A short getaway in a city that offers more than dim sum and shopping!

Our 2nd time as a family to HK now, we decided to explore a little beyond the touristy places. 

Day 1 - HK Science Museum (within walking distance from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR)

Arriving on Wed morning, we took the kids to the HK Science museum after check in at 1.30pm. It’s been our overseas holiday tradition now to fit in a visit to the museum. On Wednesdays, entry to the science museum is free for all! So hippee! 

The electricity and magnetism gallery was our first stop. What I like here isn't just the open concept that invites the kids to explore and experiment but also the size of the exhibits. Everything was larger and so kids-friendly!

The transportation gallery was quite cool. A real plane as the centerpiece is really eye-catching!

The kids could view in detail a motor engine and even a black box. The information panels displayed interesting facts. 

Intrigued!

The Life Science gallery displays a huge skeleton of a plant-eating dinosaur. 70% is real!

The many specimens in the gallery reminds me of our LKC Natural History Museum. What I like is the information on the panels that were easy for kids to read.

Look at the big microscope for kids! At LKC, Nath always had difficulty peering into the tiny microscope as he's still under 120cm.

On the top level of the museum is the children's gallery. Zech has grown too big for that. He couldn’t even enter the construction play area as it catered to children below 120cm. Nath enjoyed himself even though it was just him. Our local kidsStop should do an upgrade soon. Lots of play-pretend here with wagons and soft bricks. 

Working hard here by rolling the wheel to transport the bricks up.

There was a big house at the centre for the kids to construct using the soft bricks. A mini crane, which Nath had no chance of using because it was so popular, was somewhere. I should have taken a picture of it.

In the biodiversity gallery, the boys love driving their favourite vehicle on screen. It’s similar to those found in arcade games. Obviously this was the hot favourite for boys. 

There were many other exhibits but we had no time to cover all. In total, we spent about 3 hours at the Science museum. It could probably take a whole day.

Day 2 - Disneyland (MTR to Sunnybay and transfer to Disney train)

The only touristy attraction we planned was Disneyland. 

It was very different this time. Other than spending more than 2 hours in the queue waiting to take pictures with Mickey and Minnie (I’ll never do that again!), our boys are now big enough to take almost all the thrill rides. 

Surprise surprise. Our best photos are not with Mickey and Minnie but with Pluto.  He took them into his arms, cuddled and tickled them. Look at how happy he made the boys!

The boys' thrill ride favourites listed below with number 1 being the best:

1. Winnie the Pooh ride (I think that’s because it’s my fav ride so that kind of influenced them)
2. Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Car - the ultimate roller coaster ride (I was petrified just looking at it. The loops and the turns and twists!)

3. Orbitron  (space shuttle ride similar to Dumbo the Elephant) 

4. Mad hatter tea cups

5. Hyperspace mountain

6. Ironman experience in a futuristic car (virtual encounter)

7. Cinderella Carousel 

8. It’s a small world boat ride

9. Toy Soldier Parachute Drop

Disneyland HK has upgraded and revamped quite a bit since the last we were there. The toy story land and the mountain mine car were new. We caught the day parade and the evening parade as well. This was something we didn’t manage to do the last time. With the kids being so young on our first trip there, everything took double the time. Walking was slow. Meals were slow and not to mention the numerous times I needed to make to the baby care room to feed Nath. 

The boys enjoyed themselves tremendously. The average waiting time for the rides was about 10 to 15 min. It didn't take long at all! The only disappointment I had was the finale. No fireworks as the castle was under construction so it was replaced with a projection show with Mickey as special appearance towards the end.

Day 3 - Lamma Island (MTR to Central and walk to Central Pier 4 via IFC Mall)

We decided to go slow the next day and make a trip to Lamma Island. This was my first time too. There are two villages at Lamma Island. We took a 20 min ferry to Yung Shue Wan, a more developed village with the influx of expat who choose to stay there out of the bustle and hustle of city life. 

It was like stepping into a different world altogether. The laid back vibe and quiet tranquility is a cross between Pulau Ubin and Taiwan 九份. The electic mix of shops with traditional ones in between artsy shops add to the unique culture that now makes up Lamma Island that used to be a fishing village. 

The boys' love for dogs. :) They wanted to go down and pat him but no from mummy.

We took a stroll down the lane and found quite a few surprises. 

Impressive seafood on display!

We love the different shops and the murals on the walls. 

I was horrified to see dried starfish! 

The village is well-known for its many banyan trees.

The best must be our lovely lunch in a simple restaurant. That’s what made the trip so unforgettable. I can never forget the delectable taste. The yummiest fried squid I’ve ever tasted and the super fresh fish worked up our appetite. Even the rice and a simple dish of broccoli tasted wonderful. 

Day 4 - Dragon's Back Trail (MTR to Shau Kei Wan, transfer to bus number 9 and alight after 11 stops)

On our last day, we went hiking at Dragon's Back trail. This was the highlight of our trip.

It was such a visual treat. The hike upward was relatively easy. 

The view was simply breathtaking and added to that, beautiful blue sky with white clouds that dotted across at random. The wind that blew in our faces seemed intoxicating, awakening our senses and calming the soul. Eating a simple char siew bun while soaking in the beauty of nature can be extra delicious. 

 Can you spot the dragon's back trail?

This is the HK I love. Not just a city with tall skyscrapers but a country surrounded by mountains and the South China Sea. 

Making our way down the dragon’s back from the peak was more tedious. The entire trail took us more than 3 hours to complete. But of course, we spent a great deal of time taking photos and relaxing at the peak. Towards the end, we were dead tired but it's all worth it. This is a trail I'd like to do again. Just to hike to the top to see the panoramic view with my boys, probably in another stage when the boys are much older than now.

After our workout at the trail, we took the ding ding tram to Central, the CBD in HK. 

Then the famous star ferry across the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui.  Standing instead of sitting down on the ferry was an amazing experience for them. The smiles on their faces tell it all. I’ve never seen anyone looking so happy just taking a ferry. Talk about simple pleasures. 

A great short getaway at the last minute when we were wondering where to travel next, every stage with the boys is enjoyable. We get different issues as they grow but the fun factor overrides all others. The Lord is good. He has given us a very smooth flight and wonderful weather. No rain at all!  He has brought us to beautiful places beyond the city, allowing the boys to experience the local culture and see different perspectives in life. That's what travelling is all about - to explore, understand and see beyond one's horizon. Till our next adventure (we've booked our tics :0)...

My boy Zech

Many changes take place when a child steps into the primary school. I wish school will always be enjoyable without the stress of tests and exams. But that’s not reality. I wish my boy is always well-behaved in school. But he didn’t turn out that way. 

But God is good. He developed Zech in His own time which has never been more perfect. In term 1, the Chinese relief teacher complained about Zech's attitude. He was bored in her class so he refused to do what she said. In term 2, Zech’s former Chinese teacher returned and he became an angel once more. However, his behavioural issues shifted to his form teacher’s lessons. I don’t think his issues were serious. However, they could turn into something worse if we don’t nip it in the bud. 

I can never comprehend why it was difficult for Zech to raise his hand when he wanted to answer questions. Or why he could not walk immediately to the front when the teacher called him. His persistence in collecting every pupil’s work got him into trouble again when he searched his friend’s bag for her worksheets. Waiting and picking up the teacher’s phone call has never been more stressful in my life.  I finally learned how it felt to be on the receiving end. God humbled me a lot in this process.

The turning point came after Zech volunteered to be the ICT monitor. That Sunday in church, he learned about serving in Sunbeam (Sunday school). God must have been working in Zech’s heart through Sunbeam. The following Monday, he volunteered to be the ICT monitor. He was the PE monitor then. Later, he told me he didn’t want to be the PE monitor because the PE teacher often gets the equipment himself. I was glad the form teacher gave him a chance to try out as the ICT monitor.

We realised through this period of time, Zech is actually quite a responsible boy. He served well in his role. One afternoon in term 2, he came back and proudly told me he’s now the class leader. I was surprised because I’ve never expected it. I thought Zech would only be a class leader for a few days and probably 2 weeks at most. I was sure he would get into trouble again and that’s the end of his class leader days.

Term 2 passed and now we are nearing term 3. Isn’t it important to meet a teacher who can influence and inspire a child for life? Zech is very blessed to have a wonderful form teacher who sees the potential in every child. I’m not sure how his days in the upper primary will be like. But the foundation laid in the lower primary has prepared him well for the years ahead.

Back in February, I’d gladly take my child for a counselling session. Working with him through it all and releasing all that he is into God’s hands has changed Zech and me. It takes a lot on our part as we adapt our parenting style. Showing unconditional love tops it all off. I’m beginning to appreciate him for what he is. I see his strengths as areas to develop further and his weaknesses as challenges to be taken straight on. Not to be daunted by challenges, I encourage him to work on his weaknesses. 

Because of his bad reading habits, he’s a bespectacled boy now. 

As he basked in his moment of glory last weekend, he was reminded to stand and thank his parents for his little achievement. 

He still thinks it’s all his own effort. 😌 That’s my Zech. Too confident for his own good.

We can only humbly thank God for all the parenting lessons he has taught us through our kids. We have seen Him work in our boy’s life. The process is long but fulfilling nonetheless. We have miles ahead of us and though we can’t see what lies ahead, we can trust a never changing God who is always there for us. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in Zech’s life! 

Rothorn Bahn is located in Brienz and is one of the star attractions in this sleepy old Swiss town. We took the second last train up the mountain and the view along the way took our breath away. Known as the oldest steam cogwheel railway, the ride was more expensive though we had a 50% off due to the Swiss travel pass and an opening special price. Paid 40 Swiss francs per adult. The kids were free. 

The engine driver was super friendly and took special care of the boys by making sure they got the best seats just next to the steam engine and checking now and then if they were enjoying the ride. The boys were given a little train ticket with a hole punched. This was previous to them and my boys kept them like treasure. 

The 1 hour cogwheel ride up the mountain was an experience. It chugged past lush pastures, woodland, meadows with pretty wildflowers and through mountain tunnels (very exciting for kids!). In fact, I realized later from our rented cottage, we could see two of the mountain tunnels! 

The cogwheel was winding its way up the mountain and we were busy taking photos most of the time.

The visual treat of the picturesque town of Brienz nestled in the valley and the stunning turquoise blue lake next to it left us in splendor wonder at God's creation. I can’t believe we have spent 7 days in the lovely town, looked up at the alps with Lake Brienz glistening in the sun each day we stepped out of our cottage rental. 

My boys adored this!

The cogwheel took an hour to reach the peak. We snapped a few photos as the last cogwheel was departing in 5 minutes time. My boys were worried we could not board the cogwheel on time because Mummy kept taking pictures. :) 

Notice the beautiful colour of the lake? It's caused by glacial particles that reflect the blue-green sector of the light spectrum (https://www.lakelubbers.com/lake-brienz-1143/).

They couldn't wait to board the cogwheel! 

Down the mountain we went...

A pity we didn’t spend much time exploring the peak. There was an edelweiss trail I wanted to do. By the time we got down the mountain, it was almost 7pm. 

The last hiking trail we did was in Männlichen. It was a children themed trail and we got to sit in one of the oldest cable way in Switzerland. Very vintage looking gondola. 

See how worn-out the gondola was? It has seen through a good many days. This gondola must be the smallest in Interlaken. See the Ricola gondola behind Nath? 

The boys were given an activity booklet, some Ricola sweets and a very cute cow cookie. 

We really enjoyed this gondola ride because there was no crowd. The gondola was so small it could only take a maximum of 4. The views outside seemed even better when you were not sharing space with strangers. 

We were greeted by this very cool and big cow playground once we stepped outside in Männlichen. 

The slide was wet so my boys ended up playing this. Nath was so absorbed in it he refused to allow the 2 Caucasian boys to join them. :( 

I like this. Easier to play than the real thing.

After the boys ended up quarrelling over the merry-go-round, we started on our trail with Liesolotte the cow. 

This was the first station.

There were 13 stations to complete. The boys collected the stamps at each station. Interesting facts were listed at each station and there was always an activity for the boys to do besides collecting stamps. 

Here's a great jump to start off the trail!

Love love love the trail! It was such a gorgeous day. Some activities they did at each station...

Ringing the bell. 

Milking the cow.

Pretending to be a cow drinking from the trough. 

There was a tap we could turn on to drink. Fresh from the mountains. But we only realized much later after we left the station. 

Isn't this hut adorable?

We got big views of the Swiss Alps along the way and of Eiger at one of the stations. 

How majestic are these mountains! How tiny we humans are.

We spotted marmots at Marmot Tower. We actually spotted many while we were in the gondola. Binoculars were provided in the tower and I had a good close up view of a marmot. It looks like a giant squirrel.

Marmots are often found under the cable car tower. There was one right next to it! 

All of us tried blowing the alphorn but none succeeded. 

An alpine snail.

We had our picnic lunch in the forest, just next to a rushing stream. 

Had a short ramble up the forest and discovered many of Liesolotte’s animal friends. They were cute man-made structures. That assured us we were still on track. The trail was not very clear and we needed the map to guide our way.

At the second last station, there was a forest playground. My boys were attracted to the flying fox. 

I explored the other parts of the playground on my own and I must say I’m very impressed! The climbing structure offers a better view of the alps. As the play structures were all made of wood, it provides a very natural setting, blending right into the forest.

At the last station, it was photo taking time. The beautiful landscape of the alps rested right in front of us again. 

As the boys had collected all the stamps and we had deciphered the solution word - Eigernordwand, they were given a little reward at the end. A cute sheet of stickers of Liesolotte and friends. The trail took us about 2 hours even though it was only 3.7km. This was one of the best trails we’ve done! 

Hiking trains endurance. There were times when the the trail was closed and we had to take a detour. There were times when the trail was not as easy to walk. In all circumstances, we learn and we make the best and the most out of our circumstances. Don’t think that our hikes were all a stroll in the park. Zech had stomachache issues twice while hiking. With his face grimaced in pain, he continued. We could only try our best to cheer him on. I’m thankful Zech did not complain much. Some paths were steep and a little harder to climb up, but with some perseverance, most kids can do it.

We spent our last day exploring the old town of Bern. Walking on cobblestone streets with trams in the background and the tower clock looming ahead of you, it was a pleasant walk to Baren Park. 

Along the way, we passed by several fountains. 

It was fascinating to analyse the sculptures. One was particularly of interest. The demon devouring naughty kids served as a reminder to my boys to always check on their own behaviour.

At Baren Park, the highlight was none other than the brown bears. We caught the 2 babies in a tussle. 

The medieval town of Bern from the upper viewing platform.

We walked down to the lower part of the viewing platform. Actually, we took a glass lift down and caught one of the bears having a dip in the pool. It was a very warm day. 

Quite an awesome glass lift! Almost like a funicular.

What beautiful roses in the midst of the town!

As we walked back to the train station, we had our gelato. Refreshing! I don’t remember Switzerland being so warm on an early summer day.

On our last day in Brienz, before we caught our flight back to Singapore, we snapped some last photos of our cottage rental. 

Our beautiful and well-equipped Airbnb rental. We stayed on the first floor.

We were so reluctant to leave.

We will miss the sheep. We hear their bells every morning. We will miss waking up to the pretty turquoise lake and the Swiss alps just outside the window of our bedroom. Most of all, we will miss the crisp mountain air and the smell of hay. 

In the grandeur of the mountains 

Time seems to have come to a standstill 

It engulfs me in quiet serenity 

The magnificence of it all

Tips for travelling in Switzerland 

1. Buy a Swiss pass - children aged 7 to 12 are tagged to one adult and travel for free. That means free on trains, buses, ferries and cable cars. Get the family card from the railway station or online when purchasing the Swiss pass. The family card is the ticket for the child.
   
2. Stay away from touristy areas. For eg. We chose to stay in Brienz, 2 stops away from Interlaken. If you stay in Interlaken, the cost for accommodation will be higher.
3. Know that children aged 6 and below travel for free. 
4. Choose kids friendly trails. They are easy to walk and take up less time. Many playgrounds along the way. We don’t hike for more than 3 hours each time. Check out this blog - http://www.momstotszurich.com/category/hiking/theme-trails/
5. Food is expensive so for a cheaper alternative, we try to buy from supermarkets and cook our own food.
6. When buying from supermarkets, look out for specials. In Zug, we ate a lot of beef because beef was always half price at the end of the day. In Brienz, we ate more chicken meat because there were specials. 
7. Buy their local produce. For eg. for the boys’ milk consumption, we get their local brand of UHT milk. 
8. When travelling on trains, look out for family areas such as the playground or family cabin.
9. Before the trip, pack some food stuff that are difficult to find in the country you are travelling to. We brought along with us a packet of seaweed. Wanted to bring some Japanese curry but totally forgot about it in the morning before w left for the airport. Good to bring some washing powder too.
10. This was the website we used every day for commuting from one place to another. Sbb.ch.en - it gave detailed breakdown of timing for trains, buses and ferries, including the change of platform number. You will know if the train has family areas too.
11. If you choose to eat out, know that supermarkets offer reasonably priced hot food like nuggets and buns. The cheapest food deal we had was pizza. For 4 of us, it was about 15 chf. That’s about $20 sgd.