Phuket Trip - 8 to 12 June 08

Rolling good fun - bubble ball in a pool. My hubby and I called them lab rats.

The water slide that provided a lot of splashing good fun for the princes.

At the hotel room balcony, overlooking the pool. Saved me much trouble - I just watched the kids in the comfort of my hotel room balcony while doing my reading and avoiding the sun.

Mini terrorists?! Getting ready for paintball gun fight. Arrgh!!

James Bond Island.

One of the caves.

Being canoed.

The princes enjoying some bonding time with dad aboard the speed boat.

Phuket is more expensive than Bangkok or Chiang Mai. That's my summary of Phuket. There weren't many Asians there, even though it's the off-peak season. Mostly ang-mohs or what the Thais call 'farangs'.

We were there for 5 days but stayed mostly at the hotel (Centara Kata Resort) pool, which had a cool water slide that the princes loved. They practiaclly lived in that pool. We only went to the town area on the first day and the fourth day because the cab fare was about S$20 per trip. But the princes had a lot of fun on the first day in town as they played with the bubble ball that rolled around in a pool right in the middle of the big mall. They charged $100b (about S$4) for each person and because they weren't many customers, the princes played for about 30 min. I think the New Zealand version where they roll the bubble ball downhill is more fun.

On the second day, we went to James Bond Island where we took a speed boat that was equipped with lots of fruits, biscuits and bottles of coke and Fanta Orange. All free flow and complimentary. The princes had a blast taking the soft drinks and the littler prince developed an obsession with Fanta Orange. The day trip cost abt $6,600 b (about S$280) for four of us. It included taking us to 3 or 4 islands, where a staff would do the canoeing while we enjoyed the view and took pictures; visits to caves with hanging bats, buffet lunch was in the boat and we were given about 1 hour to do whatever we wanted at one of the beaches. Most people swam or canoed. My three majesties did the latter. I just laid under a shady spot waiting for the 1-hour to be up. I'm not exactly a sunshine girl. I'm more a sit-in-a-cafe-and-chill girl.

We also played paintball guns where the king and the littler prince fought against the queen and the elder prince. I am proud to inform that the queen hit the king four times and won. We also visited a cashew nut factory and did a spot of shopping for the elder prince as his clothes (being a pre-teen) is very expensive in s'pore. We managed to get him three cool t-shirts for about S$6 per piece. The princes also tried some light Thai massage and liked it so much they requested for another one the next day.

The princes had a chance to eat some street food such as chicken noodles (S$1.80 per bowl) and sweet pancakes (S$1.80 per piece) and witness some working children selling flowers. They were of course not spared the chance of a teachable moment by their mom on how fortunate they are compared to children elsewhere.

On the whole, the princes liked Phuket. Actually, they just liked being on a holiday and hogging their parents, especially their dad, who are not in s'pore half the time. He played with them throughout the entire stay in Phuket and allowed me some time to get a pedicure and do some reading. On the day of departure, the littler prince was a little sad and reluctant to leave, so I told him we would return to Thailand again, not necessarily Phuket, though.

Child Slavery

I just finished watching a BBC documentary on child slavery. After the show, I was extremely disturbed. In this day and age, with so much attention on human and children rights, there are still millions of children who work back-breaking hours in sari factories in India or are serving men as prostitutes in Cambodia. Not only do they suffer physical damages, their psychological state is usually in shambles. When some of these children were first rescued, you see blankness in their eyes. I think many of them have given up on life. It pains me tremendously. I can't help but cry for them.

You may think that when these children are rescused and returned to their homes, they will be welcomed by their parents and family. The truth will sadden you. The parents are usually the ones who sold their children so that they have lesser mouths to feed. There was a woman who actually cried, 'Why have you return to make my life more miserable!' upon seeing her returning son. Many of the children who are featured in sheltered homes take a long time to trust people again as they are betrayed by the very people whom they trust the most - their parents. The worst kind of feeling one can ever have is hopelessness and this is how these abused children feel. Many of them rather live on the streets than go back home for fear of being sold again. They know the sad and cruel truth - they are unwanted and could be sold for a mere $25.

I am usually very rational and sensible but all of a sudden I had a very childlike wish - that all the governments in these countries will wake up and do something to stop poverty and in turn reverse these cruelties that are done unto innocent children. And that the evil-doers will be punished and these children will be freed and go on to lead a decent and healthy life. I have a soft spot for children, not because of anything else but the fact that they are vulnerable and dependent on us adults to give them hope and a life that is worth living. They did not asked to be in this world. We bring them here, so it is our responsibility to keep them safe.

Every time I read or hear about children being abused, I say a prayer for them, that they will find some reasons to move on, that they will seek comfort in God and in reliable people who can help them to learn to trust again.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/6458377.stm

Flying the Classy Sky

Just came back from Phuket last night. Because the plane was over-booked, my hubby, being a Krisflyer member, got bumped up to a business class seat. He offered the seat to me and sat with the princes back at the cattle class seats. He is a great man, he is. The princes protested initially, each wanting to be on the business class seat but being the 'brain' of the family, I got to decide. Hiak hiak...

The business class seat was so much wider and longer with a proper leg rest. The treatment at business class was also very different. I was recognised as Ms Sim, rather than passenger 8C. Within the first few minutes that I sat down, I was offered a wet towel and a glass of either orange or apple juice. Then I was asked what food and drink I would like. The lady beside me ordered a ginger ale and I thought, 'Hmm... that sounds classy.' So I chose a ginger ale too. Then I was offered a range of newspapers and magazines to choose from. Within minutes, the air hostess came back with my drink in a glass and set up my table with a table cloth and a cloth napkin. Then came the wine glasses and the set of cutlery. I have a basket of breads to choose from - garlic bread, wheat bread, ciabatta with garlic mushroom and something else. I chose the garlic bread. Then came the dinner - prawn salad with sundried tomatoes, roast chicken with penne and some coconut mousse cake for dessert, all served in proper porcelain plates like in a restaurant. I didn't like the chicken so I asked for the ciabatta bread. The breads were delicious and warm, unlike the cold hard bun we get in cattle class. And my ginger ale was constantly replenished.

Time passed by quickly in business class as I have the magazines and newspaper to read. And another good thing about business class is there is 1 toilet just for the classy people. 1 toilet to about 1o people versus 1 toilet to about 50 people in cattle class. So I don't need to queue up to use the toilet. Now I know why people pay so much to be in business class.

It was a good experience for me but I still won't pay that much cos I could use the money for shopping and other holiday expenses. But there is always a chance that I may get bumped up to business class again in my next trip, as long as I fly with my hubby :)

Mother's Day/ Birthday Presents from the Princes

Knowing that I like to listen to the 80s tunes, my elder prince gave me a 'Back to the Old Skool' CD for Mother's Day. He also made me a beautiful necklace for my birthday. He may have that devil-may-care attitude, like his dad but he is a marshmallow inside. And a very sentimental guy. My little prince bought me a pair of nice earings. These gifts are not as significant as the cards that accompany them. They spent a lot of time and effort in creating a pleasant 'surprise' for me. They locked me up in my bedroom for nearly an hour. Of course I relish the rare solitude and peace and quiet for that 1 hour :) It's moments like these these that makes me feel appreciated and loved and that being a mom ain't that bad :)

Lana Chocolate Cake Rules!

My all time favourite chocolate cake is Lana. I have tried so many good chocolate cakes from so many good bakeries but my heart still thumps for Lana. Somehow the simple moist dense texture and the fragrance of chocolate gets me all excited. Many chocolate cakes out there are simply not 'cakey' enough. They are either too mushy or too rich or trying too hard to hit your taste bud too fast with too many things. I can savour my Lana cake slowly without any accompaniments. It's a simple old fashion chocolate cake that is oh so good. For the past 2 or 3 years, I have requested my hubby for a Lana for my birthday. This year is no different.

DUH Recipes for Rookie Cooks

I have never taken home econs in school or attended any cooking or baking classes, except for 1 baking class which my colleague brought me and which turned me off cooking for a long time cos it looked like some intricate procedures. The myriad of ingredients and complicated steps made me feel quite stupid really.

Now that I am staying at home, I have to learn how to cook very simple express lunches for 2 very fussy princes. In the beginning, there was darkness... as my 2 precious criticised my cooking and I made them eat up whatever was in front of them in return for their ingratitute. Those were stressful times. Then I began to surf the web for ways to improve on my cooking. I realise that watching Jamie and Nigella was just not good enough, although they inspired me. They made cooking look easy and fun and sexy even. But alas, they fail to mention the heat, the preparation time and the washing up afterwards. After 1 and half months of trial and error, by jove, I've finally got it! At least I think I have cos the princes have stopped their whining and even gave occasional thumbs-up. Below are dummy-proof recipes that will work with culinary-challenged people like me.

Home-made chicken nuggets (for 1 adult, 1 hungry pre-teen and 1 kid)

This recipe goes well with hotdog buns or spaghetti or salad. The majesties and the hubby have given 5 'wows' to these home-made nuggets. Believe me, I have been given 'phooeys' for my food before. Preparation and cooking time, including the marinating is roughly 45 min.

Ingredients
2 medium-size chicken breasts
4 tbs teriyaki sauce
some ground black pepper
about 15 pieces of Ritz plain biscuits, crushed with rolling pin or any bottle
some flour
an egg, beaten
cooking oil ( I use canola oil cos more healthy)

Method
1. Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag and pound them with a rolling pin or any hammer-like equipment until a little flatten. This is to facilitate the absorption of the marinate and make the meat tender.

2. Cut the chicken breasts into small strips. Marinate them in the teriyaki sauce and pepper for at least 20 minutes.

3. Prepare your nuggets before frying them so that they will all turn out evenly cooked. Coat the marinated nuggets with flour, dip into the egg and then coat them with the biscuit crumbs. Put them aside.

4. Pour enough oil into the cooking pan to ensure that at it covers more than half way up the nuggets. Use medium heat.

5. Slowly lower the nuggets into the frying pan. I use a glass cover to cover the frying pan to prevent the oil from splashing all over the floor and myself. Turn the nuggets over after about 1 minute or until brown.

I usually serve these with buns, cheese, lettuce/tomatoes and some mayo. They are also good with spaghetti. To cook simple spaghetti, just cook the pasta according to instructions, with some salt and oilve oil. Then just heat up some pasta sauce and pour them over the spaghetti and serve the chicken nuggets on the side. If you want the spaghetti meal to be more indulgent, cut up some bacon, fry them and sprinkle them over the spaghetti.

I am still perfecting my chicken claypot rice recipe. The last one tasted good (according to the majesties) but could do better. Will share this in next blog.