Phuket Holiday: 5D4N in June

A month back during the mid term school holiday, we went for a 5 day holiday to Phuket, Thailand.  This is our second time here, the first being in November 2010 Since we did most of the tourist stuff in November, having watched the Phuket Fantasea show, had a little fun watching Simon Cabaret, did Patong shopping one evening, etc...

So this time, I decided we will have no itinerary.  Did a mental note that we only want to visit two places - Upside Down House and Trickeye Museum.

Our hotel this time, was Novotel Karon which was a very new (less than 1 year) hotel.  It was formerly another hotel, then refurbished.  So being guests here means two extremes - either we get really lousy service from inexperience staff or extremely good service to boost their review.  We were blessed, because we got the latter!

We booked a family room that came with a king sized bed, two bunk beds for the kids and a balcony!  During check in, we were given the standard Thai welcome of a cold drink and a cold towel.  In addition to that, both children were given a treasure hunt list to complete.

Pleasantly surprised by this welcome sign on our door.  Kids found a note on each of their bed leading them to a stash of gold chocolates!

Kids were elated to find toys and a castle-tent in the room

Our big king sized bed, and two bunk beds for the kids

Study table, sofa and TV

We headed out to complete the treasure hunt list first, which was really to get us oriented with the amenities in the hotel.  Once completed, we headed to the Kids' World next to the children's pool to redeem their gift.  Each child were allowed to choose a toy of their choice from a bag of different toys.

Then we spent sometime at the Kids' World... even hubby and I made ourselves comfortable.

Capsule holes for games

A library tree of books you can help yourself to!

PS3 games area and a thoughtful water dispenser at the side

Cartoons and chill area

Ample table and chairs for kids to play and do their activities

I guess the highlight of the whole holiday would be this place where the Vic and Will not only got to play and hang out, but also sign up for their in house activities like Magic Show, Origami, Puppet Making throughout our stay.

Hubby also brought the kids for a swim.  The slide was too inviting and reminded me of the one at Hard Rock Hotel in Bali, only this was a milder version.

The boy still fits in his toddler life jacket

Vic hanging onto a hotel float

Mummy enjoys the me-time watching my loved ones swim, laugh and play... 

In the evening, hubby arranged for dinner in the hotel so we need not go out hunting for food.  I didn't expect him to also arrange for a 5 day early birthday celebration for me!  We ate at the restaurant called, TAI serving Asian and Thai food.

William's rice in soup - from the kid's menu

Vic's all-time favourite choice - fried rice - also from the kid's menu

Steam fish in lime and fish sauce.  Very delicious.  Made mental note to find out recipe online

Our happy family!

My first birthday cake from the hotel, getting a birthday kiss from my prince and hugging my firstborn

Hubby ordered minced pork with basil, curry soft shell crab (because he knows I love soft shell crab) and another dish which I forgotten

And a special non-alcoholic drink on the house for the birthday girl

It was definitely a memorable celebration.  Our waitress was pleasant and sporting.  As there were no other customers at the time when she brought out the cake, she turned off some of the lights and sang a solo birthday song, at first to William (mis-q) then turning over to me!  : )

After dinner, we took a walk out to Karon town to help with digestion and also check out what's around us.  Ended up with an hour's foot massage for only THB300 (equivalent to RM35)... how blissful!

A Joint Birthday Celebration of 17 years!

OK OK, it's 17 years after combining the age of both my two children.  Haha!

Vic celebrated her first double digit birthday, and William his 7th birthday in a joint celebration this year.  A simple bash at Souled Out, Hartamas again with only the grandparents and parents.  We picked up their ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins in Mont Kiara before dinner.

The food was average (I strongly feel they need to revamp their menu) and service below average, compared to previous years.  It's also unfortunate this year we were given a table downstairs in the open area, where it's almost impossible to hold a conversation without raising our voices.  And you'd think we'd get more attention where the action is, but no, our waiter was unfriendly and slow.  Sigh... I was already telling hubby on the way home that we will need to convince William to change his birthday venue preference to a new place.

Anyway, that aside... here are some pictures for memories.

My baby boy with his all-time (and I really mean it, ALL TIME) favourite!  A plate of carbonara (or carborana as he calls it) will definitely light up his day!

And Vic always enjoy burger and chips!  

Family pic for the record.

See how big my girl has grown?  She's taller than Kakak now and always tease the helper.  

The ice cream cake that was frozen hard like a rock and then melts so fast like a floating iceberg, we had to gobble down our share and then quickly put it back in the icebox!  

The April babies cut their cake

See how time flies?  In another 7-8 years, my firstborn would be entering college and I might still be calling her to remind her to wash her hands, sleep early, etc.

For my Vic

Yes, Vic - know that your mummy here loves you DESPITE, DESPITE all the nagging I give you, all the grumblings yet I quietly marvel at how you're now taking it in good stride.  

You're still shy to hug, but I noticed how you now make an effort to bend forward.  
You love to help, sometimes putting your priorities all wrong but you're also teaching me to let go. You are very sentimental, from Heh Heh to Doggy, to your hair and favourite tee.  

At night, you're still the little girl who wants mummy or daddy by your side until you close your eyes. A song, or a small chat maybe... just to get the winks coming. 

Yes, you've been through some changes in life, not by choice but mummy saw how you brave it up. Bravo, my princess!  This year we praise God for putting you in a position of leadership, as class monitor.  Therefore, practice humility and hone your leadership skill, dear.

There are many lessons still to learn, challenges to conquer, fears to overcome but take it all with every ounce of positiveness you have.  Choose your friends wisely, and never forget to pray. Most importantly, remember always that Mummy Daddy is always there for you.  


For my William

And William - my youngest but not the least.  Always joyful and forgiving.  Ready to share and give. I love the smell of your hair, even when you're sweaty after school hours.

When you're sick, you never cry or complain.  You eat your medicines obediently and even expectantly!  I'm proud even to say you can tell your paed all your symptoms accurately, whilst mummy sat there feeling a little useless. 

When you're bored, a piece of paper and pen or a book, or two cars will keep you happily occupied.  

When you're happy, you're always cheeky and witty.  

When you're sad, it takes only a while to bring the smile back.  

So keep loving, keep reading for the world is your oyster, and keep those flying kisses for you mummy dearest and that running hug for your daddy.