A little trip to Rawa Island

Bernhard and Tatjana are visiting us. Given how far away we are in Singapore we cherish whenever someone is brave enough to make the trip. For this occasion we had decided (well mostly me in all fairness) that we should go somewhere together over the weekend. After checking a few options, choice was made for Rawa island in Malaysia.

The day after the Californians arrived, we took off in a mini van direction Mersing. I will not mention the insane amount of things we had to pack to cover the needs of both Oskar and Thomas. If you wonder, I'm not sure how much was left home after we left.

We drove to the border and successfully completed the game of getting off the bus to exit Singapore and again to enter Malaysia. We survived a 3-hour trip paced with changing van and finding toilet for Oskar. We were very stressed about the whole trip and the little guy brilliantly managed it without any accident. I will not expand on the popping exercise in a gas station toilet where for the first time Oskar experienced being carried over a hole in the ground.

Trip was also stressful for Thomas but eventually we made it to Mersing. We ate our packed lunch at the jetty and took the 30min boat ride to reach the island. 

After what felt an eternity as we had to unpack and change everyone in beach attire, we were finally on the beach enjoying ourselves. Some went snorkeling, some took a nap, some went swimming, some built sand castle, etc. the usual beach activities. 

Sadly we were interrupted by a thunderstorm but quickly we were back on our feet with games.

As per tradition in family vacation we were all in bed shortly after dinner. Not much partying indeed and it it's great to be altogether away from the rest of the world. 

The next day was intensive: we woke up a bit before 7am, got ready, had a long breakfast during which Thomas redecorated the floor with pieces of bread, went to the beach, left the beach for lunch, went back to the beach for more playing with sand and time in the sea, changed for dinner and enjoyed the bbq. Wolfram survived a fish attack which Oskar described as a fish tickling his father's feet.

Sadly on Sunday we had to get back to civilization but not without enjoying the beach for the whole morning. 

I wish we had stayed a bit longer. I really don't want to go to work tomorrow morning. 

Oskar's new school uniform

In September, Oskar will start the French school. Today we bought his new uniforms. Of course he didn't want to try them on in the shop so we had to improvise a bit on a size. We took age 4, thinking he will grow.

The uniforms are from the brand Château de sable, meaning they are great quality with a sense of detail that is appreciable. They even have a spot to write his name:

This said they have to be washed at low temperature (less than 30C) and can't go in the dryer. It's good that we leave in a warm country.

A little less than two months until Oskar changes school and somehow we expect that it won't be smooth and easy. After all, Ms Serene won't be there...

Exhausted father

Because it's been a while.

A touch of home

A touch of home was delivered today. Oskar happily offered to help and was very eager to try the cookies. Luckily he finds then too dry. So that are all mine !!!!

Merci Papa et Maman!

Surprise dinner for my birthday

On Friday morning, Wolfram informed me that we were going out for dinner. At 12:30, he messaged me that we had reservation at 20:30. He wouldn't tell me where. This was mysterious and exciting.

A bit after 8pm, we left the house. Aggie was watching over the kids and a taxi was waiting for us.

The mysterious booking was at Salt Grill & Sky Bar on level 55 on top of Ion shopping center. We took a private elevator to the top and discovered a view on the city we had no idea existed. Maybe we should go out more often.

We had cocktails while waiting for our table to be ready. We indulged ourselves with amazing food and amazing view.

We ate insanely expensive meat cooked raw as it should be.

They surprised me with a birthday candle and a picture to remember this day. 

The strawberry sorbet was just perfect. I had nearly forgotten how good it can be. 

Thank you Wolfram for taking me out for my birthday. I had a great time and I'm looking forward to Wicked in October.