Celebrating June birthdays in Singapore

Thanks to Jetstar once again for letting us go back to Singapore at 370dollars. It was a real good time spent back in Singapore catching up with family and friends. Special mention goes out to dearest Gie for planning the surprise party for me, it was a really pleasant surprise and a good time to gather friends together. Thanks to all those who came to the party, I really enjoyed myself and had a good time. I must say it is great to celebrate 27years in such a style. Not failing to mention that it was also my grandmother's birthday and father's birthday as well, so best wishes going out to them too. Here are snapshots from the week's happenings.. enjoy!
~ Jem

After XO fish slice noodles, Gie and her galpals at Holland Village doing their best persona of Bubble, Linda's alter ego


Many "bubbles!"


Grandmother's 89th big bash!


Gie hanging out with Jem's cuz


Posing with ma, grandma, great grand ma (for Jerrald & Rayner at least!)


Surprise 27th birthday party organised by Gie - well, surprise until we saw the sparklers from outside the house.... haha


2 celebrations in a day!


Reliving the Army Daze


Girlfriends and Boyfriends!


College friends


Soccer mania from 7th Manna online cake shop - cake cutting for all!


Present presentation from the girls & partners!


Nice gift from Gie

It was a nice Monday afternoon spent at Jalan Kayu with Gie and her mum & grannies feasting on Nasi Bryani (yellow rice with curried chicken), Roti Prata & Fish Head curry... yummm... and then it was mushroom hunting along the farmways nearby. We never knew that you could grow mushrooms in Singapore!


Mushroom farm at Jalan Kayu

And we had oyster omelette & carrot cake for tea at Ang Mo Kio hub - home to the largest NTUC in Singapore! To those reading in Aussie, that would be the Kmart & Safeway combined equivalent here.


Jem n Gie at AMK hub!


Gie managed to meet up with Lynn for lunch at Tangs cafe! It was great catching up!

All too soon, it was time again to go back to the cold in Melbourne... boohoo... missing everyone already!!!! We will see you all again soon and even sooner if Jetstar has that wonderful promotion again!


Sending off at the airport - seeya all later!

Rocky hampton

It was our second trip in 2 weeks on the 40dollar return fare thanks to Jetstar and Tiger airways! This time its Rockhampton, proudly advertised by Jem because of his military training there. What was supposed to be clear white beaches and blue sky turned out to be a HORROR! Poor and severe weather warnings spoiled the weekend away. We actually planned to go to the Great Keppel Island (situated near the great barrier reef) which boast its prestine white sand and crystal clear waters, some say you could even see dolphins. BUT! the poor weather ruined any chances of even getting to the island!

Word of warning for those who are considering Rockhampton as a holiday destination. Apparently, the Great Keppel Island would make your trip worthwhile but for now, the resort at the island has closed down indefinitely so, we're not sure if it is still worth your time visiting. There is a nice couple providing B&B accommodation on Great Keppel but we're sure that's pretty much it.

Transportation is lacking at Rockhampton. We didn't find much information online either so half the time we were lost.. We followed the Rydges shuttle to the resort and ended up staying at the Rydges for one night. Not wanting to just eat resort food for the whole trip, we ventured out on the 2nd day to Yeppoon, the nearest town. There, we ended up staying at Bayview hotel, which wasn't bad especially since the rooms come with sea views and breaky! Upon leaving the hotel for the airport, we were appalled to find out that the Young buses do not go to the airport on Sundays! Freaks! We were dropped at Rockhampton and left stranded with no taxis in sight either... Luckily, we met this nice couple who offered us a lift to the airport! Otherwise, we might have missed our flight!

Oh well, at least we had a good time touring the small towns around, which were not very exciting and getting lots of sleep.. hence the unexciting pictures we will leave you to view.


At Rydges Resort


Man made beach


At the private beach near the resort


The weather was just too cold to do any swimming


Reaching Yeppoon and looking for a place to stay


Finally settling at Bayview


The view from Bayview - see how wonderful the weather was?