Singing at his teacher's wedding

It's not everyday that our kids get to attend their teacher's wedding... well, most of them are married anyway.  It's also not everyday that our kids or kid get to sing at the teacher's wedding.

So, it was a surprise when William's class teacher informed me that she'd like to have him and some of his friends sing at her wedding in November.  I asked her which date and the venue, and a quick mental check was we were not travelling on that day, so I answered affirmatively.

Turned out that William was the only boy amongst 6 girls.  That probably made him so shy.

Boy just arrived.  He looks like a mini grown up here.  Sister combed his hair side ways... I can't help laughing when I first saw him with this hairstyle.  :P

Practice time

We came half an hour earlier for practice time, after which the kids happily ran around

One picture with mummy... so hard to catch him for a picture as he rather play with his friends running up and down the aisle

Sis was happy as her good friend also came

Enjoying the sight of the colorful decorations

And the song they sang was, "A little love" by Fiona Fung. Wishing his teacher and her husband an ever-lasting love!

Holiday in Ho Chi Minh - Food

I thought I'd write differently for our recent 5 days holiday in Ho Chi Minh city this time. I will segregate my posts by places we visited and food we ate, sights we saw and our day out to the Mekong Delta.

Our holiday started on 5th to 9th December, a total of 5 days.  As usual, our preference is to discover any places of visit on our own, instead of joining a tour.  The reasons are obvious, as time is within our control and we can decide how and where to go.  Both Vic and William are fairly seasoned travellers by now, and we figured that they can start experiencing the "harder" places.  A brief memory check, I realized that they have been to the UK, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and now a new country to add to their list - Vietnam!

Hubby and I had agreed that we will go on a strategy that kids will eat at proper eateries where hygiene is better practiced, whereas he and I will munched along the way on street food.  However, it seemed easier to say than execute.

However, I'm glad we have a good balance of both eateries and street food as well as home cooked food!  Yes, you heard me right. We had the privilege of being guests with a Vietnamese family on the 3rd day in a small village called Hoa Khanh located 10minutes from Cai Be.

Here's the types of food we ate and as much as I can remember (mostly have to double check with my hubby the never-failing GPS) the corresponding address or street name as well:

Pho Bo and Pho Ga - 141 De Tham Street, District 1.

This place was recommended by our hotel manager who claims that this is the best pho she has eaten, even as a local.  That was enough to change our initial destination from Pho 24 to this unnamed venue.  She arranged for a metered taxi to send us there.

One bowl of pho cost only VND28000 equivalent to USD1.40

Pho Bo - with generous soft tender slices of beef in a wholesome broth.  Squeeze a piece of lime into the broth to give it an added zest, or add in sprigs of basils which is served on the side

Pho Ga - for those who prefer to avoid too much red meat.  Ga means "chicken" and it taste just as good, because the chicken meat is juicy and smooth.  The soup is garnished with plenty of spring onion and herbs, which is so, so healthy!  

We came here on the first and last night of our stay.  On the last night, hubby ordered this special soup - raw egg cooked in the pho soup.  Tasty!

If you prefer a different kind of noodle than pho, you can try Hu Tiu which is like our mee hoon only thicker texture.

BBQ Meat - De Tham Street, District 1

Just next door, we saw a man BBq-ing different kinds of meat.  So we pointed to the little chicken (which we later found out was a little bird) - I think it's in the region of VND20000 (USD1) and the BBQ octopus was super delicious and served with a sort of green, mint sauce - VND60000 (USD3)

Xuc Xich (sausage) 

There was gathering of all kinds of food - comprising mostly of Vietnamese as well as from other Asean countries.  We even saw a Malaysian stall selling banana leaf rice and roti canai.  It was good that we were around when this was held so it was easy for us to walk around and sample all kinds of food.

We ordered one sausage at first, but obviously it wasn't enough for two kids.  Hey, it was after dinner and we weren't sure of the taste, but one child ended up sulking because the other apparently bitten off more of his share who then gave the whole stick to her.  Hence, the second sausage.  Taste great and cost even better at only VND10000 (USD0.50)

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Batter with bean sprouts, shrimps and roasted pork.  Simple yet surprisingly delish!

This is how they cook it.  

And why not try a cold beer too?  So I picked the Big Man which cost VND20000 (USD1)

Another impromptu and wonderful discovery - BBQ-ed ladies fingers with beef chunks.  The beef was well marinaded and not tough at all.  I think one stick cost VND50000 probably slightly lesser and we initially thought it was pricey compared to the other offerings, but later on, unanimously agreed that it's worth it!

Hu Thiu Bo Kho (Beef stew with noodle) - Ben Thanh Market

I ordered this based on the picture in the menu as well as a recommendation from an English speaking Vietnamese lady from another shop.  She was kind enough to help us with our orders eventhough she didn't work for the food stall.  This beef stew with soup is NOT spicy, and very delicious.  After just 2-3 bites, Victoria said she wanted to exchange hers with mine, so like any good sacrificing mother, I let her. I would have ordered a second bowl if my stomach space allowed it.   

This is the stall...

And this is how we sat.  Be careful not to suddenly stand up or do not stretch your arms as you might hit a passing waitress delivering a tray of hot soup noodles

Bun Moc (Rice noodles with sausage and pork ribs) - Ben Thanh Market

Bun Thit Nuong (Rice noodle with grilled pork) - Ben Thanh Market

This looks nice on the outlook but you'll have to love the kind of fish sauce - sweet sour taste to enjoy this bowl of noodles.  The pickled radish and carrots adds a crunchy twist to this.  I love the peanuts too.

Cendol

Pomegranate cendol - sweet but I much prefer our Malaysian cendol anytime.

                                     
Banh Mi 

I must say that of all the Vietnamese food that we tasted, I love this humble French baguette the most, complete with all the ingredients inside.  I joked to hubby that I can live on this Banh Mi everyday and be a cheap expat if he ever get transferred here (day dreaming in Vietnam, cannot meh?)

So yea.  If you visit HCM and don't eat Banh Mi, your trip is not complete.

Along Pham Ngu Lao, District 1...

This one cost VND20000 (USD1) near Ben Thanh market with all the works inside - roasted pork (best if fat), pickled vegetables, pork pate, lettuce and some other stuff.  I couldn't finish as we were greedy tempted by a Com Tam stall selling broken rice with beef.  So the remaining half I kept in my hotel fridge, but it tasted even BETTER the next afternoon!  My two kids devoured almost everything and left me the last two bites.  

Along Co Bac, District 1...

This cost only VND12000 (USD0.60) which is embarrassingly cheap, but don't be fooled by the looks or price.  This one is just as good, and my tip is NOT TO SHARE your Banh Mi.

Banh Hoi - Thuong Hai Restaurant, Vo Van Tan Street, District 1

Soft rice rolls with pork inside, served with spring onions and deep fried lard.  Can be eaten on its own or dipped into the black sauce and sweet sour sauce

Coi Guan - Thuong Hai Restaurant, Vo Van Tan Street

Rice paper roll with basil and shrimp inside, served with peanut sauce

Cha Gio - Thuong Hai Restaurant, Vo Van Tan Street

And the winner is still the Cha Gio - deep fried pork roll which is very similar to our Chinese lobak.  The unknown sauce is tasty too, so take a generous dip

Nha Hang Ngon Restaurant (or locals know this place as Ngon) - 160 Pasteur Street, District 1

                          

This place was rated four star on Tripadvisor, and was recommended to us by our hotel manager too. We arrived a little before the crowd settled in and was given a nice corner inside this colonial building.  Ambience was good, service was average as the waiters was not fluent in recommending dishes despite this place being a tourist area.  Prices for main dish average between VND80000 to VND200000.

Rice noodle with beef in Hue style

Victoria's dish - rice with grilled pork and soup on the side.  How interesting is this?  Taste average too, but she was hungry and polished this dish off within minutes

Cha Gio (not as great as Thuong Hai Restaurant)

Banh Mi Bo Kho ( beef stew with baguette)

Could have been better if the beef stew was served hot and not warm. 

Hubby's dish - came the last and I felt it was the best compared to the rest of our orders.  The braised fish in a claypot was tasty with a hint of spicyness, and the fish soup was served hot. 

Com Tam Moc

CTM is a franchise chain selling broken rice dishes.  We tried out this place because it appeared to be a "must-go" place but really, the food there was nothing great, not even the dessert.

The place was clean and well decorated

                       

Dessert cost VND25000 a bowl, which was on promotion.  Their normal price is VND35000.  Even at the promotion price, I found it not worth the money as the quantity was little and it was nothing special.  On the left, is longan with black grass jelly, and on the right is soft gingko nuts in very sweet lotus soup, both of these topped with commercial ice cubes.

Thit Ko Tho Kieu Moc (braised pork in claypot moc style) and Thit Ko Trung Kieu Moc (braised pork with egg)

On the top, is the braised pork with one egg for William, and on the bottom is the claypot pork for Victoria.  Both are very saltish and each dish came with broken rice.  Each cost VND55000 (USD2.75)

Ga Kho Sa Ot (braised chicken with lemongrass)

My chicken dish on the left, and you guessed it, cha gio in the background

Com Tam Suan Bi Cha (pork BBQ + pork skin + pork pie)

This is supposedly highly recommended but we felt it was so-so.  Hubby let me try his dish, but I didn't think the pork pie was that great, nor the BBQ pork.

Hubby's dish.  VND60000

Good bye, kindergarten!

It's with a heavy heart that I write this last post about William's kindergarten year, closing one chapter in his life and recording his milestone achieved.

2012 @ 4 year old - He received the Awesome Artist Award
2013 @ 5 year old - He received the Superb in Maths Award
2014 @ 6 year old - He received the Gold Rules Award and Character Champion Award

More importantly, he made many special friendships and developed a passion for learning.

21st November 2014 officially mark the last day of his schooling days in kindergarten.  He spent a total of 3 beautiful years in this school.  I believe he enjoyed every moment as he looked forward to school all the time.  Despite many fun filled school holidays, I remember this boy would say that he looked forward to school again so he can see his friends and teachers.

Here are some random pictures taken in his 3 years of kindergarten...

2012

4yo William during the first week of his kindergarten.  It was orientation week, and they were given name tags and allowed to wear any clothes.  Orientation was fun with games, stories and songs.

From top left: 6yo posing on the way to school, top middle: 4yo having his lunch in the car after school, top right: 6yo in his PE uniform on Mondays, Bottom: 5yo William giving me the "scare"

2012/2013

Top pictures taken when he was 4yo - big bite for the big boy at snack time and building lego blocks.
Bottom pictures taken during his 5th birthday celebration in school

2014

William celebrated his 6th birthday in school with his classmates and favourite teacher!

Friendships must be cherished especially with good friends...

From left: K, J and William at 6yo

Fooling around with his friends from 6yo class

Amongst the first few friendships made, one was with P.  

With some of his teachers in his school.  Left:  With his class teacher Apple

I am so happy that his experience in his first formal education institution has been smooth and good - praise God for good teachers who guided and encouraged him.  I pray that this will open doors to many more wonderful developments and experiences.

Some months back, we planted stalks of colorful Japanese roses in little pots.  On the last day of school, he presented them to some teachers - each with a special Bible verse personally handwritten.  The significance of the flowers represents the little children who receive love and guidance from the teachers.  Just as the educators nurture the children like plants, these plants will grow and bloom and even multiple one day.

Impromptu group picture so not everyone is here or prepared.  Kids are all dressed up in their concert costumes

So it's goodbye kindergarten and in a month's time, it will be hello to Primary School.  I wished that I knew who my kindergarten friends were now, or even their names.  For William, we made little stickers with his contact details on it so hopefully, one fine day there will be that "Do you remember me?" email or phone call.  : )

CHECK!!

Guess what?

Both Vic and Will has taken a liking to chess!  It all started so random a few months back, and I have to credit hubby for being the one to introduce this game to them.  He is a master at chess and teaches them little tricks as they play along.

I have even learnt new terms from the kids, such as stalemate and castling.  The boy and his father even have their own secret terms like "do the Lockdown."

William loves chess, so much so that he'd invite us to play with him at every opportunity, sometimes at the most awkward times like during meals.  Victoria has more on her plate with tuition and homework and activities so to be fair, she have less time to practice on the board but equally excited about the game.

William would give a virtual level to each of us.  I am the worse at playing chess so he says I am at the beginner level.  Both my kids have beaten me at chess many times, and I have only a couple of victories to boast about.  I salute them because I did not let them win on purpose.

Daddy and Yeh Yeh are the "ultimate levels", and if they beat any of them, it will be a HUGE victory to them, one worth celebrating with ice cream!  In the beginning, losing to Daddy can end the game with some tears, so Daddy has resorted to allow the kids to "handicap" him by removing a few key players (like the Queen and Castle) in the beginning of the game yet Daddy still wins.

Popo playing chinese chess with Vic.  Unfortunately, none of us in this household knows how to play chinese chess so there's no challenger for Vic.  On the right, William challenges Gong Gong to a game, of which he won! 

We even have the Chess app installed in our phones so they either practice with the computer or start a game with someone.  I think this is a great game to kill off the boredom as it encourages them to strategize and think.

If you like chess or can play chess, invite them for a game and you will immediately be their new best friend!  The magic word in the house now is "CHECK" or better still, "CHECK MATE!"

Cutting It Short-er!

It's really hard to convince Vic to go for a hair cut.  I think she aims to have hair as long as Rapunzel, but alas, the weight of the hair will probably make her drop more hair!

We've been talking about giving her a haircut, and at one point she said OK.  I was pretty tied up with some stuff and also her exam was around the corner and I didn't want to "traumatize" her by taking that few inches off, so I left it be.

A couple of weeks after the exams, I reminded myself again that we should really go for that overdue hair cut!

So off we went, mother and daughter one Sunday afternoon, to the salon in a hypermarket nearby.  Good thing too, because it rained when we were leaving.  As a small reward or consolation, I bought her some sushi after the visit to the salon.

Damage for this haircut is only RM18.  Just dry cut, no wash or blow.  She wants her hair layered, so she has it layered.  It's about 3-4 inches shorter now.  Still can tie a ponytail with the new length but the girl thinks its too short, and mummy thinks its still too long.