The Craftsman’s Forge

We last planned a family trip to Hong Kong approximately two and a half years ago in March 2006. But, we had to call off that trip because dad started experiencing mini stroke symptoms, and he had to get an operation to prevent him getting a serious stroke. We had already bought the air tickets and booked the hotel, but because I was really worried about dad, we called off the trip, and thankfully the penalty we paid for canceling wasn’t too bad. Most importantly, dad recovered well. Never regretted canceling the trip.

We were supposed to be traveling to Bangkok, Thailand last Saturday (29th Nov) to the 9th of Dec for a church mission trip, but its been canceled due to the political situation in Bangkok. So, last night, we scrambled to get our flight booking and hotel booking completed, and thankfully, were able to get us return tickets on Singapore Airlines. Really happy that I’ve still got enough points to get us some free tickets.

So, we’re heading to Hong Kong on Tuesday, and will fly back on Saturday! The kids are now older, and are at the age where they would really enjoy Disneyland. Its a wonderful make up trip for the one we missed 2 1/2 years ago….

Wow… I actually know how this man is going to feel post operation. He is amazing! I was still feeling sore 2 weeks after, but he is flying to Hong Kong after just 3 days!!!! My own Cardiologist advised me from traveling immediately the day after.

Incidentally, I’ll be in Hong Kong too next week… with my family for a quick holiday.

Minister Mentor Lee has minor surgery
Posted: 30 November 2008 1506 hrs

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had a minor surgery to implant a cardiac pacemaker on Saturday.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office says the surgery was performed because Mr Lee had been experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia (that is irregular heart rhythm), which showed up with his atrial flutter on 14 September.

Mr Lee is recovering from the surgery and is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Monday, said the statement.

His doctors have agreed to and will accompany him on his trip to Hong Kong from 1-3 December to have a dialogue session with former US President Bill Clinton at his Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Asia Meeting.

The economic situation is really getting to us. Boy, I should know…. I’ve had 2 extremely positive opportunities placed on the back burner as the companies decided to freeze headcounts. Sheesh…….

Oh boy… I guess its time to dig in, and lie low for the next 2 years.

Also, it does appear to me that my current workplace is where God wants me to be at for this season.

I stay at the Intercontinental Jakarta every time I’m in Jakarta. This hotel, catering to mostly the Japanese business crowd is a wonderful place to stay at. Apart from the excellent service and the great cosy bed and room they have, they also have an extensive Pillow menu!

Yup… you heard right. You get a choice of 10 different types of pillows! Just choose something you like, call housekeeping, and you have your pillows delivered to ya! Incredible!

I ordered 3 feather pillows by the way…. ;P

Having had the same bed for the last 7 years, we decided its time the girls get new beds that are appropriately sized. Their previous beds were only 4 foot long.

I was in Jakarta just last month on a business trip, and the blokes brought me to a new seafood restaurant (Everfresh Seafood) fairly near the office, and boy.. it was excellent!!! Its just like how Cicerellos in Perth is set up.

They have tanks filled with all sorts of seafood surrounding the entire eating area. You just place your orders, and the staff go fish out your fish or prawns. Wah…. killer!

Here are some photos..

Wonderful Gurame!

The chef here is really good too! The taste of the dishes are simply excellent!

And of course… how can one be in Jakarta without eating Fried Gurame! Umm…. fabulous!

We’ve been talking about visiting Pulau Ubin and Check Jawa for the longest time, so, when an opportunity came up one weekend, we quickly grabbed the chance to head out to the northern island. This was back in July!!! Yeah.. I know.. I’m notorious for procrastinating when uploading photos.

We reached Changi Point in the morning, and it was an excellent cloudy day…. No sun.. not hot, but the tide may not be in our favour. Hee… This is the kid’s first time seeing the fishery business at our eastern pier.

Wonderfully upgraded, the Changi Point pier is now a very clean and comfortable transit point.

We had to wait for the boatmen who would gather enough passengers before making the trip between Singapore and Ubin.

We’re finally off! Its the kids’ first time on the small dinghy taxi boats, and they really enjoyed themselves!

Shots from the boat…

Leaving Changi Point…

We took a taxi to Check Jawa, and then a short walk to the boardwalk.

Map of Check Jawa

The tide wasn’t super low, and we werent able to walk the sea grass area, but managed to see lots of fiddler crabs while walking on the board walk, as well as mud lobsters, etc.

Guess what fruit is this?

The T-Cafe came highly recommended for its scones and Strawberry Sundaes, but… I was personally quite disappointed. In any case, its quaint 80s decor is good for a tourist to relax and take in the atmosphere of the highlands, especially if it’s raining.

Kyla did extremely well in school this year. She achieved an A in all of her subjects, and a B in music. I’m so proud of her. Chris told me she got a 96 in her Chinese! The highest mark in class was 97. So, she’s going to a special class for Chinese. Wow! And to think that I can’t even read a sentence of Chinese without tripping over characters!!!! Kyla’s results are really a testimony of what Chris has been doing with the kids.

The class took a “crazy” photo this year. Kyla’s on the second row, fifth from the right.

Thank you, Lord!

You would remember that the family headed out to Cameron a few months back. Our hotel room was overlooking the main road entering Tanah Rata, and I noticed that there was a landslide on the road right in front of my hotel room!! It’s probably about 1km away from the hotel. This house was likely one of the road side markets selling farm produce.

A little closer look.

And a wider angled look at the extend of the land slide.