Day 1 - Arrival

My heart raced with the familiar jitters as we lined up at the immigration . There's just something about the "immigration" that unsettles me. Having to face the immigration officer in Singapore made it even worse. The first time I came here about eight or nine years ago, I experienced first hand the racial discrimination in this country. The officer took one glance at my passport then asked me how much money I had on me. Demanded that I produce evidence to show her that I had enough funds to finance my visit. Then she asked me how long I planned to stay, and when I answered, "Three days," she stamped a 3-day visa on my passport. Not exactly a friendly welcome to their country.

This time around, there was no interrogation. The officer was still the unsmiling kind, but she didn't ask any questions. Just quietly stamped our passports then handed them to us without saying a single word. Heaving a sigh of relief, we marched on to the baggage claim and waited for our luggage. We didn't have to wait long.

As we walked out to find the taxi stand, we noticed right away how quiet the airport was compared to Suvarnaphumi. It had the feel of a small-town airport, kind of like how it was in Bali, but with much more modern facilities. I exchanged smiles with MY man. Again, this was exactly how we wanted our vacation to be: quiet and restful. God is sure spoiling us--He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I just love the way He surprises us! Not our first time in Singapore, but it sure felt like it :D

Is the Best!

Roo received VIP treatment on the plane. He got to board the plane first. Along with first-class and business class passengers. Then he had a special welcome onboard. The stewardess walked up to his seat, said hello and asked him his name. After the hearty greeting came the treat: game boards!

His food was served right after the plane took off. Which was timely because he was starving! His food tray was loaded with all kinds of treat too! Besides the yummy pasta and fresh bun, there was a special kiddy fruit juice, chocolate and candy bars (which the mommy discreetly packed away in her bag), and scrumptious dessert (chocolate cake which mommy and daddy shared :D) Plus ice cream!!!

On top of all these, he had his own in-flight entertainment. He had a hard time choosing what to watch. Thomas the Train or Happy Feet? The plane ride from Singapore was too short for both.

So I'm not surprised that when asked which airlines he likes best now, he immediately quipped, "Singapore Airlines!"

Almost Home

Six days away from the hustle and bustle of city life was bliss. And torture. The part of it without internet access was torture. Had so many stories to tell but internet at the hotel was so expensive that it totally blocked me off the writing mode.

We're at Changi Airport now...waiting for the gate to open. Quiet here. One nice thing about Singapore, you can hear yourself think. Sentosa Island, where we stayed, is going through a lot of construction right now but compared to Bangkok, it was still serene. I praise God for the wonderful way He orchestrated our Sentosa trip! As always, His providence saw us through the planning of the whole trip. We had exactly the vacation we needed!

'Twas the best of times...happy memories stored in our family bank, we can hardly wait to get home!

Sentosa Escapade

In an hour's time, our troop of three are heading to the airport. We are taking our Songkran holiday a week early, and we will be in Sentosa till Friday. Cross fingers I get to blog while there...if not, stories when we get back.

Have a good week everyone!

Disney on Ice

Every year since they started coming to Bangkok about ten years ago, I've never missed going to their shows. That is, until I gave birth to my baby. The ice skaters fascinate me, and the Disney part of it excites the child in me. I haven't gone for the past four years so I'm happy they're back in town! My boy is finally old enough to go! He is beside himself with excitement, and we're counting the hours.

We're watching Disney on Ice tonight!

Run for It!

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him. We had just made the turn at the Pratunam-Rajadamri intersection when this traffic policeman standing in the middle of the road, waved his flashlight up and down, pointing at us. What did we do wrong this time? You never know what it is the policeman is stopping you for. It could be that you changed lanes when you were not supposed to, or turned when you were supposed to wait for the green light. You really have to diligently read the traffic signs, which are in Thai by the way, or else you're in trouble. These policemen station themselves at places where motorists are likely to violate the rules. Most often, they hide behind the shadows, or they magically appear right when you make the illegal turn, ready to issue their tickets. If you don't want the trouble of having to claim your license from the police station, they accept one-hundred baht dole-outs.

As we drove past the police officer, I realized he was flagging the car behind us instead. I breathed a sigh of relief and looked back to check out who got unlucky. This gold CRV behind us kept driving on in spite of the policeman's signal to stop. The person on the passenger seat ducked as the policeman continued flashing his light at them to stop. The driver ignored the officer and tried to maneuver his way through the traffic instead. What does he think he's doing? I chuckled out loud to MY man. I watched the policeman stomp to his motorcycle in anger. How does he think he can get away with it? Did he forget he's driving in Bangkok traffic?

The CRV driver gathered speed and overtook us. Up ahead we saw him signal to turn right, then he weaved in and out through the traffic. Haha! Where does he think he can escape to? We were nearing an intersection and as fate would have him, the light turned red before he could cross it. A few seconds later, the policeman in his motorcycle zoomed past us.

He eventually had to follow the policeman. When we caught up with them, I saw the policeman furiously writing away the ticket. Double jeopardy for the violator.

What we would sometimes do to get away from our wrongdoings! But like we all know, whatever we do has consequences. No matter how far or wherever we run to to escape, the Bible states that our sins will still find us out. In the end, it will still catch up with us. So why run?

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - As the Deer Panteth...

One of my old-time favorites, this song tugs at my heartstrings. Too often I get caught up with the mundane things of life. I forget I'm empty without Him. I forget I get thirsty when I don't drink of the Living Water that He offers freely. My soul longs for Him. My heart desires Him. I want to worship You my God!

Check out Amy's blog for more TSMSS songs.