovres from a distance. Last but not least...the food and drink.

I caught myself in the rain too for the first time in London....

Wonderful vacation

I have been quiet for the past 2 weeks...wondering what happened ??

Nothing happened...I was away for a vacation to London and Paris. The trip is also to celebrate my birthday with someone special. I have traveled around the world and visited many countries except these two cities. Finally my dream came true in a very special way.

Walking around in Paris in cold and wet condition and occasional sunny days is an unforgettable experience for me. Paris is awesome and beautiful and the better word to describe is "Romantic". We stayed at The Westin Paris which is located at one of the best address, takes us not more than 20 minutes from one place to the other. Across the river, I visited my sister who lives just about 25 minutes walk from the hotel.

Met my lovely nephew who has grown up to be a handsome big boy, spent some time with my family in Paris was great. We had the best Parisian food and wines with the best company of friends and relative.

After four days in Paris, it is time to return to London for the rest of my vacation. London has always been unpredictable with its weather...sunny and wet and drizzle and shower, all in one day. I walked around the city and occasionally traveled in tube to see the city has been a great experience and fun. London is just different and it is so cosmopolitan..and someone approached me to ask for direction in London....hahahaha!

There was no big party for me on my birthday which I am not unhappy about...simply because it is to be there with the right person that matters.

Life has been great...I appreciate it very much.

Feeling refreshed and recharged

How do you feel after one week of vacation ?

I was just talking to someone about vacation and seems like a minimum good break should be about 5 days. And I just had a 7 days break, I must say I am so blessed to have this luxury.

I feel totally refreshed and recharged. Both mind and body have well rested and rejuvenated though I had a bit of discomfort during the trip probably due to the change in diet and activities. Most importantly, I came back with a healthy skin tone...and now need to look at some new shade for make up palette to suit my colour...hahahaha.

I have a clearer mind to move on with life, a lot of encouragement to walk on. I will deal with one thing at a time. Hopefully I can sort things out soonest possible.

A good reminder for me after the trip is :

Forget the past, they are history,

close the door and move on there is another door waiting for me.

It has been totally inspirational and motivated trip as well...thanks :)

Best sunset in KK

This is a real lazy afternoon...it is meant to be that way during vacation, right ??? !!!

Just lying down on the deck chair by the beach, ordered a late lunch while reading another great book ! I was facing the west, and I could feel the sun glaring into my eyes, so I had to read the book facing down instead and listening to my best music pal...iPod never leave home without it...lol ! !

Very soon, I hear the lighting ceremony drum coming my way, and it is sunset time. I took so many pictures and I just want to post a few here ! Part of my great memories in life, honestly it would have been very romantic to be here with my loved one, enjoying the sunset :)

Sharing a romantic instrumental piece by Kenny G !

My vacation

Today is my 3rd day here in KK !

It has been great and I hadn't felt lonely so far ! Originally this is purely leisure but somehow, I decided to inspect the resort for my onward project....sigh ! This is my problem, I always mixed pleasure and work !

My room was upgraded to seaview and received special attention from the hotelier..not bad ! The weather has been great, no rain lots of sunshine, in fact was really hot ! I am a tourist who really settled into the environment. I went cycling into kampung area, had a good dinner, enjoying my food and read magazine and book ! I actually spent 2 hours at the restaurant...I don't believe it. I went to the bar, have a drink and be entertained by the local band, they are great and we became friends. Met some new friends from abroad, chat at the bar and we made a few song request...one of which was Besame Mucho performed solo on clarinet..nice !

Eventhough it is vacation and I could have slept longer, but I felt a need to wake up earlier to work out, so I went to the gym ! For the very first time, I join the nature conservation and went to the forest to see orang utan ! They are the babies but very cute ! I spent the whole afternoon at the beach, trying to get some tan, but I bought a high SPF sunblock but ok la...at least I am not burned.

The best part was the SPA, something is meant for me I feel, the moment I walk into the treatment room, the back ground music was Metta Chant! What a calming effect ! I chose "Sabah Experience"..and I had a good scrub using the most natural raw ingredient...rice powder ! I paid a premium to find out what we could do at home to make our skin feeling smooth and supple...!!! But, this is life, we always pay a high price to find out good and bad ! The treatment is so relaxing, I fell asleep and walk out feeling so so rejuvenated.

It has been great...now I have check in at another resort ! Off to the beach for another round of sunbathing...!!

Won a holiday package

So happy, I have won a holiday package to Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu, though is just one night, but also excited !  Winning something is always happy, like lucky draw and etc !

I have been to Sabah a few times, but haven't been to Shangri-la Rasa Ria.

 

I think I deserve a good vacation soon ! I have to start checking on Air Asia for cheap flight since I have a voucher to redeem for free flight !  And now, my colleague is offering to sell his free night stay in Kota Kinabalu, hmmm I think my vacation is coming through very soon !

Now, I got to think who to bring along ? 

KK...here I come !