My Apologies

Busy busy busy!

It's been so so long since I last wrote a post here.  The past 1.5 month has been very busy for myself - with the three projects that I'm involved in being in full gear.  Sourcing for quotations, mental matching of furnishing, decision on colors and theme, timeline check and liaising with contractor and suppliers, all whilst still juggling time for the children and chauffeuring duties.

Again, so thankful for a good helper to keep the house clean and cook our meals.  On a few good days, I get to take a much needed late afternoon nap, or sleep in just a little bit more before heading out again.  My helper is a truly God sent - reliable and independent enough to carry out her daily chores and any additional tasks given without supervision.

I may have lost a few precious kilos which I hope not.

In the midst of the busyness, hubby has been so supportive in his involvement too - much of the time being the chauffeur to places I am still not confident to drive to, and giving his valuable input and more importantly, paying the bills.  We had fun too, and I guess we improved over time, learning to handle all these with God's grace.  Hubby is a constant reminder to me to take it easy, and not let anger or frustration seep in as we dedicate all our projects to God.

I have already pulled out two offending white hairs sticking out of the top of my head, teasing me in the mirror.  The rest of the white hair I can hide in between the non-whites.  I will deal with them later when I am more settled!  (Pray for good Groupon deal, hehehe)

An expensive month!

Sowing in March, April and possibly all the way till June - these are challenging months. Hopefully harvest comes in quick ; )

So much to write, so little time, and worse is I am now partially inconvenient because of my beloved laptop being in the repair shop due to some burning smell emitting from the Power Button area.  We managed to salvage my precious files (oh imagine the "damage" and heartbreak if my company accounts, work files and priceless picture files are lost) and now I work on our desktop with an external hard disk.  Hopefully the repair costs is not too much (this is the second time my laptop went to the "hospital") otherwise I'd have to face the dilemma of pulling the plug on it, getting a new one or just revert to the desktop.

So how have the kids been?

Victoria's turned 9 a week back.  I had trying times with my daughter before that, ended up us both in tears separately... but in the secret chambers of my heart, only God understands the intense sadness and disappointment.  I wonder now if I've had given so much pain and tears to my parents?  She's only 9 and I dare not think how it'd be when she enters teenagerhood.

On the bright side, some mornings we get to share the sunrise together, albeit just for a couple of minutes before the turns of the car bring us into the housing neighborhood where her school is located, blocks our view.  On most mornings as much as I can, I pray for her before we reach her school.  I'd park by the entrance, come out of the car and lug her heavy school bag out of the back seat, before the princess disembark herself.  Then we hug and say good bye.

The security guard once complimented me that my princess is very pretty.  Out of the blue.  Yikes, that was sweet of him, but also puts a little fear in me in case he tries to be funny with my girl.  Although I think Vic is too "proud" to even talk to strangers.  Just in case, I warned her for the umpteenth time to be careful, yada yada yada...


William - on the other hand is still very manageable at this age.  Lately he has been reading his children's Bible (the one given by cousin Theodore for his birthday last year) - this time all by himself, now that he has learnt to read.  He finished the 521 page the first round and we all congratulated the little boy on his achievement.  Then he wanted to read the same bible a second time...

He has his "theological" moments.  One day I came home in the afternoon and he was all alone in the dining hall reading his Bible.  Maid was cleaning the living area.  I praised him for being good and, a couple of hours later, just as we were serving dinner, this boy took his bible out to read again.  I had to tell him to put the Holy Book away so he can start eating.  He replied me, "My dinner is not important, reading the word of God is more important."

???

On another occasion, I told him to go upstairs to our room first to get ready for sleep.  I came in later to find him reading his Bible on our bed, with only one light turned on.  So I reminded him, "William, it's not good to read in the dark" and the boy replied me again, "Mummy, my eyesight is not important, but reading the bible is more important!"

There are many more similar conversations with him.

A few nights ago, as we each pray for an item, William prayed along this line, "God, please let me be a pastor next time, and teach me what to say to the people in church.  Teach me what to tell them, and what to pray for them...."

So, he says he's no longer interested in being a scientist now, and mummy discourages the pilot / astronaut ambition, and being an artist can still be a past time.  He says he aspires to be the YOUNGEST PASTOR and he admires Joash, the youngest king in the Bible.

That is all for now.  Adios, blessed weekend and my apologies for the long hiatus on my blog.






                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Snippets of a son's love

I may not be the prettiest lady around or the most intellectually engaging kind, but to my son, I am his world.  I say this without boasting or air, but the truth as it is ... hehe.  I'm of course basking in his love as I know one day he will have more of other things and people to love.


Mummy's Commandments

We spoke briefly about the Ten Commandments last year.  I proceeded to explain that these are God's rule and guide for us to lead good lives.  Then William added, "Just like Mummy's commandment."

"I do?"  I asked.  I mean, "Do I have a commandment that I do not know of?"

Without hesitation, William answered, "Yea.  Your commandment is to drink a lot of water!"

; P

Oh well.  That's the 5 year old's definition, so be it.


The bread pudding

For a party day at his Chinese Enrichment Centre, children were asked to bring some snacks and food.  I decided to make bread pudding.  I timed it just before his class, so it can be served warm and fresh.  Unfortunately that day I was in a rush due to unforeseen circumstances and the pudding did not turn out as nice as it should.  I'm still wondering how to make it NOT sink.

Anyway, I had it packed into the car and brought it to the centre and passed it to the teacher.  William was really excited to share the bread pudding with his friends.

When I picked him up, it was customary for the teacher to "tapau" whatever food they could for each child, and untouched food to be returned to the child/parent who brought it.  So William got a bag of junk food and teacher returned the partially touched bread pudding.

I asked William in the car questions like, "How did the party go?" "What did you guys do?"  "Did teacher serve the food or children helped themselves?"

Then the ultimate question... "Did your friends like the bread pudding?" He answered me as truthfully as he could, "I don't know but, I love the bread pudding very very much.  I don't want to hurt your feelings mummy."

Wow,  he got me there!  Where did that come from?

Hhmm... ok.  So I told him, "it's ok.  You can just tell me the truth, mummy won't feel hurt.  So did you really liked the bread pudding?"

William thought for a while.  Because we were at the red traffic light, I watched his serious expression.  A few seconds later, he answered, "Yes mummy.  I liked it... very very much!"

Case close.  No need to doubt this boy's answer.


Decorated Car

Decorated with mint leaves

We yanked out our indian borage (mint) plant last week because it was not growing healthily and we decided to use the pot as a nursery for the Japanese roses.  William has this heart for plants or flowers that we throw, but ironically he does not hesitate to pluck any flowers or leaves for a good cause.

When he saw the abandoned plant, he plucked out the leaves and started decorating the back of my car (see picture).  I told him that the leaves will fly when I drive out later.  Another day, he did the same for my car with the remaining leaves.


Toilet and shoes

My son... he may be Spiderman and all the superheroes that he dream to be, but in reality, he's really scared of the dark.  He'd run in and out of the kitchen if the lights are off, wait for someone to walk upstairs with him to switch on the lights, scream (and cry) if the sister turns off the light in the room and leave him behind...

Yesterday we were at a condo, after the tenants have checked out.  I decided to take a pee before leaving.  William insisted to wait for me (like a brave little soldier but with the occasional peep) beside the opened door.

On our way out, he wore his slippers and then saw that mine was apart.  I saw this only when he bend down to rearrange my slippers to be side by side.

What love.  The only other lady he does this for is his jie jie Victoria. 

Frozen

Last December, we brought the kids and maid to the cinema to watch the movie "Frozen."  Only recently, the kids caught on the Frozen fever especially with the theme song, "Let It Go" sung by the show character Elsa.  The two months gap was probably because they couldn't watch the movie again (no downloads were available yet) and I didn't open YouTube for them.  It struck me suddenly that we've only watched this highly rated, award winning animation only ONCE - compared to the other shows we normally watch a few times.

So now the kids especially William have been humming, singing this song.  Just a few lines here and there that they know, and definitely the chorus part...

"Don't let them in, don't let them see,
Be the good girl you always have to be,
Conceal, don't feel,
Don't let them know...
Well now they know...

Let it go!
Let it go!
Can't hold it back anymore,
Let it go!
Let it go!
Turn away and slam the door,
I don't care, what they're going to say,
Let the storm rage on...
The cold never bothered me anyway."

The bold words are the ones that William likes to sing.

Yesterday morning over breakfast, he proclaimed that I was Princess Anna, jie jie is Queen Elsa and then I chipped in... "Daddy is Kristoff" right?  He stopped and protested, "No no... Daddy is not Kristoff!"

Then which character is Daddy?

William replied without hesitation, "Daddy is Prince Hans!"  (If you've watched the show, you'd know that Prince Hans was the good prince in pretense, and later showed his true intentions to kill both Princess Anna and Queen Elsa)

"What about you, boy boy? Are you Kristoff then?"  (Kristoff is the commoner who eventually fall in love, save and end up with Princess Anna)

So I thought William being William, (he likes to take the hero roles and give the bad guy roles to Daddy) he'd want to be Kristoff himself.
 
Only a few seconds delay, William quickly said, "I'm Olaf!  The snowman!"

LOL!!   

(This mother thinks he is sooo cute, because for once he didn't choose the hero character but a funny one - the silly snowman who wished to be in summer)

Flying Home

Sunday, 16th February 2014

We had the hotel packed our breakfast since we had to check out and leave at 6am, to be at the airport in time for our 930am flight.  I arranged for a morning call as well, just in case we oversleep (you see, I'm taking all precautionary methods now so we do not risk being late, or missing our flight).

We used our remaining Vietnam Dongs and topped up with USD to pay for the balance of our hotel charges.  The reception even discount off a little bit just so that we can match the currencies (it wasn't a lot - a couple of USD cents but it was very kind of them).

We returned the adapter we borrowed from them the night before, and thanked them for their hospitality.

Upon arrival at the airport and after checking in, we walked straight to the gate, where we had our packed breakfast while waiting for the gate to open.  We walked around the shops, but didn't shop and periodically eyed the gate.

Moved our seats nearer to the gate and waited.  And waited.

Still chatting when an airport staff walked up to us and asked if we were headed to Kuala Lumpur, to which we replied, "Yes!"  Then he told us to run and hurry towards another gate a hundred metre down.  Ran we did, and when we checked in at the gate, the staff told us that there was an announcement (funny neither one of us heard) and we were the last to enter.

To think we almost miss our flight home... *shake head*...

Our flight was full, and our booked seats were right smack in the middle of a group of 10 (or more) boisterous, chatty Indian men who thinks they are musically inclined with their hands that go beating the arm rest or their thighs like drums!  A big sized, BO man who burped a few times during the flight took the window seat whilst poor hubby had to take the middle seat and I sat next to the aisle.  

Other than that, the flight was uneventful - thank God!  We arrived on time and took a cab to Seremban to reunite with our kids at Mama Yeh Yeh's house.

The next day was school day - so we didn't stay for dinner in Seremban.

That is all about Hanoi - our shortest trip overseas ever!

16 years since he held my hand to cross the road and our first romantic dinner in Sheffield, 10 years of marriage, 2 children... we survived!  The journey had not been smooth all the way, and the tears were not few, but laughter we share and hugs are still plentiful,  you - my honey - is my source of confidence - there's no regrets and if I could marry you all over again, I'd do that... (maybe this time, in a quaint little countryside church in Europe, hehe)

Halong Bay, Hanoi

Saturday, 15th February 2014

Wakey wakey

I think we woke at 630am.  Just in case we oversleep and embarrass ourselves by being late for our Halong Bay pick up (at 815am), I asked the Reception last night to give us a wake up call this morning, on top of my mobile phone alarm.

Day view of the hotels opposite our room.

View on the left from our window.  Taken at around 8am

Mobile phone alarm went off, and I got up with no trouble as this has been almost my daily routine this year since the kids started morning school.  The reception called us at the time requested - not bad for a 2 or 3 star hotel.  And who would have guessed?  They have everything to cater to our needs and more, plus the facilities and accommodation is new and clean.  They even have TURNDOWN service la wei!  But then, we didn't have a chance to mess up our room to test out their turn down service, because we were out the whole day today, and back very late.

Breakfast 

Breakfast was continental buffet - a small table offering only the basics - bread, cheese, ham, yogurt, milk, cereals, buns, juice, fresh fruits and some stirfry noodles on another table.   

Breakfast.  Neat and simple.  Don't expect much, but it's sufficient.

The customer service lady, Anna, who booked us in via email, dropped by our breakfast table to greet us and introduce herself.  She also confirmed with us our change of room for tonight, as well as asked us for our plans for the day.  Pretty Vietnamese lady who speaks perfect English with a little accent *like*.  Her face is even on the hotel website. 

We headed upstairs to packed up our luggage so the hotel staff can just move them to our room for that night.  Yes, we are downgraded now... haha!  Back to reality and no more suite!  But oh well, it was a nice surprise, and the hotel did their best - considering their full occupancy for the Valentine weekend.

Our bus transferring us to Halong Bay came a bit earlier than expected.  Our tour guide for the day is Mr Loc, and the bus went around picking up a few other tourists from their hotels.

Our tour consist of a mother-daughter from Europe, a Singaporean married couple, a Singaporean man with his Thai wife (this couple is quiet quiet like mouse), a Canadian-African couple who lives in Malaysia, a dating couple from Melbourne (Japanese and Chinese) and ourselves.

We later made friends with the Canadians and the Australians.  : )

Along the way, Mr Loc shared with us a facts on the population, the meaning of Vietnam, the reason by the narrow frontage of the house designs, the meaning of the national flag, cultures and superstition of the farmers, simple local language we can use, etc.  Since I did not wikipedia before coming to this lovely country, I noted these information down into my iphone.

Our tourguide, Mr Loc obliging for a picture

The 3.5hr journey was pleasant and we passed through the country side of Red River Delta.  The ride however was a little too slow for our Malaysian standard.  Then again, there was no proper highway and the vehicles were going at their own pace, some faster some slower, and motorcycles and even little trucks were weaving in between.  At one point, I noticed a truck coming from the opposite direction ON OUR LANE!

Paddy fields along the way

A mansion

Local fruit for sale along the roads

A hotel, probably.

Like it, Buy it!

We stopped by a souvenir shop - to exercise our legs, go for toilet break as well as help the tour guide earn some commission from our purchases.  Since our visit to Hanoi is not long and we are not sure if we'd find anything at the shops tonight, or even be in time to shop, hubby in his wisdom told me the four magic words, "Like it, Buy it!"  Don't you just love him?!  Hahaha... OK, I love him... for more than that, of course!

So I bought an ao dai which I have always wanted.  A sweet pastel yellow it is, with a little haggling for the satisfaction.  Paid in USD, and after conversion it seemed pretty reasonable still.  The ao dais for little girls seem so sweet but my girl would not like it.  As for the boy and man, the salesman told us there is no traditional wear for male.  ; P

We arrived Halong City a little passed noon.  Mr Loc passed us each our tickets and later took it back to be kept safely.  This is a multi pass ticket.  Once lost, you won't be able to join in the other activities and attractions.  We walked to our junk, already waiting for us at the pier.

Wooden junks

We sat in groups of four and that's how we got to know our these Australian couple in our group.  We were served fresh seafood for lunch in small portions - just enough for four.  For example, if it was crabs, it's only 4 crabs.

Deep fried Vietnamese springroll in rice paper

No fighting.  One each please. 

Steam fish.  Don't know what fish is this. 

Stirfry beef

There were steamed prawns, clams and a couple more other stuff too.  The seafood was fresh, so no complains except that portions could be a lot more. 

This is the signature, popular symbol of Halong Bay - the Fighting Cocks or Kissing Cocks, whichever way you see it. 

Limestones all around

Passing by other wooden junks

We sat on a boat like this, in our little group of four with a local rowing the boat around Ba Hang floating village.  Some other groups not in our tour opted for the kayaking - looks like a lot of work and pretty unsafe too, as the boats can get too close to the kayaks

Beautiful creation on the limestone ceilings

Going through a little tunnel

I'd journey with you anywhere, hubby

Then we headed back to the harbour and walked up some stairs into the Thien Cung or Heaven Palace Grotto to explore huge chambers adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. 

We arrived back in Hanoi city after a very slow ride home at around half past 8.  The night was still young, though so we didn't go straight back to the hotel, but instead hopped off the bus near the shopping area.  Bade our new friends farewell and thanked our tour guide for a fantastic day.

Double parked motorcycles. What a sight!  I didn't see any car parking though.

Started our night adventure at a shop selling clothings and textile.  Couldn't resist another ao dai - this time I chosed a dark purple with 3/4 sleeve.  Cost me a little lesser than the earlier one, and naturally felt a little ripped off, but oh well, win some, lose some.  Got some decorative mats too then we walked around looking for dinner and saw...

Street food!  Since it's our last night... why not?!  Feeling hungry and daring here.  No regrets.  

This mama here makes the delish noodle soup! 

Don't mind the deep fried fish fillets (not dory, ok?), this dish is so wholesome!  Look at all the vege and herbs she added in.  Hubby drank up till the last drop and did NOT feel thirsty at all after that.  That means, no MSG

Night market.  Don't go against the human traffic flow.  Lots to see.  Traders here don't speak English, so they show you the price by showing you da money. 

This old popo here peeling and selling water chestnut.  She smiled at me after she realized I took her photo

Second round of street food, just minutes and metres away from the first one.  I shared this with hubby.  Braised pork, pork cake and fried egg on top of soft steamed Vietnamese rice.

Hubby took this photo of me about to dig into my noodle soup.  Whilst eating, he told me someone is taking a pic of me... *perasan me* I looked up and saw a caucasian man smiled and walked off.  Eh, he forgotten to pay me?? ; P

A street food seller hard at work.

And we called it a day after we have gotten our coffee and some souvenirs for the kids.  A magnet was a must to add to our collection on the fridge of places we travelled to and visited - checked at Halong Bay.
  
Weather was getting too cold for hubby who was not in a jacket.  So we headed back to our hotel.  The next day, we had an early flight departing at 9am.

Our Valentine Weekend in Hanoi, Vietnam

Friday, 14th February 2014

A Valentine not so romantic

Our bags packed, our passports ready (and still valid), boarding passes, hotel and tour confirmation printed, no visa required (checked and double checked) and taxi booked to picked us at 3:30am this morning.

Kids settled, and instructions given to maid.  Mama and yeh yeh have offered to help. Hubby and I said our goodbyes to the kids the night before they slept.  Vic insisted that we wake up before we leave so she can say goodbye to us again, and we did just that.  She stirred, open her eyes a little then mumbled she loved us and off she went back to sleep.  We left the house excited.

Vomit along the highway

Richard, our taximan sent us to the airport that morning.  Somehow that morning I didn't feel well.  Vomitted a little before I left.  I figured it must be the tossing and turning and over excitement that led to me waking up a few times that night worrying that we'd overslept.  I was quiet the whole journey whilst hubby chatted with Richard, but nearing LCCT, I knew something was about to come out.  Quickly, I told Richard to stop when he can.  He said there's a rest stop further up, but thank God hubby told him to just stop now... and immediately I opened the car door and out came my vomit... all onto the drain next to the emergency lane.  A lot more came out, I guess indigestion from the dinner before - can't be those chicken drumsticks and if it was, I hope the rest of the family was fine.

I felt alot better after that, and off we went on our way again, not delayed at all.  But Richard was obviously very concern and secretly I'm glad I didn't soil his clean taxi, otherwise so paiseh!

We arrived almost 430am.  No checked in luggage, and we did a web checked in the day before.  So after getting our documents checked, we proceeded to have a light breakfast at the Taste of Asia.

Darn!

We chatted and lost track of time.  25 minutes before departure time, hubby checked his watch and we make a run toward the gate.  Passed the first security check point, passed the second security check point, then headed to immigration, which was where I got through but hubby's passport had problem detecting the smart chip.  He told me to go in first, which I did, but I didn't realize that he wanted me to go into the plane first!  I got to the gate, and pleaded with the ground crew to wait for him.  By the time hubby arrived, it was about 10 minutes before departure time, but they didn't allow us in despite many pleading and appeal.

So we missed our flight.  The only flight out to Hanoi for the day.

Feelings?  Cannot be explained.  We have had close calls before - from almost missing our flight to our honeymoon in New Zealand, to almost missing our flight back to KL from Seoul, to almost having to leave William behind because his passport was about to expire - discovered a day before we flew to Jakarta, and then there was the Melbourne holiday which we almost couldn't go because we didn't have a visa (assumed we didn't need), and I believe another one or two more of close calls that slipped my mind.

But this was the ultimate!  We really missed our flight, and I wish and wish it was just a bad dream.  But come on, the people around me were real, we were walking, the people here were talking, the bags felt solid, the floor was not giving way, I could swallow my saliva and the feelings were real.  Shitty.  Sad beyond words.  Regret.  Angry.  And did I mentioned sad?

We booked the next available flight to Hanoi, departing via Vietnam Airlines at 925pm the same day.  We burned our pocket to get back into Hanoi, but at least we didn't have to burn the hotel fare and Halong Bay cruise that we already paid.

We made our way back to our house.  Got home at 930am - about the same time we would have arrived Hanoi.  My head has been spinning since the morning puke and my legs seemed to be giving way.  I went to rest and later popped in Panadol when I felt feverish and the headache was too much to bear.  The kids came home from school at lunch time, surprised to see us.

In the afternoon, Yeh Yeh gave us a lift to the airport, on route down to Seremban with the kids and maid.  For the second time, we said our goodbyes.

This time, we sat right in front of the gate hours before it was due to be opened, and to pass time, we watched a downloaded movie on hubby's Smartphone.

The flight was full.  The ground crew informed us that this flight was always full, and it's a miracle that we manage to get seats at a good price.

I sat along the aisle whilst hubby sat across the aisle from me.  I had beef rice on flight but didn't finish my dinner when my stomach started to feel squeesy.  Despite my efforts to hold it all in, I felt the vomit coming out again about half hour before we were to land... and quickly I grabbed a plastic bag in front of me.  There was no sick bag.  I was given one only later when the air stewardess passed by, and that was the only help she offered, not even a word of concern.  Oh well, maybe because I'm not a child, but at least I didn't stink up the whole place!

Food wasn't too bad on Vietnam Airlines.  I tried everything, but didn't finish everything except the soft bun with President butter. 

I managed to bring the whole bag of puke into the small sick bag, then half run to the end of the plane to dispose it into the toilet bin.  

We arrived at 1030pm, and our hotel pick up was already waiting for us.  Young Viet chap who drove us in a Vios to our hotel, the Hanoi Glance Hotel located in the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem District.  The hotel staff was helpful.  We were given a complimentary upgrade for the night to their Suite Room on the 6th floor, complete with an anniversary cake from the hotel - but I have reasons to believe that these were orchestrated by none other than my hubby!

Our complimentary suite.  Rose petals on the bed even!

A simple sponge cake which we ate for our supper after the night walk to the Lake.  The wine - which I had all along thought was paid for - was not paid for.  Thank God I discovered before we checked out, else they'd have thought we were dishonest.  Quickly, I placed it carefully back on its holder and left it in the room. 

The small lobby area.  Tastefully furnished - as with the other parts of this boutique hotel, and yet clean and modern.

The view from our suite on the 6th floor.  See how high the shops can go.  Narrow front, but tall. 

Since we didn't have much time for this trip, we decided to take a walk out to the Lake as we were told by the Reception that there were many people by the Lake to celebrate Valentine's.  It was a nice walk out, and we love the cool weather, a much welcome change from the hot hot Malaysian weather.

We were amused by balloon traders ON the road, and in THE MIDDLE of the road.  They were everywhere, and the cars and motorcycles were just weaving in between them. 

The youth hang out in groups - some played a simple ball game by the road which was similar to our local sepak takraw, and dating couples sat around chatting or having a simple meal and coffee by the road side. 

Penang in December

Another backdated post. 

We spent a few days up north in Penang during the school holidays in December.  The drive up and down was pleasant without much jam, but that's also thanks to hubby's careful planning in timing.  It was another makan trip for us, with the first stop at Ong Cheng Huat Restaurant in Sungai Dua, Butterworth.  Vic loves the deep fried little chickens which we initially thought were pigeons.  Timing to arrive at this restaurant has to be just before the office crowd floods in but have no worry because the food is served fast and hot. 

We ordered and ate all their signature dish again.  Here are some of them...

Steamed lala - yumz!

Deep fried little chickens

Cauliflower with dried chili and mantis prawns

Steamed fish - always very fresh and steamed to perfection, no matter what fish you call or how big your group is!

Another place we went to - which was new to me but I totally love it still... forget five star hotels and waiters in uniforms or carpet flooring... hubby brought us to this place that allows pond fishing (they will buy your catch back) and fresh seafood!  Name of location?  Sorry, dunno wor... haha!

Inside this hut is where your seafood gastronomical cravings are satisfied!

One can opt to sit outdoors overlooking this pond

Huge prawns in captivity waiting for their destiny

My darling hubby ordered this dish all for me!  They cook it so well, the antennae is even cracked perfectly for your convenience to eat the meat inside.  Everything to love about this dish!

Deep fried patin fish!  It's a huge fish for only four of us but we finised it anyway.  Tummy no space also have to make space because this is very delish too!

And then, there was the shopping...

Amazed at how this boy shops... try on spiderman shoes and checked out a favourite character tee shirt.  No, I didn't buy any of these for him. 

And more food... how can I step foot into Penang island and not eat my favourite...

Char kuey teow with extra big and "gar liu" prawns!  Hubby knows my heart and my stomach well, hehehehe

And wan tan mee

We spent a night at Northam Beach Cafe too, which overlooks the sea which gives us some sea breeze. 

Attended church service in the morning at Wesley Methodist and met up with a former pastor and his wife there.  Was entertained by the choir singing (and missed these choirs in robes... remind me of childhood).

Just before we left the island, we had lunch at Song River Cafe along Gurney Drive. 

Claypot pork ribs with yam

Beans beans beans

Spicy chicken wings

Steam fish

In the car along the way home, this boy was so engrossed with his Transformers book.  See the way he sit?!!  *roll eyes*