We Love DisneyLAND

8-10 Oct 2009, Hong Kong

Our trip to Hong Kong was originally scheduled for early May 2009. Unfortunately, due to the H1N! outbreak, we decided to postpone it as we wanted to be socially responsible. The 5-year old was a little disappointed but accepted the decision very maturely.

Finally, the day for departure drew closer. The 5-year old was so excited that she couldn't go to bed the night before. We set off for the airport at 5am that morning for the 6.30am flight via Jetstar, the budget airline. It was a 3.5hours flight and I was a little bored since there was no inflight entertainment. Can't complain much if we are paying budget price. Seated in front of me, was a Swiss man, very tall... he had his seat declined throughout the entire journey and I felt like a squashed pumpkin. Fortunately, he was pretty good looking so my frustration eased a bit.

When I tried to get up from my seat, I had to do a little hop and felt my knee caps cracking.

Note: Do not fly budget if you have aches & pains or if you are a senior citizen...

Finally, we arrived in Hong Kong... The plane was parked outside the airport so we had to walk down a flight of stairs and then hopped onto a bus for transfer to the main immigration arrival hall. Weather was fine & cool. Thank god. Wasting no time, we got into a taxi and off we went to Disney Hollywood Hotel (located 5mins away from Disneyland via shuttle bus).

The taxi fare turned out to be cheaper than a MTR ride. We were surprised! And we didn't have to lug our luggages around the train station. The taxi took us right to Hotel doorstep and we enjoyed comfort.

Ah... we felt good (to be continued...)

Downunder

10 - 14 August 2009, Sydney

MOTH has been travelling frequently this year due to work and the family has spent lesser time together & taken lesser vacations as compared to previous years.

It took me by surprise when MOTH suggested that we travel to Sydney with him. Unfortunately, he had to be at work all week while in Sydney while the 5-year old and I took a R&R, mother-and-child bonding week. The week passed by quickly with me regretting not packing the right clothes for the weather. It was cold in Sydney with rain & wind so a normal jacket will not suffice.

I had to buy a thick jacket with fur hood for the 5-year old to keep her warm. The entire trip was dedicated to the 5-year old. We spent nearly the whole afternoon at the Aquarium, we took a day trip via ferry to the Taronga Zoo, spent more time at the Wildlife Park... I didn't rush her. Just allowed her to take her time to explore the sights, the animals, the marine life... On the other hand, she cooperated by carrying her little haversack and walked on her own despite the tiredness and dragging her feet uphill every evening as we head back to Hotel Intercon. I knew how happy she was as she wakes up every morning smiling, greeting us "good morning" and hugging us very tightly with kisses telling us she loves us.

It was a great feeling to be able to spend so much time together without any other interruptions. Though, I had very little time for myself that week, I felt it was all worth it.

Despite the temperature, the sunny days warm up my cold bones. It was nice to sit out there at the park, taking in the sun. It was very easy to get around Sydney by public transport and by foot. We took the train, the light rail, the ferries, taxis and walked a lot. People were very friendly and willing to show us the way. I love the visit to the ROCKS where we spotted old brick houses left by the early settlers and I love the way old architectures have been kept and now blended in nicely with modern buildings.