Day 1
So, we embarked on our epic journey at the crack of dawn, dragging ourselves out of bed at an ungodly hour. We tried to book a Grab, but apparently, they decided to charge us the price of a full tank of petrol for a ride to the airport. Taxi was a solid no-show, leaving us to play real-life Frogger with our luggage across the bustling streets, praying we didn’t turn it into roadkill outside the Teochew restaurant.
Then came the joyous adventure of public transit, where we were crammed tighter than sardines in a can during a Saturday morning commute. Jan even asked if we had magically teleported to Australia by the time we hit Jurong East.
Standing in line for what felt like eons just to check in our luggage. I’m pretty sure we aged a decade during that wait.
Once on the plane, we were separated by a few rows. And don’t even get me started on the exhilarating $3 cans of water.
Finally touching down, we collected our car, and was greeted by Marcus, who was probably contemplating why on earth they agreed to host us during a heatwave. They graciously whipped up a wok of noodles as well.
After some small talk, we made plans to flee the inferno at the crack of dawn the next day. The boys decided showers were optional.
Jacob and Joseph improvised his own version of a blanket from what was essentially a bedsheet.
And so, with the thrilling excitement of a 1 AM bedtime, we drifted off into dreamland, ready to tackle whatever other adventures awaited us on this whirlwind escapade.
Day 2
Breakfast was a thrilling affair of raisin bread. Jacob attempted to jazz things up with some kaya spread, only to abandon ship faster than you can say “regret” – leaving me to single-handedly tackle the remnants.
YY, our ever-prepared host, had already packed lunch like a true superhero, complete with wraps and drinks chilling in their portable car fridge. Meanwhile, Marcus provided us with a pair of walkie-talkies because clearly, we were about to embark on a covert mission rather than a leisurely drive to Kryal Castle.
The journey itself was a riveting 1.5-hour rollercoaster, with the kids entertaining themselves by chattering away on the walkie-talkies like seasoned secret agents. And let’s not forget the highlight of the trip – Jo’s epic attempt at rick rolling and settling disputes via rock-paper-scissors over the walkie-talkie.
Arriving at Kryal Castle was like stepping into an oven, with the heat practically melting our faces off. Sunblock became our best friend. Marcus and YY generously footed the bill for the kids’ potion workshop, which turned out to be a sideshow of magical proportions.
From sword fighting to potion brewing (spoiler alert: it’s just baking soda and vinegar), we were treated to a spectacle worthy of a Renaissance fair. Meanwhile, I was busy figuring out about toll passes like a seasoned negotiator, because even vacation comes with hidden fees.
The day continued with lunch in the shade (conveniently located near the toilets), followed by a combat show that was equal parts entertaining and questionable in terms of historical accuracy.
The kids tried their hand at archery and axe throwing, with varying degrees of success. Meanwhile, the girls found their calling at the playground.
After a whirlwind of activities, we retired to Woolworth Springvale for some much-needed hydration and grocery shopping. Jacob’s dehydration scare led to an impromptu juice run, while Marcus and YY debated the merits of haircuts at a nearby establishment. YY was not impressed.
Dinner at Song Huong featured a delightful array of dishes, including broken rice chicken (promptly devoured by Jo, because sharing is caring), grilled chicken rice, and some mysterious cold noodle concoction. Bubble tea provided a sweet end to an exhausting day, though the wait was long enough to make even the most patient of saints lose their cool.
Back at Marcus and YY’s place, we indulged in some backyard water slide action before calling it a night. After a quick shower to wash off the day’s adventures, it was lights out, ready to do it all over again tomorrow.
Day 3
The thrilling start to another riveting day of vacation – bread for breakfast. Marcus, our resident barista, decided to treat Jacob to some hot chocolate magic, complete with fancy settings and options.
Off we ventured to Healesville Sanctuary, where the kids were about as enthusiastic as a sloth on a Monday morning. Hannah took charge, leading the expedition in search of elusive snakes while the rest of us trudged along, fueled by sheer determination and the promise of a playground oasis.
Finally settling down for lunch beside said playground, we found ourselves in the company of an ibis with questionable table manners.
Supposedly, there was a bird show on the agenda, but Ja and Jo had other plans – namely, getting down and dirty in the sand pit like it was their life’s mission.
Of course, no trip is complete without a mandatory detour to the gift shop, where Jacob, Joseph, and Jan promptly acquired an eclectic assortment of plush toys.
Back at home, the kids entertained themselves while the adults delved into the ancient art of reminiscing. Tales of childhood escapades and financial woes flowed freely.
Afterwards, it was off to Grey Gum Getaway, where we encountered the joys of household plumbing drama. Cue the bathtub plug debacle, because apparently. Thankfully, LX swooped in like a plumbing superhero armed with a trusty plunger, saving the day and our sanity.
Dinner at Ken’s place was a delightful affair of spaghetti, fried chicken, and a cheese platter. Thankfully there was a dog who single-handedly diffused any lingering social awkwardness. Much memories came to mind, of God’s faithfulness after so many years.
And thus, as the day drew to a close, we bid farewell to Ken’s saltwater baptismal pool with 40kg of salt (yes, you read that right) and retreated back to Grey Gum for the night.
Day 4
The saga of breakfast adventures continues with yet another thrilling episode of bread.
Next on our agenda: a riveting trip to the Trout Farm at Macclesfield, or as it’s fondly remembered by those in the know. Armed with rods, bait, and an abundance of optimism, we set out to conquer the piscine world – only for Jo to demonstrate his masterful fishing skills by nabbing a catch with nothing but a net.
After parting ways with our hard-earned cash (to the tune of $43), we promptly transformed into master grillers, cooking up our freshly caught bounty alongside sandwiches prepared by LX.
Round two of fishing commenced, with varying degrees of success. Jo and I managed to reel in a catch each, while Jan struggled valiantly with her vertically challenged stature.
With our fishy conquests safely stashed in the fridge, we embarked on a daring expedition to Fountain Gate, where LX disappeared into the abyss of Kmart. Hunger eventually drove us to Oporto, where we feasted on quarter boxes and beef pies.
As the shops closed their doors and darkness descended, we retreated once more to the comforting embrace of Grey Gum for the night, ready to regale ourselves with tales of the day’s fishing triumphs and culinary escapades.
Day 5
A lovely morning greeted us with the delightful combo of light rain and a balmy 13 degrees.
LX whipped up a breakfast feast fit for royalty: scrambled eggs, bacon, bread, baked beans and salad. Almost bailed on our tree-top escapades, but Joseph, bless his adventurous soul, decided to take the plunge. And thank goodness he did, because what followed was a whirlwind of adrenaline-fueled fun at the tree-top adventure park.
Despite the nippy weather, we braved the elements like the intrepid explorers we are, scaling ropes and conquering obstacles with the finesse of seasoned acrobats. Jo, ever the daredevil, tackled the “short black course” with the confidence of a seasoned pro – though there may have been a moment or two of doubt.
After a morning of tree-top shenanigans, we refueled at Miss Marple’s, indulging in pies, vegetarian delicacies with unpronounceable names, and a smorgasbord of kid-friendly delights. Ice cream waffles were shared, a golden cat spoon was acquired, and magnet toys were procured.
Next stop: Burke’s Lookout, where the fog rolled in like a scene from a horror movie, enveloping us in a shroud of mystery and limiting visibility to a mere 10 meters. Pie in the Sky provided sustenance for tomorrow’s breakfast, before we found ourselves back at Fountain Gate for another round of shopping.
LX, ever the retail enthusiast, seized the opportunity to exchange items and peruse the aisles of Kmart to their heart’s content. Food court waits were endured, frozen yogurt was savored (in three different cup sizes, because why not?), and Oporto chicken (again) was devoured with gusto.
With takeaway dinner in hand, we returned home to find Marcus and family waiting, ready to join in the chaos. Rowdy play ensued, tantrums were had, and pies and freshly caught fish were shared.
And so, as the night drew to a close, we bid adieu to another day of adventure and camaraderie, ready to tackle whatever tomorrow may bring.
Day 6
Who doesn’t love starting the day with a healthy dose of chaos? Checked out in a frenzy and raced off to Queen Victoria Market, where the real adventure began.
After circling the parking lot like lost puppies, we finally found a spot and embarked on a mission to explore the labyrinth of souvenir gimmicks. Jo, in his infinite wisdom, decided to indulge in some lightly grilled corn not once, but twice –resulting in a double serving of gastrointestinal distress.
Lunch at the food court was a mixed bag of sausage delights and Italian sausage things – And let’s not forget the famous donuts, coated in enough sugar to induce a diabetic coma.
Our culinary adventures took an unexpected turn when we stumbled upon a nearby library, offering free games on the Nintendo Switch and colouring activities for Jan.
With our wallets significantly lighter (thanks to a hefty $15 parking fee – the only time we paid for parking during the entire trip), we made our way to the Woodgrove apartment for check-in. KFC Dinner at the nearby Woodgrove Shopping Center was a lesson in portion disappointment.
Meanwhile, I finally managed to break free from my chicken streak and indulged in a sizeable grilled chicken rice at a Vietnamese stall.
Back at the house, the boys engaged in an epic sword fight in the garden. And thus, with the clashing of foam swords as our lullaby, we bid adieu to another day.
Day 7
Sovereign Hill – a journey back in time to the glory days of the Gold Rush, complete with guides decked out in period costumes and enough historical charm to make even the most skeptical tourist crack a smile.
Our first stop: the mine tour, where we descended into the depths of darkness like intrepid explorers on a quest for treasure. Jan, bless her brave little heart, faced the darkness head-on.
Next up: the confectionary, a sweet haven where raspberry lollipops awaited our eager taste buds. Jo tried his luck at panning for gold, his face lighting up like a Christmas tree when a kind-hearted kid handed him a speck of the precious metal. Who needs riches when you’ve got a speck of gold, right?
We hopped aboard a horse-drawn carriage and witnessed the dramatic musket firing by the red-jacketed soldiers, feeling like extras in a historical epic. Our guide, with a face weathered by years of sun exposure, regaled us with tales of the Gold Rush era, painting a vivid picture of the hardships and dangers faced by the miners in Ballarat during the 1850s.
Amidst conversations about Singaporean homes and million-dollar Sydney properties, we found a moment of connection in the shared history of humanity – because no matter where we come from, we all have stories to tell.
After a brief interlude in the playground, we ventured off to dinner near Woodgrove Shopping Center. But first, a pit stop at Woolworth for some much-needed groceries, followed by a long wait for noodles drowning in sauce.
Back home, we packed our luggage with the efficiency of seasoned travelers, taking a moment to catch a glimpse of AFL on TV before bidding farewell to another day.
Day 8
The bittersweet symphony of returning home from a whirlwind adventure. With heavy hearts and lighter wallets, we bid farewell to our trusty steed of a rental car, marveling at how it miraculously avoided any noticeable damages during our escapades. Clearly, it’s been taking notes from our vacation survival guide.
As we boarded the flight homeward bound, armed with sandwiches lovingly prepped by LX, little Jan decided to unleash her inner waterworks, turning our cozy cabin into a waterpark of tears and diaper disasters. Ah, the joys of travel with toddlers – it’s a miracle we survived with our sanity intact.
Finally touching down on familiar turf, we were greeted by a home that seemed to have morphed into a sauna in our absence. Jo, ever the minimalist, discovered the true meaning of “less is more” as he found his drawer suspiciously empty, while Jacob, worn out from our adventures, retired to his bed earlier than usual, a true sign of vacation fatigue.
And so, with suitcases unpacked and memories tucked away in our hearts, we settled back into the rhythm of everyday life, with the promise of future adventures lingering on the horizon – because as any seasoned traveler knows, the end of one journey is just the beginning of the next.