Random Thoughts

After 45 minutes of ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal, we finally arrived Batam. YEY!

I was surprised that there were not much people traveling to this beautiful island. SO, there were no lines at the immigration AT ALL! We were really meant for this trip. ♥

So yes, finally, we are in Batam, INDONESIA. And, look, Holiday Inn, provided a van for us!

I was surprised that the trip from the airport to Holiday Inn was a long ride. But, finally, we arrived at this paradise...




It took us a long time to check-in. We were a lot after all. But finally everything was settled and we were finally ready to enjoy our vacation.


Aaaaah, bliss. HELLO, Batam!

So, very true!

We had a time of our lives last weekend. We don't usually go out but this time since my birthday was coming up soon, we decided to have a road trip. This is also a perfect time to show the kids what they have to be thankful for in this beautiful country.

As expected, they were in awe of the beach, the mountains, the fields and just about everything that was far away from the city where we lived in. And of course, we were all happy to be able to spend time together without work, stress, errands and the things that we needed to do for school. It was a perfect time for us as a family. ♥

And, guess what? I was also able to introduce my favorite board game, Wisdomantics to my little girl.

LOOK!

I was surprised that she was able to learn how to play this amazing game on her own. Here are her feedbacks regarding the game...

- "This game looks interesting!"
- "Wow, this is so easy."
- "Oh really? I can play on my own too?"
- "Amazing that there can be more than 2 players!"
- "How cool is this game..."
- "Oh, look! I got it right!"
- "So this is what King Solomon story is all about. Interesting!"
- "Can my sister play too? Yes? Cool!"
- "I like the graphics. It's so colorful,"
- "Can I play again when we get home?"

YES, these are her actually comments. And she is only 10 years old. She played on her own (against the computer), played with her little sister, played with her Dad and played with me too!

Now are you convince that this is indeed an interesting game? Download it now...


Hooray for long weekends!

AND most especially, hooray for WISDOMANTICS!

After a quick shopping spree at Bugis Junction, we packed our bags, checked out of our hotel and went to the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. Good thing we were able to buy tickets for a 3PM ride to the ferry. We were all so, so excited. Going to Batam is actually the main trip of our SG/Batam trip last December.

Planning a trip to Batam, Indonesia as well? Here's what I found online in how you can go there...

How to Go to Batam By Boat

The main ports on Batam are Batam Centre, Sekupang, Waterfront City, Nongsapura and Telaga Punggur. Harbor Bay is now the principle international ferry port for these heading for Nagoya, replacing the outdated Batu Ampar ferry terminal. Batam Center Ferry Terminal has essentially the most frequent ferry connections to/from Singapore and Johor Bahru. Sekupang, with ferries from Singapore is finest used for those catching home connections to the Sumatra mainland and the Karimun Islands. Waterfront City and Nongsapura principally serve adjacent resorts while Telaga Punggur is the primary ferry terminal for boats to and from Bintan.

To/From Singapore: Ferries departing from the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal go to Batam Centre, Sekupang and Waterfront City (Teluk Senimba) while ferries from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal serve Nongsapura.

On our third day in Singapore, we scheduled a half-day shopping spree at Bugis Junction. And look at this beautiful temple we saw on our way there...

There's more...



And, look at this beautiful tiles...


It was so interesting to see these on our way to Bugis Junction. And what's more interesting? Our shopping spree day. (*grin*)

Have you been to Bugis Junction for a little bit of shopping? How did you find it?

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Champion (Legend Series Book 3) by Marie Lu
- First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
- Fracture by Megan Miranda
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen
- The More of Less by Joshua Becker
- Across the Universe Series (Book 1) by Beth Revis
- Birthmarked (Book 1 of Birthmarked Series) by Caragh M. O'Brien
- Tortured (Book 1.5 of Birthmarked Series) by Caragh M. O'Brien

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Love Me Tomorrow
- Batman vs. Superman
- Antman
- Once Upon a Time Season 4
- ME Before You. Beautiful, beautiful movie ♥♥♥

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- MIL's Birthday

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- None for this month. We are very thankful for this. ♥

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- We went to Duty Free to celebrate MIL's birthday
- Went to RealSurf Quezon for a day

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Breakfast Platter. YUM!
- Ippudo Ramen
- Starbucks' Cafe Latte and Sandwiches for Breakfast
- RealSurf, Quezon

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- None for this month. Woot!

What have you learned this month?
- "If you don't want to be a PREY, P.R.A.Y." - Dr. Caroline Leaf
- When you start to be irritated, tell yourself, "You have a choice to ACT UP on that ANGER or just simply IGNORE." Those people are just NOT WORTH IT.

My birthday is coming up soon and I can't believe I was so busy that I haven't written my birthday wish list YET. So here it is...

1. Onitsuka White Sneakers
2. Beige/Cream Flat Shoes
3. Cash (*grin*)

So, there.

I just realized that my birthday wish list this year is VERY SHORT. I've learned a lot these past few months and I realized that experiences are better than things. Don't you agree?

BUT if that something will make you a better person, why not?

Since, I'm also planning of learning a new instrument. I would love to get something like soprano ukulele at wwbw.com which I found online a couple of weeks ago. I want something like this one...

The easy-playing Mitchell MU40 Soprano Ukulele puts fun in everyone' hands. The MU40 is designed around a bound Lindenwood body for exceptional sound and outstanding looks, and a bound rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability. Features include classic, open-key tuning machines and a rosewood bridge for authentic ukulele tone. Plus, the included instructional booklet allows beginners to start playing right out of the box. As you can see, this MU40 has a gorgeous natural finish.

I haven't been so lucky with musical instrument when I was a kid. I would try and then give up after trying for a couple of weeks. This time, I've matured (I hope!) So hopefully I would be able to stick to learning and playing it afterwards. So yes, this is by far in my number 1 spot for my birthday wish list. (*wink*) (*wink*)

Happiness is...

1. Happy Long Weekend!
2. Quick getaway to the beach. Woot! Woot!
3. Family Bonding
4. Fresh air + Beach = Perfect Day!
5. Freshly Brewed Coffee on a Weekend
6. Kids' Laughters while Conquering the Waves ♥
7. Sunny Weather
8. A couple of kilos of Rambutan. YUM!
9. Minimalism and Realizing what's important
10. Happy Life

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

After a couple of 4D rides, it was time to leave Sentosa Island.

BUT before we left, we were blessed to have seen the beautiful sunset while we were at the cable car ride. ♥




What do you think? (*grin*)