They say not many are truly happy
I say they never know it’s a pity
So when others smile in their eyes
They think it’s all a wrapped-up lie
For in their hearts there’s no such jolly
As they end up feeling sorry
Not knowing they are the ones in sheer folly
k
— Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler’s Wife
We went to try how different the famous Pancakes at Carillon is from that of Singapore. First, chilli is exclusive, thanks to the friendly lady boss who introduced it. Second, no second, pancakes are good (Y).
Rushed to grab the best macademia nuts in a confectionary for our loved ones, before heading to University of Western Australia to fetch our dear friends off from school :)
Soon, it was time to leave. It was so hard to go. Even the goodbye was a quick one before any of these emotions sink in. I wonder if I miss the people. Or the place. I reckon both.
It was a remarkable six days family trip :) And it would not have been so smooth-sailing without the mega help of two musketeers, J & Y, who went an extra mile to make this the most enjoyable time for all of us.
Thank You. This is Happiness ♥
{2012, May 22, University of Western Australia, Perth}
Enjoyed the morning breeze by the sea at Cottesloe Beach. It was chilly with the sun blasting on your face, how good can it get?! Then went back to Fremantle to try the San Churros, dipped in Caramel & Chocolate. Yummy! Ended the day with awesome shopping spree at Harbour Town, with lots of great buys! This is Day Four.
{2012, May 21, Cottesloe & Harbour Town}
Oh I have not told you the most ‘exciting’ part of my trip to Perth. It was when we almost missed our flight and apparently gone through this family amazing race. It was our virgin hysterical experience and I shall tell you why.
It started when we arrived at the airport two hours before our departure (perfect timing, should not go wrong). Then shit happened when we were checking in our bags. We had to apply for e-visa (yes, even if it’s six days, to Australia). So the person at the counter told us to head to Terminal 2 (when we were at Budget Terminal) to apply and come back, it will only take TWO minutes. (That’s what SHE said) So we cabbed there (we all know how inaccessible Budget Terminal is) to realize the level 1 SIA counter said they could not help cause they are from Singapore Airlines (big shot pinos) and directed us downstairs to the Information Counter at Basement, which they in turn told us to go up to SIA instead. So yes, we were treated like fools for half an hour. (Clock is ticking). Did I mention the SIA counter ladies took extra 15 minutes searching for their partner who was supposed to be on his desk but did not? Great. 45 minutes gone.
We were so helpless. No one could assist us. Till finally, the Chief Executive Officer Lady came to the spot to help us, along with the other managers. Apart from all the running, all we need was apparently an iPad cause the only way to apply was through online. (Dumb right. Yea we learnt it through the hard way) Eventually, we took merely 5 minutes to get it done online and rushed to Budget Terminal with some privileges for the hailing of cab. We parted with much gratitude and thanks to these managers who wished us all the best and sent us off. The hope was mild, yet we took the last chance and prayed for the best. Upon arrival at Budget Terminal, the counter was closed and we had to beg the supervisors to let us in. They eventually relented and gave us in.
We ran like survivors in an amazing race to our plane and checked our bags by the side. At last, we walked in like a boss with the plane about to depart in ten minutes. What a close shave. After catching our breaths, we couldn’t believe we made it through.
What a story to tell. That was just the beginning of our trip.
Love, k
“Everyone thinks that true love is intense, the one that drives one crazy, one that everyone goes head-over-heels over. But really, true love is when.. she annoys you with her consistent nagging yet slowly tortures you with the unbearable silence when she’s gone; when she wins your heart over her scrumptuous home-cooked meals you find takeaways intolerable to eat; the way she creeps into every part of your life you just cannot imagine life without her. Men are all selfish. And honestly, you know she is not that demanding. All a woman needs is simple, just for you to hug her a little tighter on bed and bring her closer to you. It’s really not that difficult”
The clear blue sky and puffy white clouds with chilly wind are almost perfect for a lovely picnic on the green crisp grass at Kings Park. Followed by a train ride to Fremantle for one of the freshest Fish & Chips at the harbour. What a great midway of trip. It is the 3rd day.
{2012, May 20, Kings Park & Fremantle}
I want to be there for you, friend. No not everywhere.
Isn’t Australia about Koalas & Kangaroos? It’s a great eye-opener at the wildlife reserve. You learn it out of the books. This is Day 2 for you.
{2012, May 19, Caversham Wildlife Reserve, Perth}
First free-and-easy family trip to Perth, with the great company of two best friends studying in UWA. This is just Day One.
(2012, 18 May, Swan Valley, Perth)
Hi, it just strikes midnight and I’m writing this on the airplane back to SIngapore from Perth after a short two hours nap. It amazes me how six days flew, it was as if I’m on the same plane there for the first time. I could still remember how my anxiousness surpassed anticipation for the trip, having most of the burden of this first and foremost free-and-easy family trip hanging on me. And I must say my largest motivation are my two best friends studying in UWA that crossed my decision for this trip. Of course, till now I must say I have not made the wrong choice. These two best friends are gems to me. And I shall tell you why:
The Girl:
The Boy:
It is sweet seeing these two best friends get together to make the best out of this trip for me and my family, how they panicked not being able to contact us, how they helped us with directions, how they always stay so calm and patient towards my family, how they welcome us with open arms (I know how much work they are holding back behind). I am missing them so much already. It was so hard to go, even the goodbye hug was quick before any of these sinks in. I cannot imagine this trip without these two awesome people. I am so proud of them, how they look out for me and my family, how they treat my family delicately like their own. They hold so dear to me and I feel truly blessed having them.
I just want to say a huge ‘Thank You’. This is Happiness.
Love, k
