Railway Trek

A few weekends ago, on 10 July, we joined the throngs of curious Singaporeans at the abandoned Bukit Timah railway tracks and bade farewell to a historical monument that had been so much a part of our lives yet remained modestly in the backgrounds of our consciousness. 

It was a sweltering hot morning as we trudged along the railway tracks. What struck me was the hundreds of Singaporeans who had already converged on the tracks, despite our nation's usual aversion to the blazing sun and humid, windless weather. 

I usually detest crowds of any sorts, but these legions of people seemed rather comforting in our common alacrity to caress the dame of our nation's railway history with our multifarious footmarks. 

Hubby, Big Bee and I were busy snapping photos of the majestic tracks, whereas Little Bee marched stalwartly on the rocky and uneven tracks. The tracks were beautifully maintained, and I loved the splendid juxtaposition of the wooden tracks against the granite rocks. 

We crossed the prominent Bukit Timah railway bridge dauntlessly, despite a "no crossing" sign! The Bees were almost melting in the heat by now, but we continued our trek tirelessly. 

What I loved most about the trek was when we traipsed onto the small and rather decrepit signalling station and the many rail tracks alongside it. We explained to the Bees the intricacies and importance of signalling for trains. They were intrigued. 

We explored around here for a considerable time, and we particularly loved the dense primary forest around us. We ambled along the dirt track in the woods for a while, admiring all kinds of little colourful wild flowers and unkempt shrubs whilst listening to the contented chirpings of unseen birds. 

It was amazing how the silence of the forest permeated us, despite the crowds, almost as if everyone was hushed in their expressions within the presence of many verdant giants. 

Hubby and I fervently hoped that this green abundance would not be destroyed like so many of their predecessors before them, just to make way for yet another cold, unfeeling and utterly uninteresting urban landscape.  

It was noon by the time we decided to leave the refreshing forest for the hustle and bustle of a typical city life. We were glad that the Bees got to see a crucial pillar of history that shaped Singapore into who we are today. 

More importantly, we wanted them to see how civilisation and wild nature could exist harmoniously alongside in the past, unlike the senseless destruction of woodlands in most parts of Singapore to make way for dire over-urbanisation now. 

The Bees looking for mimosa and other interesting plants...

I have an uneasy hunch that we would not be seeing much of this breathtaking wilderness in time to come, despite our government's claim that they would be preserving this green belt "amidst other developments". Let's hope I am wrong. 

More photos here!

The Bees were fascinated that these were not just another set of serial numbers, but represented the year in which the Bukit Timah railway bridge was built.

I loved the intricate architecture designs of the bridge

We are so in need of such quaint, tranquil dirt tracks amidst gorgeous wilderness in Singapore! 

Sisters trekking together, hand in hand

Onward we march...

Big Bee was trying to emulate Hubby, who had earlier on posed for a photo as a "victim" trapped on the tracks!

My Sister, My Teacher

These days, the Bees are very fond of perpetual sibling quibbles on a daily basis, but I guess that is very normal sibling behaviour at this age. However, there are pockets of halcyon affection between them, especially on busy days when they could not see each other for much of the day, and I know they had grown to depend on each other greatly.

These spells of sisterly tenderness never fail to infuse me with tingly warmth and gratified contentment - that amidst the stormy, turbulent world, the Bees would always have themselves and us as islands of unclouded assurance and unceasing love where they could find a harmonious shelter away from the turmoils of this harsh world. 

This evening was one wonderful example that uplifted my spirits. After work, I was asking Little Bee if she would like to record a brief entry in her journal about her field trip to Sentosa's Butterfly Park yesterday. 

She looked at me cheekily and quipped, "I had already done it, Mummy! Go look at my dairy!" 

I gazed at her with incredulity, my mind hovering between the thin, indistinguishable line of disbelief and trust. "Are you sure?" I ventured to ask. Little Bee responded with an excited "YES!" and vigorous nodding of her head. "Go check my diary NOW!"

Little Bee's diary

True enough, there was a new entry about her field trip with sketches of the butterflies in the park. I turned and praised her effusively, gushing, "You did this on your own?" Little Bee was hopping around in sheer ebullience and pride, proclaiming loudly, "Jie Jie asked me to write, and she helped me!"

I quickly praised Big Bee, who nodded in shy satisfaction and mumbled that she was just trying to help Little Bee jot down her field trip experience. It may be a brief entry, but it was their espirit de corps devotion that touched me. 

Little Bee's short journal entry

I am exultant to hear that Big Bee had been such a responsible big sister, encouraging Little Bee to write a journal entry and guiding her all the way. And I am also very pleased that Little Bee willingly listened to her big sister in obedience. 

I may seem to be over-reacting, but to me, in a phase of incessant sibling bickerings, this little episode of teamwork and sisterly affinity brought glorious sunshine to my heart tonight!

I do hope they will be pillars of stalwart support for each other in their long odyssey across the stormy oceans of life :)

Recipe For A Volcano Eruption!

One lazy Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, we decided to ditch all homework, and experiment with some messy, hands-on fun. Since we were still dabbling around with our "Earth Sciences" homelearning theme (we had completed the "Space" theme slightly earlier), we decided to create an erupting volcano.

Step 1: Mould the volcano out of an empty, old plastic water bottle and aluminium foil. The volcano would look a lot better if we could layer brown playdoh or clay over the foil, but we were all way too lazy to do that! Hence, we had a silver volcano that looked like it could reside on any planet in outer space! 

Step 2: The "ingredients" for a red-hot, fiery volcanic eruption!

Vinegar + baking soda + red/orange paint = a blazing eruption :)

Step 3: Mix some red/orange paint into a cup of vinegar  

Step 4: Put in 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda into the volcanic crater (into the "throat" of a volcano). 

Step 5: Pour the cup of reddish vinegar into the throat of the volcano, and wait for a swift, frothy eruption!

Throughout the messy fun, I took the opportunity to explain the various parts of a volcano to them, and described how and why volcanoes erupted in real life. Little Bee had firmly informed me she would avoid going to Hawaii, which used to be one of her favourite countries, because it is a land rife with volcanoes! 

The Bees were thrilled during the whole session, and had such fantastic fun that they repeated the whole experiment twice until we ran out of vinegar (really rapidly!). 

Thereafter, they spent almost an hour doing nothing but pouring water and paint into the volcano, having crazy fun all by themselves, shrieking and giggling in delight. They created a complete mess but I did not stop them as it was such a glorious retrieve when I could read a book in a quiet corner for an hour :) 

Emerald MacRitchie

Sometime in June, we embarked onto MacRitchie Reservoir for a peaceful breakfast, and were treated to emerald scenes of tranquillity and harmony. 

The breakfast was rather cheap and delicious, and the air was fresh though humid. It was liberating to sit back and be surrounded by sheaths of jade-green grass, wise majestic trees and dainty flowering shrubs. 

We took a walk around the grounds after breakfast, and found that large parts of MacRitchie was under construction. I hope they would retain the natural rustic feel of this grand old reservoir, and not create yet another sophisticated but unnaturally cultivated water park. 

We sauntered to the familiar reservoir of water, and we explained to the Bees the usage of the pump room, as well as the concept of a reservoir. They were very fascinated that this huge lake embodies our drinking water!

We were also intrigued by the large pockets of wild, untapped forests in little islets across the creek. How nice to camp there overnight! The Bees loved such sprawling places of nature, and Big Bee was busy snapping photos everywhere. 

There was a little photo exhibition about the history of MacRitchie. It was so nostalgic and fun meandering down memory's lane as we showed them photos of the famous cross-country runs that most of us had to undergo as school children, the concerts in the park and all those 1980s hairstyles and fashion! It seemed to me that it was only days ago that I was there as a little child, and now, I am bringing my children to this grand old dame of reservoirs. Time truly trundles swiftly through our lives. 

We will be back soon for some trekking in their beautiful, verdant trails! 

An Exquisite Afternoon

On June 15, Hubby and I took the girls to Capella Singapore for an afternoon tea indulgence. It was a weekday afternoon, and one of the luxuries of weekday outings was that there was practically no one around, which was so gratifying for us. 

We pampered ourselves with a traditional 3-tier afternoon tea set. We were able to select different varieties of tea sets ranging from Peranakan, traditional old English and Japanese. Hubby chose the Peranakan set, whereas I aimed straight for my favourite English tea set. 

Hubby's Peranakan tea set

My English tea set

The glorious aspect about high tea in Capella was the brilliant range of teas available for our selection - in all semblances of exotic names and flavours! Hubby selected a fruity, berry-infused tea, whereas I allowed myself to be nourished by a heavy-flavoured Turkish tea with a slightly tangy zing to it. Refreshing! 

The Bees loved the food and the ambience. I am lucky that they could sit through an entire 2-hour long tea session, including Little Bee, so long there was good food with beautiful surroundings! They munched happily on the afternoon delights, chatting and giggling with us.

The Bees loved the strawberries here, and the waitress taking care of us was so kind as to bring out 3 entire trays of cut strawberries for us, much to the elation of the Bees!

It was so tranquil sitting beside the full glass doors, alongside the aquamarine pool whilst admiring the lush, verdant trees and shrubs surrounding the pool. It felt like a little vacation! 

We managed to stroll around the hotel grounds a little after our tea, and were awe-struck by the panoramic views of the South China Sea glistening around us. What an alluring afternoon indeed!

Rise Of The Red Moon

I am lucky that my hubby shares my fascination with astronomy. Which was why we were chatting animatedly about the phenomenon of the red moon in the wee hours of June 16. Out of an uncontrollable impulse, we decided to leave the Bees sleeping at home, and bolted out to the dark grounds of our estate at 3am just to observe the progress of the lunar eclipse. 

It was bewitching to watch the lunar eclipse unfolding right in front of our bare eyes. We stood in the refreshingly cool air of the deep of night, listening to the musical rustling of ubiquitous tree leaves dancing with the rising wind. Our eyes were glued to the mystical and age-old process happening right above us in the celestial heavens - until 3 precious minutes just before the exact time of complete lunar eclipse when the moon was slated to emanate a blood-red semblance.

 

I tried taking some shots of the lunar eclipse progress and could see the moon gradually becoming a sliver of red from a rather large, luminous gibbous shape in less than an hour! 

Right at 3.18am, the moon was abruptly blotted out by a thick, dense, angry cumulo-nimbus cloud which brought with it strong howling winds and a deluge of cold steely rain. Just 3 minutes before total eclipse!

We were sorely disappointed, and ran back into our home in the ensuing rain. But at least we watched the progress of the eclipse. And more importantly, we spent a little couple time under the cloudy skies in the witching hour. Rather romantic and magical, I must say :) 

An Afternoon Of Recreation

We had a spate of playdates during the last week of the June holidays, which was wonderful for the Bees to catch up with some of their friends whom they meet only during school holidays. On 20 June, LP and I took some time off work and indulged in a restorative weekday afternoon of fun, games and food with her 2 vivacious boys, WW and WD, and the Bees.  

The kids immersed in a vigorous session of bowling, getting all excited with fantastic sportsmanship. Bowling is an excellent recreation for older kids, as it fosters strong sportsmanship, competitive camaraderie and teamwork in the kids. In addition, the best advantage for the parents was that we could literally sit back and chat - leaving the kids to their safe devices for almost an hour! 

We also enjoyed an indulgent bout of arcade games (not my favourite activity for children, but it was the school holidays after all!) before heading for a well-deserved teabreak.

We then headed to LP's house where the kids basked in yet another energetic play session, while the mothers continued our chats. 

A great afternoon for bonding between both mothers and children! 

Universal Delights

PF and I brought the kids to Universal Studios on 23 June, and had a fabulous time. This was my second trip to the theme park, and this time, I chose not to bring Little Bee as she did not enjoy the rides previously. Without Little Bee, we would also be able to take the high-risk thrill rides! I did ask Little Bee repeatedly if she wanted to go, but she kept emphasising that she didn't like Universal Studios adamantly, and that she would be happier with grandma at home. I guess she is still a zealous Disneyland fan at this age. 

Anyway, we bought the Express Pass, and it was such a blessing! I remembered the long and sweltering hot queues that we had to experience last December when we were there, and shuddered. This time round, the Express Pass enabled us to breeze through the queues, without needing to wait an extra minute! It definitely enlivened our overall experience of the Park!

The 3 big kids had crazy and fun times screaming in the thrill rides, squealing in the 4D show, gossiping about big kids' stuff in general and debating about taking certain rides. In the end, we took all the rides, except for the Battlestar Galactica ride - which I aim to take with Big Bee the next time we are there! 

Some highlights of the rides we took (very brief descriptions as I do not want to spill out spoilers inadvertently!):

(A) Madagascar zone

(1) A Crate Adventure

We set off with glee in this ride, expecting a thrill ride, but it was actually a very relaxing and serene boat ride with a couple of tiny surprises here and there. A good start to our day! 

(2) Party-Go-Round Carousel Ride

With the Express Pass, we completed all the rides (with lunch and teabreak thrown in!) by 4.45pm. Which was when we decided to hop on the carousel ride since we had nothing else better to do! The big kids found it boring, but Little Bee loved it when she sat on it last December. I loved it for a little reprieve from all those screams-inducing thrill rides! 

December 2010: The Bees on the same carousel. Little Bee loved it!

(B) Far Far Away zone

December 2010: The Bees loved the Far Far Away land of princesses and fairy tales

(1) Enchanted Airways roller coaster

The kids loved this mini roller coaster, and dragged us to take it twice. Do not be fooled by its mini scale. It was actually very hair-raising for me, with its blood-curdling dips and precarious turns. I screamed non-stop every time I took this ride. Big Bee loved it for its stimulating and blood-pumping twists though. Whew. 

(2) Magic Potion Spin

We did not take this tiny ferris wheel this time, but I took it with the Bees when we were here with Hubby last December. It was a very claustrophobic and dark indoor ride - nothing like those towering, glorious ferris wheel where we could gaze at panoramic scenery! 

(3) Shrek 4D Adventure show

The 4D effects were brilliant and so very realistic. We loved this show! 

The grandiose castle of Shrek 4D's show

(4) Donkey Live

Again, we watched this last December, not this time. It focused on a stand-up comedy show with Donkey. Rather entertaining, but not very tempting to watch for the second time. 

(C) The Lost World zone

(1) Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure

It is imperative to bring ponchos along for this ride, because even with ponchos, we were utterly drenched! This was rather over-rated, in my opinion, but worth a ride for the thrill of seeing dinosaurs and for the feeling of being in another land. 

(2) Canopy Flyer

We took this with zero anticipation, as the ride looked so harmless from below. Boy, we were all in for a surprise! The height was formidable, we had our legs dangling in mid-air, the ride was swift and titillating, and some of the turns high up in the air were heart-stoppingly rapid! Those with height phobia, beware! We were all breathlessly excited after this ride. Fun! 

A still from a videoclip that showed Big Bee ascending up the park! 

(3) Waterworld

We watched this when we were in Osaka's Universal Studios, enjoyed the effects but could not understand a word of Japanese which they spoke. Here in Singapore, the effects were still riveting and we were able to understand the entire storyline. The kids were captivated and stunned. 

(4) Dino-soarin'

After all these heart-palpitating rides, we decided to cool down with a nice, tame round-about ride (like those Flying Dumbo rides in Genting or Disneyland). Big Bee and Claire were propelling their dinosaur way up in the sky, and I was sitting alone in front of them, just enjoying all their giggles and delight. 

(D) Ancient Egypt zone

This would be my favourite zone, as I always felt like I am in another world, another time here, with all the majestic ancient Egyptian buildings and statues towering over me, spiced up with mysterious and sombre music. 

(1) Treasure Hunters

As we were waiting for our lunch to be digested so we could enjoy other rousing rides, we decided to take this calm and mild jeep ride, which was more suitable for younger children like Little Bee. 

Perspective from within the jeep

(2) Revenge of the Mummy

The highlight of the day! After much persuasion by me, Big Bee squared her shoulders and agreed to take this signature ride. I loved this ride for its pre-ride dim, atmospheric ambience, its pitch-dark roller-coaster ride (I prefer not to see where the coaster dipped around!) and for its beautiful yet haunting interiors. 

The ride was extremely electrifying and tremendously mind-blowing - it was truly intense! Everyone was jolted through their senses with huge rushes of adrenaline thereafter - stupendous indeed! The children were spooked by the eerie and cryptic ambience too...!

Sighs of relief after they had "conquered" The Mummy ride!

(E) Sci-Fi City

We could hear the screams of the people from the Battlestar Galactica rides reverberating and echoing throughout the whole theme park. It was also very entertaining to watch the death-defying and heart-stopping loops, turns and dips of the 2 roller coasters. 

Accelerator

We took the Accelerator, which was like a rotating teacup ride. The kids - as usual - turned the spacecraft immensely fast, leading to dizziness for me! Overall, a very bearable ride. 

(F) New York

Lights, Camera, Action!

Hubby first brought us to this spectacle, and we were awed. This was a movie studio that re-created the magic of movies, and showcased how a studio simulated a Category 5 hurricane - all within a movie studio. Amazing. The Bees were rather frightened back then though. This time round, we were on the first row and very near to the hurricane effects, so the kids were rather daunted too! I thoroughly enjoyed this show :)

(G) Hollywood

Monster Rock show

During our last visit in December, we caught the entertaining Monster Rock show. Very pop concert with lots of songs like a typical musical, and a great place to take a break from the heat and thrill rides! 

Meals

We had our lunch at Mel's Drive-in, which was a 50s rock and roll retro diner that I loved! 

Our lunch :P

We also headed for an alfresco teabreak right in the magical land of Far Far Away with Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. And finally, scrumptious dinner at the chic Hollywood China Bistro. 

What a fun day - and we will be back during the next school holidays, with a ride on Battlestar Galactic, no less!

Shakespeare For Children

I had always been an avid admirer of Shakespeare's works, having studied quite a number of his plays intensively for 5 years, and having watched many of his productions. Which was why I was elated when I saw this book for children in the bookstore one day - and bought it immediately. 

I want the Bees to be acquainted with his plays and the main themes associated with some of them. Perhaps not with the complex language that they probably would not be able to understand now. But definitely with him and some of his signature plays. 

And the beautiful element of this book is that the writers simplified his old 15 century English into easy language just for children - complete with such enchanting illustrations that captivated the Bees! There are, however, pockets of legendary Shakespearean verses highlighted within the illustrations, and I do read those to them, much to their bafflement. However, I just asked them to enjoy the bewitching rhymes in his lilting iambic pentameters. And they did. 

An example (let me indulge myself!): 

But soft! What light through

Yonder window breaks?

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. 

To which Big Bee gave me a bewildered look and uttered, "I don't understand what you are reading!". Haha!

On Friday night, I started reading my favourite Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet, to the Bees, uncertain of their reaction to archaic character portrayals and plots. To my pleasant surprise, they were both transfixed. Last night, as I continued my readings, they would not allow me to stop even after I had read a few chapters, until I had to coax them to hold on to their anticipation and wait for tonight. 

There was another key reason why I stopped reading Romeo and Juliet last night too. For those of you familiar with the particular play, you would know its tragic ending. I suddenly realised that the ending may not be suitable for little kids, and now I am wrecking my brain on how to address the ending tonight! Do I make up an alternative ending for the Bees (not a wise choice)? Do I gloss over the ending quickly (still tragic)? Do I skip through the final chapters? Do I proceed to another happier play like A Midsummer Night's Dream? Incidentally, there is also Macbeth in the same book! Anyway, the Bees are now hooked to Romeo's and Juliet's story, and had explicitly persuaded me to read tonight.

What do you think?

In the meanwhile, I had better go hide the book. Big Bee had jovially expressed that she would be sneaking out the book to read herself!