Mid-Autumn at Lower Seletar Reservoir and the Koel

Our house overlooks the Lower Seletar Reservoir. In fact, it's just 5mins walk to the beautiful lake yet we had never brought Zhirui there.. until.. this year's mid-autumn festival!

It all began when Daddy brought some flyers home. "See Zhirui, these are called mooncakes. They looked delicious don't they?" I said while pointing enthusiastically on the flyers. Then followed the zealous talk about mid-autumn festival, not mentioning how ya tou fell head-over-heels in love with mooncakes. So Zhirui had the idea that mid-autumn festival is about mooncakes and lanterns.

A few days later, Auntie told us about the mid-autumn celebrations at the Lower Seletar Reservoir and urge us to pop over. As days near, we saw the park illuminating with attractive red lanterns and water lanterns. Zhirui was clearly showing intense eagerness to visit the park with her paper lantern. (She's got a fish lantern traditionally made with 'glass' paper from Daddy and a paper helicopter lantern from Auntie.) So, we planned it on the 13th and invited Auntie to join us.

Dragon water lantern that can 'swim'

Illuminated Fountain

We can't forget Mr Moon



Ya tou displaying her photography skills again. Picture took by ya tou.

Recently ya tou expanded her animal vocab to include 'Koel'. It is the bird that calls at dawn and dusk in our quiet neighbourhood. I guess it's habitating at the reservoir park. Ask Zhirui about the Koel bird and she will start rattling away whatever she knows about the bird. haha.. but the fact is she hasn't seen the avian before.

This is a picture i grab off from naturestops.com. It is a male Asian Koel spotted at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Resembling a crow, it is unfortunately not a friend to the former. The Koels are parasites to crows as they lay eggs in crows' nests and get them to rear their young. So are female Koels good or bad mothers?? Well, i shall leave the answer to the baby Koels. :)

Dealing with Zhirui's separation anxiety

Since Teacher Joyce left Zhirui's school in July, i noticed she had became very unsettled and insecure. More troubling still, she protested against attending the school. This had made almost every drop-offs at school an emotional meltdown for zhirui (and sometimes me).

A few episodes of absence from school due to illnesses and a holiday trip had not been very helpful in reinstating zhirui's interests and assurance in school and teachers. Somehow or rather, I have been hoping that the school could find a nice teacher to fill up her form teacher post but there seems no light at the end of the tunnel. I can tell that Zhirui needs a long-staying caregiver whom she can trust and connect with. Now, i could fully comprehend Ah Yi's decision to to follow Raphael's teacher when she joined another school..

In the earlier days, Zhirui's behaviour was more of demanding for more parental attention. Recently, she had begun to turn into a whiny and clingy koala bear.

I did some research online to understand the psychology behind whining and clinging.. Both are normal developmental behaviour of children aged between 1 and 3.

Whining- Adapted from http://www.parenting.com/article/Toddler/Behavior/how-to-silence-a-whiny-child/.
Whining occurs on early talkers and tends to peak in a child's development when she's feeling out of control and overwhelmed. As she lacks the vocabulary to articulate her frustrations, whining takes over.

Clingyness- Extracted from http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/coping_with_a_clingy_toddler.html "Clingyness is actually a toddler’s natural response to his or her primary “assignment” – becoming autonomous. Even at the tender ages of 1, 2 and 3, children want to be independent, and their entire childhood will be about making that happen – but it’s a very gradual process and it can be scary. Clinging on to Mom or Dad at certain moments is an attempt to downsize that scariness. It’s a response to this normal process of becoming his own person." (Do you know? "toddle" actually means trailing behind mum/dad.)

For separation anxiety faced by toddlers during school drop-offs, experienced teachers had this to share, "It’s also important that the parent lets the child know that they understand they’re scared, but that mommy and daddy are sure they will be safe and will have a good time at school. And assurance that they will be back again. Teachers may help by allowing children to express their feelings about missing mom or dad."

After reading articles here and there, i've listed some ways to develop a child's independence:
1) give them lots of assurance
2) give them many chances to make choices and take charge (feeling they are in control)
3) guide them to express their feelings and thoughts
4) allow defiances (erm.. i'll try..)

My sacred trip to Yunnan- 鸡足山

One fine day, Aunty Meifeng told me that she was going to take me onboard an aeroplane. I was exhilarated! Mummy had been reading to me books about the aeroplanes and making plane models with play-dough. I have also seen aeroplanes flying across the sky.. ooh.. i can't forget the fighter jets with ear-piercing noise zooming over our house on Singapore's birthday. So much about aeroplanes and now I'm going to go onboard one! This is indeed very anticipating and yearning!

Our flight was on 25 Aug 2010 at 3am. Quite unfatefully on 24 Aug morning, Daddy found me running a temperature while getting me ready for school. "Oh my.. how untimely.." Mummy was very worried that i may have contracted HFMD, which was at a peak then. She immediately checked my mouth, hands, foot and bottom for spots. Phew.. nothing. Mummy then brought me to see Physician Lee who gave some medicine to dispell 湿热.

Fully armed with all types of medications, Daddy decided that we proceed with our Yunnan trip. I was still feverish at about 38.5 deg celcius at the time of departure. It was 3am in the morning as we board the plane. I was simply too excited to think of sleep.

Wowee! I've got a window seat! After mingling around with the gadgets and saying 'Hi' to my front and back neighbours, the plane was ready to enter the runway. Lights were dimmed in the cabin and soon i felt my eyelids heavy..

When i opened my eyes, the cabin crew were beginning to serve breakfast and sunlight was slowing peeking into my window. Wow!! I had to wear my sunshades! Not long later, our plane landed at Kunming（昆明）.

I've not mentioned how honourable this trip was because of the presence of Huang DCS, DZ and numerous TZs. More importantly, 爷爷, 奶奶 and 四叔 are here too, with Aunty Meifeng and Aunty Lingjia. Our tour guide was a nice 阿黑哥 called 小陆. He is of the minority 壮族.

We visited stone forest (石林) on the first day, where we met a beautiful and intelligent 阿诗玛 guide. She told us enchanting stories of the stone formations, one of which is called the conscience stone (良心石). The stone had broken off of its parent rock during an earthquake. Resting precariously over two peaks, it is said that only people with clear conscience could cross under it. haha.. of cos i did it!

良心石

I was too shy to take picture with 阿诗玛姐姐。

Our dinner was at a vegetarian restaurant near to our hotel. It is in fact the only vegetarian restaurant in Kunming. Said to be owned and opened by Yuan Tong Temple (located just behind), this restaurant's business is brisk and hasn't been profitable. Lots of retailers and FnB businesses had been soliciting them to lease out the space but had been declined. Thanks to the wise reverends of Yuan Tong Temple we had a sumptuous spread of local vegetarian dishes. :-)

Early next morning, we took the domestic flight to Dali（大理）, from where we headed to Chicken Foot Mountain (鸡足山). Our local guide was a bubbly 金花 called 阿立, of the minority 白族. After a three-hour bumpy journey by coach, we finally arrived. Ascending Jizu Shan is definitely not chicken feet to anyone of us, even the fittest.

The first phase of the journey was by four-feet-- horses. Yeah!! This is the second adventure i've been looking forward to! Riding horses! Daddy first had me bundled inside the sarong and carried me against his chest. Then we were assigned a horse. "Zhirui, sayang the horse first." Daddy said and we stroke the horse together. He was a handsome boy with brown coat. Then we got up onto his back. This is real! :D

The passage by horse lasted an hour. So throughout the way, it was clip-clop clip-clop clip-clop.. and some Zzz... (heehee) and a "uh-oh!" I dropped my shoe when another oncoming horse brushed against my leg. Luckily we managed to retrieve it! After this experience, i knew more about horses. They are very reliable and careful animals. Many TZs including Mummy were terrified when the horses trodded at the edge of the path (off the edge is a cliff). It felt as they were walking on wire. As a matter of fact, horses, with eyes at the sides of their head, are able to see their sides clearly. They know what is danger and would choose the safest and easiest path to walk.

The second phase of the journey was by two-feet-- aka our own trotters. For me, thanks to my wonderful Daddy, i didn't had to 'lift a toe'. This part of our pilgrimage could have been assisted by cable car, but it was undergoing upgrading at that time. It was God's plan.."不经一番寒彻骨，焉得梅花扑鼻香"。 We thoroughly felt the hardship of ancient cultivators and their perserverance towards their mission. After almost 2 hours of steep and slippery ascend (think it is almost climbing a 100-storey tower), we finally reached Hua Shou Gate (华首门).

Daddy carrying me up the mountain.

At about 3000m altitude, we were surrounded by clouds and cold winds. Hua Shou Gate is magnificent! In geographical terms, it is a vertical cliff wall of the highest peak of Jizu Shan, measuring 40m height and 20m wide. It portrays the shape of a door, with two prominent rock protrusion mimicking the handles of an ancient gate. Running in between is a crackline which resembles the gap between two door flaps. The eldest disciple of Gautama Buddha（释迦摩尼佛）, Jia She Zun Zhe (迦叶尊者）is said to be residing within the mountain, awaiting the descend of Maitreya Buddha. According to the guide, Jia She zun zhe had revealed himself and emerged from the gate thrice in history. Though we were not fated to see Jia She zun zhe that day, we felt his presence and blessings throughout the ardous yet symbolic expedition.

Brr...

Paying respect at Hua Shou Gate

My parents and I did not stayed long at Hua Shou Gate as we were all thinly attired. Daddy calculated that the rain may fall soon and quickly made the descend. By now Daddy's shoulders were sore and legs were exhausted but he kept moving for fear that i may catch a cold. Thanks Daddy.. When we reached the horse station, it rained. We put on our raincoats and rode the same brown horse back. My pants and shoes were all drenched. It was cold but Daddy's heat kept me warm.
It was already dark when our horses reached. We had our dinner at a nearby eatery. Just as everyone thought we could quickly bunk into the local 3-star hotel, our coach broke down. Its battery 'died'. So we had to transfer to a small van and get to the hotel in batches. This ended the wet and eventful second day.

The third day started with a blackout in the hotel. Luckily it was nearing day break so it didn't disrupt our morning preparations. We visited Zu Sheng Temple （祝圣寺） in the morning and then proceeded back to Dali. Over in Dali, we learnt and experienced the culture of the minority group 白族 in a typical 白族 residence. I was one of the lucky guests to receive a token from the performers. Traditionally, it is a hand-woven sachet filled with herbs which young ladies would present to young men whom they fancy. (haha.. i'll save it for future use) Then we had a short shopping spree at Dali ancient city. Our hotel that evening is a building filled with rich oriental aura. I was pampered by the fine facilities, in particular the bathtub where i soaked for nearly 30mins. keke..

Our last day in Dali ended after a tour in Chong Sheng Temple （崇圣寺三塔）. This temple is huge and famous for its iconic pagodas. We then bade goodbye to our guide 阿立 and headed to the next destination-- Lijiang （丽江）. In Lijiang, our guide was 胖金妹-- 小和. She is of the minority group 纳西族, whose women are known to be very hardworking. In their traditional costume, there is this accessory leather that they hang behind their back with stars motifs. It symbolises the diligence of Na Xi women, working even into the night under the stars. 小和 brought us to Lijiang ancient city （丽江古城） first. It is a stuffily touristy place selling touristy stuff. Then we went to Hei Long Lake （黑龙潭公园）. I had lots of fun there with Aunty Meifeng and Lingjia. Completely exhausted, I slept without dinner that night.

The three pagodas at Chong Sheng Temple

Aunty Lingjia playing bubbles with me

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Scenery at Hei Long Lake

Me in Na Xi Zu costume

Fifth day- A scenic day as we visited some minorities cultural centres and Yu Long snow mountain (玉龙雪山）. I suffered lethargy due to high-altitude syndrome while hiking the mountain. Guess who came to my rescue?? Haha.. Chocolates!! Thanks Aunty Lingjia! I was later able to enjoy the picturesque turquoise lake. The lake got its unique colour from the rich copper minerals washed down from the mountain. Awesome!!

Yu Long Snow Mountain behind us.

Turquoise Lake

Saved by chocolates!!

At one of the stops, we met these two local jie jie. They were selling flower wreaths to us. Those flower wreaths were hand-made by them from wild flowers picked in the vicinity. Daddy bought the wreaths but did not took them. He said I'm a fortunate girl.

This same day, Daddy had to return to Singapore. He had told me a few times at different times of the day, but when the moment came, i still couldn't help shedding some tears..

Hello!

思考的脸

可爱的脸

小猪的脸

小叮当的脸

调皮的脸

妈妈爱宝贝的脸

Time flies during happy times. Our tour soon came to the sixth day and we were due to return to Kunming via domestic flight this morning. Resulting from the lack of sleep, i was in a terribly lousy mood, giving Mummy and my caregivers a hard time. During the security check on our handcarry, i refused to get out of my stroller and be carried by anybody else. (what's more sanity-challenging.. Mummy left the scissors in her handcarry, she had to drink the hotwater which we were carrying up the plane). When the plane touched down at Kunming, i refused to leave the plane. "I don't want Mummy!" i kept crying. Mummy had no choice but to carry me out by force. This finally went beyond Mummy's strength to withhold her tears..

Gratefully, the tour guide arranged us to check into the hotel first to let me catch a few winks. So we skipped the morning tour at Yuan Tong temple（圆通寺）. Aunty Meifeng was very kind to accompany Mummy and i at the hotel room. We then reunited with the group after lunch. We visited 竹寺 in the afternoon, followed by a shopping tour at a tea shop. Right there, i slept for a lengthy 2.5 hours in Mummy's arms (lucky Mummy had a place to sit). When i woke up, an aunty in the tea shop gave me mooncakes. Yummy!

The tour didn't end very well for Mummy as she contracted stomach flu on the last day, making her very weak. She had to miss all the attractions and stay in the coach or entrances to rest, and depended on Aunty Meifeng and Lingjia to take care of me. For little me, i try not to bother Mummy too much and let her rest (Mummy just had 2 spoons of porridge and soup for the whole day). Aunty Meifeng and Lingjia played bubbles with me and taught me how to take photos with the camera. Pinky was my model all the time (Pinky is an inflatable pig which Qiaolian tz bought me). See my works!

Pinky in a bed of flowers. Look out for Pandas!

Soon it was time to go home. We were taking a night flight at 10.30pm. Yet another timing that clashes with my sleep! Mummy was cleverer this time. Knowing that i'm wary of policemen enforcing laws, she explained to me that there are 'policemen' working in the airport and they need to check our baggage including stroller. I would need to get down from the stroller during the check, stand one side while the policeman check Mummy... blah blah blah.. I listen intently and cooperated with Mummy closely. Things went through swiftly! Yeah! While waiting to board, Mummy tucked me a bottle of milk and i fell asleep right after.

Sleeping on the plane is utterly uncomfortable. Thank goodness it's only a 3.5hours flight. Back at Changi airport, Daddy in his army uniform was waiting to bring us back to home sweet home. Alas..

Beside bringing home fond memories, i have also learnt these during the trip:
1) tell Daddy/Mummy when i have the urge to pass urine and hold my urine till we reach the toilet.
2) recognise and appreciate the kindness of others eg. DCS offering me a banana
3) social skills like making new friends of fotang and a few canines..

A canine friend from Lijiang