Ex Raid

Well, Pokemon Go started somewhere in mid 2016.

I wasn’t really a fan of the game. 

But at that time, I did created some accounts to play.

Namely, for the family of 3. :P

We didn’t play like crazy as in we did not chase after the pokemons like what was reported in the newspaper at that time.

We only went around our estate, catching the miserably unpopular and lousy ones. Occasionally the better ones appeared, and Zyan would go gaga over them.

Then the hype went down. Still, on and off would let Zyan play a bit. Not much.

The game had evolved much. Didn’t know about it as well.

Recently, let Zyan play the game a little more again.

Then now there’s adding friend, trading etc. Oh well, a little more than catching the monsters around the estate.

There’s also raiding, to get pokemon that are a little more special.

And that include some legendary pokemon.

Lucky and shiny pokemons too. 

And that got Zyan a lot more excited also.

Thus, for last 2-3 months, let him play a lot more often than it was previously.

When he got a new powerful pokemon, he would be happy and excited over it.

Then talk non-stop about it. Cannot take it some times. :P

Then there is this special gym, which is the Ex Raid Gym, that allows the players to catch even pokemon that are much more rare.

Understood it was previously Mewtwo, the giant cat.

When Niantic updated recently, Mewtwo became available in normal gym for a period of time. Taking over the Ex Raid position is this pokemon called Deoxys.

In order to join the Ex Raid, you need to have raided at that particular gym before, or be invited by a friend that has a higher status ‘friendship’, which is Ultra Friend.

Recently, we had done a normal legendary raid at one of the Ex Raid Gyms.

Miraculously, we were luckily drawn to get an Ex Raid Pass for that Gym for that particular day and particular time slot.

2 of our 3 accounts got the Ex Raid Pass, 1 of them did not get.

Being already Ultra Friend status, the other account was invited to get the Ex Raid Pass.

On the day itself, which was 2 days ago, Zyan kept reminding me.

“Papa, did you forget something?”

“You know, the Ex Raid?”

“Can we go?”

Like a mosquito keep flying around my ears …

Anyway, I brought him there.

Loitered around a bit before the raiding starts at 5pm.

And the time finally came. 5pm. You see Deoxys appearing at the Gym.

Got into the raid within first few seconds.

Wow. You don’t see many people there, but already 60 or more people are already joining the raid.

Why more than 60?

Because each of the 3 accounts were thrown into different groups in a matter of second, and each of our group already has 20 persons in the group ready to take on Deoxys.

Crazy yeah?

With the number of people, the legendary pokemon cannot do much wonder and the its legend will expire.

Each of the group won the raid, and then it was time to be rewarded with the chance of catching Deoxys.

Hahaha! Each of us were given only 7 balls to catch that sneaky looking pokemon.

Well, still tried to catch.

Well, the ones I was holding on to, managed to catch on both accounts. Cool.

Zyan on the other hand, was lamenting that the Deoxys kept escaping from him.

Even on his last ball, although managed to catch, he felt it would likely escape from the ball.

And then it happened.

The ball locked down Deoxys.

At that point, this little boy jumped out from the bench we were sitting on, run a good 20-30 metres along the broadwalk, jumping and hopping in joy.

Yeah yeah yeah!

He was utterly elated!

The one on the left was what he caught.

Kept telling me what a close shave for him. His first Deoxys.

Said want to tell mommy etc etc.

Well, you can imagine an excited child talking … …

And there we were, the first participation of an Ex Raid Gym for the rare Deoxys.

And success for all.

Batam Barelang

It’s been a long time since we step back into Batam.

The last we went was in 2011, when Zyan was just a year old. Obviously he cannot remember anything of that trip at all.

This time, we booked Harris Barelang, a new resort opened early this year I think.

It’s a little further away from the usual city area. Well, no harm trying …

We reached Harbour Front at around 9am, even though our ferry service was at 1020hours.

Boarded quite promptly, and ferry left the quay quite on the dot as well.

It brought us to Batam Center Ferry Terminal, and I touched base with the Harris personnel onsite to make sure the shuttle is available for us.

Yeah. 12pm.

Due to time difference of 1 hour, we had more than enough time to take our early lunch there.

Problem is, not much food choices. In the end, chose a kopitiam-like place. Oh boy, we think it is expensive, and not great. LOL

Anyway, the journey from the ferry terminal to the resort takes about 30-40 minutes.

Considering it’s on a Monday, the number of people going to the resort is quite ok. About 16 people in 2 small vans.

Checked in. We booked a sea view. Took the buggy to bring us to the room.

Not too bad, but I think booking a garden view would be good enough. Can save up that few bucks for other usage.

Brought Zyan around to explore a bit.

The Dino Kids Club is pretty small, just a place for kids to play. Only mothers are allowed into the room. Fathers are not. :P

Anyway, it’s Monday afternoon, not many kids there too.

And I think this room play is probably past Zyan’s age.

The outdoor water play would be his playground. Still, alone?? :P

We’re just exploring the place.

Went to the beach area. Hmmmm. Interesting swing.

It was somewhat high-tide ...

Guess my name ...

Went back to the room, took a nap. Then after that, it was time for dinner. LOL.

Went to the Seafood place just outside the resort. Took the buggy to bring us there.

Ha! We’re quite greedy.

Karinna and myself each had one lobster.

Ordered a fish, some chicken and vegetables. It was very full meal.

Took a slow walk back to the resort, even though we could get the buggy to bring us.

They had a movie screening near the pool. We made ourselves comfortable at the beanbags and watched the show. They were showing Guardians of the Galaxy.

After the show, called it the night.

On the second day, after having breakfast, went to check out the sea sports.

Zyan wanted to play the Jet Ski.

Went back to change to swimming gear, and then the weather turned a little aggressive.

The guy mending the sea sports said the heavy rain was coming, so better not to do the Jet Ski at that time.

Then we loitered at the sheltered area for a bit, before going back to the room.

Come lunch time, the sun starts to shine again. However, we wanted to go Nagoya Hill, so the Jet Ski has to wait.

Took the cab to and fro from the resort. Cost about S$15 per trip.

Well, it’s just shopping and eating, eating and shopping.

Plus, Zyan and I were doing a bit of Pokemon capturing.

Totally no pokemon or Pokestop or Gym at the resort place for him to do his pokemon training. LOL

Went back to resort only after dinner.

Relax at the room. Sat at the balcony, eating my peanuts, and watching the darkened sea …

What is there to see? :P

Morning came. Went breakfast, then shift over to the sea sports area again.

别偷看我脱裤。。。

They opened about 0930. Had wanted to let Zyan try the Jet Ski.

However, they were checking the machines, and it took quite a while.

As we have arranged to check out at 11am (due to shuttle schedule and ferry timing), Zyan did not get the change to do it.

Well, there will be other opportunities …

Overall, to just relax and enjoy the quietness of the place, it is a good place to chill.

Can come again.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Wife’s birthday.

One of the most headache days of the year.

What you want for your birthday? Nothing.

Really? Maybe flowers.

Flowers? Wither and waste money? Hmmm. Maybe no need.

Really? Flowers lah. Find some cheap ones.

And the day has come.

Yesterday, after picking Zyan from his violin class, I said let’s go see if there’s any gift to buy for mommy.

See left see right. She doesn’t need anything leh.

This Zyan said wanted to buy platinum jewellery. Wah, I didn’t know I was money printer.

Haha.

Walked around Parkway Parade for half an hour. Decided nothing to buy. Went home.

Came home, search net for some flowers.

Actually, wife gave me some website few months ago.

So Zyan decided and said give rose.

OK.

Didn’t want to buy online right away. Thought of doing it in the morning before 11am. Still ok for delivery same day. :P

At night, coughing symphony was happening in the room.

Wife and son all coughing. I think I coughed more.

Actually, coughed until cannot take it, left the room and tried to sleep in sitting position in study room.

While there, decided to buy the flowers.

While searching, had a change of mind regarding the selection.

Was thinking about it. Has been some time since I last gave flowers to Karinna.

So I saw one that looks interesting, and went ahead to order it.

Delivery is between 2 to 5.30pm.

Morning, Karinna said she may not be going office.

Uh’oh! Flowers how? Anyway, didn’t let out to say she must go office. In the end, she did go office.

Heng ah!

Next is to delay her from going home early, before the delivery.

Was supposed to pick her, and do some errand (getting cake she gotten free from somewhere …)

Had to go back home to get the redemption card. Forgot to bring with me. By the time ding-dong ding-dong, ohhh hooo! A message from her said “Ohh! The flowers came!”

Sigh of relief.

Next moment, she said she busy taking pictures, after saying ‘so big’. LOL

Karinna and her little lover

Glad she loves it.

Went to take the cake, and then picked her home from her office.

Had birthday song sang, cake cut and eaten.

Rested a while, then it was time to bring Zyan for his gym and trampoline class.

Throughout the class' time, she's busy texting with her friends with regards to the flowers.

After the class, just went for a simple dinner, and that’s the end of the day for my wife’s birthday.

I can only say, the bouquet of flowers is a good buy.

Happy Fantastic Birthday! My one and only … J

Lucky Cat

Yesterday, woke up very early.

4.30am woke up already, have to get ready to accompany Karinna to hospital.

She had a surgery to be done on her left wrist, which had been plaguing her for a long time.

Actually not much to prepare, just habit to wake up earlier than required. Also, had to wake the son around 5.40am to get him ready for school.

They usually take a longer time to get off the bed … … you know … …

Zyan was woken earlier at 5.30am.

Karinna had prepared her ‘luggage’. I just got my laptop ready that’s all.

Left home at around 5.40am, and arrived the hospital before 6am.

She was required to do the admission at 6am, then the operation was scheduled at 8am.

Sleepy ….

Got the admission done, went to the room and waited for instructions.

Then the nurse came to bring Karinna to the OT at 7.30am.

I just stayed in the room and read newspapers.

Then I remember, the parking is quite expensive. Shifted my car to Novena Square, a little cheaper.

Gotto save some money … :D

Went back to the hospital room, and took out my laptop to do a bit of work.

Karinna was pushed back to the room at 11+am.

She was under GA, so looked a bit groggy. Then her left hand had no feelings.

Good time to pinch and poke her left hand. Hehehe

They had to lift her hand in upright position, like always trying to volunteer for work.

Like 招财猫 like that.

Aunt Agony at work ...

 Then her lunch came. She was hungry. Food was so-so, not that bad.

She couldn’t finish it, so the rest of the food went into a garbage tummy. No prize for guessing.

She continued to sleep a bit here and there, while I was working a bit here and there.

Then at about 3pm, went back home. Coz have to bring Zyan for his violin class.

And after his violin class, we came together back to the hospital to keep the queen company.

Thereafter, went to buy dinner for Zyan and myself, and coffee for Karinna. By the time finished eating, brought Zyan back home for the night.

The next morning (which is today) then went back to the hospital to bring her home. When I reached there, she was already changed to get ready to leave. However, had to wait for administrative paper work to be done before we can leave.

At the end, only left the place around 1130am. Went home just nice for lunch.

So the Lucky Cat has to stay. Not sure how it is going to be done, but I guess something will work out? *shrug*

Come to think of it, I quite pai mia.

Already have to bring my dad to hospital visits every now and then. Then last 3 months, had to bring Zyan to hospital to fix his fractured elbow. Now I think will have to go with Karinna for her follow-ups.

Anyway, as long as everyone is ok, that is fine.

Legoland Again

Last Friday was the last day of school holiday in June.

We decided to bring Zyan to Legoland. Yes. Again.

Left home around 9am. Traffic to Legoland was good. Afterall, it is a week-day morning. At Tuas, I would think it should not have traffic jam.

We headed to the Wet Theme Park. Zyan prefers the wet park. Have to make good use of the Annual Pass that we bought.

Since it is the wet park, we left most of our important belongings in the locker, including mobile phones. Didn’t get to take any picture at all. LOL

But hey! It’s a good time spent for Zyan. He had fun playing the rides and such. Some, with us, the don’t-really-wanna-play-parents. :P

It was adventure for him for more than 3 hours.

Leaving Legoland

Weather was good. No scorching sun. When we left around 1.30pm, it looked like it was going to start raining. Drizzling when we walked towards our car.

As usual, JB trip cannot do without going to Bukit Indah AEON area. It’s the place that we are (now) more familiar.

Went for lunch at some coffeeshop that we passed by few trips back.

Well, can only say it’s cheap and pretty good.

We did promised Zyan for a movie the last time we came JB from Club Med / KL, so catching a movie in JB had to be done.

Time to go AEON.

Buying tickets are now machine operated, buy yourself. There’s 1 small manned-counter, but told us to get the tickets from the kiosks. Not sure why also.

Anyway, we got the tickets for Incredibles 2.

After the movie, it was already 6+pm. Drove to the opposite side of the mall.

Karinna wanted to eat the KL Hokkien Noodle. OK with me.

Also went to the Ming Kee Confectionary to buy stuff. One of the usual places we visit when we are in Bukit Indah.

The 烧包 is one of the interesting find we had some time ago. We’ve been coming back here many times already. :P

Time to go back Singapore.

Traffic was ok, until reaching Singapore customs. I think it took about close to an hour to clear Singapore customs.
Long or short for a Friday evening? I am also not sure.

Well, it’s a good family time for the day.

And yes, it was my birthday too! J

West End Boy(s)

School holiday is a headache, when there’s no after-school care to send kid to.

Can’t be planning full holiday days for activities every day.

Well, at least there was a Club Med that we went earlier in the month., and next week school is back!

Had intended some time ago to bring Zyan on other outings around Singapore, of course.

Last week, decided it to be Singapore Discovery Centre. I myself have not been there before anyway.

Had originally arranged for 2 other kids to join in. One of them cannot join, due to attending some camp; another cannot join due to grand-parents want to bring her out elsewhere.

So it was back to father-and-son bonding. *vomit*

We went in the morning. When there’s such activities, it’s easy to wake Zyan up. When it’s school time, getting the cane out can help. LOL

We reached there just before 10am. Singapore has free admission, but not all activities are free though.

Just nice, 10.05am has a Safti Bus Tour. We hopped on it, just looking around the place. I’ve not been to this part of Safti area, as it was more for the Officer training.

I was not an Officer during army time.

Kaypoh kaypoh look see only. Anyway, only around 15mins of bus tour.

Only thing is, only 2 of us in the bus. Yes, son and me, plus a guide (and driver of course).

When we came back, we walked through the exhibition. Played some games here and there at the exhibits.

Of course, the whole place is about Singapore, and a lot on defence related stuff.

Took our time to walk the place. By the time we finished the place, it was time for lunch.

Just usual canteen food stuff, nothing fanciful or great. Convenience is key.

supposed to be a reporter

battlefield commander!

Then we went for the 4D Simulator Ride. Just a 5 minutes ride.

Actually, I think it is not worth it.

No wonder not many people know and want to visit Singapore Discovery Centre.

Something is lacking. Crowd. LOL

There are a few more places there.

Army Museum, closed for renovation.

Crossfire Paintball, no one playing today. Probably need to arrange ownself with a group to play?

Pedal Boat, only operational on weekends and holidays.

Therefore, after the 4D Simulator Ride, we went off from SDC.

Kinda early to call it a day for Zyan. Search places around the west side.

Asked if he wanted to see tortoise museum. Sure! :P

Drove to Chinese Garden. Yes. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum is at Chinese Garden.

But when reached there, saw that the roads that go into the area were all closed.

Found a temporary carpark nearer the main road. Parked and walked over instead.

At least it is still operational there.

Quite a nice place to walk around Chinese Garden, especially when the weather was not scorching at all this afternoon.

Paid the entrance fee for the Tortoise Museum.

I don’t think Zyan is a tortoise lover, but I am sure he was having fun feeding the turtles and tortoises.

Then again, what is the difference between turtle and tortoise?

Beats me man. *ouch*

Google knows: https://www.diffen.com/difference/Tortoise_vs_Turtle

After feeding, we walked a bit more around Chinese Garden, then made way to the temporary carpark.

Had a short snack time at KFC before heading back to the east.

Last stop: Parkway Parade.

Was a last minute decision to go there.

Had wanted to check out some laptops. Loitered a while at Harvey Norman. I roughly know which laptop to get to replace some of the office’s laptops. Anyway, no hurry. :P

Also did some errand at the money changer there.

The recent Club Med and KL trip used up quite a bit of MYR. Time to replenish a bit.

That’s a day of activities for the boy.

For the man, tired.

Penny Bites

Just when I was about to reach home earlier today, my helper called me.

Cannot catch head or tail what she was trying to say.

When I got home, she told me Zyan got bitten.

By Penny of course.

And apparently a little bad, as there was quite some blood.

He was holding onto tissue paper wrapping on his left toes.

He wasn’t really crying, but can see the agony on his face.

This was bound to happen somehow.

Despite the numerous reminders to him not to disturb the dog, he was always full of mischief and want to disturb the dog every now and then.

Still, had to chide him for his own mischief, and now have to suffer the consequence of trying to disturb the dog.

According to him, he was using one of the dog toys, and hit onto the side of Penny.

So brave right? I also dare not do that now.

Serve him right or not?? Hmmm

And then the dog just pounced on him. Not sure why not his hands though, but bit his left foot.

He also cannot remember how.

I can understand that, as I was one of those come-over-person (过来人). LOL

2 little red dot-bites on top, and minor cut on 4th toe

Deeper cut at bottom of 4th toe

So helped him to the toilet and washed up his wounds.

Took a look.

Two small dot-bites on top of the foot.

Fourth toe is the one that got bruised. One side of the fourth toe had a small cut. The bottom edge of the fourth toe had a deeper cut.

I used a napkin to wrap and tie around his left foot, to help stop and soak the blood.

He looked somewhat ok after that, albeit a little pale.

Let him played some ipad and he momentarily forgot his pain.

My niece came over my place to pick up something. She was afraid of the dog also. :P

As long as ignore the dog, and don’t disturb her, life should still be blissful. Take note!

At dinner, Zyan said he has no appetite and went to the bed and rested.

After my dinner, went to check on him. He still got up and wanted to watch TV.

So I applied some oil onto his wound at that time.

Suddenly he felt like vomiting. And went to the toilet to vomit out.

Wow. I think might be related to the trauma.

In any case, brought him to clinic after checking out the clinic if they do cuts treatment.

They do, so brought him to get better disinfection and bandage.

I think when cleaning, it probably hurts quite a bit.

He didn’t cry, and screamed a little in pain.

No whining though.

Doctor said will need to change dressing every day for the next 5-7 days.

If really need to, then will have to stitch.

And so he is now an experienced bandaged ‘crusader’ of elbow and foot.

Club Med to KL

06 June 2018, check-out day for Club Med Cherating.

Our big piece of luggage was put outside the door at 8am.

Yes, so early. :P

Went for breakfast, then Zyan continued to join the Archery and Trapeze in the morning.

After packing some other miscellaneous stuff, just idled at the room.

Went to do our check-out around 10+. Need to do that before 11am.

After checking-out, loitered inside their air-con lounge.

Zyan joined back around 11am.

We still can enjoy the place till 3pm apparently.

Had more drinks in between before lunch.

Lunch was at 12noon. We went to have a bite before heading down to Petaling Jaya.

Had something to be done at PJ, as well as visit Karinna’s uncles near there.

All prepared to leave. Went to the car t start the engine.

Uh-oh!!!!

The car could not be started.

Jialat! Sibeh jialat!

Then I saw a staff walked past. I called Thomas for help.

He was at the bar counter earlier and we had a short conversation. He’s from Begium, and his wife is from KL.

Lucky for me, he helped me get the mechanic to check.

Seemed like the battery died.

Once they help me jumpstart the car, my car is alive again!

Yeah. Just cannot switch off the engine, else I would be stuck again.

They said at Kemaman, the town nearby where we had our McDonald on Day 1, has a lot of car servicing places.

Thus, we drove down there to look for shops that can check and replace the batteries.

Should have taken picture of the distress signals on the car dashboard. :P

The first shop we went to, said he didn’t have stock for my battery size. He was kind enough to direct me to another location to get the battery.

We went there, not hard to find with Google Map.

At that point of time, my car was ok. Even if I turned off the engine, and restarted the car, it was still alive and kicking.

Possibly being charged up for more than half an hour already since it was jumpstarted.

Battery was very energetic at that time. If after it cooled down, not sure what would happen.

Didn’t want to take risk, so changed the battery.

Damage was done at RM420. Oh well, some things cannot be avoided.

Once done, we were good to go on the road again. However, it was already past 2.30pm.

We had to drive to KL, which is 3hrs+ away.

Based on our original plan, we should reach KL at 4+.

After the little event encounter, would be 6+

The road to KL was ok. Very smooth in the first 2 hours.

The last hour was near Bentong towards KL. Wow. That stretch of roads are quite winding. And when hit nearer to PJ, can see some jams.

Alamak!

But lucky the jams were not that bad. Slow but still ok.

I only remembered we passed through a lot of toll gates. Pay and pay. :P

At long last, we finally reach our hotel around 6.10pm

Got into the room, and that makes us happier. Hehehe.

The room is very nice.

Had stayed here a few times few years back. After renovations done, simply looks good.

But we only staying 1 night.

Then I got a Grab Car to meet the uncles for dinner.

Gotto rest from driving, and don’t really want to stress myself with the road conditions.

Well, the 2 uncles still look good. Of course, getting older. Legs may get weaker etc.

One of them actually just had very high blood pressure the previous night, and went to hospital to check.

Didn’t need to hospitalised, but was under observation till wee morning hours apparently, till 4am.

Well, at least still fit to be allowed to go home.

Had chat with them till about 10pm. It was getting late, so we took Grab back to hotel.

For the next morning (which is today), had to go down to Jaya One near the hotel to do something.

From there, it’s time to drive back to Singapore.

Most likely, on the way back, we’ll head into Bukit Indah to buy things, and have some food.

At this point of time, my 2 companions are still sleeping.

睡到自然醒。。。