By Bernard & Huizhi

Blessed Christmas!!!

Our "virtual" present to our friends and blog fans: 
2 new games have been uploaded onto our blog for you to play....
Please click on our Games Tab or here to enjoy! =)

Check out our christmas tree (3ft). We bought it in Langkawi for only RM16.90... I am sure you will agree with me that it is a very good buy. In fact, the blue LED lightings cost more than the tree itself... =P

If you are wondering about our "blog silence", this is because we have just returned from KL and Langkawi. It was a relaxed holiday. We spent 3 nights in KL then followed by another 3 nights in Langkawi =)

This holiday was special as we went to KL with another 2 couples (Mun and Samuel together with their wives). While our wives occupied themselves with shopping, the 3 of us (Mun, Samuel and I) went to visit several companies to understand the business environment and opportunities in KL.

Below is a photo taken together during lunch @ Sushi King in Mid-Valley

@ Langkawi Eagle Square

Langkawi Cable Car - Awesome Sight & Ride!

Feasting on 2 Crabs (Black Pepper & Kam Heong Flavours) in the famed Langkawi Wonderland...Very affordable... RM60/KG.

By Bernard & Hui Zhi

We had our brunch at Jalan Kayu this morning. Yes, prata of course. We had wanted to try the prata at the food court near our place for several times but we just could not catch the opening time. In our opinion, they vary the time according to their mood, which is really bad because this turn away potential customers like US. =P

After prata, we decided to explore the little kampong near our place, Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Initially checked out this place late one night but decided that it was unsafe to tread further from the main path. Anyway went there and explored the place on foot. There was an unpaved road that leads into the heart of the kampong. Some say that it is the last kampong in Singapore now. Heard that the government is getting the land back and even this last kampong will be gone soon.

The area is prone to flooding as noted by a signboard giving the warnings to flooding days and times. The entrance to the kampong is clearly marked by a sign indicating the name "Kampong Lorong Buangkok" and the word "surau" above it meaning prayer room in Islam. In a clearing of land, there were old karang guni wares like old refrigerators and an old stove and two pieces of trishaws.

As we enter, we expected to see cocks or hens running around but was disappointed. There were several dogs though. It was indeed very kampong, many with their doors and windows wide open. We were surprised to see some construction works still going on... It was very quiet, very rustic, very laid-back...

For a while, we were back to the past...

(You can visit http://www.pbase.com/synapseman/kg_lor_buangkok to see more photos of Kampong Buangkok taken by someone else)

By Bernard & Huizhi

We've learnt about the Four Seasons of Marriage at the MGS.

In Spring, the couple have no children. The greatest need is for mutual acceptance.

Summer is marked by a family with children under 12 years. This is a busy and hectic period and couples have to make time for the marriage relationship. The couple should have time alone with just each other.

Autumn is when the children become teens. This period is changeable and sometimes stormy. The couple should support and encourage each other.

Winter lasts the longest of all the seasons. The couple is usually less active and have more time together. Good communication is important and a common interest should be developed (a sport or travelling etc).

Each season brings with it a different set of challenges. As long as we are committed to overcoming the challenges together, the marriage will definitely be strengthened and blossom. =)

By Bernard & Huizhi

It was a good decision to attend this Marriage Growth Seminar (MGS). Being the newest married couple, we've really learnt a lot from the rest of the couples who were there. Contrary to many who believe that one go for the MGS when there are problems in the marriage, we were there to be equipped with the right teachings to take along our marriage path.

This year's MGS was different. Going along with the Teach Less, Learn More, there was more facilitation by the trainers. Instead of just plain sharing, there was time for couple discussion and group sharing. It is a given time for couples to talk it out and for couples to learn from one another. It was a well-received change in the format.

The environment of the resort was fantastic, the stay and food was great too. We've got an upgrade to a one-room suite and had meals at the famous Qing restaurant. On the last night, we had a Gala dinner, candle-light kind.

On the whole, we had a wonderful time. We've got to meet many great couples as well. Thanks to the effort put in by the planning committee. =)

Ps: We will be posting some photos soon... Stay tuned... =)

By Hui Zhi

We intended to do some Christmas shopping yesterday and headed down to Orchard Road. Since we parked close to the Orchard Hotel, we decided to go for the buffet there. Bernard had wanted to bring me there on several occasions, but did not get to do so until yesterday. It was my first time there. Bernard had been there previously.

It was a FULfilling time. There was so much to eat but our stomachs just could not contain them all. We started off with the cooked food (which also include pasta, rice, various choices of meat cooked in different styles, satay, laksa, rojak etc) and salad. Knowing my appetite, I just took a small portion of each. Fresh oysters, cold crab & prawn, mussel and sashimi, with drunken prawns and well-braised sea cucumber that seemed to melt in the mouth. Bernard later saw that the prawns were live from a tank.

My favourite is always the dessert section. We tried the durian mousse and durain cake, both equally yummy, and there's the rich, chocolate brownie as well. We had a second serving of the above with our tea and coffee.

We were there eating for nearly 3 hours.. Too late to do any shopping. We had a short walk along the brightly-lit street just to digest a little. Wanted to take a look at St Regis but it was too heavily protected by security and traffic police that we did not do so... There were so many police officers and security around. Must be some V.V.V.I.Ps.. Saw a BMW with car plate SP1 parked outside the hotel.

We have started playing Corrine May's album "The Gift" in the car. Love the album. It just set the mood for Christmas... Thank God for the gift of Christmas.