Footprints on Tanjong Aru Beach

I have been to many beaches and left many of my footprints there. Beaches in almost all continents - South Africa in the African Continent (Read here), Brazil in the South American Continent (Read here), sand beaches in inland lakes in Canada (Read here), the massive beach in Stockton Beach in Australia (Read here) and many more. It is still at Tanjung Aru Beach where I have left most of my footprints.

During the recent family reunion, we too spent significant time at Tanjung Aru Beach. The grandchildren just loved the sandy beach and enjoyed playing in the waves. A visit to Tanjung Aru Beach is sure to be in every itinerary of the family get-together (Read here).

Tanjung Aru is famous worldwide for its spectacular sunset. Unfortunately, sunsets during the occasions of our recent visits had not been that spectacular. Of course, that did not matter much to the kids! It's the sand, water and good weather that mattered to them!

Before moving to the beach, they never failed to have a dip in the swimming pool of the nearby Kinabalu Golf Club. 

Family reunion comes and goes, just like footprints on the beach! I am glad we had so many precious moments spent together as a family - beautiful memories that will last for a very long time.....

Livvie's Mail From Singapore

We finally picked up the letter sent by Livvie from Singapore from the mail box at the post office on 20 July 2022. The letter was stamped 20 June 2022 indicating that it was posted at least two weeks before her family took the flight to Sabah on 7 July 2022. These days, we hardly go to the post office to check our mails because most mails are now delivered directly to our residence.

Inside the envelope were a couple of sketches she had drawn herself. Through these simple yet heartfelt drawings, Livvie expressed her love and affection for her grandparents in Sabah. Sketching and painting have always been her joy, and in her home there is even a dedicated “wall of art” proudly displaying her many creations.

She was proud to show us her works hung on a low "wall of art" in her home when we visited her family in May this year.

During the time we spent with her family in May this year, she had practically the full attention of the grandparents. Her much younger sister could hardly be a rival to clamor for the grandparents' attention. 

**************************************************

In early September 2019 when her family visited us, Livvie was the sole grandchild in our house. She was absolutely thrilled to have the full attention of the grandparents (Read here). Clearly, in her recent trip to Sabah in July 2022, she had to contend with two other cousins for the grandparents' attention. The grandparents could sense it and endeavored to minimize the feeling of anxiety and rivalry. That's the dilemma and challenge of being grandparents! 

Fortunately, she has very understanding and inclusive cousins who were ever ready to make her feel being part of the larger family. I have no doubt that after this family reunion, the bond between these cousins would increased tremendously!

Touching a millipedes together at the Hill Kinabalu holiday home.

****************************************************

An interesting chat when the grandchildren asked the grandfather to spend less time at the office and more time with the grandchildren at the Hill Kinabalu holiday home!  :)  :)  :)

At the Hill Kinabalu holiday home.

At the Sabah Tea Plantation.

Left: At the Sabah Tea Plantation. Right: At Kinabalu National Park Cafeteria.

At the Hill Kinabalu holiday home.

At the Kinabalu National Park Cafeteria.

Tea time with the grandparents at the grandparent's' residence.

Joint effort of the cousins in making madeleines.

Maddie's First Visit to Sabah

The recent family reunion was the very first time Maddie visited Sabah. Since the grandparents from Sabah have already met up with her in Singapore in May this year, she was at ease of being hugged and cuddled by the grandparents as soon as she landed in Sabah on 6 July 22.

But, uncles and aunties of the extended family were still unfamiliar faces to her. Hence, when she was presented with angpow by the auntie, it took quite a bit of convincing before she accepted the gift.

She is a very independent toddler and she loves to explore. One key activity she loved to do was walking around looking for drawers and cupboards. She just loved to open drawers and cupboard doors and fish out whatever items inside.

Her other characteristic is her affinity for food. She yearned to eat frequently though not a big amount each time. Her desire to eat was most evident whenever she got inside a car. As soon as the car was in motion, her immediate reaction was: "I want snack!". If her repeated demands were not entertained, wailing and crying would soon followed. It's both amusing and hilarious! Her poor dad in the end had to spend some time cleaning up the bits and crumbs left on the car floor from her snacking! :)

Left: Victory sign for the food given :). Right: With cousin Grace.

At Tanjong Aru Beach.

A rare opportunity to watch TV.

Food Galore in KK

One of the key desires of the returnees for the family reunion was to eat all the gourmet food and delicacies KK is famous for. It is unthinkable that a family reunion can gather without spending time eating together. Eating together is about reconnecting, reliving old times and laughing together.

We spent significant amount of time eating at all sorts of food outlets. Here are but some of the places we visited.

The grandchildren's hope of eating Roti Tisu at Restoran Harun Fish Head Curry, Plaza 333 did not materialize. The outlet did not serve Roti Tisu that day. Unfortunately, the Roti Canai we ordered that day was not up to mark!

Fortunately, the kids were not disappointed. A couple of days later, they had the gigantic Roti Tisu served at Restoran Salim, Lintas Plaza. That left an unforgettable impression to the kids, adults included! 

After a dip at the club swimming pool and a stroll at Tanjong Aru Beach, we had dinner at Lucy's Kitchen in Kinabalu Golf Club.

*************************************************

At Restoran Kin Hwa, Inanam, we ordered one of my favourite - charcoal-fired roast pork noodle. The crisp and crunchy skin is simply mouth-watering!

**************************************************

We were supposed to have Nasi Kerabu for lunch at Uncle Garry Recipe at Penampang but we discovered that this outlet had been permanently closed upon arrival at the location. Upon making instant inquiry through the phone, we were then directed to Mom Mom Grill at Rainfield. The proprietor confirmed he learnt his skill in making Nasi Kerabu from Uncle Garry.

*************************************************

Initially, we had high hope of the banana rice served at Rose Banana Leaf Tanjung Aru. In the end, we found out that this was not to be!

**************************************************

Of all food outlets, Restaurant Beaufort is the most visited place. I was there in three occasions taking the three families to savor the Beaufort Mee.

First round, with Serene's family.

Then seven days later, with Sam's family.

A week later, we joined Paul and Junshi to have my third round of  Beaufort Mee.

**************************************************

We had Dim Sum at Lok Tien Dim Sum, Taman Dai Ming. In the photo, the grandchildren were enjoying their favourite steamed egg custard buns (liu sha bao).

**************************************************

The day before we drove to Kundasang,  family members of my siblings joined us for afternoon tea at our home.

*************************************************

On our way to Kundasang on 11.07.2022, we stopped at Keng Swee Hing, Tamparuli to have the much-publicized Tamparuli Mee for our lunch.

**************************************************

Lunch at Kinabalu National Park just before we drove back to KK after spending two days at Kundasang. On the way, we stopped at Kedai Kopi Ban Hing in Menggatal to have our afternoon tea. This outlet is famous for their butter buns!

*************************************************

**************************************************

Dinner at New WK Restaurant, Luyang on 13.07.2022, the day before Sam left for home the next day.

*************************************************

After Sam's family left for home on 14.07.2022, we and Serene's family had satay at Satay Jawi in Likas Plaza for dinner before they departed KK on 16.07.2022 for home. This was our first time eating at this outlet. The extended covered shed outside the main dining area turned out to be a nice place to enjoy the satay! The area has a clear view of the Likas Mosque.