island in the sun

assalamualaikum

hi

sometimes you dont know what you're going to see, what you're going to meet. but you just go. you let your feet take you wherever they're taking you. its not that you dont want to know. or you dont care. sometimes, maybe you want to be surprised. and that is what i am doing. my fingers are knocking the keyboard one by one not knowing what i am about to write. i would like to surprise myself here.

so its tuesday. august 8th. beautiful date. nah not that it has any meaning to me. its a pretty gloomy day indeed. sweater weather. or at least no fan weather. yep, i turned the fan off. im a pure south east asian (unlike my glasgow-born husband LOL).

hey we just got back from our short vacation. i thought i'd give a tip or two about bringing babies and toddlers to a tropical island eh? first of all, make sure the resort you'll be staying provides baby cots (there's extra charges for extra mattress pillows and blankets, of course with a baby cot too) if you're fine with your kids sleeping with you on the bed, fine too. we took one baby cot and one extra mattress (walaupun in the morning all of us 4 cramps in the queen sized bed smh), and plan ahead what kind of activities that you'll be doing and bring things accordingly, for jungle trekking, it is advised to bring sports shoes or at least a sturdy sandal. for kids lah ni im talking about. because zahra's slippers kept falling off. if the baby is small, baby carrier would help too. so you wont have to stop too many times because your arms are about to fall off lol. for pool swimming, you need kiddie floats (buy accordingly to their age). dont ever put them in the pool without floats. beaches are different because of the waves, we dont let them play in the water for too long and the kids fancy the sand and the seashells more so you probably dont need floats for beach. and yes, sand playing set. two kids, two sets okay? no sharing. most crucial, swimming attire, make sure they wear long sleeves swimming tops. so zahra no more bikini. the material dries quickly so you can just air the swimming tops and trunks, they should be dry enough for next dip. save spaceeeee. and of course sunblock for the kids. muaz looked a bit like a steamed lobster, that poor little guy. lol. sunnies and hats or caps! and the kids wont need any goggles, snorkeling stuff yet if they still cant talk, just dont buy any of that yet okay? additional tip, we bring a basket like a laundry basket. its perfect for dumping any extra things, toys, floats, dirty laundry, so you can bring one if you like. boat friendly dont worry. lastly, bring a bibik there haha! so you can have a moment for yourself and partner. we were lucky we have family members working at the resort so the kids, especially muaz selalu kena ambik bawak main dgn staff. he loved it lah of course. we had our fair amount of time snorkelling together side by side because their uncle took care of them main sand castle tepi pantai with them. so, bibik! important! lol. eh before i forget, snacks! the snacks on the island mahal macam machine gun, so if you and your kids are munchers, better bring your own snacks, biscuits, cookies, cakes, bread, even canned drinks and carton drinks. so that's that i guess?

oh! i'd like to thank my baby boo for bringing all of us to the island. we love you so much. last night zahra asked about the beach she must be missing it. i know i miss it. the times we shared with our family there is so priceless. and him having zero internet connection and spent 100% of his time with us is very appreciated. thank you again husband. nanti bawak lagi okay? hehehe. also thank you cik intan, our maksu and bibi, our brother. you island people rock!

okay then, till next time. this seems like a not so proper post because i left the kids dipping in the pails. dorang dah panggil dah tu. so okay bye!

ps: masak aglio olio pedal ayam kut hari ni. fusionnn.