Kids view of international travel.

My kids are having a very different childhood than mine. I don't think I went on a plane ride or even left the state of NSW before I was 15.
My kids think international travel is what everyone does and that the only way to travel is with their friends. We stayed at Le Grove Apartments.

It's a tough life for a kid at the Singapore science centre, Sentosa Island, Underwater world and the Night Safari

Changes in international travel costs from Indonesia

At the start of the 2009, a few changes were made to costs associated with international travel for Indonesian citizens and residents.
Prior to January 2009, every adult resident or citizen had to pay 1 million Rupiah (about $140 AU) Fiscal tax every time they left the country, as well as 50 000RP ($7) departure tax. For a family of 5, it was just too expensive to leave often.

The new regulations waives this charge if you are a tax payer.

As we are tax payers in Indonesia we don't have to pay!

The departure tax has now risen though to 150 000RP per person, so we still have to pay this 5 times if we all leave (just over $100 AU).

Tiger air, a budget Singaporean airline, have started to fly routes out of Jakarta, which is great news as they have made trips to Singapore within our budget. Twice this year we have picked up $US6 flights.


(small print...once you add all seat and luggage charges plus tax's it does work out to be quite a bit more than $6, but nothing like the $1000+ it would be on Singapore air or Garuda Air)

The global banking crisis has had an extreme effect on the price of accommodation in Singapore, the cost of a room has dropped back to the affordable levels of 2006 and early 2007. Just about all hotels will not let you have a family of 5 in one room, you need 2 rooms, which is why we always try and get an apartment. Apartments have the advantage of kitchens and laundries which are very budget friendly. We recommend Le Grove apartments .

These 3 factors (fiscal, tiger air and accommodation costs) all mean we can do some more exploring in SE Asia. I have never been to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia, I'm hoping that will change as soon as possible!

Bar Bar Black Sheep, Singapore

The wonderful above photos are from Ms C. at the Camemberu.com.

GJ had to do a some work on our last trip to Singapore; whilst he was in the Singapore office he was told repeatedly that we all had to try out this outdoors bar and bistro.

It was great advice!

The bar is at 879 Bukit Timah Rd, about an 8 minute taxi ride from the Orchard road district.

There was a great selection of beers at very reasonable prices, but no wine. Don't worry though, a half glass of sprite/7up and some ice cubes can make beer palatable even for me!

(don't try this at a German Oktoberfest......eyes will bulge, especially when you stick a straw in!)

There are three bistros you can order food from, Hamburgers/western style, Thai and Indian. Between us we all had something from each and all were delicious! We went mid week and got the 2 last tables; it is very popular.

We had all the kids at one table while we grabbed another one, very civilised!

Here is a link with some great photos.

We didn't have time to go back for a second visit, but next time we are in town we will be there!

One week until university exams.....and counting.

In 1.5 weeks time I will be free to blog, and read and relax.......until then, here is a little something.

Last time we went to Singapore, Chelsea fell over and had a suspected fractured arm.
This time she slipped and fell on her chin; these are photos of the slowly fading bruise.
Very surprisingly she was not in a lot of pain...
We had no idea it was so bad until we took the ice off.
Chelsea has previously managed to snap an adult tooth in half and I was so worried she had done some dental damage, but everything was fine.
Just over a week later it has just faded away completely.

Chelsea takes after GJ....his body is covered in scars from his childhood.

Sentosa Island, Singpaore

We had a great day at Sentosa Island, Singapore on Good Friday.

This was our first every visit to this popular resort spot, it is a 10 minute taxi ride from the centre of the city.
We decided to take the cable car across to the island, (you can drive, take a monorail, taxi or bus) we loved it, BUT if you are scared of heights don't!!!!!!!!

The kids loved being so high and when they realised that they were actually going through a high rise tower they were gobsmacked lol!

(You can click on the photos for a larger view)

Once we got off the cable car, we took the scenic bush walk down to the beach and strolled along the beach front to Palawan Beach. I had a wonderful cold soda water in a cafe at the waters edge while GJ took the kids swimming. Georgia was bitten by some sea lice and was soon out and took Chelsea with her, Ben likes the water but playing in the sand is much more fun, so GJ ended up having a leisurely swim.

The beach was very crowded and then I saw it.......

Something dark and swimming close towards the shore......

(cue Jaws theme music)

The crowd started tittering and there was a mass exodus to shore as there was a huge (1.5m+) lizard (monitor?) swimming to shore.

It must be pretty common as every one gave it some space and were back in the water with in minutes!

After a snack we caught the free tram and did a quick island tour before ending up at the luge ride. We caught the open air sky ride to the top and then speed down the mountain on these go-kart/toboggans.
If you are scared of heights, this is definitely not for you!

Back at the top we were pleased to find a Subway.....(the chain is not in Indonesia) and oh my, it was good!

The island was crowded when we went, but it was a public holiday for Good Friday. I would be here all the time if I lived in Singapore!

Singapore Science Centre

When we organised our quick trip to Singapore, the first place the kids wanted to go was the Singapore Science Centre (the 2nd was Little India). This was our 3rd visit and we were entranced as usual. There were many new exhibits as well as a few old favourites.

This was an Earth exhibit, the girls wrote postcards which were then displayed up on a huge wall with their photos. Can you tell which postcard GJ wrote (hint, he was channelling his mate Stumpy)?

The kids had hours of fun in the Human Body area.


This was the new Nano Technology exhibit, where the kids created horror movies.

Here are some previous posts on the Science Centre

The only down point of the day was at the end waiting to get a taxi back. Unless you can manage to order a taxi, you need to walk up to the main road and flag one down. There are lots going by, so usually not a problem. There were quite a few groups doing this. Most of us realised who was first there and waited for our turns. Over the course of ten minutes two separate groups came out, looked at the waiting people, and then walked 20 meters up the road and hailed cabs and bypassed the queue. One couple pushed in front of a family group with babies and small kids!
When we became first in the taxi group someone tried to grab the cab I had flagged down.
I was so p'd off by then I calmed walked up, opened the door and got in, climbing almost under their arms (no eye contact of course lol) and took what I believed was rightfully mine.

This is my cultural background, ie one of queuing, wait for your turn, first in first served etc.


But it is not the culture of many Asian countries; especially where we live, Indonesia.

Are you allowed to get upset when things are different, after all I am living in someone else’s country, why should I expect them to do things my way?

On the other hand are some customs, such as queuing, waiting for your turn etc, common courtesy not cultural beliefs?

Chelsea

Chelsea has recovered well from her stint with Dengue fever. Here she is at an exhibit on diseases in the Singapore Science Centre.
Chelsea is now on first name basis with all the nurses at SOS clinic!
The night before we left for Singapore, she slipped and fell on the wet floor tiles in the garage and I was almost certain she had broken her arm...again.

Luckily I was wrong, it was just a bad sprain.

GJ was stuck in horrific traffic after an afternoon of torrential rain and accompanying floods, so we were car-less. My wonderful neighbour came to the rescue and took us to the emergency room where we got these 'cool' x-rays of Chelsea's arm.


This is when you realise one of the realities of expat life, in emergencies you get yourself to help.
No ambulance, no blood bank etc; these are the things you take for granted in Australia, yet for millions of people in the world they are services that are not available.

Redwood central Apartments Lorong 41 Geylang, Singapore

We stayed in a great apartment in Singapore.
The prices for accommodation in Singapore have skyrocketed. The apartments we stayed in last year have since doubled in price. We managed to find a brand new 3 bedroom apartment about 10 minutes out from Orchard room at the great price of Sing$250/night. This is cheap!!!!
If we were to stay at a city hotel we would have to book two room and pay more than double this a night. The unit had a full sized kitchen and laundry, a bonus when traveling with kids.
We were on the eight floor and had a great view. The complex had a gym but no pool which disappointed the kids, but they still managed to get wet allot on the holiday.

There is no web site as yet, we found them through another of the redwood apartment complexes here.

The taxi fair from the apartment to Orchard road was about $4..... so staying outside the main tourist spot was worth the saving.

Geylang is one of Singapore's red light districts, BUT we were down the other end of the suburb. There was also a MRT station one block away.

We would definitely stay here again.

Singapore Night Safari

We went back to the Singapore Zoo Night Safari last night.....woo hoo GREAT NIGHT!!!

It just worked out that it was the first night of the Halloween Horrors, is was magnificent. The park was extensively decorated with Halloween items, all lit very creepily.
All the park staff were dressed up and scattered along dark quiet paths just waiting to get you. Just when a seated mummy remained still for long enough for the kids to think it was fake it got up and moved towards them.........

The tram ride had an extra section which was full of mist and noises as well as monsters jumping out to scare you.....

The whole thing was so well done.

There is no flash photography at all so no photos. This would have to be one of the great attractions in Singapore.
We decided to skip the Zoo this year, we had a really good visit last year and I had the pleasure of growing up 15 minutes from Taronga Zoo in Sydney, so the kids have spent lots of time at really good zoos. plus "It" is too sore for a full day of walking around a zoo.
I would really recommend the Night Safari and Zoo for family visitors to Singapore.

Singapore Science Centre

We had the most AMAZING day at the Singapore Science Centre. We went last year and the kids all wanted to go again this year.
The place is so organized and family friendly, we spent the entire day there.....over 7.5 hours, I still don't think we saw everything.
The centre is very interactive, the kids can touch, move, start and control the exhibits, which just sends them into an euphoric state.
We had six little blonde kids running from stand to stand screaming in joy, they blended in with all the other kids screaming in joy.


The exhibits were all educational, but wrapped up in so much fun!



Visitors tips....

• Don't go on a Monday, we did and THE PLACE IS CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which drove me crazy, Singapore is a tourist capital..how can a major attraction be closed??????????
• Air Conditioning is very effective, you will be cold
• Bring swimmer for the kids, the out door water play area is great fun, but the kids will get drenched! There are change rooms and small lockers for rent.
  

We met up with GJ's dad last night, they have just flown in from their UK holiday. They were SOOOOO tired, so we just did a quick dinner at Hard Rock cafe (my first visit EVER to any Hard Rock Cafe site!) and then home.
We are off to the night safari tonight, Kids are very excited, with a day at Sentosa on Saturday before a morning at Little India on Sunday then flying home on Sunday evening.

Bens Singapore birthday party.

We had a little party at our apartment for Ben's Birthday.....he had a great time.

The apartment is really modern, Ben's room has two glass walls overlooking the lounge dinning area. The kids thought it was hilarious to put on a show for us, we thought it was great as the room was soundproof......

I am just pleased that I don't have to clean the glass...

Little India, Singapore

This is the second level of the Tekka markets on Serangoon Road.
Ground floor is the wet markets, ie fresh fish and chicken etc for sale.....very smelly and juicy.
Every cm of space is filled with the most divine, colourful, jeweled saris. It is hot, noisy and AMAZING! We visited last year and regretted at least once a month since that we didn't get the girls a sari.......Georgia is now the proud owner of a beautiful green through to gold jeweled sari. Chelsea is still deciding on a colour............maybe next year.

We wandered through the streets and markets, the kids wanting everything they saw....LOL
Most places were burning incense which made it feel so exotic.
After lunch the two dads took the six kids to a water slide park and my friend and I hit Orchard road.
But we hit a snag...at 3.30pm my ankle gave up...I could not walk another step.....I know....

me = shopping Queen
+
Shopping paradise= Orchard road....
=
Should of been a bonanza, but I just couldn't do it (GJ and the bank balance are cheering)
"it" is back, swollen and sore...........

So my friend T and I did what any Aussie mom would do...went back to T's apartment to wait for the kids and polished off all the wine in their fridge.............and then all had Indian take away for dinner.

Across the board we ALL had a great day......

I love Singapore.

Security at Jakarta International Airport

I buzzed as I went through the scanner in the boarding lounge at Jakarta International Airport.
They didn't waste time with a hand held devise....I was given a THOROUGH pat down before I could take a breath!
My belt buckle and white stomach were examined and passed..though my heavily bandaged ankle was skipped.


I don't mind...what ever it takes to make the world safe.

Little India, Singapore

Look who has just turned four!

4 year old boys love puddles!

Cheeky Benny Boots!

Ben does not walk anywhere, he runs, bounds, hops, skips or combines them all into fast motion.
I love how this photo shows how his feet don't touch the ground often!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

We survived the first night of Idul Fitri

We didn't leave Jakarta until Saturday afternoon, so we were able to experience the first night of Idul Fitri in Jakarta.
This is the joyeous time for Muslims to celebrate the end of the fasting month, Ramadan.

It was noisy, really noisy all night.
The mosques were broadcasting ALL NIGHT non stop.
We have one large and 3-4 smaller mosques around our home and all were playing different celebratory music/chants/noise. As loud as the speakers would go.....
I usually like the call to prayer, Arabic chanting.....but at 4am with 3-4 different ones mingling together vibrating through our bedroom I was really pleased that we were booked to leave the next afternoon.
There was loud firecrackers being let off constantly which added to the noise.


So, we have arrived in Singapore and are having a great time.
We had Ben's Singapore party last night.
Unfortunately Blogger is down for photos at the moment, so stay tuned...there are lots coming!

Nikon D40x verses Canon Rebel XTi DSLR

I have decided to get a new camera.....
I had at least 4 SLR's at home in Australia which I never used as they were film styles.
My Nikon f301 in particular was magnificent and I had some great lenses. But the lens were manual focus and besides who wants to shoot in film any more.

Its all about digital.

It is very funny that I should say this as digital is the reason that GJ and I don't work for Kodak any more......The Film Superstar company is now a washed up has been........You can read my post about it here

I also had 4 digital cameras before we left...we are down to three now.
My latest is not bad, a Casio Exilim EXZ60. The size is EXCELLENT as it fits in my handbag and I take it everywhere, but the quality is not as good as my Kodak DC 6490 (older version of this). The Kodak camera has a Schneider quality glass lens.....and 19yrs @ Kodak taught me that it is all about the lens. The lens gives you the clarity and colour. Cheap glass is like looking through grimy windows, you just can't see clearly.

Now that we are living in one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world I think I need a bit of an upgrade.

I have only got two in mine, unless someone else can suggest an alternative.

Nikon Dx40 probably upgrading to the 18-200mm lens....from experience I don't change lens.

Canon Eos 400/Rebel XTi


I started this post yesterday, and have spent lots of time researching and looking for links and am pretty sure that I have decided on the Nikon D40X with the standard kit of 18-55mm + 55-200mm, with an option to upgrade to the 18-200 at a later date.

The Nikon used a SD card, which I prefer over a compact flash card. My laptop only has a sd port, and this is an advantage when traveling.

I used Canon cameras many years ago when I shot studio portraits (before digital and even auto focus lenses had been invented) and used Nikon for outside work; I like the feel of Canons but the results of Nikon's. I have been outside the industry for too long and have not kept up with the technology; so I need some help.....I also don't take photos like a photographer any more, I take photos like a mom with a good eye...LOL
Please fell free to leave a comment or drop me an email with your opinions.




Edit: I got it...Its GREAT, FANTASTIC. I went with the Nikon twin lens kit. First photos here. When the first shoot is done I will link here as well

We made it home

We made it home safe and well.
I have my mum, Janny, staying with us this week and I am super busy. Before we left I organized a combined party for everyone's birthday this coming Saturday, a party of 25+ people.......I haven't even started to think about catering!
I have so much in my head that I want to blog about, but no time!
Hopefully I will have time asap

Georgias Birthday at Singapore airport

China town, Singapore