Turning Two in Thailand

My parents in law expressed their desire to visit in March and celebrate Lovro's birthday. They've been in Singapore a few times and thought it'll be special to make it a holiday birthday celebration this time. After much thought - and probably as an escape from the long running winter - we decided on a beach destination: Krabi.

While I've been to Krabi a few times I never get bored of it. The lovely beaches, the island hop, Thai food and people. This is one place I can keep visiting and it'll always be exciting. My MIL worried if going back would open healing wounds - since Floris and I spent my birthday there once - but I decided not to embrace sorrow but have a new experience with my son. 

this view never gets old

As this holiday was all about sand and sea we learned soon enough that Lovro hates sand! He won't step on it at all costs, and even when we're submerged in the water he'd have to be carried. Ugh! Luckily he enjoyed feeding the fishes and snacking during boat rides.

fish feeding

We stayed a few nights in phi phi island then moved over to Ao nang beach. It proved to be quite a tiring experience for the poor boy, and he ended up not having much energy to do much on his actual birthday. Luckily a good friend came by the next day and we went for elephant trekking, which he enjoyed surprisingly.

no qualms about trekking

We wrapped up the trip with a relaxed day by the beach, but we were in a fancy bar and Lovro didn't have to step on sand - so he enjoyed it!

All in all we stayed for 6 days and while Lovro didn't enjoy the beaches so much, he enjoyed having all the attention of the nice Thai people at the places where we stayed and dined, and of course all the love from his mama, omi and opa. Probably no beach holiday for a while until he learns to appreciate sand :)

bye for now, thailand!

Quick Manila Visit

Chinese New Year in Singapore gives everybody 2 working days off and so it's always been a time to travel. Last year I went to Bangkok with Lovro, and this year we flew back home. I haven't been back since F's passing, and honestly did not feel like going back to remember the sad memories from the previous year. However, my parents are getting old and wished to see their grandchild more often. I obliged.

ready to fly

but first: snacks

We were greeted with the Friday night traffic and it took us more than an hour to get off Airport boulevard. Luckily, Lovro was in such great mood that he kept telling the cars stuck on traffic to "Go, go, go!" and kept waving goodbye to them. We reached my sister's place around 10pm.

Saturday was the only day that the entire family could get together, so we decided to head on to The Mills Country Club. We had lunch then played bowling and basketball. Lovro was so excited about it! He kept cheering us on as we played bowling and he tried to get his hands on basketball for the first time. We were all tired at the end of the day, but it was pretty sweet.

new toys

hoops

We stayed over for a night at my parents' house. I had that same familiar feeling of both belongingness and detachment, from the place I grew up in. It sure doesn't look the same anymore, we now even have a mall in the next town, which is great because we went there and Lovro enjoyed the bouncy trampoline. I saw my godparent, my parents' neighbor, and we chat a bit. Lovro also wanted to walk around the neighborhood, and I realized I haven't seen some of the houses there for a long time. 

bouncy balls

mommy what is this?

Coming home made me realize how much I don't know my nephews and niece anymore, but I was glad that they're growing up to be great kids. There was also no drama this time, and I wasn't sure if that was because we didn't spend much time at my parents' house or that people were just genuinely happy with Lovro around. I didn't get to spend time talking with my family really, I just had some moments talking to my mom, very lightly touching on the topic that sometimes you never know what happens in life and it could be taken from you instantly. Perhaps in a way, my mom was trying to understand my life as a widower.

In any case, I'm glad this vacation was short but sweet, and especially because Lovro seemed happy and comfortable with everybody. My dad asked that we come back for his 75th birthday in November. Maybe we'd come then.