Guitarist in making

Inspired by his older brother, Ted decided to learn and practice guitar on his own with the help of Youtube.

So this is his favourite song

Beautiful in White

Summer Break at Telunas Private Island

This was one of the best holidays we’ve had—everything was fully sponsored by papa’s company.

We hadn’t planned any trips for June because both kids needed to prepare for their final-year exams. But thankfully, my husband’s company organized a Family Day at Telunas Private Island. It was our first time visiting a private island, and we were beyond excited.

Our journey began with a ferry ride from HarbourFront to Sekupang, Batam. From there, we continued by speedboat to Telunas Resort. Each leg of the trip took about an hour.

We arrived just in time for lunch and were treated to a delicious three-course set menu: Thai beef salad as the appetizer, prawn balado with steamed rice for the main course, and Thai mango sticky rice for dessert.

After lunch, we headed to our villa for some free-and-easy time. The kids chose to fish from the balcony. After nearly two hours of patience and excitement, they caught four fish and asked the kitchen to cook them for dinner.

Since the weather was scorching hot, we cooled off with a swim while watching the sunset. The sky was stunningly clear—no clouds in sight. Later, we had dinner with the group, followed by a bonfire and toasted marshmallows under the stars.

We slept soundly that night.

The next morning, we took a short 3-minute wooden boat ride to a nearby island resort for a team-building activity: raft building. It was our first time doing this! We had to build a raft, sail it to a designated point, return, and disassemble it. Challenging but so much fun!

After returning to the villa and having lunch, the kids took part in a pottery class while the adults relaxed and enjoyed some quiet time.

That evening, we had a BBQ dinner followed by a company appreciation ceremony.

On our final morning, before checking out, the kids were eager to go fishing one last time—an activity they can’t easily do in Singapore. After lunch, we packed up and headed home.

It was a truly special experience, even though the weather was humid and incredibly hot. Staying in the villa for 3 days and 2 nights was just what we needed to recharge and reconnect. When we got back home, we felt so grateful for air conditioning—something we often take for granted, yet can’t live without!

Wrapping Up Our Last Vacation in 2024

Wrapping up our final vacation of 2024, we reflect on what has become our favorite destination: Japan. This trip was not only an incredible journey but also a source of meaningful life lessons.

1. Unlocking New Challenges

We were initially hesitant to drive in Hokkaido during winter. However, by God’s grace, we embraced the challenge and took steps to prepare ourselves both mentally and physically. From researching suitable cars for snowy conditions to taking a crash course online and seeking advice from friends with experience, we learned how to navigate the icy roads safely. The effort was rewarding, proving that with preparation and determination, challenges can lead to growth and unforgettable experiences.

2. Perfect Timing

Throughout our trip, there were many close calls where we nearly missed transport or schedules. Yet, God’s providence ensured everything worked out perfectly. One memorable instance was when we caught a local bus from Otaru Station to Otaru Aquarium. Arriving just 15–20 minutes before departure, we managed to squeeze into the last queue. Missing that bus would have disrupted our entire plan due to long waiting times. A similar thing happened on our return journey, where the bus arrived just five minutes after we reached the stop—truly a testament to perfect timing.

3. Embrace the Weather, Enjoy the Ride

Hokkaido’s weather is famously unpredictable, alternating between bright sunny skies and heavy snowfalls. These variations impacted car and road conditions, presenting unique challenges. Instead of complaining or worrying, we chose to embrace the weather and enjoy the ride, finding beauty and adventure in every moment.

4. God’s Providence and Guardian Angels

One unforgettable incident occurred during our stay at Rusutsu. Our second son experienced chest pain in the middle of the night, just hours before our flight to Osaka. Panic set in as we called emergency responders, unsure how to handle the situation. By God’s grace, he recovered quickly, and we made it to our flight on time. This event was a profound reminder of God’s protection and the presence of guardian angels in our lives.

This Japan trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was a journey filled with challenges, gratitude, and lessons that we will carry with us into the future.

Cultural Experience in Kyoto (24 - 25 December 2024)

Kyoto is a stunning city, rich with history and culture. Its old-town charm and traditional Japanese houses, which are preserved almost everywhere, including the façade of our hotel, create a unique and timeless atmosphere.

Known for its cultural and historical significance, Kyoto is a treasure trove for those interested in ancient Japanese traditions. During this trip, we were especially intrigued by the history of the Samurai and Ninja.

Uji, the birthplace of matcha, is located just 30 minutes south of Kyoto. Although we arrived late in the day, with most shops closing around sunset, we still managed to enjoy a variety of matcha-infused treats like gyoza, takoyaki, ice cream, and, of course, Uji matcha drinks. We also brought home some exclusive matcha goodies available only in Uji.

Before flying back to Singapore, we visited the Ninja and Samurai Museum—a visit we’ll always cherish. We learned about the origins and history of these iconic figures, from their beginnings to the decline of their era during Japan's modernization in the Meiji period.

The highlight for our family was practicing ninja star throwing, and to our delight, Richie won the ninja championship game! We also dressed in samurai costumes and took memorable photos with landmark backdrops.

To wrap up our Kyoto adventure, we strolled through Gion, capturing stunning shots of traditional Japanese houses and temples while savoring matcha desserts—a perfect end to our journey before heading to the airport.