A Day at Ueno

Headed to Ueno for a Saturday with Dan's Japanese colleague. 

National Children's Castle at Shibuya

We had no idea that this place existed until we found ourselves there. Our day started when mommy wanted to bring the kids out to play at the 'free' admission Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall at Shibuya. As we headed out of the station, we were lost. It was a massive and busy junction - pedestrians and cars zipping right across our faces. My attempt to ask for directions fell flat as my English could not be understood. And a major part of the reason why we couldn't find the place is that the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall has been closed since the March 11 2011 earthquake in Japan.

But of course, we knew nothing of it. So, right in the middle of busy Shibuya, we did a 'Pied Piper of Hamlin'. Since it was Japan's summer holiday, we saw Japanese mothers, with their distinctive hats, umbrellas and sun sleeves and their children all walking towards a particular direction. So, we followed the 'silent music' and found ourselves at National Children's Castle - a 6 storey playarea filled with lots and lots of children. But it was so big that we were comfortable. I think we spent a total of 5 hours there, only scooting to a nearby onigri shop because Sarah and Sammy wanted to eat and pop right back to the play area.

Settling down in Tokyo - Konichiwa!

Here we are - at our hotel apartment which is to be our home for the next month. Things are settled down nicely because everything is very convenient - a 24 hr Tesco Express just beside our lobby, the local Chuo Line station which is 2 minute walk from our lobby and many many restaurants line our street, including the famous Menya Muashi Shinjuku flagship branch which is a 10 minute walk from our apartment.

It's back to our usual routine of studies for the kids, home cooking, heading to the gym - peppered with lots of sightseeing and exploration. 

Three and Half Countries - Transit through Thailand

According to Sarah, Thailand is her fave country ever. Haha... and we only stayed there a night, did not even enter Bangkok city because we were transiting there enroute to Tokyo. What sealed the deal for Sarah was that  there was a pool [albeit small one] which Sarah had a whale of a time jumping in. Armed with 2 ring floats, Sarah would sprint about 1 meter from the edge of the pool before flying right into the pool with a great splash and emerge exhilarted with the experience. I would have stopped everything to snap a shot but I was enjoying the moment too much. I think she did about 30 jumps in total. Sammy had already long retired into his hotel room, complaining of the cold. Haha.

For Dan and us, revisiting Thailand was memorable for us. Squeezing in those short getaways whenever there was a uni break, hopping onto to budget flights and enjoying the yummy, spicy and very affordable Thai food. Those were the days - without kids:)

Thailand was fun while it lasted. 

Our Next Adventure across Three Countries

Daddy's off for his work attachment again and this time we are off to Japan [again woo hoot!], USA and Canada for 3.5 months.  We were full with 100 kg of luggage carrying kids and food supplies. 

Our seasoned travelers:)

A New Year Ahead and Much to be Thankful

C.A 125 - 6.4 and a good mammogram

I have much to be thankful for. 

Sometimes when I put my kids to bed, the occasional thought of 'not being around for them' crosses my mind. And it makes me very grateful - to be around for the kids in all their growing, learning and mischief. I am grateful and so thankful for my family. 

Had a really enjoyable 36th birthday celebration in a quiet part of Singapore.