Seeking our own Adventure

Not sure if it happens to other parents, there was this desire to get away, to seek my own adventure. Spending time alone in a foreign land without your family, spending time just like how it was before the baby came along or even before marriage. During our dating years, we would go on a holiday every quarter. We love travelling so much that we did our pre-wedding photo shoot in Melbourne with a extended week prior and even had a travel themed wedding! I also had the privilege to travel for business in my last job but not anymore. I do miss those days where you were in full control of your own time. Although there will be occasions when you wished someone was there to share your little discoveries. It has been more then two and a half years since I last travelled alone and that urge was getting stronger.

We are fortunate to be living with my parents which gave us lots of flexibility in terms of personal time. My wife and I could travel without any worries knowing that the little one will be in good hands of her loving grandparents. Depending on the destination and itinerary, we may not bring her with us. We had travelled to Japan and Maldives with her but not to Bali and Korea.

Although we still love travelling together as a couple, we would also give each other personal space to do what we want, even traveling without one another. It's a different kind of experience traveling with friends or alone and that's mutually understood. I wouldn’t be interested in a full shopping trip to Hong Kong and limiting her shopping with the typical guy comment of “Not bad...” or “ You already have something like this…”. LOL. I rather she goes with her friends and that's exactly what she’s doing this week, on a trip to Hong Kong and China with her friends!

And I had my turn a week ago! It was the first time since Miley was born that I've travelled without them. A colleague was traveling to Bangkok for work, so I suggested that he extend his stay the weekend before to see Bangkok since he had never been, which was quite surprising for Bangkok which usually would be the first holiday destination for most Singaporeans. I decided to join him and so did an ex-colleague and her hubby. Well, not so much of a “me” trip, but with them being so easy going, I basically planned the whole itinerary the way I had wanted it. And that weekend happened to be Songkran festival, which we were totally unprepared. Despite staying dry, it was an eye opener to see so many people with water guns on the streets, shooting at strangers and having a jolly time. It was a short but good one and I look forward to more of such trips.

Next scheduled trip will be with my wife, her mum and her grandma. No baby again. Maybe we’ll slot in a weekend trip soon. :)

Miley appreciating the simple things in life and taking time to smell the flowers.

Family Trip to the Maldives

In countenance of our 3^rd wedding anniversary in conjunction with my wife’s birthday, we whisked off to Maldives for an amazing getaway in January. We spent a total of four nights at Cocoa Island in an overwater Dhoni Loft Suite and it was one of the most memorable experience.

“What’s there to do in Maldives?” “Is it safe for kids?” were some of the questions I got. Having previously been to the Maldives, we knew that the powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters would be perfect our toddler’s first beach experience. For a child as young as Miley (14-month old) there were more then enough to keep her constantly occupied. In the day we would watch the sunrise, chase baby sharks and stingrays that cruises in the shallow waters. When the sun gets too hot in the afternoon, we would chill indoor while Miley runs around in the spacious suite or takes a nap. My wife and I would take turn to take care of her when I go to snorkel or when she goes to the spa for a massage. In the late afternoon we would go out to enjoy the sea breeze, strolling along the beach and picking sea shells. In the evening we would go to the bar for a drink followed by dinner at the restaurant or room service. That's how we spent all our days there…super chillax. And of cos taking lots of pictures! 

Had a hard time selecting the pictures cos there were just too many! Here's some...

This is the view from the bridge between the Island and the suites. I probably took a photo every time we walked pass... can't help it! Just look at the colors!

A closer shot of the Dhoni Suite that we stayed in. Ours was CO-830 located at the end.

Amazing view from the living room where we chilled during the hot afternoons....

The deck outside with direct access to the water where I would go snorkeling.

Super love the spacious bathroom. This was also where we asked Miley "Do you want to pom-pom here?" She loves the bathtub and running around in this space.

Being so close to nature, Miley had many close encounters with the wildlife even without even getting wet. Here she's observing a crab that's sun tanning on the deck.

 Spotted a sting ray under our feet...

 a colourful fish that looks quite huge...

 a baby shark!

and a grey heron enjoying the sea breeze at sunset with us. :)

Miley playing by the beach and amused by the texture of the powder white sand.

Some of the sea shells we picked.

 Foot in the sand experience in a tu-tu skirt and hairband.... Doesn't she look like a little angel?

Who says yoga by the beach is only for adults?

Mummy's favorite spot. Feels like we owned the whole island! In fact the only time we saw other guest was usually during meal times at the restaurant.

Brought our own bubbles and it was her favorite! See how excited she got!

Time to play in the water!

Our surfer girl in a wet suit! Specially bought for this trip to keep her warm and to avoid sun burn especially on her back and shoulders. Slapped on lots of sun screen as well. 

A very tired girl after that.... zzz

Meals times aren't always easy, we had to prepare her food and make sure she's occupied before we could eat in peace. Good that she can take solid now so we would just give a a piece of bread to nibble. So what did we eat?

Pancakes at breakfast not only yummy but also photo worthy...

Cold soba noodles perfectly refreshing for hot afternoons...

Grilled prawns with salad for a light lunch...

The kitchen can also prepare puree for children on request at no cost. This one is probably chicken, carrot and potato puree.

In room dining when we are too lazy to go out or when Miley is asleep... quiet time for just the two of us. :)

Everyday we would wake up early to watch the sunrise before breakfast. Maldives is 3 hours ahead of Singapore, so not too difficult to wake up early.

And of cos dramatic sunsets to end the day...

Cya... till our next family trip!