A Brief Stop in Singapore

Before flying back to Kota Kinabalu after our wonderful holiday in Hokkaido, we made a five-day stopover in Singapore to spend some precious time with family members living there. Besides seeing our two Aussie grandchildren, we were equally eager to catch up with our other two grandchildren in Singapore and see how they had grown since our last visit in Christmas last year.

It was heartening to find both of them thriving, not only physically but also intellectually. Children seem to grow and mature so quickly, and the changes in just a few years were remarkable.

Like our two Aussie grandchildren down south, Livvie has gradually outgrown her fascination with Lego. Her interests have now shifted to reading, and not just children's storybooks. To our surprise, she has immersed herself in more challenging literature, including the Harry Potter series and the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Watching her enthusiastically discuss the stories and characters was a reminder of how reading can open up a child's imagination and broaden their horizons.

Seeing all four grandchildren developing their own unique interests and personalities was one of the highlights of our trip. While each is growing up in a different environment, it was encouraging to witness their curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. As grandparents, moments like these are especially rewarding, making every opportunity to spend time together truly worthwhile.

Livvie was determined to present me with a small handmade gift before we left. She decided to make an amigurumi - a small knitted toy that is both charming and uniquely personal.

After browsing through a craft book, she selected a design she felt confident to do and immediately set to work. To my amazement, her knitting skills were remarkable. With nimble fingers and impressive concentration, she transformed a ball of yarn into a delightful little creation in what seemed like no time at all. I could hardly believe how quickly she completed it.

Game time was one of the highlights of our reunion. A new board game introduced by Sam brought everyone together in an atmosphere filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of joyful moments. These shared experiences reminded us that the best family memories are often created through the simplest activities.

Of course, no family reunion would be complete without enjoying meals together. Sharing food has always been one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds. During our stay, we had meals in the homes of Paul and Sam. The delicious meals, both home-cooked and ordered coupled with lively conversations and laughter, made each gathering a memorable occasion. Beyond the food itself, it was the warmth of being together, catching up on each other's lives, and simply enjoying one another's company that made these family meals so special.

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On Sunday, 19 July, the day before I flew back to KK, we had lunch at Coucou Authentic Swiss Restaurant & Bar.

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Another pleasant surprise during our stopover in Singapore was the opportunity to catch up with our niece, Denise. While we were at Novena Square shopping mall, we contacted her and were delighted to discover that she happened to be in office that very day. We quickly arranged to meet for lunch, and she obliged and joined us during her lunch break.

It was wonderful to see Denise doing well. She has settled comfortably into her independent life, sharing a home with her friends and embracing the responsibilities of adulthood with confidence. Although our time together was brief, it was short but still a memorable reunion.