Holiday in Kuantan

Sometime back Victoria mentioned that she wanted to go to the beachside. How she got this idea, I suspect was when her 4th granduncle invited her to the beachside during our trip back to Ipoh two months back but she didn't go then. This would be Vic's 2nd time at the beachside, seriously quite pathetic but that's also because we've never really had the opportunity. The first time was at St Kilda's beach, in Melbourne when she was 2yo but at that time she didn't like the sand in her shoes and the wind was very strong.

This time around, her excitement was built up slightly more than a week before that, as Daddy planned which hotel to stay in, and the itinery, as well as making some arrangements to celebrate the Mummy's aging. : )

By no surprise, we stayed at Hyatt Regency Resort in Kuantan, and the management gave us a complimentary upgrade to Regency Club for the two adjourning rooms.

We left at 8:45am on 6th June, last Saturday, arriving just around noon and tapaued chap fan (economy rice) lunch in town before checking into the hotel. After the kids had their lunch and bathed, we headed straight to the poolside. That was 3pm in the hot afternoon, but we got a shady part of the pool to dip the kids in. This is officially William's first time dipping into a swimming pool, as the other time in Singapore during CNY, he only got his lower half wet because the sister sprayed water at him.

The boy seem to love it. He didn't resent the water, though that's no surprise since he's always loved his bathtime. But after awhile, he started to whine out of fatigue. I brought my new "baby" laptop down to the poolside, thinking that I could do some surfing whilst the kids squeal in delight in the waters, but I ended up snapping pictures away and then hurriedly sipped my coconut drink. The maid and I took William back to the room first to clean him up and put him to sleep, and I tapaued the two coconuts back too. Vic who said that she didn't want to swim, ended up in the waters with Daddy.

Victoria thought she'd just join in the fun by the pool side and not get wet... but... ...

... ended up all wet! "Don't come near me, I will spray you!!"
Don't take my ball! William wouldn't let go of his precious ball
Fresh coconut

Swimming lesson no.1: learn to float...
My little hunky boy

At 4pm, I went for my spa which Hubby booked for me. Somehow, for a major hotel chain with constant flow of tourist, the masseur didn't do a good job. The lady who subsequently gave me additional complimentary 15minutes massage for my arms did a much better job than the masseur who serviced me for the initial 1hour. Anyway, feedback given, and I appreciate hubby's thoughts for giving me this time to myself.

We headed to the beach in the evening, and Vic overcame her fear of getting near the waters, although she'd not dip in it. I'd say this was the highlight of our trip as Victoria laughed and laughed and William quietly observing all the new surroundings. If it was not for the skies getting dark and the thought of getting dinner, we'd stay another hour.

Enjoying a quiet time with Daddy under the evening moonlight
My baby girl... not so baby anymore..

Don't worry, Daddy will hold you! Watch out for that wave!!
Family time
My angel laughs, my heart sours
Wind in her hair
Coconut tree don't fall on me

For dinner, we ate at this seafood restaurant with open air concept, but because it was so crowded (oh, and I forgot to mention that the traffic to Kuantan was rather heavy) we had to "fight" for a table indoor, and then "fight" for chairs, then "fight" for baby chair, then "fight" for a captain to come take our food order, then during the dinner, asked why our dishes came so slow. Business was really good for them. Poor William was really tired, whinning quite a bit and totally restless, Vic's appetite was more than great. We expected some "bleeding" when the bill come, but it was reasonable, I would say. Phew.

William slept in the car on the way back. Vic wanted to go "kai kai" somemore but we told her we have to call it a day. Back in the room, Daddy conked out with William, whilst Vic hanged around till nearing midnight.

During breakfast the next morning, the hotel brought in a complimentary birthday cake for me. So this is the "surprise" that we've been waiting for!! After that, we wanted to go to the beach and poolside again, but the skies were getting gloomy. So it was a quick time at the beach again, then back to the rooms, bathed the kids and pack up.

Bollywood? William under a coconut tree

My surprise birthday cake... rich chocolate moist cake! I wish I can share this with you, Vic

All ready for another great time at the beach... surveying the place first

William played in his cot whilst we packed up (he's so understanding) and cleaned Victoria up, and later Victoria jie jie fed him his cereal lunch. Throughout this trip, he didn't have much of an appetite for milk.

Playing in his cot whilst having his lunch