Of brotherhood
It begins with the day when I receive a WhatsApp text on my phone stating a very clear, long awaited and simple message checking in if everybody is ok with the proposed date 23rd November. As per usual in the chat group not much was discuss and everyone just sort of go with the flow with simple ok then go on to arrange our own itinerary with the goal of being present for the upcoming special ocassion.
First thought I had was settling down the kids and seeing how can we keep our productivity to the maximum and keeping the kids occupied.
And yet plan and things change. Kye Ren was infected with scarlet fever two weeks before just few days before the school holiday and I have also caught the fever bug not feeling well for a couple of days. On work end, a few late night set up going into the festive season layered with Le wife has to go Hong Kong for three days trip and I will have to handle the two kids with a few missions in my mind.
Flight tickets was only booked two weeks prior and I quietly hope that it will all progress smoothly knowing there will be quite a lot on my plate in coming days.
The 20th morning was peaceful with a chance of losing my sanity. Though I have prep myself to the worse I still hold a sight of hope that both boys will be behaving as well as they could. Wife left for airport an hour earlier and as three of us had hopped on to our grab to the airport our driver stumbled for 1min asking if there anyone else joining the car ride. Upon learning the answer was no, the driver then initiated a short conversation on how are you going to be able to handle both kids single handedly on plane etc. The plan that I had was simple, keep them calm, giving them the maximum leniency as I could, then see how things flow.
Car ride was smooth, except that first few marveled sentence of how solo parenting with two kids on flight could be done there wasn’t much follow up question back and forth with the driver, guess it was also partly the fact that I have always chosen quiet ride (a gesture that was seen as rude accordingly to someone). While at airport, first ordeal of business was to find the best trolley that can fit the small carry on luggage (more story on this later) + 15kg + 10kg loads.
Check in was smooth and breakfast was peaceful. Burger King breakfast croissant was a pleasant surprise (though ended up rotting in bag) but the warm pancake + ice milo was enough to keep the kids calm and behaved for that two hours slot before flying.
Whsmith visit proved to be another plus with two books purchased. One minus point was the closure of airport playground due to the recent incident but nevertheless the whole solo trip was smooth with both fallen asleep soundly in the plane. There were some argument on who get the window seat but all was well managed.
Flight sailed smoothly, eliminating the need to tighten seatbelt and palm sweating. With the two kids sleeping soundly and feeling truly thankful for their cooperativeness (also the bribery of books purchased).
Landed in IPH on time with anticipation of food but both kids are not in the mood of food. Once landed headed to Persiaran Bercham Selatan 18 directly, feeling drained of the energy of asking of “what to eat”, I proceeded to kfc myself for the mini me time devouring the two pieces of snack plate chicken.
Me time didn’t last longer than 30 mins as the next ordeal is then bringing the boys to rollerje, which has been the request and I fully obliged. Ever since its opening it had became a sanctuary to keep Kye ren occupied with some physical activity for his muscle and body coordination. A short 10 mins ride and we are there, with the abundance of entertainment value the place provided, it again proved to be a great choice for short break in Ipoh before heading over to Sekinchan for the main event.
Knowing both kids will not be staying till throughout the two hours car ride, driving at night time was the best option so I have decided to only depart after dinner. Dinner was a lovely Japanese place (though over price) but it served its purpose to gather family members around and spending some time together. We then went on to the shop beside seeking for the household laundry basket, which was the constant murmur for the past weeks since last trip back, trying to close it but it was a futile attempt as there wasn’t any suitable one in store.
After the energy splurge all day it was then time to head back home. First trip home with two boys alone and I was up for the challenge. Strategy was well executed and the minute car engine started both are asleep till we arrived the long anticipated 45400.
Then things got interesting. Even though a text was sent out before departure in our family chat group with ETA, the message was not well received. On hindsight again it shows the lack / weakness in communication (as a family unit) that truly shows (almost in every single time of trip), and I hope to improve on this.
Time arrangement and arrival was accurate but as our arrival was not anticipated therefore all doors were locked and lights were off. I then walked around finding different entry points while ruminating how could my communication be done better. The steps and path I have taken was a memorable one as it was often the playing route for us growing up with our beloved dog kopi, though time has changed but the route felt warmly familiar.
Tapping into my resourceful and explorative nature, I manage to find the entrance key that was hidden in our of the shoes among the shoes rack (as it was the practice to apparently a lot of different families). Subsequently another challenge present itself, where should we sleep? Even though the clock has only struck past 12 for 5 mins the house was so quiet. I then open the door seeing Tiong was sleeping at the floor mattress leaving the wedding bed empty(a tradition that I cautiously aware of as it was something that I did the same few year back before my wedding day). Though having second thought, I gave in to my tiredness and carried both boys up to the bed to sleep after brief exchange and approval from Tiong.
The quiet ruckus awaken mum and she asked me to move both kids to the room above, the one that had roomed me and Tiong for most of our primary and secondary school years. Not intending to waste more time, I then carried both upstairs and lay down for my much needed rest for the day.
A quiet night passed and running was the first thing I felt like I have to do the next, especially the long awaited half marathon is just one week away and tapering phase is in progress. And so I ran. Body felt well and weather was perfect. 10km was achieved with easiness and body feeling ready to take on the day ahead. And PB of 46+ min was achieved.
Upon returning both boys are still asleep and I was longing for some food to gobble on so I drove the bike to market vegetarian shop, to my surprise it was quite decent (though pricing was on higher end). Kids settled with doughnuts and some kueh as breakfast to start off the day.
Lunch time was Dua Mui which was not exactly what I have expected with order was wrongly placed and one of the main dish was messed up.
Went on to the rented Airbnb and spent a couple of hours there and soon yenzi family joined us. What I could recalled is I was sitting aside eve dropping into Tiong and yenzi family conversation. Over heard their conversation on planning to purchase a house soon in SG gave a warm feeling layered with complication sensation inwardly questions my own life choices. I guess everyone / family has different pace. Though managed to bought 69 relatively early in life (partly due to the pressure), now the progress seems to stagnant leaving us pivoting to see what’s the best for the family. Guess time will tell. (At time of writing this current landlord is checking in if we will be extending current lease for one or two years, we truly like the current place we are staying with so much memories forged, especially moments where multiple home cooked dinner was planned is truly something that has edged into core memory).
The rest of the day is then filling up with smaller activity to keep the kids occupied. And dinner was planned at kim Kee but it was closed so ended up with a rare choice of Loong Hua near Bagan, just beside where we had our wedding dinner few years back.
Delegating Tiong task to bring Kye ren for his plaster purchase quest while handling kye den was something very welcoming as it was not a support system that was readily available back in sg. One single incident stand out during the dinner I was busy attending to both kids dinner dad asked me to serve the table with my favourite “tau gang”, not realizing I was probably the only one around the table that has to attend to the endless demands from both kids, highlighting again the ignorant / “inobservativeness”. And yet I obliged, trying to make the evening more joyful and for everyone. This constant sense of serving while maintaining own sanity has been something lingering for the past few years. Having mild depression and went through therapy sessions two years back made me more aware of my own status of the spectrum of what should be given up and what to keep in(though most of the time it’s outwardly focus). Nevertheless the dinner was a pleasant one with kye den eating plenty of fried squid thinking it was French fries. The night ended with both boys showering in the “bathtub” with boiled warm water and having turn pouring into each other’s pail, reliving some of the old memories I had with my brothers and cousin growing up in the house hold in different time through now different generation.
Tiong has recommended a traditional cupping massage place earlier the day. After both melons are asleep I went to the massage joint paying RM 90 for the one hour massage and cupping, enjoying (or rather enduring) the one hour time of away from hustle bustle while anticipating things to be done in coming days.
The morning was nothing less than having to entertain both boys playing with their LEGO bricks. Mum has chosen to eat vegetarian with uncle from sg and I gladfully followed. Spent the rest of the morning playing with toys in the room that I had grew up in now with my two kids. Not long after my coffee addiction kicked in and I suggested to Tiong that I would like to get coffee from zus. He ordered the buy one free one from zus and I went on to collect the order. It’s interesting how now Sekinchan has all the different shops that wasn’t available 10-20 years back, I guess really progression is something that anywhere has to go through eventually as time passes. Seeing how the school kids spending their time at the coffee shop makes me wonder what kind of world my sons will live in the future.
While enjoying the coffee Ann Lee has offered to take away under bridge bkt which was a very welcoming surprise as I have been longing for that place since the start of COVID. Gone were the days where driving to Klang for work is 70% because of the food and the rest for work. What’s even better is that lunch was served up stair while spending time with the kids with cutlery provided. The broth is still warm and with both coffee and bkt combination certainly made the day greater. And what makes it even more eventful is how Kye Ren enjoyed the meal, gobbling up the whole bowl in no time mentioning that it is the best BKT he had ever eaten, I guess he had mummy's taste palate.
After lunch I got to know that Daryl Lim was downstairs so I spent some time chatting while the two brothers busy on their affairs (the guo da li ceremony and upcoming interview).
The memory for the rest of the day was piece by piece, I guess it was really due to the countless smaller requests + constant whining of the two but what I remember was being asked to pluck out a few bananas and dove from the stacks of wedding car deco which interestingly was the same one we used 8 years back when we had our wedding.
And I felt a sense of purpose throughout the day to: having to keep the guests entertained, both boys behaving, Tiong's interview not interrupted and mum and dad able to go for the Guo da Li ceremony peacefully. Another funny things occurred where I was looking for a break for the kids from the digital device suggesting them riding motorbike with me to buy ah yam break. I have seen dad leaving the wedding car (halfway done) thought he had something else to take care of, only to then find out that he sneaked out for a coffee break (probably due to the tiredness). And he offered to pay for the bread that we bought which was also an element of surprise. We then go on to send the bread over to the airbnb which was welcome with warmth from Wong’s family.
Ann Lee was having fever the first part of the trip and Daryl Lim and season had came back from their visit to farms and paddy field. I felt the pressure to pick up the task of entertaining them again continuing on our conversation on our athletic journey. It is funny how growing up I have not had many chances of asking friends over due to the limitations and complexity of our home complex dynamics , and it became something that I seek to compensate in my adulthood (often above and beyond) by seeking to always be a good host as a mission close to my heart. Ensuring they will appreciate the hospitality and warmth that I strive to offer. You can’t choose what kind of household / live that you lived in growing up, but you can always choose how to react and learn from it. A value that I hold true and believe firmly in, also applying constantly in my parenting journey.
It was then time to prepare for the big dinner. I have felt the need to usher a little as I know how Sekinchan people are so early and undeterred by any kind of obstacles to reach on (or even earlier) time. Though Tiong was skeptical at first, I still feel the need to arrive earlier, again partly due to the hosting nature that I mentioned earlier and the previous experience of people often arriving an hour earlier than scheduled time. And of course another big factor is to carefully threading along the ticking time bomb of dad temper trying to do the best we can to not turn the evening to an unpleasant one. The dinner was also something that I looked very much forward to as I have committed to pay for half of the buffet dinner and I see it as a chance to give back to the friends and family that had given red packet few years back for my own wedding. And intrinsically, I guess I was also seeking to have a chance to relive the dinner under different role with a lighter heart.
The rain was pouring heavily. After settling both kids I then quickly also grab a few bites while anticipating the first few guest to arrive. Eventually the first guest arrive half an hour before the time. I managed to catch up with a few cousins but still feeling not being able to eat as much as I wanted. It’s also interesting when I told my wife that it was raining heavily she automatically assume that I will hold the responsibility of sheltering people with umbrella to come into the restaurant. I guess it’s just a habit, and also a characteristic that runs in me.
Later part of the evening I felt a sense of relieved now that externally we have crossed the main event and the rest of the week will be only family ordeals, deep down I also reminiscing the time when I had our wedding dinner. I vividly remember the sense of relief right after our wedding dinner due to the long planning and complex family dynamic from both sides that I succumbed myself to alcohol and letting myself go free that night. Leaving my intoxicated body unable to step out from the house door even though two of my close friends was attempting to carry me out from my room for supper after the dinner.
Towards the end of dinner Ann Lee approached me and asking me how do I feel which honestly at that time I did not feel much, probably was again due to my own character of outwardly focus first before inwards even though having probably countless thoughts internally. I replied simply, “not much”. And I must say only until now I am able to process all feeling and pen it down. Upon hindsight I think the word to describe that time would be “mission partly completed” while waiting for the next one. Underlining there are still more to be done and setting sight on forward looking events.
After dinner the night hasn’t end. Wife flight was delayed and it gave a good timing for me to take a bit of rest after putting both kids to bed. Knowing there is a ceremony around 3am and having to pick up wife from airport / kl at 1am I know it will probably be a sleepless night. Along the lonely drive from skc to klia I felt the strange sense of familiarity layered with hint of foreignness. I often wonder how will life be if we had not chosen to head over to Singapore for good. Probably daily driving of two hours will still be something as normal as having meals and breathing, and car ownership would be something of a must but not a luxury to have. The journey didn’t feel long, I departed with sense of purpose having to bring back my love one to help looking after the kids while knowing I will have to help take some footage of the midnight ceremony that will be commencing upon reaching home. Along the way I also learn that another highway is now open partly completed and the journey from skc to klia is now slightly faster with the opening of wce (again the progression theme in place). Pass through Klang and seeing the previously work location where I frequented was a pleasant sight to behold.
I opted to pick up Gacky at the airport among the usual ineffectiveness of traffic control in airport, gaining some of us time while reliving the time where it was just both of us in the car. The journey was smooth with some nice Portuguese tart and snacks surprises.
Upon reaching the house light has already turned on. I knew mum will not be able to sleep well due to the event. I take up the photographer role and felt the need to make it the best that I could, interestingly had to also improvised a ghost-safety gate to ensure the picture and the ceremony proceeding well.
It was short ceremony but I was truly glad to be able to contribute. Throughout the day we were figuring out the best way to paste all the "喜喜" word around the room without damaging the paper as I was told that those material was planned to be re-sell. Again highlighting the frugality and thoughtfulness that Tiong and YenZi had put in trying to make sure all investment are at it best ROI. At approximately 4 we finally are able to rest anticipating the family tea ceremony in just a few hours to go.
Feeling the sense of purpose I woke up around 7 ish with kye den alongside to be the food delivery guy. Kye Den had woken up with a swollen right eyelids and it was probably caused by the bacteria infection that he had earlier on. This was the one mission that I was told multiple time to send food and drinks over to bride's side. First it was an ordeal of having to sort out 15 pax of breakfast for brides family and brides maid. As Kye den was awake, I opted for motorbike as he likes the ride but soon briefly regretted the decision as the weight of food and drink almost broke my left arm. Nevertheless I get the job done right on the dot at 8am, breathing out a short sigh of relief in front of the homestay gate.
Having thought that my mission completed, reaching 4 site b I only learned that I was expected to buy food for brothers side as well, knowing that time is running out I didn’t spend time lingering on it so I rush out to get the same menu and places that I visited. Again the sense of purpose had transcended my personal interest. After everything was done I was relieved while reflecting on the communication hurdles that often occurred in the family, vowing to do better from my end.
Before the arrival of wedding car parade we managed to went out for a quick visit to 24hours clinic to get some medicine for Kye Den. Right after the clinic visit we were also able to get both boys their red shirt with steep price (but it does its job), presenting themself better for the photoshooting as I was under pack for the whole trip.
The tea ceremony filled with laughters and love, and we manage to take some photo together in front of the same metal door that now look rustier.
The rest of the day was relatively simpler. Seeing how the room passed down From Ann Lee to us then to Tiong and yenzi brought a sense of inheritance and warmth. I remember how I was longing to be able to own the room, even to the extend of duplicating spare key to sneak into the room for the brief moment of playing with computer games. Of course not forgetting the late night Yee mee, the i computer, the countless lemmings and O2 jam games etc that had happened more than 20 years ago.
Towards the end of the tea ceremony dad got impatient so we asked him to go over to Ming Kee to rest and also have lunch first. Only then we realize we are short of a photo as a family which I was then asked to be the messenger, I was reluctant at first because I have anticipated that the request would be turned down but still duty calls, and I have to do it. I went over and put forward my ask, reluctant as first, he stood up and I thought it was going to happen but after merely two steps he gave up, and so did I. Without much hesitation I walk back home and carry on with the rest of the photo taking session.
Lunch was quick and welcoming at Ming Kee which is a place that we have not been for quite some time. Crossing over the slippery path back door brought back so much muscle memories, reminiscing how we spent our weekend morning breakfast and the if you miss it you don’t get to eat breakfast sound of Mitsubishi tank engine waking us up from the slumber. Big aunt was in a good mood trying to pay for the lunch occasion but she wasn’t able to, ended up she then suggested for dinner together later tonight as a token of appreciation after the few meals we all had together, assuming the role of the eldest among siblings. And of course no meal would be completed without having her dishes as top up, I especially like the pumpkin that she made and even offered to finished up all the leftovers.
After lunch we went over to house Airbnb for a short stop by visiting the dog batou trying to find activity for the boys. Then I quickly went for my two rounds run trying to maintain my peak status in anticipation of the upcoming marathon race. After returning we were notified that another Airbnb condo was free up as some guest had opted to leave earlier. Quickly decided that we will pack and head over for the night, a decision got me think twice as I knew it would be easier handling the family there while also taking away the possibility of spending time as a bigger group of family together. And I guess this is also another motivation for me to provide better for the family and able to offer the option of having a common space (both mind and physical) for family and even friends to spend time together. Nevertheless we moved over together with Dr Lee and decided to spend the night over before the drive up north the day after.
Dinner was a rowdy affair, with the kids delaying the timing we were the last one to arrive, and upon arriving I was told that I have to go over to fetch Loois family, a request that made me ponder while gladly accepted. Food was mediocre and somehow I had a big appetite, the previous order was not kids friendly so we took the matter to our hand and order additional dishes. The dinner ended with stir fried Sheng yu which brought back some old memory that we had back then.
Dinner ended pretty late and we head back to Airbnb around 10pm. After all the showering and I fell asleep within 2 mins, giving my body the much needed rest after the few days of continuous hustling.
We were greeting with a humid morning with slight rain and gentle sea breeze. Upon waking and seeing skc view I felt the sense of unfamiliarity, a view shared with Ann Lee. Though grew up at just one street away, while placed in different horizon and magnitude our view changes. And my mind drifted back to few months back when I landed at klia2 I felt the strange sense of foreignness, probing a sense of how life is different now and how experience and time changes someone. Also reminded me of a time where Ann Lee was asking me “do you like Malaysia” just a few years back. My answer was “there had to be someone stay back for the family”, which now in hindsight felt strange and different. I I suppose we are all products of our environment and circumstances, shaped by the branches of our life choices as we walk along the path, striving to make the best decisions while navigating the uncertainties of the world.
I was looking forward to the morning breakfast as it was something that need more pax to join in to enjoy. The fish head was gone in no time with me feeling the insatiate appetite to have more. Right after breakfast we went on for motor bike ride, which was something that I am unable to do with both kids before. A funny incident happen as I was in a bit of rush wanting to join the rest of family for Ipoh trip I appear rather furious to rush kids through their activity, and this has caused me to drive away without le wife sitting on the bike reminded me of a famous movie snippet from Stephen chow where Ng Man Tat was not on the truck while Stephen Chow drove away thinking he had boarded. And this moment had led me to my LOL moment.
The trip to Ipoh was a peaceful one with both kids rested intermittently in the car (something that we have to plan and time carefully after having Kye den). Throughout the trip I was trying to catch up on time to be able to join for the taufufa session but to no avail. When we reached Ipoh Tiongs car had already departed to hotel that I had previously booked. The rest of the afternoon we spent time at rollerje to just drain energy out of the boys and now the +1 girl.
We then proceed to the haven and the hotel did not disappoint with its spectacular view. Though the sleeping arrangement was not what originally planned as we were not planning to sleep over at haven but when opportunity came (due to dad not joining) and I felt the need to drive over to join the family. Upon arrival I saw Ann Lee was sleeping on the couch showing the commitment that he had made to gather the family around and I felt truly a good family trip doesn’t just come from contribution of single member but all working collaboratively towards the same goals by giving in voluntarily whenever we had to. Everyone was still recovering from the few days of hustle bustle and by 12 everyone had already fell asleep with next day adventure await.
The morning started with me fetch le wife back home to work and upon return both boys are already awake and waiting for a new day of exploration. We first started with hotel breakfast which was slightly below expectation but it was a good one with the right company. Then the boy spent sometime exploring playground and swimming pool.
Throughout the day we were under the time pressure to reach Bukit Mertajam on time for the schedule lunch so I have to hush the kids to make sure we are on time. After spending sometime at the heated pool we then checked out and departed to wang Ji taufufa where I finally get the mind space to sit down and eat it after numerous reminders of its greatness. This also had me ponder perhaps everyone is really different, the first time I had this was probably more than 12 years back when I was first introduced to Ipoh. And after countless of visit and eating the dish (part timely) I can now feel its greatness through others’ description. Before this I probably would not have thought of ordering even if I pass by but perhaps after this trip I might in the future, order the dish for the sake of this particular piece of memory. And I guess sometimes the tastiness of food / dish does also present itself as a package encompassing the memory that you had with it holistically, and I am grateful for this.
The next leg / last leg of the trip was heading to Bukit Mertajam to meet and greet Wong’s family formally. Also another gesture that was suggested by Ann Lee and supported by me as we thought it would be the least we can do since everyone is available and time and money is not of concern. It took us around 2 hours of driving to reach the restaurant. Though meal was only ok-ish we were glad to be invited to participate into part of the Penang memory that the family had offer to share with us. We then headed to yenzi house for a quick visit. One incident stood out during the visit. Tiong was absent at the first part which I later learned that yenzi dad had brought him to family doctor to check on the rashes he had developed earlier. This is something that gave me complicated feeling while on the one hand I am glad that now my brother has another family to look after him while also having me thinking did my dad ever bring us to clinic? Which was something that had me question my upbringing and vowing to be ever more present to my kids alongside with their journey growing up. The other memory piece was upon reading Ann post of seeing how both extended family has the portrait of kids graduating (come at hindsight) while my own house our achievement was only celebrated in a room that mums see. However, this anecdote has just strengthen my own belief system and serve as a reminder to myself to be the father I didn’t have and one that I hope to be.
“It’s funny how adult has to work even during holiday” quoted from Ann Lee writing. 5 working adults was connecting devices through Wongs WiFi for work while chatting. We probably had more than 10 devices connected simultaneously draining data across. It made me reflected to myself this is something that will not be happening in 4 site b due to its living room availability and different come and go members around and again it enhanced my commitment to provide for the family whenever I could. If possible to provide the space for connection and opening my door to all whenever I could.
The constant raining had dampen the excitement to explore so we took the rest of the day slow. After checking in the ac hotel. Which was something I had quietly anticipated as I was anticipating Tiong’s hospitality. The hotel room arrangement was perfect even though a little old but there are ample of spaces for the kids to explore around visiting (vandalizing) different corners. Soon living room became a giant fort connecting different sofas, chair and tables with multiple bridges and pillow and blanket being utilized for the masterpiece.
As dinner place was not planned we took it to our hand and send out option to vote. Eventually ended up at fried rice place that serve big portion but for me sub par food. We then hush hush back to hotel awaiting for the next adventure to an escape room establishment at queens bay mall. I must say I went in with the sense of cautiousness as Ann Lee was filled with radiating excitement upon hearing that tiong had planned for the escapade. Ann Lee had quickly assigned roles even already asking mum to look after two kids before us and showing glimpse of hope and energy that I have not seen for the past few days (also due to sickness). Throughout the game I tried to be the take on an observant role looking for any potential clues that might present itself while unsurprisingly Ann Lee assumed the leadership role of deciding the tempo and limit of how we should activate our 5 times of lifeline from the staff. As we opted for the hardest one I had anticipated it to be tough with unsolvable riddles. However as it turns out it was quite easy to decipher. The tenseness soon turn into enjoyment and I was happy as the whole experience was a good one for everyone after solving the puzzle as a team. I then treat myself with koi milk tea and we proceeded to Pisa for late night supper which was something that we have not done since long ago.
Throughout the conversation we listened into bits and pieces of Ann Lee life while in MCO and working with Rey Gan. He offered a glimpse into his daily life and how the structure and company had operated during the time he was involved in the team. All of a sudden he stunned and mentioning he sort of forgotten where he was and to be honest I had the same feeling, I guess again those are the feeling you cant buy being able to sit down and having meaningful conversation sharing every small anecdotes in life.
That small escapade (from the room and also from the kids) was definitely one of the highlight of the trip, partly being the fact that we are unable to join the couple of time where they have gathering late night in SG, another layer of it is also after that session I felt that I knew both of my brother better now, adding another layer of trust and also identity to what they are going and have been through in the past couple of months and years.
The next morning was a serene one, though Tiong had another plan to bring us to his selected coffee shop I did not feel so as again both kids will have to be managed with more trips and I would rather walk over to somewhere nearer and get the day started. Right after breakfast we went to Tech Dome Penang which was a pleasant surprise with its relatively cheap ticket price.
Lunch was at a quaint little coffee shop that we opted for main meal that comes with a free coffee. Another funny incident happen here was earlier on Ann Lee mentioned he did not have chance to spend any more so I suggested that he pay for the meal which he did, only to come back saying his AMEX was rejected asking me to go over to pay. So ended up he still has to find other places to spend his money.
I cant remember was it during the lunch mum was telling me that she decided to give my half share of wedding buffet payment to Tiong as top up to the red packet that I had given previously. This was expected even as I have repeatedly mentioning I have spared the money aside for the dinner wanting to give back to those who had previously gave their blessing towards my wedding but guess she look at it the other way. In return I gave her a nod, signifying a quick and simple OK to end the conversation.
Overall this journey has been one that I had long anticipated and went very well as per plan. I went in with certain worrisome of what ifs and came out of it feeling our family ties had grown stronger with more family members joining us. And I thank everyone for contributing their share of making this happened.
And guess what we did upon arrival to SG? Indoor playground as usual as le wife has to work so I have opted for an easier approach of looking after the kids.
