A day out with family

Excited to write this one. in this particular blog when I say with family it doesn’t just count my man and my baby but includes my father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, co-sister, my brother and of course my man and my girl. We had been to India on account of Ganesh Chaturthi. One of my most favorite festivals is Ganesh Chaturthi. We conduct Gowri Pooja or Vaaina Pooja every year on the Chaturthi day. We decorate the coconuts with kajal, kumkum, turmeric, Chandan, Kesar as Gowris(call them Vaaina once they are decorated) and perform Pooja. Another reason for the Chaturthi to be favorite is the food! A variety of food is prepared as bhog to Gowri.

Our Gowri-Mahadev and Vaina (decorated coconuts)

 

Once all the festive hangovers were fading my brother-in-law threw a great idea of a day out. And which place to go was being discussed and I won. I had asked for Mysore and I got it! I had never visited Mysore and wanted to for a long time.

It was a Saturday, and we booked for a cab for our one day Mysore trip. The cab came in at 6.30 am and we all left at around 7am.

Our rough plan was to visit Chamundeshwari Temple first, then the zoo, palace and last the Udyavana(KRS dam plus the garden). We stopped at the tatte idli hotel for breakfast at around 10.30am. Such delicious idlis and crisp vada, topped with filter coffee are all you need when on a trip in Karnataka!

When we neared Sri Rangpattana, our plan changed a bit. We made a quick stop at Sri Ranganathan swami Temple. This Temple is situated in Mandya district. A peaceful place but we couldn’t spend more time as we had to cover a lot. We after having a refreshing tender coconut started to Chamundeshwari Betta.

Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple

 

Around 2 pm we were at the temple, as it wasn’t peak hour, we got in quickly. Chamundeshwari temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. After seeking blessings from the goddess, we went to have the temple lunch. I love temple food and being abroad, I have missed having temple food. So when the opportunity of eating at the temple hall came up we were very much glad to have there. ( and we were super hungry). On our way to the zoo, we visited a huge granite Nandi on the 700th step on the hill in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and 24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells.

15ft high and 24ft long Nandi

 

Once we all had our lunch we had the famous Nandini ice cream and started towards the Mysore Zoo. We didn’t have a lot of time to walk around the zoo and it was about to rain so we opted for the tram ride. The tram ride was very much convenient as it rained and the driver stopped at every tram stop and waited for us to roam and come back. We enjoyed the bird and animal watching in the rain! Totally drenched but it was worth it! Once our ride was done, we headed out even though we didn’t want to leave the zoo. If time permits one must spend a long time in the zoo. we had to rush as we had two more stops to cover 1. The Mysore palace 2. The KRS dam and the garden.

Garden had a closing time so we had to decide between skipping the palace but I and my brother hadn’t seen the palace and didn’t know when we would come back so we decided not to skip the palace. But we had to cover the palace as much as possible in a very short period. The palace is breathtaking! What I loved most were the portraits. Every portrait was stunning.

Portraits in the palace. Even if we move from left to right, it feels as if the person in the portrait is looking at you! That is the beauty of it. Plus they are so lifelike.

 

After the short visit to the palace, it was time for the garden. It was getting dark and it was a perfect time to watch the lightings in the garden and the fountains. How can I forget the Bhutta and the chats (street food) we had there. We are foodies and when in India all the crazy wishes to eat street food come to life. We don’t miss a chance I tell you. (If you are an Indian leaving out of the country you know it very well!)

This picture does not do any justice to what we felt at the beautiful garden. (it was a bit crowded but still beautiful)

 

After roaming around the garden and visiting the Kaveri Amma temple( temple worshipping the river Kaveri) we were so tired. But we still had one more stop to make before we headed home. Dinner! We had an awesome dinner at a friend’s house! Can not thank them enough for the yummy home-cooked food, just what we wanted after roaming the whole day! After some talking and dinner we finally started towards home! The most beautiful day had come to an end. Had a crazy day but lots of memories to cherish for a Long Long time. If we get a chance we would visit Mysore again.

Phone click but best picture of the day personally for me!

Kecak, the fire dance

First of all, thank you to everyone who complimented on my previous blog on Bali. But to be frank when I went through the blog after publishing it, I felt I didn’t do justice. Well, one thing is I wasn’t able to describe few things I experienced such as the beautiful sunrises, beaches, sceneries or the sunsets. And I thought at-least let me be right with this beautiful and graceful dance Kecak. So this blog is all about the Balinese dance called Kecak. I am born and brought up in India, and I love all kinds of dance forms, specially the classical ones with the cultural touch. Proud to say my sister was a good classical dancer. So without a doubt I really very much wanted to watch Balinese dance too.

The one we witnessed was in Uluwatu temple, Bali. To begin with the view was fantastic. The cliff, temple, sea and the setting sun. We were a bit late so we didn’t get the best seat so we had to go around the crowd and that’s when we saw the setting sun. It was so so beautiful that we couldn’t go further without clicking few pictures and without taking a mental picture and even though it’s been months since we were there, we can still close our eyes and relive the sunset!

Beautiful sunset in Uluwatu temple! Isn’t the cliff a magnificent sight?

When we reached huge crowd was already gathered around a small opening. Few men, in their dance attire(wearing a checked cloth around their waist) were constantly chanting ‘chak-ke chak-ke’.(I am very much sure, whoever has watched this dance can not forget the chanting such an impression it leaves in our minds). And they were moving their arms and hands which depicts a battle from the Ramayana. They start a slow rhythm chanting first and gradually speed up the rhythm. While they chant slowly they move their arms and hands to side ways and as they speed up the chanting they start to tremble their hands up in the air. That start itself makes you wait eagerly for the dance. These men were surrounding a traditional Balinese coconut lamp. They are played as the troops of Rama’s followers the ‘vanaras’ as well as the Ravana’s troops ‘rakshasa’. We were given a piece of paper where the story they narrated through their dance was explained beautifully, so it was easy to go along with them. They were narrating a short clip from Ramayana.

Kecak chanters and the crowd.

Ramayana is an Hindu epic. I being a Hindu, knew Ramayana storyline. So I could spot who is who by just seeing the dancers attire. This dance usually depicts the story of Ramayana from the point where, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita during their exile in the forest Dandaka. The story goes something like this: when Rama and Sita spot a golden deer, Rama goes after it to hunt and Lakshmana without having any other choice draws ‘Lakshmana Rekha'(a line which would protect Sita) and leaves after Rama. That’s when Ravana comes in the form of a Brahmana(a saint) and asks for something to eat and when Sita crosses the ‘Lakshmana rekha’, abducts her. And shows his true form.

When Ravana is trying to take Sita away, Jatayu comes to help and fights with Ravana and dies in the war. The search for Sita begins. That’s when Rama meets Hanuman. He is the one who finds Sita in the Lanka in Ravana’s captivity. And that is when Hanuman fires up the whole Lanka(lanka dahana), and the dance ends with Rama and Ravana’s fight.

Lanka dahana scene

Every bit of the dance becomes interesting as The Kecak chanters in this stage chant and sing accordingly to the mood and milieu of the story taking part. And when they show the Lanka dahana, the Dancer who portraits as Hanuman literally fires up the stage and jumps up and down the fire.

Kecak dance is a very graceful dance. If you are visiting Bali try not to miss it! Such beautiful dancers in their attire, narrating the story so well with the kecak chanters chanting continuously, it’s a great amount of entertainment for eyes and ears plus I am sure it will remain in our minds forever and we will want to watch it again if we visit Bali again!

Bali ticked off the bucket list!

Yes finally we got a chance to tick off Bali from our bucket list. We had been to Batam before but Bali was a most awaited one. Heard a lot from friends who had been there so there was hell lot of excitement connected with this trip. Plus it was again a trip with friends. That reminds me to write another blog on our first trip with friends to Penang. So this was the third trip with friends. We booked the tickets, got ourselves a nice villa through AirBnb. And started to count days!

Our friends had checked in a day before so we had  cab waiting for us at the airport. We reached Bali in the night and got a good night’s rest before exploring. Next day by 8.30, We had our cab ready to take us for fun adventures. First stop suggested by the driver was water sports. He took us to a really happening beach. we could see so much fun and adventures the moment we entered. So many water activities. As we had a toddler with us our first choice was speed boating to and back the Turtle island.

Her first boating and she enjoyed it thoroughly

At first we thought it’s going to be a simple boat ride to and back an island.  But there were so many turtles and few other animals in the island. When asked they informed that they were rescued animals. Turtles were aged from one to sixty years old. Then there was a toucan, iguana, snakes, parrots, monkeys, owl, eagle, turkey. We were allowed to gently touch the animals. By the time we decided to go back, it was already noon. had light snack and started back by the speed boat. On our way back friends decided to go on parasailing. We were two couples, one bachelor and our toddler of course. Well, i am very much scared of water and height and parasailing wasn’t cup of my tea. But my husband wanted to try it so he decided to go with our then bachelor friend, and the other couple went together. I went back to car and fed lunch to my baby(something in which i am good at and not afraid of).

Beautiful sea and various water sports

Fun and more fun in turtle island!

Well, with all the awesome feeling of accomplish (for those who went parasailing, for me feeding Siddhi in a hot car), we stopped at an Indian restaurant. Next destination was the water blow. Such beautiful garden and best place for the surfers plus lovely sculptures.

Water blow!

Huge rocks standing above the sea, and when the sea waves hit the rock it’s really such a beautiful experience. That’s why it got the name. We had no intention to leave the place. We would have definitely left early if we had clue of our next destination. Most beautiful sunset i have ever experienced ever was our next stop, Uluwatu Temple! We reached the temple just before the Kecak fire dance began. Such a lovely dance form. they showcased the story of sita apaharan (Sita being kidnapped, a piece from Hindu epic Ramayana). The dance was so graceful and attention seeking that our toddler also was awestruck watching the whole performance. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to go into the temple as we were late. We decided to have dinner on way back to the villa and rest for the night as we were very much excited about the next day!

Sunset at Uluwatu temple

Graceful Kecak dancers

First stop for the day was Batuan Temple. On paying the entry fee we all were given the sarongs to wear(including one for our toddler traveller). After exploring the temple we were taken to Tirtha Empul (holy spring). We reached the place by noon and after feeding Siddhi, We got a chance to take dip in holy water.

Batuan temple and the holy spring

If we take extra cloth, we need not pay money to rent clothes here. So if you are going here and wish to take a dip take extra set of clothes! We had some time to do some shopping outside the temple. It was late noon when we started from the temple. Every time we are on vacation to different country we make sure to eat at least one local cuisine. It was time for yummy yummy Indonesian meal. Thankfully we were directed to a lovely hotel where vegetarian food was available (happiness).

If you are in Bali, and wish to have good local food you may visit the Amora Bali, Kintamani. Bit expensive food, but we loved the lunch buffet. Most of all we loved the view from the restaurant. You can see the Batur volcano in front of you and the lake. Such beautiful view that if i think of it now i can still feel the cold breeze and the nature feel. So some photo shoot was mandatory! Next stop was to the rice fields. Best place to be for the photographers with us. Beautiful place. We headed to villa as we had next big adventure in front of us: mount Batur sunrise trekking!

View from the hotel while enjoying the lunch and the cool weather

The trekking would begin in the midnight.Mt Batur is 1717 metres. Due to high daytime temperatures it’s best climbed early in the morning, We had to leave villa by 1a.m. I and Siddhi were given the privilege to be home and sleep as long as we wished as we couldn’t join them for the trek. So this paragraph is completely based on what Santosh and friends explained to me of their trekking experience. At 1am. they left the villa and they reached the end of mount Batur at around 2.45a.m. They were given slight snack and the trekking began at 3am. The trekking wasn’t the easy one as it had lots of steep heights to climb. I am proud of my friends and Santosh that they did it and enjoyed the splendid view. It’s more of experience than view as in their words it was almost like touching the clouds. And seeing the sunrise bit by bit was something worth all the journey. Then the climbing down part was easy peasy. They got to eat some pancakes, banana sandwiches and headed to villa. I on the other hand had a great time with siddhi back in the villa in our own way! We played, did some colouring and much more. Then we all headed to an Indian restaurant which was pretty near our stay. Had yummy comfortable Indian meal (they needed all that after such an adventurous morning).

Beautiful sunrise and my people who successfully trekked

We went back to our stay and it was time for two of our friends to go back home. As our ticket was for the next morning, we decided to sight see a bit more till the day ends.

After saying goodbye to our friends we started towards the monkey forest. Only person excited for this destination was Siddhi! So many monkeys freely roaming around. We were asked if we wanted to hold the bats for photographs but that didn’t seem to be a good idea. As we thought that would hurt the poor creature and we then started to Tanah lot temple. Such beautiful beaches and every where sunset is just amazing.

Sunset at Tanah Lot

In Tanah lot we roamed here and there until the sunset and witnessed the magical moments and went back to villa. We were done with the day! Next day we had a flight to catch. Had to leave early in the morning so the sleep was much-needed. Next morning we took back flight to Singapore.

Whoever wishes to visit Bali, I would suggest its best if you plan your days there. It’s very beautiful place and so many places to visit. It’s better to reserve a whole day for water sports and try out all of them that’s only if you aren’t afraid of water or wish to get rid of the scare of water and height! Tanah lot, Uluwatu sunsets are must visits, Indonesian food is delicious, a dip in the holy spring also is a must. And make sure to see one sunrise on top of mount Batur to have the best trekking and sunrise experience. So all in all make sure to stay for a week or so to complete all the above and be well planned!

Some random shots at the rice field and the markets

Walk, Walk and keep walking!

TreeTop Walk

If your spouse sends this picture and asks to make this weekend plan, what would you do? Of course, you say yes please! Without thinking twice I agree to the idea. And later i casually ask how and when we will be leaving. The most shocking news hits me then that we have to leave at 5.45 am. Like seriously with the toddler we have to leave at 5.45am. When I am digesting this news another shocking arrow comes towards me that this whole idea involves trekking! I felt like cancelling the plan but again this picture comes to mind and stops me.

We pack food and start early in the morning. Our first ever trekking to this lovely place. The TreeTop Walk (TTW) is the highlight of several long hiking routes in MacRitchie that brings you through the different stages of a mature secondary forest. The first of its kind in Singapore and in the region, this free-standing suspension bridge connects the two highest points (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) in MacRitchie and offers a bird’s-eye view of the community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy. The total length of the walkway is about 250 m and its height from the forest floor varies, with the highest point at 25 m.

We had to take the Mrt then bus ride approximately of 40 minutes. By 7.30am we reached the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Such a beautiful place to be at the hour.

MacRichie Reservoir Park

Once we pass the beautiful lake we get to see humongous trees. The starting point of the trek. It had rained the previous night so the sweet smell of wet soil, drops dripping from the trees. Bright yet bit dark. Very lovely place to start which boosts you up to begin the walk.

Youngest person of our group!

Well the best part is it’s not just climbing upwards but there are some places where you walk downwards which gives you some relief. And there are small shelters every Kilometre. And the route is very clear so we don’t get lost and at the same time gives us the experience of walking  in a jungle. As we walked sun rays started to peak from the trees above us which was a very beautiful sight to watch.

Most beautiful click by Santosh so far!

We stopped only to feed our toddler and continued walking. My personal feeling is that, when you go for such adventures its best to go in group. It was very much fun even with so much walking, as we played few games on our way, made fun of each other etc. We had to walk almost 12 to 13 kilometers to come out of the jungle(if i may call it like that). Once we got out into the road, we were so very hungry as it was already past noon. We decided to hire a taxi and went to a restaurant, had a delicious meal and dispersed to our respective home. By then Siddhi had slept and we too dozed off within minutes. Whole trekking thing wouldn’t have been easier without baby wearing. Three cheers to whoever invented baby wearing.

we both were so comfortable with baby wearing!

A family plus friends trip to Bohol Philippines.

It was decided that we need a good vacation! And at the same time one of Santosh’s friends calls and informs that they are planning a trip to Philippines and asks if we wish to join. Philippines being in my bucket list(as its my favourite vlogger’s hometown) I got excited when Santosh tells me about the trip. And we start planning, yes when you have a toddler to go with you, you definitely need hell lot of planning and preparations.

Finally the travelling date arrives. Guess what’s the flight timing? 2 a.m. , probably the most disliked flight timing on earth. So we have to leave home around 11.30. We decide to  make Siddhi sleep on her usual time and carry sleeping baby to airport and take the flight. While planning this all seemed perfect but she wakes up right at the time of immigration, and gets all excited seeing all the airport lights and colours!

All set to fly to Philipines. 

Once we got down at Cebu, we had to go to the Cebu ferry terminal. Thankfully there are plenty of ferries travelling back and forth Cebu and Bohol. By noon we reached Bohol. We checked in to the house we had booked through Airbnb. Such an awesome place it was and people were amazing. If planning a Bohol trip I would happily recommend this place so would our friends who were with us. After all the journey we were bit tired but ready for the adventures! So we decided we would hire two wheelers and take a ride to near by beaches. Hiring motor vehicles are cheaper and more fun. We were six of us excluding Siddhi so we hired three two-wheelers and off we went for jolly rides! That evening we spent in the beaches and riding the motor cycles.

Our stay in Bohol, booked through Airbnb

Next day when I woke up it was so bright that I thought we over slept. But while seeing the time it was still 5 a.m. In Bohol the daylight starts early. Even if it is just 4 a.m. it seems as if its 8 a.m. or so(compared to Indian/Singaporean sunrise). I was glad that it’s not time to get up yet and slept off again. Day was expected to be a fun day as we had decided to roam around the place and hired a car.

First stop was Blood Compact, a perfect photo shoot place, as expected lots and lots of photos were clicked. This well-known monument in scenic surrounds is a statue depicting a famous blood compact from 1565.

Siddhi in front of the Blood Compact Monument

On the way from blood combat to Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary, the sea view was marvellous, this feeling should be experienced rather than explained!

Clicked on the way to the sanctuary

In the sanctuary we could see the tarsiers holding on to the branches. The tarsiers are considered as the smallest primate in the world. They measure from 4 to 5 inches. With its tail longer than its body, it has large brown eyes, hairless ears and long finger-like claws.  It has gray fur and a nearly naked tail that is more often than not about 232 mm in length. The tails arc over their back when they hop on the ground apparently to balance themselves. Outside the sanctuary we drank the yummiest and probably biggest tender coconuts.

Tarsier

For a person who is scared of heights like me, our next stop was a huge adventure! Zip lining! Thanks to our friends who looked after Siddhi till I and Santosh went for the zip lining and came back. On our way back in the cable car we got to talk to some locals. Filipinos are really friendly people. They suggested few good places to visit.

Next stop was the famous Bohol chocolate hills! We had high expectations in this place and place was fabulous! Such beautiful place. Nature at its best! The chocolate hills consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number). They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate-brown. From this colour, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make. We had to climb 214 steps to reach the top. But the struggle was worth the view.

Chocolate Hill (no picture would ever justify the beauty of the place though!)

On the way back to our stay we got to see the Mahogany man-made forest. Huge trees all around! Such cool breeze. Then we stopped at the Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant. Food we ate there and the service was the best! I would love to visit Bohol again if i am assured to eat there. Yes I am a foodie, well in one way or the other everyone is a foodie!

Next morning was the dolphin watching day! We couldn’t go for the same with our friends as we were supposed to leave early morning and had to go in the open boat, which wasn’t recommended for young babies. Our friends left early morning. I, Santosh and Siddhi decided to go roaming on a hired two-wheeler. Just exploring the place. Being with family is such a pleasure! We rode for kilo meters and visited few beaches. One of which was not a tourists visiting beach instead it was where locals enjoy. Again we spoke to few Filipinos, Siddhi played with the kids. While returning it rained and we had to take shelter in a near by shop. Here most of the shops are attached to their homes. We spoke with the shopkeeper until rain stopped and rode off to our stay. I must say filipinos are such good people and help a lot. If we miss the route and ask anyone in the road side, they would definitely help us. Once when we were riding, we by mistake went in the wrong way and they nicely asked us to stay on the right side of the road. Dinner, we had at the Bohol Bee Farm again! Ordered yummy pizza, rice and stir fry. After dinner we walked on the sea-side, had good time chit chatting and off to sleep.

Local kids enjoying in the beach. For safety they wore thermocol boxes inside their shirts.

Returning day was reserved for shopping. We woke up bit late, got ready took our rental scooters and rode away to Bohol Bee Farm. We bought chips, handmade crafts, dried fruits, some bread spread etc which we had already had in mind to buy the previous day. Even the ice creams sold by the Bee Farm are delicious. Rare flavours like spicy ginger, avocado, salted honey, malunggay, pandan etc, but such great taste. I personally loved spicy ginger and salted honey. Halo-halo is something everyone must try if visiting Philippines. It’s a mixtures of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various ingredients, including boiled sweet beans, coconut, sago, gulaman (agar jelly), tubers and fruits.  After having the lunch in the Bee Farm restaurant, clicked lots of photos in the nearby beach.

Bee Farm art and crafts shop.

It was time to say bye to Bohol! We took the ferry to Cebu and from there, flight to Singapore! Indeed a very lovely place to visit. We missed to see the dolphins, if I had the chance i could have written about it too! Wishing for another visit to Bohol to see the dolphins in their own habitats and to eat again in the Bee Farm restaurant!

Mandatory family picture !

School tomorrow!

Having a baby is a blessing a huge blessing. But with every blessing comes it’s own restrictions or say hardships. Tomorrow my Daughter gonna start her schooling. I am excited, oh yes very much excited but deep inside I am scared. Scared to let her go for two hours daily.

I still remember when the delivery day had come closer, I was being selfish inside my mind. I didn’t want to take her off from me. I wanted to keep her safe inside me. That felt good really. Yea in a way I was scared to go through the labor process but more I thought more I was worried making her let go. The idea of others holding her other than me was irritating me. I know that’s the most selfish thing to feel but that wasn’t in my hands, my thinking was such. Nobody would believe that as my delivery date came closer I always got dreams. They were more like nightmares for me, where nurse refuses to hand my baby to me saying that my nails aren’t groomed and I would sit and chop my nails the very next day!

Those time passed and I got stronger. But still, more polishing was needed which my Husband did. He made me stronger, made me realize how selfish I was being, brought me to the real world where other people also existed.

Now the day to send her to school has come. Tomorrow is her first day of school, It’s past 11 p.m. and I am still in jeopardy. I am not able to make my mind to accept that I need to leave her with a teacher for two hours daily. Weekdays are gonna be tough I know. But weekends are gonna be more valued. Well, let’s hope for best.

Wish us both good luck 😃

Help Help!

Superman was screaming for help!!! Yes you read it right the mighty hero superman was asking for help. And I see none helping the poor superman. I went close and asked if I could help. Little girl in the superman costume in the play area spinning very fast in the spinner said “no-no you can’t lah, don’t stop” in her cute Singlish(Singapore English).

Another day a three-year old girl wanted to be friends with Siddhi, so she kept asking for her to hold hands and join her game. Siddhi never holds hand of any stranger but then this is a three year old asking! She without wasting a single minute, held her hand and started following her lead(the other hand tightly gripping and pulling my hand of course). She took her to a corner pointing an imaginary pool and started explaining that it is a pool they are building and if Siddhi be her friend she would let her swim in the pool. Isn’t that the cutest thing?

We, Siddhi and I, go to nearby park every evening. And kids there never fail to surprise me daily. Such innocence mixed with the creative imagination amaze me every time. Their world seems different from ours, seems more joyful more colourful. But we live in same world so the right thing to say would be, they see the world lot differently than us. I wonder why we leave all those imaginations behind when we grow up! And in a way that’s good cause once a baby gets hurt by something, fear stays in their mind. For example: Once Siddhi fell off the slide and it’s been more than two months she is still scared of the slide. But then again if I hold her hands that’s just like seat belt for her, she feels so safe and slides without any hesitation or fear. Such is their faith in us. They trust us and we(parents) are their only world.

So we have lots to learn from these little angels. Kids learn from elders they say, but we elders should learn from babies. Imagination, creativity, living in one’s own world without much caring about the judgments passed by anyone, keeping faith etc. Things we have to learn from them is so much that I don’t think I can ever write them down as I have in my mind. Do comment your thoughts on same. Thank you for reading!

Parents first international trip!

Long awaited day had come, the day my parents came to our home in Singapore. After lots of requests they agreed to come for a short period. But as they say something is better than nothing, short trip of 15 days were enough for me and my husband to celebrate. We started planning the visits accordingly. First step was listing which places to visit. Singapore is such a place that you can’t cover everything in such a short time. But then I have a very good planner husband. We laid the plans for almost every evening as day time was our daughter’s nap time.

6 March 2017: Morning before 7, the flight carrying my parents touched the ground! Their first international journey had just started. They were more excited to see their grand daughter I bet you!! Thanks to Suhas and Shruthi who accompanied them in the flight. After talking and receiving all the gifts from my in laws and my sister, our snacks rack was so full! One bag full of snacks almost 10kgs ( and 3/4th of the bag full of sweets for my husband).

First day was for relaxing and talking. I, a talkative person didn’t let them down on the later one. Evening plan was to show them the park I and Siddhi(my daughter) visit daily. My mother was completely with Siddhi roaming with her, so good to see them together.

7 March 2017, a Tuesday, plans for the evening was to show them the beautiful and iconic place in Singapore the Merlion( half lion half fish). Next stop was to show them the laser show at the marina bay sands. Wow such lovely show and we got the best spot to view, right in the middle. We even got little water sprayed on us which Siddhi loved! A lovely day came to end! But  still 13days more to go!!! Yayyy!

8 March 2017, Wednesday after the breath taking view of Merlion our next visit was to Singapore flyer. This was a much awaited one. We reached flyer and checked the place around until Santosh( my husband) came back from work. Experiencing flyer was my parents favourite they say!

9 March 2017, Thursday as decided it was a rest day. But when you are in a new place even the lake side walk is enjoyable. So that evening we thought of going for a walk. As we have a lake just down our home, it was pleasant to just talk and walk.

10 March 2017, Friday. My parents like to visit temples so we wanted to show them temples in Singapore. So off we go to temples. First stop was at Perumal temple(lord Venkatramana temple). We were lucky to see the pallakki utsav too. Then we walked to Sree Sai mandir, which is just above the Kalikamman temple. For some peace it’s always best to visit any worshipping place. As it was women’s week we were off cooking dinner! Headed to an Indian restaurant and had a feast!

11 March 2017, Saturday it is! Weekend! Off to Singapore Jurong east bird park! Such a wonderful place. At the entrance the orchids(national flower of Singapore) were peeking and welcoming one and all. First stop was to watch the penguin coast, then the beautiful flamingoes and so on. The vultures show was splendid. It was followed by the breath taking show by the parrots, toucans etc. Such lovely looking birds with so much intelligence! The parrots spoke, sang, played games and the most favourite was them going through the loops! We then watched penguin and pelican feeding. Wonderful experience all together.

12 March 2017, Sunday was booked for the most famous Sentosa island! And we go by the cable car yayyy! Sentosa is a place which one can never completely watch in a single day. First in the schedule for the day was S.E.A aquarium. Wow I don’t think I can ever be able to explain the experience in words. Siddhi(my daughter) loves butterflies so we checked in to the butterfly and insects garden. There are lots more to watch but due to our time restrictions we had to head back home.

13 March 2017, Monday we headed to Punggol point. Except my mom, We all are fan of beaches. A pleasant experience. Having the waffles Ice-cream and samosas was fun too!

14 March 2017, Tuesday evening was dedicated to the boat ride. Showing parents the night life of Singapore in the Clarke quay was the plan. Seeing almost all the attractions through the waterways was an awesome experience even though it was my second time!

15 March 2017, Wednesday a trip to the gardens by the bay. Once again this place also so huge and we need extra energy to complete the whole place in a single go so the plan was to cover the most amazing things there. The good part was we got to see the dye-nosaur garden themed children festival. The giant statues of dinosaurs which moved and made noises were the main attractions and the musical and light show was also arranged in the same theme. The show was so amazing that it seemed as if the flower domes came to life!

16 March 2017, Thursday was left for us to rest! And we decided to visit Siddhi’s best friend Samarth.

17 March 2017, Friday. Their trip would be incomplete if we hadn’t shown them Chinatown! So calendar had the Chinatown in it. We could buy for our people back in India some small gifts. And could also visit the Mariamman temple and Buddha relic temple.

18 March 2017, Saturday we decided to visit the Singapore zoo as it was only day left to cover any big  attraction. And whoever comes to Singapore must once visit the zoo! The amazing shows are beyond anything else. Such an amazing experience one can not forget. After the tiring day we had invite for dinner from a very dear friend. Who was craving for elders presence in their home and we couldn’t deny their offer. Dinner was yummy and Siddhi also enjoyed her friend’s company a lot.

19 March 2017, Sunday was complete rest day as their flight was booked the next day. Daddy went for a morning walk with Santosh to watch sunrise and he loved the lake side and the sunrise bridge. So soon days flew and before we even realised the day of return had turned up! But we made sure to visit a nearby mall just to give them a mall feeling. There are no such big malls in my native (Kasaragod) back in India. And of course we had our friends for dinner.

20 March 2017, Monday the day of return had come. With very heavy heart we had to send them off at the Changi airport.

This was a great opportunity to relive the gone days through writing and seeing the pictures of those days! I would like to mention that I am thankful to someone known as Mukesh, cause of whom I got inspiration to write a blog on my parents trip. And thanks to our personal photographer Santosh!

How to keep toddler busy?

My one and half year daughter likes to watch videos on YouTube kids. It was fine for me, actually it was super fine for me to calm her down in the trains, buses etc. But then one day I noticed how everyone in the train are into their cellphones. None talks to their neighbours nor does anyone smile to one another! What has technology led us to? I wondered if I can change it at least for myself and my baby. Then realised to make her away from phone I need to get closer to her. It was tough initially but was fun! I loved it she loved it. There are plenty of games we can play in the train or bus that will keep us and the kids entertained.

For a toddler who learns with any and every game, I and my husband came up with a simple hand game. We show our fist to our daughter and she has to open our fingers one by one with that we count till five and once she opens the fist she says nah nah! (nothing nothing: nothing’s inside) and we repeat! This keeps our toddler busy for some time and along with it she learns numbers.

This game worked for us until one day she got bored! Ops need a new game. Then my husband came up with the idea of spotting the thing he names. Yes this did work for quite some time. You name any thing(which baby knows) and is in the train currently, and baby finds it for you. This helps baby see her surroundings and helps learn new words. Isn’t that fun? Or you can try carrying a book. Once I have read somewhere, kids are the onlu ones who read a book over and over again and will not get bored with it.

These are the few games we came up with. Hope it helps you to keep your babies busy in the trains or busses instead of them being busy with the tablet or cellphone. Would love to know more such interactive games, which would help me as well as the other readers.