Since I had a Mcdonalds breakfast for my day last week (father’s day). I insisted to have an Asian meal of roti prata plus teh tarik. I told you, even a plain roti prata with curry taste magnificent compared to that of cheese and ham!
Finally, Cayden-boy ended his last lesson at baby jumper gym. Mama and I were considering to continue with the second term. We started to question ourselves whether Cayden-boy had benefited from those lessons. We preferred making that decision when the term draws nearer…
Mama suggested Ikea for the next destination as she wanted to get Cayden-boy some toys from Ikea. Upon reaching Ikea, I was quite disappointed with Ikea’s Smaland - The age (3 to 9 years old) and height limit (more than 90cm) forbids Cayden-boy’s entry.
Nowadays the objectives at Ikea have 100% deviated. We were no longer interested in the furniture, utensils, and lightings. Instead, we spent most of our time at the children’s department! I guess this is what makes parent a parent. Haha.
Cayden-boy crawling through the long tunnel
Cayden-boy get himself wrapped up by the mosquito net.
Cayden-boy riding the wooden deer.. Yeee Haa!
Cayden-boy gets tired and decided to grab nap...
Notice his little hand grabbing the cap...
Mama and I could not contain our laughter and took this interesting photo
Cayden-boy playing the beaded toy that we bought from Ikea.
Mama wants Cayden-boy to improve his fundamental movement skills though playing the beaded toy... but what I notice is that Cayden-boy enjoys rocking the wooden block instead! Haha.
Cayden-boy's first bedtime collection!
Mama's second initiative to nurture Cayden-boy's interest in stories during bedtime! And so, we bought this book from Anchor point.
Mama had it all planned for Father’s day itinerary – breakfast, bring Cayden-boy, mama, 外公，外婆， and 舅舅 to a swim, followed by a simple meal. So I woke up at 8.30 am, and suggested “旺角” coffee shop for breakfast. I really missed Singapore style breakfast especially after my trip to Argentina.
For some reasons… We only managed to reach the coffee shop at 10.45am. My stomach is protesting and my mood just went down the drain when I saw “旺角” fully packed with a queue that stretches to the exit. I told mama to head for Mcdonalds instead - Ya, its English bread for breakfast again!
After our brunch, we headed to SAFRA Yishun for our swimming activity!
Cayden-boy waddles happily in the water
Cayden-boy enjoying the swim
Cayden-boy changing his swimming instructor.. Haha
What an afternoon we had! The activities really saved my day and I would recommend any parents to bring their toddler kids to SAFRA Yishun. The 1 meter pool is “designed” so that parents need not arch their backs so much when holding on to their kids for a swim. Well, unless you are training for a 6 packs body… Imagine arching down for 30minutes in a normal 40cm pool!
The whole family enjoyed the water-playing session so much that even Cayden-boy refused to get out of the water! We had no choice but to force Cayden-boy out of the water for he had been in the water for more than an hour (record timing)!
It was time again to fill our stomachs! As grandpa loves hot and spicy meals, mama chose Ajisen ramen at causeway point and ordered Volcano ramen for him!
Volcano ramen @ Ajisan
We headed home to prepare for a next father’s day meal with 爷爷, 奶奶 and 舅舅. Mama and I could hardly open our eyes and joined Cayden-boy to a nap…
When we woke up, we realized that 外公，外婆， and 舅舅 had also knocked out once they reached home. It was really an exhaustive afternoon for all of us!
Next destination was Sembawang food center for dinner. 爷爷 and奶奶 loves the cheap and good deal of curry fish head, fried chicken and crabs. After the scrumptious meal, 爷爷 suggested to go home and had our second round of dinner with durians.
Cayden-boy poses with 爷爷 while waiting for dinner
Cayden-boy stuffing puffs into his mouth
Cayden-boy caught sight of barney car ride while we head toward the car park
Mama’s eye sparkle for a moment and I knew that that day would be Cayden-boy’s first attempt with the king of fruit! Well.. Cayden-boy turns his head away after 2 tries and we knew he doesn’t really have a thirst for durians! Haha.
I was destined to go to Argentina for product training. What seemed to be impossible (my turn) came true. Frantically prepare my presentation slides, seek opinions and approvals from the program managers. I am to offer training lessons and consultation services in Argentina.
It sounds exciting to teach a class of technicians and engineers especially when I was informed that the lessons will be videoed, edited and sent to various repair centers for information sharing purposes. The adrenaline rush of public speaking starts creping in the very moment when I board the plane, well aware that insufficient rehearsals are the setbacks for a good presentation!
As a bo-chap guy, I only get to seriously study my electronic ticket passenger itinerary while on the plane. Horror struck me when I got to know the number of transits and waiting time that I had to waste.
It was nightmares on the seemingly never-ending flight. Throughout the while flight, I watched “Alice in Wonderland” and “Edge of darkness”, “How to train your dragon”, “14 blades”, “Bat man returns”, “The Bourne trilogy – Bourne Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum”, “Wizard of Oz”, and for cartoons, I conquered “Spiderman”, “Ben 10”, and “power puff girls”..
The routine order of movie, sleep, and eat recurs for more than 60 hours!
Hope that these torturous journeys not gone to waste. I had joined Kris flyer and Asia miles program before my flight. Haha..
Transit at Sidney
Transit at Sidney
Transit at Auckland
Transit at Santiago
Argentina International airport
After checking into Sheraton Hotel, we went searching for dinner. To our horror, after walking down several streets, all we could find were cafes, pastry shops, and road side stalls… There was simply no MEAT as described in the tourist guide book! Just before we gave up, we notice a small cafeteria with simple western meals. We went straight in without second thoughts and ordered a lamb chop..
My first meal in Argentina
The first night was a sleepless night for me. My body clock insists that it was still noon time when it was already midnight in Argentina (11 hours behind Singapore time). I was expecting migraines and tiredness during my presentation the next day. Chatted mama through msn and Cayden-boy added in a few random letters for me too! I missed home so much.
After my presentation, I only found out from the locals that dinner in Argentina only begins after 8pm (usual Argentina dinner time is 9!). It was then that I realize why we are not able to find proper restaurants on our first night! This time, I asked for directions to find traditional barbequed meat as describe by the tourist guide (就是不死心). They recommended “EL POTRILLO” in Puerto Madero, one of the famous landmarks, occupying a portion of the Rio de la Plata riverbank and representing the latest architectural trends in the city of Buenos Aires.
Me standing along the iconic structure of Puerto Madero
Police post at the corner of Puerto Madero
A peep into the "EL POTRILLO" before they open for business
My first cup of Blue Mountain!
The moment that I have been waiting for - las costillas de carne asada!
Do not be misleaded by my photos above as 75% of the time, I am having bread, cheese and ham!
My impression of Argentina is that it’s a land of bread! We became more adventurous gradually and begin venturing to more places with our limited stay in Argentina.
Chinatown along Juramento
Old building structures along Chinatown
Majestic building in the shopping district - Florida
Internal of the shopping center resembling the ceiling of Musee Du Louvre
Police vehicles are common sight along Florida street
It took me 3 days to adapt to Argentina time and 1 whole week to get adjusted back to Singapore time again! Each day I would get very tired when I reached home and would fell asleep together with Cayden-boy at 9 pm. That explains the long delays to update this blog….
My stay in Argentina is definitely a memorable one, which I think not many Singaporeans will even consider to venture. If given a choice, I would definitely prefer going again with my wife and kid/s. This time, my whole family would conquer the Southern Patagonia ice field as well!
We had no time to lose this weekend as I will be flying to Argentina for a business trip on Sunday.
Time is running short as I had not prepare anything for this trip.
Googled and realized that it is about 5 to 15 degrees C in Argentina. It's a golden opportunity to fully utilize my cold wear allowances. Hoho!
Grabbed a trench coat from Cold Wear in Causeway point and tada!, I am good to go (for Argentina)!
Next destination is to Turf City again. This time, we headed straight to Little Fidgets where its supposed to be a kid's playground heaven...
Mama and Cayden-boy at Little Fidgets!
Cayden-boy's first station in Little Fidget.
Cayden-boy started crawling excitedly. The different colors and shapes definitely catches Cayden-boy's attention and every step seems to be a surprise for him. Cayden-boy smiles as he climb and only to find himself in the mirror at the top.
Cayden-boy loves "counting" the colorful beads.
As Cayden-boy pulls the beads, I helped him to count... Haha!
Cayden-boy's turning the steering wheels in a professional manner.
Mama pushes Cayden-boy while Cayden-boy steers the car!
I was wondering if Cayden-boy had developed his driving skills by observing me every day..
It would be interesting if I were to buy him a motorized car. (On the lookout now.. hehe..)
Thou shall not speed in front of Inspector Cayden liew.
Hm.. A good pair of sun glasses will be perfect.
Cayden-boy playing at the balls station. Is yellow Cayden-boy's favorite color?
Mama begins to give certain specific instructions for Cayden-boy..
"Go up the slope, leopard crawl for 1m, wait for my signals.... hey, are you learning?!"
"Now that the instructions are clear, go! go! go!"
Mama exhibits her "霸道" behavior again and pushes Cayden-boy to the slope behind...
"Mission accomplished.."
"Mama mama, are you paying attention at me?"
Cayden-boy "lands" on the cushion and plans for the next station.
Cayden-boy showing off his motor skills as he spins the screw mechanisms.
These are some of the games that are suitable for Cayden-boy for now..
Its free for infants below 1 yr old, and there are many more adventurous games opposite the infant category.
The games on the opposite are meant for kids that can run and jump, where kids were seen having some rough plays (pushing and body contacts were observed).
Cayden-boy would be gladiator-trained by mama before his next visit to the children stations @ Little Fidgets!
After Cayden-boy's morning lesson, mama starts preparing 爱心 porridge for Cayden-boy. We are going to have a long day at Vivo city later in the afternoon!
Mama has been waiting for this particular event in Vivo city!
We are going to have an afternoon's fun!
Mama dashes to the dryper's booth and start queuing for the contest!
Its the first time for mama not to butterfly-transform...
Mama actually went directly to the booth! I must applaud for mama - clap, clap, clap, 3 cheers for mama~ Haha!
Cayden-boy seems to enjoy the game - 'keeping the animals dry'.
Cayden-boy breezes through the few simple quests and is finally ready for the photo challenge!
Cayden-boy marveling the wand while mama and the officials try putting on the crown
Ah har! Here's our little king!
Cayden-boy's photo challenge entry!
Though we didn't manage to win any prizes, we enjoyed the process and thrill of the challenge!
Thank you drypers for organizing this pleasant event!
After the drypers event, mama finally did the transformation and the happy family strolled around Vivo city. Haha!
Mama putting on the SPF50 UV protection cap for Cayden-boy.
The cap costs a whopping $30 plus.
A nice to have piece of cap which I believe will be kept in the drawer 95% of the time.
Mama's transformation effect wears off at around 8~9 pm and finally, willing to leave Vivo city. Only did I realize that we had another destination - Lim Liak Street!
Mama had purchased this Ergobaby carrier online.
It is no easy feat carrying Cayden-boy nowadays... This carrier will definitely come in handy in time to come!
Who knows, Cayden-boy's sibling will be in this carrier too!
