Bintan Company Retreat

Brayden 7Y9M4D

Bevlynn 3Y5M28D

28 - 30 Nov 2024, 

I was off again on a business trip, but this time it is a company retreat. It is the first time in my five years working for the organisation. We went to Bintan Indonesia, an island not too far away from Singapore. The ferry ride to the island took only about 1 hour to arrive. 

However, something happened right before arriving at the ferry terminal. We were sharing a cab and my company phone dropped on the car seat. By the time I noticed it, the Grab car has left for the other side of Singapore. So I had to quickly arranged for Hubs to collect the phone from the driver. I had to go on the trip without my phone and nobody could reach me. It truly become a "retreat" for me then, although it was unintentional. 

We had conferences and teams from Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam; all coming together. 

We were taken on a bus to the Angsana Hotel Bintan. It is a nice hotel, my room was facing the swimming pool and the beach. Each time the lunch and dinner comes in variety of places and setup. We ate at the Lotus Cafe, Banyan Tree restaurant and Saffron Restaurant (Dinner Thai). To go to the restaurants we need to get on a buggy, on the way there were many private villas lined up on the sides of the road. Banyan Tree and Saffron Restaurant had very nice view overlooking the beach, it was on top of a small cliff. 

There was team bonding session. It was rainy weather so everything has to be mostly indoors. We had to Pass the marbles in a line, Tap-Catch the fingers, Pull-out balls from basket using chopsticks, Rearrange the Cards, Hold the rope and make shapes blindfolded, Build a tower with straws, Drop the Egg. Our team did not win but we had lots of fun. 

I had managed to get a session of Sound Healing on the last day; it was a 45-min session in a private villa with a wonderful view outside the large windows. It was a new experience for me. We had all laid on the floor mat and there were sound gongs. It felt relaxing with the sound, slowly it started getting really bright and I saw beautiful aura colours (blue, violet, red) in my blind-folded eyes. I thought it was strange, was the blindfold not work properly? I moved my blindfold and made sure it was all pitch black. It was..... only for awhile, then the colours start reappearing again. It came in circles and circle in to a small dot, following the gong sound. Then I could felt vibrations on my body even though the gong was only very close. I was not feeling too well that day, but when we returned home. My blocked nose started to clear and phlegm just came out after few coughs. It does felt like body healing; although I am not too sure if this is how it should be. 

My colleagues had some ghostly encounters in their room. There was a lady in tudung screaming at a colleague and she saw a kampung of people staring at her from outside her window. It was not too good an experience for her. 

Unlucky Month | No Anxiety

Brayden 7Y9M3D

Bevlynn 3Y5M27D

On 27 Nov 2024,

we were back again in JB Southkey Midvalley with Brayden. I was here to collect the new travel luggage I had pre-ordered the week before. I had to replace the luggage that was damaged from my return trip from Germany. When I returned to Singapore last trip, the luggages got left behind at the Frankfurt Airport and was not delivered on time. It was the first time I had luggage delayed on return to Singapore. When the luggages were delivered to my home the next day, I found big cracks on both luggages. In first thoughts, how "lucky" can I get? I can now get new luggages and make claims from insurance for it. But the claims were quite troublesome, there were many paperworks that need to be submitted to the insurance company. 

In the same month, I had my credit card used overseas by credit card scammer, left my phone in Grab car while on my trip to Bintan, lost my favourite bracelet, flight got cancelled for our trip to Penang. More on these stories later...... (To be continued)

I was very busy up to my neck and now there are more things added to my list of to-dos and follow-ups because of these happenings. Somehow I am still quite relaxed and not overwhelmed at all. I guess age and maturity plays a part. I've learnt from past experiences that it does not help when we allow unexpected things happening to us to affect us. It will be better to work out a list of tasks to sort out the matter. Small steps and actions will slowly sort out the mess. Having big anxiety does not help elevate the situation and sometimes it could pull us down with the heavy emotions. When you put the bad emotions aside, you can think more clearly on what needs to get done. In the past, I used to contemplate as to "Why me?", Now I think to myself "It's okay, I am lucky to get the opportunity to learn how to solve problems" "I hit jackpot again". 

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).