Winter Holidays at Tokyo

Arrived at Tokyo, safe and sound but tired and hungry. My 3rd time in Tokyo, Hubby's 2nd and Gine's 1st. Colder than the previous trip when Hubby and I were there for our honeymoon but luckily it was not raining!

Have to admit that I have never ever travelled on package tours, not even when we brought Gine along!. Unlike our previous trip where Hubby and I took the JR trains (complicated and crowded), we decided to hop onto the airport transfer conveniently. Gine was definitely tired from the early flight and lack of sleep. Even then, she was definitely excited by the 'Mickey Mouse' bus and train (part of the reason why we chose to stay at Sheraton at Tokyo Bay).

Definitely impressed by Japan's customer service (so much better than any other countries) and the cleanliness etc. Hubby never understands why I love Japan so much till this day...

We ventured out again right after we have freshened up...to the well-recommended Rainbow Bridge at Tokyo Bay and the huge shopping centre located there! (typical Singaporeans)

As it was winter, the day was so much shorter. It was already all dark at 530pm. Guess all of us were so tired that we decided to go back to the hotel early...well-prepared for all the fun coming our way!!!

Oiishi Ramen - Glad that I was still able to converse in my 'rusty' Japanese

At the shopping mall/entertainment centre - with lots of kiddy rides which you can never find them in Singapore

Posing in front of the famous Rainbow Bridge

Chinese New Year in Tokyo, Japan

Regine maybe approaching 3 years old this year, but unfortunately, this is her first year celebrating the Chinese New Year! Dad passed away when Gine was 2 months old and a year later, Mum left us too...

Eversince then, Chinese New Year is no longer the same festive season. No more steamboat dinners with Mum and Dad, followed by sessions of blackjack or in-between...No more yummy food from Mum - yam paste (or ni), ngor hiang etc.

Anyway, since both Mum and Dad are no longer around with us, decided to take a break during this season and flew to Tokyo during the wee hours of the CNY eve. Initially had thought that Gine may get cranky, having to wake up at 3am in the middle of the night. Instead, as we were walking along the pavement, trying to get a cab, Gine started singing:

"We are flying an airplane, looking out of the window,

Watching the clouds go by.

Flying an airplane, looking out of the window,

Up so very high!" (BJ's song)

Surprisingly, Gine was all energetic, even till after we have boarded the plane. While in the plane, Gine started to ask, "Mummy, who is driving the aeroplane now?"

I replied, "The pilot."

Gine went, "Har? The parrot?"

"No, it's the pilot."

"How come I cannot see him?" Gine went on to ask.

"Cos the pilot is in the cockpit. Sorry, you are not allowed to go there." I replied.

Long journey that lasted almost 7 hours. Luckily, Hubby was smart enough to bring along his iPod and some toys to entertain Gine in the plane.

Not only that, after her nap, Gine started to sing to keep herself entertained.

"There are 7 days, there are 7 days, there are 7 days in a week.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday."

One of the european passengers was definitely entertained by her as he managed to learn the song from her by the end of the plane journey...

Gine outside Narita Airport, upon arrival in Tokyo

Weekend photography - Am I A Model?

Some shots that Hubby took of Regine...probably a good way of entertaining her.

Sunday breakfast at ECP, Old Town White Coffee

At the Zoo, Gine's favourite hangout

At some dessert shop along Joo Chiat Road after dinner on Sat

Gine with her coconut drink while Hubby ate the ice-cream...

My B(IG) Day!

When I was young, I always looked forward to celebrating my birthday...Mum wld use birthday parties to entice us to work hard and perform well in our studies. Unfortunately, I never get to have one, though I did well in my exams (don't ask me why, cos I never get the answer from Mum too)...

Still remembered that I had a week-long birthday celebration when I was 21. Firstly, with my family, then friends from primary school, secondary school and JC kakis, my university classmates, ex-colleagues etc etc...

As I grow older, this day slowly loses its importance, made even worse after Mum and Dad left us. At times, I can even forget about this day (especially the lunar date), only realising it when I started to think about the good times (and the good food) I had in the past for this special occasion.

Well, just glad that my closer friends still remembered this day this year. Received well wishes (even though there was no fanfare, no celebrations) and that was good enough for me. Greg's mummy tried to give me a surprise (though she failed) and I was contented to celebrate this special day, with a simple dinner, with my loved ones...

Perhaps its just that age is catching up and perception of life is now different...

A Brand New Start for Year 2009!

You can choose not to believe it but the last time when Regine had her hair cut was when she turned 40 days old...

Since then, Mummy Barney has tried to persuade Regine to cut her hair whenever we walked past those kiddy hairstylist shops or even tried to get my hairstylist to cut her hair FOC. Gine would just run away, shouting, "Don't want."

There was even once when Regine finally agreed to cut her hair but it was Mummy Barney who could not bear to cut her long soft hair and quickly brought her away before it was her turn.

Then, on the first day of the new year, we were at Mummy Barney's favourite haunt - Vivo. Gine suddenly came running to me while I was making payment.

'Mummy, can I cut my hair? P-L-E-A-S-E."

I was totally taken aback and did not know how to respond, for that split second. Then I saw Hubby smiling and guess there was nothing I could do but to nod my head.

Well, you can choose not to believe it (again!), but unlike other kids, Gine did not scream, shout or whatever! Guess she must have enjoyed her 1st hair cut!

I must say that Gine is a child who knows what she wants in life! Or perhaps cos Mummy Barney always let her have a choice?

Aunty amused by Gine's reaction - No cries but looking so serious.

Regine staring hard at the TV screen - Her favourite Barney show

A new hairstyle for the brand new year...

Last day of 2008 @ the Zoo

Decided to bring Gine to the zoo once again since Hubby had to work and Mummy Barney has got so tired of shopping. We spent almost the entire day at the zoo, much longer than our normal trips as we only get to ride on the trams during weekdays (as Friends of the Zoo). Of course, Gine could not forgo her ride at the carousel located at the Rainforest KidzWorld.

Gine posing in front of the monkeys. She even knows "white-faced saki monkeys" now.

Gine was upset after the elephant show as she was being splashed by the elephants during the show.

On her favourite carousel. Mummy Barney also managed to climb onto one and had a ride too!

Ip Man

Finally managed to squeeze out some time to catch a movie though I have been on leave for the past week. Surprisingly, Hubby was also on leave and we decided to "turn-back-the-clock" - to return to our "pak-tor" (courtship) days.

Was not even aware of the synopsis of the movie that Hubby chose to watch -Ip Man. Only knew it was a movie about martial arts and my ex-colleague found it unbelieving that I was going for this type of movie when we met up for lunch @ COVA (another restaurant recommended for their wide variety of sweet disserts).

Storyline was simple - A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. He was also the celebrated martial arts master of Bruce Lee.

Was actually touched by his love for his wife & son, his family and friends and of course, his country. However, of course, felt that the portrayal of the Japanese in the movie would lead to some controversies in the now improved Sino-Japanese relations (or perhaps, I was being a little more sensitive).

What really caught me was the advice given by Ip Man to one of the young lads - "Whatever that you do in life, is of your own choice."

A movie worth watching if you have not done so...