Penang Indoor Playgrounds and Foodhunt - Kidsville | Cocoon+ | Queensbay Baby Shark | Bayana Food Court | Country Home and Cafe | Marina De Captain

Brayden 7Y9M27D

Bevlynn 3Y6M21D

Brayden's longest school holiday started - From 16 Nov - 31 Dec 2024. Hubs is travelling to China Beijing and Tianjin with his father and brother. Because it is too cold in China, I've decided on the other hand to travel to Penang with the two kids. 

Bev and Bray loves the playgrounds. This time, we explored new ones. 

First was at Kidsville Waterfront near Queensbay. It was Kayson's and Hanson's birthday party. It is a compact space but rather fun. In each corner, there were different setups. Bevlynn and Brayden loves the slides and pool of soft sausages & balls. There was also loads of fun at the barbie doll booth, soft sand cart, cooking toys, Pikachu and face painting. 

Then we met again with TT, Kayson and Hanson at Cocoon+. The area was big and spacious; blended within a cafe. There were dinner and most importantly, there was happy hour from 8pm onwards. The boys loved running around; while Bev played with the baby doll. All of them loved jumping on the trampolin. 

I went again with Annling, Wenting, and Huiping to Cocoon+ Happy Hour. The children loved running about and since it was at night, we practically have the whole place to ourselves. Loved it! The Ashton was jealous when Xixi was holding Bev's hand and walking around. He wanted Xixi to himself. But the children loved it and ran, jumped and played. How did they have so much energy? 

Brought the children to Queenbay Baby Shark Adventure Ville twice in that week. On one of the days, Bev was bullied by a small boy. The boy hit her but she was standing there and not moved. The parent of the boy stepped in to protect her and hugged her. When she saw me, then her tears start to flow very fast. I can feel her feelings of staying tough but was very vulnerable inside. O my, poor darling! Brayden stepped in to protect her too but it was too late. We decided to leave. The staff there was nice to give her a toy car.

On another day, Bev was very funny to play with the staff there. They entertained her although it is not part of their job. Even when they moved around, Bev followed. She was asking one of them "Why are you leaving? Come, come play with me (gesturing with her hand).

To the children, all these playgrounds were FUN regardless of where it is. The only difference is for the parents, 

• If I'd like to go for shopping, then Queenbay is the place.
• If I'd like to have a meal while letting the children play, I'd choose Cocoon+ or Kidsville

We also tried dinner at the first floating ferry food hall in Penang Queens Waterfront. The Pulau Rimau Ferry is named Marina De Captain Food Hall. The concept and idea is fantastic but the food was just normal, while there is not many selections for drinks. We sat right at the corner overlooking the water. There was a small speed boat that came by with tourists and they started waving at us while we waved back at them. It was as though we are part of the display on the iconic ferry. The night was dark, we could see the beautiful penang bridge night view from a distance. There were small fishes swimming in the sea; long ones. 

We went with Ah Pa for our favourite spot of seafood; Country Home and Cafe at Gertak Sanggul. We enjoyed the delicious fresh seafood there. My favourite dish include the fried small Sakura prawn and seafood porridge. Bray and Bev loved to play at the beach nearby. The children dig the sand and played with the water, although I'd say it isn't the cleanest ocean water but it has been the same beach me and my brothers grew up playing. 

I'd always remember the time when our family used to come and swim on weekends. I loved the waters but hated to step my foot on the sand as I was afraid I might step onto something "unknown". There were lots of corals and shells in the sand. I'd always cling onto my ah Pa while he walked around the waters. 

This time, Brayden was not very lucky. A small stick had pricked onto the sole of his foot. He was shouting and crying. As soon as I pulled it out, he was fine. 

Something funny happened to Bev. She bang her head while on the way walking out of a restaurant. The glass was too clean and transparent. It was a loud one and heads turned towards her, everyone was shocked and she was stunned. But after a good laugh, she was fine. 

I met with my dear ol' friends Patrick and Gan at Bayana Food Court, Bayan Lepas. There were Hobbit houses and various colours flowers spread beautifully across the front of the little homes. The houses and front doors are small to fit little children. Bray and Bev played House, they are my little Hobbits. They even "worked hard" at the water pump. Their laughters were contagious. 

That was the end of our week long trip to Penang. 

USM Reunion | Uniique Haus | Legoland

Brayden 7Y8M8D

Bevlynn 3Y5M1D

I had a trip organised for 13 adults + 12 children (ages 0 - 10 years old). These are my best and close friends from university days. We had stayed at the homestay at JB - Uniique haus. 

We arrived from all parts of Malaysia (Penang, KL, Klang) and Singapore; in different modes of transport (plane, train, cars, private cars). It was a long awaited trip and long overdue. We had tried looking for many ideas for such a trip; Cherating Club Med, JB, etc... Many ideas pop-up but isn't too ideal; considering the number of children involved and travels from different places. Finally, we had decided on JB stay and Legoland for 3D2N. 

Nic was very spontaneous. I was asking him if he'd like to join us for the trip while I met him for dinner in KL, and that's when he just went with the flow. 

On 1st Nov, we arrived on Friday afternoon to the Uniique Haus. It was a nice house, well decorated with many rooms and swimming pool. The Daddies and children are already hopping in the pool for a dip. Nic brought his floating plane, the kids loved it; taking turns to hop on and off the small little float, sometimes 3 kids at once. Night came, there were karaoke, snooker pool session and kids playing air soccer ball. Everyone found their activities; somehow everyone has self-organised entertainment and had fun throughout, there isn't much need to plan. We got some firecrackers for the kids and a cake to celebrate outdoor. The ladies found time to go for a body massage at Healthland. 

On 2nd Nov, it's a Saturday, we head out to Legoland after having dimsum. Legoland was fun for the kids, there were Halloween party, so there were special activities for the kids - performances, trick-or-treat. Sophia and Ellie were both having fun together, finding companionship in each other, they've somehow grown close within such a short period of time. Unfortunately, Hanson was hurt when he fell. Poor little one, must have hurt! 

We ended the day feeling tired and decided to head home for dinner. This night, it's the Husbands turn to get body massages. The kids were playing in the largest room - "Pillow fight" and "Floor is Lava". They were still all full with energy, jumping from bed to bed. How to drain their energy? They are like self-charged Energizer Bunnies. The only way to get them to stop was to ask them "Pretend to sleep together for 15 mins". That did the trick. It felt like camping in the glass house. The children were squeezing and sleeping together all so soundly. 

On the last day, some had to leave early while the rest of us decided to go to Southkey Midvalley for lunch and shopping. The kids wanted to go for another round of play. They all went in the Kiddytopia. It was a relaxing time for the Mommies and Daddies. 

The kids were still talking all the way back to Singapore in the car. As soon as they arrived home, their SLEEP mode switch turn on immediately. It was time to say Bye-bye for now. We'll plan one again someday. 

 

October Business | Gunzburg

Brayden 7Y7M21D

Bevlynn 3Y4M15D

In Ulm Germany again at this time.

 

This year as there were some changes within the organisation, we were assigned new roles and had to meet as many people in Germany to work on 2025 plan and support. There were many changes within all regions, it is not only from our side. Given the dynamic market situation and there is a real need to adapt to the new market environment, we need to accept change, else, our role will become redundant.

I missed the children. This is one of the longer trips, I had stayed additionally for 1 day to have more discussion and joined in the 70th birthday celebration of the owner. There were band playing, the CEO and CSO were performing. I really do admire these high calibre, all-rounded individuals. How are they so capable! 

During my 10-day long stay in the hotel Ibis, there was on a Saturday night, it was rowdy outside. There were drunk men talking really loudly. The time has already passed midnight, around 2am. Then there were sound as there was someone trying to open the door with a key card. Who could it be? My heart started pounding really hard. Then, there was a short silence. 

*Bang, bang bang, bang* sounded like a heavy person started pushing and banging himself on the door to open it. My adrenaline ran high, and my heart turned cold, tears started to build in my eyes. Who could it be? 

After several more bangs, I asked loudly "WHO IS IT?! What do you want?" Then the knocks stopped. ................... My imaginations are still running wild. I started texting a few colleagues but no replies. I guess everyone is very sound asleep. I was now wide awake and on high alert, like a deer that just got a highlight beam shine on it. I simply couldn't rest well. 

Then on another day, there came another knock after we went back from dinner. Again, I was on high alert. Not again.... "Who is it?!" A soft voice came from opposite the door "It's me Alex". 

I was already undressed at that time. I thought why would he be coming to my room? "What is it? What do you want?" His voice turned even softer (He knew the story from the night before, we were joking at dinner that he was the one who had knocked and I told him jokingly not to disturb me in the middle of the night).... and so he was close to whispering "I've got your phone with me" 

Oh, right! I was asking him to take my phone and help us to take a photo at dinner. I forgot to take it back. Sheepishly, I opened the door and thanked him, quickly closing the door right after. 

Sunday came. The 4 of us (with Emily, Emma & Shawn) had breakfast again at the same spot - our usual cake and bread breakfast. Then, this time we again spontaneously planned to go to Blautopf. There was still renovation at the train station and so we only bought the tickets from the kiosk. 

As soon as we bought it and checked through the app, we realised that there were no trains available to go to Blautopf. How can this be? Then we checked with the lady at the station and found that it became an open ticket. We can go from end-to-end, although we only bought the ticket for one station away. Lucky? Yes! we were not able to decide where we wanted to go in the first place and just went with Blautopf as our option. Now we can hop-on and hop-off whenever we wish. 

We were feeling adventurous and hopped-off a small quaint town called Gunzburg (Later which I found out that we had taken a photo past Gunzburg a year ago - such a coincidence). It is a small town with Legoland. We walked around, there was a nice church, a small hill with a view overlooking the whole town. It was a quiet town and enough to spend the nice morning at. Lunch was at a small beer restaurant. Shawn had to leave us early. So we ladies decided to continue our walk around the forest and take some photos along the riverside. I love the beautiful brown leaves falling and the cold weather. (One of the photo taken was going to win me a lucky price from the PRIS walk).

More on the trip : Beautiful Flowers for 3 ladies, Dinner with Aleks (Happy Rabbit) and Heiko (Return Home).  

 

Charades

Brayden 7Y7M18D
Bevlynn 3Y4M12D

We played charades. Four of us took turns acting out and let the others guess. 

Brayden acted: Zombie eating brains, Lord of the rings (just fighting with mei mei), Panda (cooking with a Pan and chomping louding on something invincible) 

Daddy acted: Milk shake (milking a cow and drink and shake like crazy), Fan (rotating like a ballerina and rotating the hands to the side in big circles like a helicopter) 

Mommy acted: Fresh milk (milking a cow), Flamingo (one leg up), Sun Flower (Round and smelling of flower in the hands) - Bevlynn was very fast in guessing correctly; within 3 seconds. 

Bevlynn acted : Kangaroo (hopping around), zombie (eat brains), floor is lava (hopping around)

It was fun and the children loved it. We should play it again! 

Bevlynn is sick again this week. High temperature and cough. The school has children having HFMD again. 

Brayden had Children Day and Sport Day in his school. He loves it. He's such a mess. There are black stains on his face, nose, everywhere. At times, he'd be back with some new rashes on his face. Even right after he washed his face, the stains are not completely gone, he's just a very dirty boy. 

He's been lectured a lot about his hygiene, but it had just fallen on deaf ears. 

There was a nice movie Khel Khel Mein about couples hiding secret lives from their spouses. In all marriages, there are various differences, conflicts and challenges. The spouses should work together in a partnership to overcome all difficulties and not to sweep it under the rug. The more and longer the problems are pushed aside, the marriage will continue with pretense of happiness and it will feel more distant. It does not have to be perfect but we have to constantly work on it. 

B&B's Favourite Activities

Brayden 7Y7M12D

Bevlynn 3Y4M6D

Two of my friends have delivered babies in the past month. It reminds me of the times when my babies were weeks old, sleeping and crying for milk. I miss it when they were still little; 2 can fit in my arms.ynow I can't even carry them -- Bray is 26kg, Bev is 16kg.

It is extremely difficult to juggle between work, self and family. With the travelling, it takes away precious time. I find pleasure in spending time with the little ones and hubs, simple joy by bringing them out to playground, swimming and shopping at the neighbourhood malls. 

Their cheeky laughter and humming of songs (not according to lyrics - Not alone, Singapore National Anthem, Happy Ol' Day) always give me a sense of warmth. I tell myself, now is the time that the children still asks for me, depend on me. It won't be for long... 

Bevlynn and Brayden's favourite activities:  

1. Cycling, Brayden in his cute little bicycle, he's outgrown his bicycle but he could still cycle very quickly in it. Bevlynn cycling very quickly with her tricyle, with small quick pedals like a little duck. 

2. Swimming. Brayden can swim really well now. Bevlynn only likes to swim like a little croc at the corner of a baby pool.

3. House. The bunk bed at home as turned into a little camping area for them. They'd build a small house using pillows, mattress and blanket. It is rather cosy because there is a small lamp in the house. They'd cook. Pretend to be parents to little soft toys. Or pretend the upper bunk as the pirate ship. 

4. Kick boxing. They love to kick box on my hand. I will rotate the regime (palm punch, helicopter, invincible samurai spike, and knee attack) and they will have to attack, defence or run. 

5. Hide-and-seek. They will need to hide in the small house. Somehow, we have to get really creative in this small house. Bevlynn only has 1 hiding spot; behind the curtain (that specific one). She'll always reveal herself before anyone found her. 

6. Showering in the bath tub. Small but can fit two. They always make bubble bath. 

Philippines

Brayden 7Y6M29D

Bevlynn 3Y3M22D

I spend the week in Manila Philippines. It is my first travel there. Such a nice place, with very welcoming people and good food. Did not manage to go around much due to work. The malls are well-lit and adorned with christmas decorations. They usually start decoration since early September every year. 

We had dinner on the last night at The Nest Dining in the Sky. It was on the 31st floor of Vivere hotel at Alabang. Beautiful weather and view overlooking Laguna De Bay. 2 weeks ago there were typhoon, good thing it was clear blue sky this week. The food was amazing, plus the band playing some music. It definitely brought out the very nice vibes of Philippines night life.

I had some time to read; it was a book on empowering thoughts. I have so much goodness in the present, there are certain times I overlooked and only focused on the uncertain future. Be grateful of the Now, otherwise, these moments will just pass in a blink. Although I have good times in the Philippines, I miss my family. 

A friend, SL just gave birth last week. We visited her while she is in confinement. I do miss the times when Bev and Bray were still little cuddly babies. Now they are running around, hugging, fighting, loving, playing...  

Mid-Autumn Festival | IKEA | Explore Philippines

Brayden 7Y6M24D

Bevlynn 3Y3M17D

This week was mid-autumn festival. This year we attended the mid-autumn event at Bukit Batok; there were magic show, yoyo performance, dance, singing, lion & dragon dance. The children loved playing at the playground beside the basketball court. We had a walked around the park with a lantern. 

We switched off the lights in the room to play hide and seek in the dark. It was exciting and fun. Bevlynn was just moving around randomly while Brayden was pretty good seeking in the blind. He could find us with the meek of sound from our voices. 

We had a gathering at Jane's house. The children played at the playground and there was a mid-autumn celebration beside the pool. They ate blue cotton candy and all looked like mini-smurfs with blue mouths and teeth. Bev loved playing with baby Aiden, Lucas and Caleb. 

Bevlynn played at a game in Ikea JEM. They gathered the random children and put them in teams of two. Bev was teamed up with a 5-yr girl, the youngest team. They had to sort the IKEA toys into the correct bin. Bev did pretty well, although their team was the first to play and took the longest time. But it was fun and they still gave some vouchers as awards. 

I had traveled month after month; from Thailand, Malaysia and I am leaving to the Philippines in another 4 hours. This would be my first trip to this country. I'll explore around.

Mommy-Son Getaway to JB

Brayden 7Y6M14D
Bevlynn 3Y3M7D

It was school holiday for Brayden for a week. We had plans for Legoland over the weekend but Hubs received a sad news from Kuantan. His cousin Ah Hao, 41 years old has just passed away due to infection. Since our last trip to Kuantan in March, Hubs met him in the hospital after his fall while at work. He never recovered from that fall. Life is so fragile.

I had a chance to spend a little more time with Brayden, Mommy-Son mini trip cross border to JB. Bray was excited and woke up early on his own and started washing up and waited for us to get ready. We waited awhile at the Kranji bus stop and passed the customs with breeze. We made it to SouthKey Mid Valley around lunch time. 

After lunch, there was a choice to choose between the playarea or the cinema Play+. He decided he'd prefer the playarea. He is now more independent and could play with other children. I had the chance to walk around and shop. By the end of the day, he did not want to leave and was complaining of how tired it was for him. But he enjoyed it and was very co-operative. He nap shortly in the grab car. We had to queue for bus and mrt. I hope he would spend more time with me, just a little more... 

When we reached home, Bev was waiting for us. She was still sick but looking very happy. 

They are at a very nice age now. They can play together - Cooking, Spiderman, singing the same song over and over - Not Alone, Not Alone (National Day NDP Theme Song). 

Brayden woke up in the middle of the night complaining of tummy ache again and walk around in the middle of the night. The next day, he could not remember any of these happening. Is this sleep walking? 

Bevlynn's speech is advance for her age. She really knows how to express herself very well. Brayden on the other hand is very good with Maths. Both has their strengths. 

 

 

Goodbye Coco | Brayden Reunion | Durian Party

Brayden 7Y6M8D

Bevlynn 3Y3M1D

In the one-week there was so many things done. 

Brayden did not want anyone to pull out his teeth. It was shaking like a coconut tree swayed by a typhoon, no kidding. He cried and cried and still would not let me pull it out. So I had to threatened him to a dentist. He kept asking me to wait and wait. After more than an hour and much scolding, he finally pulled the string that was tied to the teeth a little more and I surprised him with a karate chop on the string. It worked fast and clean. He was shocked but all happy. What a relief! 

There were more recording for a movie at the block near us. The actor was taking a motorbike and running down the street over and over. Looks like a super romantic scene. I really can't wait to see what is the content of the movie. I asked the children to go round and round the area for us to glimpse a little more of the scene. This silly mommy. 

Hub and I was at JB for a movie and massage. We watched the Deadpool vs Wolverine. Good watch. It kept us entertained with lots of comedy and as usual killing.

On Monday, I flew into Malaysia for work and met with Nic and Mandy for dinner. It was a last minute invitation but they could make it as well. Nic shared a photo of us taken more than 10 years ago - he was wearing the same clothes. 

Coco passed away while I was travelling. My dear little brown "teddy" dog. He was born in 2008 while we were in university, puppy of Baby (Shih Tsu) and Lady (Miniature German Pinscher), lived for 16 years and died peacefully on 29 August 2024, Thursday. He was my companion, gave me warm comfort, quick learner of tricks (dead, stand, sit) and always welcomed me with a long howl when I returned home. I knew this day would come. He was blind and deaf, hardly eating much in his last days. Goodbye my little one, you are dearly missed.

I had a midnight flight returning from Malaysia. It was a trip to Kerteh to provide a training to the customer there. But it was so last minute change of plan and I had to catch a flight from Kuantan. It was a small airport. I would not mind coming again next time if I am heading to Club Med Cherating since there were international flight. 

On Friday night, I attended the Plastic's Association Bowling Game - at CSC Bowling. 

It was fun. The last Hubs and I were here, more than 7 years ago, before we shifted to Bukit Batok and we had not have any children. Now Brayden could join us. I won 4th place and a voucher of S$30. Hooray! I even made new friends - one is a friend of Shawn (a colleague who had relocated to China). It is a small small world.  

On Saturday, we had a durian party in Bukit Batok neighbourhood. Mr Murali and an event emcee from Spikes of Love were there. He introduced the durian history about how in the 70s, durians only cost 60cents or less for one kilo. Now it is way more expensive than that 12 - 25 dollars / kilo. There was red prawn durian and Mao Sang Wang. Very delicious but I could not take too much. 

At night, we had a reunion for Brayden's ex-PPS childcare friends and family. All the children has grown, all in very different schools but they still have very good fun together. We had games like striking the ball to the players in the center, guessing game, ball dropping behind the players and catch (Bevlynn was very cute when she ran after the teacher and ran off tracks) and Red Light, Green Light. It was until very late, the children were still playing in the playground and wouldn't go home - just like how they used to be everyday after childcare. During the guessing game, Brayden was the fastest to give the answers for Maths and the other parents were asking me how he can count so fast? He is pretty good in maths I must say.... 

 

 

 

 

It's Okay Not To Be Okay

Brayden 7Y6M0D
Bevlynn 3Y2M24D

It's okay not to be okay!
Countdown to things he does not know me well enough:

1. I don't hate Japanese cuisine. But I don't appreciate to be asked to eat only Japanese cuisine week after week whenever there are so many choices of food out there. There's lack of creativity and laziness in putting more thoughts into it. (Also, preferably no rice or heavy noodles due to diet control)

2. I don't need help with the children. But I don't appreciate it whenever he told me he'd only help when I asked. I did not ask does not mean I don't want it. I'd only wish for him to be more involved willingly.

3.  I don't like sharing about what happens at work. That does not mean I don't have a load of stress from work; travelling, partners issues, colleagues politics, etc... I just hate taking personal time to focus on work matters. 

4. I am okay with him playing Pokemon Go. But I don't appreciate he went missing in the middle of the night to hunt for some virtual characters. Especially when every night feels like a war zone in my bedroom with the children.  

5. I don't like words like "Your head" or some cantonese strong words directed at me. These words are disrespectful and lack of class. (My interval voice would reply "There's nothing wrong with my head")

6. I feel I had taken into account of everyone's needs first; my husband, family, children, parents, friends, colleagues but never put my needs high enough. 

7. After the long years together, he does not put any effort into planning or doing something nice for us (just the two of us). He'd always let me plan and make decisions. I like planning but that does not mean I don't look forward to mini surprises or something nice once a while.  

8. I don't appreciate it when I was working at home and he had to take care of the children, he'd show his dissatisfaction instead of empathy for working until late. How often does that happen? (That's why I don't bring home work but would rather work until very late alone in the office instead) 

9. I don't eat a lot because I had to control my intake. But he thought I am a small eater. I am hungry all the time. And whenever I had to feed my children and miss a meal, he did not even noticed. At times, I only take several mouths of what is leftover from the children. And I don't have time to eat until the next meal. He would think that you can go and eat anytime, but my children are "sticking to me like glue". I don't mind going hungry but I don't appreciate that he did not notice these little things.  

10. I don't appreciate that he kept asking me to quit and belittle my effort. It made me felt less of a contributor. But I know I am finding my best balance and also growing the best for the family. Encouragement would have given me more strength, than doubting my potential.  

I am dealing with forced role change at work and demotion, more travelling, pre-diabetic control of diet, family expectations, overload of work, young children care, helper issues, need to travel to grow new opportunities. I know it is just a phase, it will pass.

I don't need affirmation, I don't need gifts. All I ask for is a little more small acts of support and true love. 

What ever he DOES or he DOES NOT do, affects me more than any other stresses in life. I want to matter to him, I want to be an important part of his life. 

Luck at Timezone | Nightmares | Grandma's House

Brayden 7Y5M27D

Bevlynn 3Y2M20D

This past week felt like it was packed with many activities. My father's and father-in-law's birthday was this past week. We celebrated with FIL at Dian Xiao Er and also bought a cake at home. Ah Pa's birthday, we sang birthday song over Whatsapp call and Brayden played the piano for him.

There were 2 days Brayden has no school due to PSLE oral but we couldn't arrange any leave; it was too busy for me. We had many restructuring in the office and so it was busy in preparing for the new structure. 

During the weekend, we took Brayden to Timezone because he did very well in his "Ting Xie" Chinese class. At the entrance, there was an ongoing event for Kanoodle and a 1-on-1 challenge to win a free Kanoodle. We were challenging a mid-aged men and lucky thing, he wasn't very good and fast at solving the puzzle. Hence, we WON! Brayden was very delighted with the win. 

More luck was coming our way. I played the DragonBall slots and won more than 800 tickets after sticking the SUPER BONUS (500 tickets total).

We played with the children at the playground. Search for the missing small white cap. Brayden loved this game. After that, we went to a neighbourhood recycling area, where they had a short activity to teach the children about the benefits of recycling. 

It was the 15th Hungry Ghost Day. Last few nights I was having nightmares after nightmares. It could have been the stress from work, probably. 

One of the dreams was: that I was sleeping next to Bevlynn, the space felt odd although all seemed real and I tried waking up from the dream. I forced myself up and found myself in another dream. It was dream after dream after dream... was about 6 cycles or more. Then, in the last one, I was quickly running to the Buddha altar we had at home but the Buddha was not there - it was empty. Then I looked out the window in the direction of the temple near our house. The Buddha was huge and obvious but the eyes were firey red. I reached out my hand and as I was getting closer, I woke up finally. 

In another dream, I was in my old maternal grandmother's house. The one at the corner, where we used to visit and play. This time, the whole house was dark and full of snakes. 

It was not scary, but it reminded me so much of my grandmother and how we used to grow up there. It was a big semi-detach house, corner unit, at Relau beside the Pusat Pelancongan Relau. There was a small drain at the side of the house, which is very clean and had little longkang fishes in there. We will hop in the deep drain and try to catch some. There was one room which acted like a store room, filled and packed with old stuff. At the side compound of the house, there was a small altar house which was right under a jambu tree. Beside the garden compound, my grandmother grew some vegetable plots and also have a chicken & duck coop at the corner. Far behind the house, my uncle used the space to breed hamsters. It was a good business back then. They used to sell the hamsters in front of the house during the weekly night market along the stretch. My grandmother used to love sitting on the big swing in front of the house to watch cars passed by and to chat with my Mom. Photo of the old house below: Ahh the good ol' times... such fond memories of her.