Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City was slightly more adventurous. We woke up at 6am (7am in Singapore) to get ready for our adventure out to the Cu Chi tunnels. Waking up at 6am makes no difference from waking up to get ready for work, although I usually wake up later than that. haha..


The budget hotel we stayed in

It was a pleasant and quiet morning, and the weather was rather good. The old caretaker in the hotel greeted us, although I couldn't understand a single word.


A small lane with budget hotels on both sides

Seeing ladies outside the hotel with baskets of fruits for sale reminded me of Philippines. :)



We walked out to the main road to have our breakfast - the popular bread and egg meal. Vietnam was once under the French colonial rule, hence explains the choice of baguettes for breakfast.


Small stools and tables for big kids


World peace?


Yes, the bread and egg

It was rather interesting to have breakfast on the roadside, because you will see many interesting things that you won't be able to see when you are enclosed within four walls. That's what travelling should be, to experience the differences in cultures. :)



After breakfast, we went back to the General Post Office to send some postcards back to Singapore. And of course, to take some day shots of the building as well. Talking about the postcard, I have received it yesterday! :D


The General Post Office

And since the Notre Dame Cathedral is just right beside the Post Office, of course we had to take some photos as well. Somehow the sky looks very blue, a very pleasing sight. :)


Beautiful, isn't it? :)

Then we ventured on a 2-hour ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Along the way, we had a lot of experiences with 'han sup' guys and flying helmets. And again, I miss riding the bike back in Bago City, and I don't have the problem of flying helmets (because you don't need to wear a helmet there). :)


Giao, my driver cum tour-guide

I decided to be a dare devil, by taking out my toy and start shooting while the bike went on high speed. Risky, but I like that kind of feeling. woohoo~!

When we reached the Cu Chi tunnels' site, I got a souvenir from Vietnam. A kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe, which slowly puffed up into a huge blister. Painful~

The Cu Chi (pronounced as Ku Chi) tunnels' site has been turned into a war memorial park, which is divided into two parts, one being the representation of the rural village back in those days, and the other being the actual site of the underground tunnels.

We first toured the village area, that welcomed us with various bamboo traps, bomb craters and firing range.

The tour guide in the army uniform back during war days brought us around the place. We were like exploring a museum, just that everything were outdoors. Everything was a representation of the lifestyles the Vietnamese led in the past.


The Vietnamese rice paper

We even got to try making the rice paper used to wrap the Vietnamese rolls.


My rice paper got a hole!


Hai wanted to join the Vietnamese army

And milling the rice is no easy task. I swear.



The Cu Chi tunnels remain site was something that will amaze you, by its immense network of connecting underground tunnels. These tunnels were dug by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, and were used as hiding spots as well as living quarters during the war.



Before venturing into the tunnels, we were being shown a black-white film introducing the tunnels and the lives of the Vietnamese during the war. We were not so interested into the film, but more of the weird music that was being played.


A model of the underground tunnels

The tour guide then led us into various tunnels. All the tunnels have different uses, some being the living quarters, military conference rooms, health bunkers and many others.


The entrance of one of the tunnels

Crawling through the tunnels was tiring. Seriously exhausting. The tunnels are rather narrow and low, it's impossible to walk through them standing up straight. The tunnels are not well-lit too, so it can get completely dark at some parts of the tunnels.

At some points we had to waddle like a duck in order to get through. At one point inside the tunnels, the tour guide asked if we wanted to get out, or to continue crawling for another 50 metres or so. We chose to give up. We were so much relieved when we could get out of the tunnels.

We even got to try eating tapioca in one of the tunnels. Though I don't think it was nice. oops.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.


Giao, Huiyan, Hai

I was so exhausted that I only drank my coke for lunch. I just needed my coke.

Beside the Cu Chi tunnels' site, there's the Ben Douc Temple that was built in memory of the war matyrs who died during the war.



The interior of the temple was quite grand, with a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh and many huge structures of gold storks standing on gold turtles. Names of the war matyrs are on the walls, and go a few metres high. A pity that no photography was allowed within the temple.

It was time to travel back to the city. Another 2 hours on the bike. Ouch.

Before I got back to the hotel, it started raining. Giao had to stop the bike somewhere so that both of us could put on the poncho for 'couples'. My toy cannot afford to get wet!


This clearly indicates the main mode of transport in Vietnam

We had dinner with many of Huiyan's friends from the cultural forum she attended months ago. It was a get-together for them, while I just enjoyed wrapping my own Vietnamese rolls, and adding lots of fried onions and shallots to it. :)


Huiyan and her friends

After dinner, it was a karaoke session. I was wondering initially, why would they invite us to a karaoke session, when I suppose the songs should be in Vietnamese. Then I was told that they have Mandarin songs in there as well.

Only to find out the songs are all from the 80's and 90's. -_-""

But I guess Huiyan was the happiest person that night. Not only she got to meet up with her Vietnamese friends, she got a present from them. A personalised tee with messages on it.



At the end of the karaoke session, I did another daring decision, by requesting to roam around the city myself. I asked Hai to just drop me off somewhere near the hotel, and I would walk around myself.

I'm glad I did. :)


Wanna buy fruits?

Not only because I got to see many interesting things, it was also because that was the only time throughout my whole trip that I got to do some shopping for souvenirs. haha..


Thirsty? Take your pick!

Stories of Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue in the next post.

Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh City

A new adventure, a new experience. I have never thought of exploring Vietnam, but it was just a spur of the moment, and I just went to buy the air tickets. haha..


No! It's a bird! No! It's a blue plane!

It is only 2 hours away from Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City just somehow looks like any other city (like Bangkok and Manila), only with the difference in the langauge.



No, I wasn't roaming alone. Huiyan came with me, and she had her Vietnamese friends as our tour guides. :D

Was quite amazed at the traffic there in Ho Chi Minh City. Bangkok and Manila are full of cars. Ho Chi Minh City is full of motorcycles. Even the lanes for the motorcycles are wider than those for the cars.


The motorcycle culture

By the time we got settled down at the hotel and ready to go explore the city, it was already evening time, and the day in Vietnam ends early.

We stopped by the Notre Dame Cathedral to take some photos, and bought some hand-made cards by the roadside. The sellers ended up being chased away by the local police, while I got amused by the happening. haha..


The Notre Dame Cathedral

The General Post Office is just beside the cathedral. We went in, and our 'tour guide' Kim Hai began his story-telling (which I can't remember the content).


The General Post Office


Inside the General Post Office

The General Post Office is unexpectedly big. The decor is of French colonial style, it has a different kind of grandeur. Hard to imagine that this building has been around for more than 100 years.



After that, it was time for dinner. Hai and Giao brought us to a restaurant where they serve delicacies from both North and South Vietnam.



The Vietnamese rolls are a must-try, and there are other cuisines that are worth trying. Sadly I can't remember the names of the cuisines. haha..

The day ended with a trip to the Panorama Cafe at Saigon Trade Centre. A slight disappointment though, because we looked like jailbirds within all the metal grilles. The drinks were a total disaster, and they all tasted like cough mixtures. urghh..


Looking out from the 33rd storey, at Panorama Cafe

By the time we got back to the hotel, we were already dead tired. And there was a time difference, we ended up sleeping later than usual. No more extended sleeping hours. haha..

Stories of Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue the next post. :)

Back from Ho Chi Minh City

I'm back from Ho Chi Minh City, back on earth.

A last minute decision. Was supposed to take a break from all the rush and stress, but ended up getting exhausted and wounded. I didn't get to enjoy extended sleeping hours, and all the travelling were actually quite tiring. I came back with 2 burns from the motorcycles' exhaust pipes, a cut on my toe, painful butts and a sore back.

But at least one of my birthday wishes came true - to explore a new country. :)

The whole trip was still quite enjoyable, an eye-opener. Had fun playing with my toy, and had many first times there too. Made some new friends as well.

Thank you, Hai and Giao. You guys have made this trip so much easier.

Photos will be up soon, and stories later. Meanwhile, I shall concentrate on recuperating. :P

My respite

By now, I would be away in a foreign land exploring the unknown. A short respite, but a much needed one.

Will be back to earth on Monday, just in time to celebrate Ah Gong's birthday. He must be enjoying life up there now.

Tata for now. :)

Handicapped

A few months back, a visually-handicapped came to register for the exam. He was worried, because this is going to be his first time, and he would have to memorise the pieces. He would be unable to take the sight-reading test as well. He was assured that we would make the necessary arrangements and adjust the criteria.

He came to take the exam today. He was going to play the Erhu.

Before his turn, I reassured him that we have already made the adjustment. I could sense his nervousness, but I couldn't help but admire and respect his courage.

While I was leading him to his exam room, there were looks from other candidates and parents. Hopefully this could be some sort of a motivation and encouragement to them.

For somebody who may not have seen an Erhu, and to be able to play the exam pieces, it is indeed an achievement. The Erhu itself is not an easy instrument to master. His instructor ought to be applauded as well, for having the patience to teach a visually-handicapped how to play an Erhu.

At the end of his exam, he walked up to the examiner to thank her. I do not see this in other candidates. This is something all of us should learn from him. And this is what I respect him most, that he showed respect to the examiner, to the exam board.

When he came out of the room, he was telling me how nervous he was, how badly he had performed. I smiled, and said, "You have done your best."

He may be physcially handicapped, but he has so much more courage than the rest of us. Sometimes I feel that we are the handicapped ones instead, because we don't dare to try, we don't dare to fight for our dreams and desires. We trap ourselves in, while they see no boundaries.

A lesson to all.

Hell weeks

Let hell begin!

a long 2 weeks. Wish me luck.

birthday

Thank you all, for the wishes. :) Rather peaceful this year, and I'm very satisfied with that. :) I don't ask for much, getting to do the things I like is enough to make my day. :)

My birthday wishes are simple, and rather realistic too. Hopefully they are achievable in the coming year. :)

ok, again, nothing much, just more photos, taken this week.


At Esplande roof terrace


Singapore's cityscape


The street names say it all


Takashimaya's gigantic christmas tree


Ice-cream man on a busy street


Boys' brigade on duty


Hi! Look at me!


Orchard Road's christmas light-up

Let's celebrate christmas!

Actually I dread the Christmas, I dread hearing Christmas songs. It will never be the same.

toy's play day

Roaming alone can be a therapeutic thing. Nobody to irritate you, and you become oblivious to the crowd around you. Tiring, yes, but it's fun when you enjoy what you do. :)

Decided to just take a walk down Raffles Place area, since I've brought my toy out. I should have brought the tripod along as well, super damn hard to take nice pictures at night without a tripod. grr.

The toy is also taking a toll on my shoulders, I had to rush into the Crumpler's shop just before they closed for the day, to get a shoulder pad for the bag.

But anyway, nothing much to blog about, just wanna upload some relatively-satisfying pictures I've taken in the past week. :)


A bunch of red pens forming into a 'red flower' *thanks to the stationery sponsor*


Behind the office


The Pipa


At Coffee Club Express


Lonely girl sitting by the Singapore River


Walkway to the Fullerton Hotel


Along Anderson Bridge, I factored the Singapore Flyer into the background on purpose, but sadly, not to much effect.


Walkway to the Merlion Park


Ice-cream uncle outside the Esplanade

That's all, peeps. Looking forward to bring it out again some time later in the week.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIYUN!! :D May all your wishes come true, and always be happy! Thank you for being crazy with me.. hahaha.. Go get your PhD, and invent some elixir or something, and we can stay young forever! wahahaha..

Avenue Q

It sucks to be me~~ It sucks to be me~~

My favourite from the musical Avenue Q. :)



The most hilarious musical I've watched by far, Avenue Q was indeed entertaining. I've been wanting to watch it, partly because I wanted to find out how uncensored it would get (knowing how conservative this society is), and because it has a Filipino cast. I wanna see Aiza Seguerra. haha..

And I was really amazed at how puppets can have a musical of their own, and the high-standard performance put up. Many of the cast members were actually the voices behind not one, but two or three puppets. And at times, the cast members had to voice over two puppets in a song!

It was damn funny too. Many times I couldn't help laughing out real loud, and the theatre was also roaring with laughter. Many interesting dialogues and lyrics. I couldn't understand some parts of the musical though, either the characters were speaking too fast, or the content was to implicit to understand. haha.. I need to find the lyrics!

I think this musical is worth watching. People, if you have not watched it yet, GO NOW! tickets selling fast! :D

ok, the rest are photos taken in Esplanade, but not with my toy. Too bulky to bring it out. hahah..


colourful hula-hoops at the Esplanade foyer


Inside the durian shell

ok, time to get some sleep. I'll need my coffee in the morning. argh.

tilt-shift photography

If you are an ardent CSI follower, you would have remembered that in the 7th season, there was this killer who was so damn good in making miniatures. Everything looked so real, and it was in an exact ratio of 1:24. Amazing.

It just so happened that Mr Miyagi's blog featured this technique called 'tilt-shift photography', that uses Photoshop to make your photos look like a 'miniature shot'.

And so, instead of working on what I was supposed to work on, I was having fun playing around with Photoshop. And tada! I created my own miniature shots! :D



Don't they look like model cars to you? haha.. this was taken in Bangkok, and best thing is, the cars there are always in vivid colours, which make them look even more like model cars. :D



This is Balay Negrense, an ancestral home in the town of Silay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Not a particularly good photo to do this 'tilt-shift' effect, but it looks like I was taking the shot from the window of the model house. haha..



And this! I like this result! haha.. This is a section of the Bago River that flows from the mountains of Bueno Aires in Bago City. The man and the carabaws just look like fakingly real miniatures. haha..

When you know the proper Photoshop techniques, it can be oh so fun. haha..

ok, time to get back to work. :P

a different Monday

It didn't seem like a holiday today. nah, I didn't go back to office, like I said, I'm not a workaholic.

I went to Bright Hill with mum to pay respects to Ah Gong. I suppose he must have made quite a number of friends there, seeing that there are more incense burners on the shelves. While I was there, I witnessed two cremations, and it reminded me of Ah Gong's last few moments with us. I saw my mother got teary-eyed, I know it still hurts.

And on one instance, I saw how fast the coffin was being pushed into the oven. At that moment, it just occurred to me that life comes and goes. Perhaps I was too overwhelmed with sadness to realise that when Ah Gong was being cremated. There should not be regrets in one's life. That's why we should all live life to the fullest.

After which mum and I went for a little shopping. Mum asked me if I'm going back to Philippines again this december. I didn't tell her the exact situation, but I said if I can't go back this december, I will do so some time next year. She said she wanted to go to Kuala Lumpur. yar, mum has been working hard, and it's about time for her to relax, to pamper herself. And it's about time for the whole family to enjoy some time together.

Having to deal with a kid who doesn't bother to study somehow made my holiday seemed even more 'normal'. I seriously wonder when will she realise the importance of studying, especially in such an unrealistically pragmatic country.

Oh well, another day has just gone by.

a Saturday night of fun

Went out for a joy ride with a bunch of NUSCO friends last night, and we drove all the way to Marina South Pier.



It was rather nice, and serene I would say, if you ignore the people around you. haha. I always like looking out to the sea, watching the ships and the boats. It feels different, looking at all the bright orange lights shining from the ships. It's never a dead town out in the sea, I suppose. There were people travelling out to sea via small boats. I assume they are seamen working on those big oil tankers or cargo ships. I wonder how would life be, living on ships for months. Would it be the kind of freedom I'm seeking?



There were many lights flickering in the sky, planes were either descending to the airport, or departing to other destinations. Once again, the depressing thought of not being able to go back to Bago resurfaced. I've told myself to accept the fact, but somehow deep down inside me, I'm still holding on to a thin ray of hope. My dear friends in Bago, miss na miss ko po kayo, sobra.

It was still a night of fun, exploring around. We had lots of laugh, and I got even crankier (mutated, as quoted by my friends) when the clock struck twelve. It was a pity I didn't bring my toy along.

My toy is yearning to come out to play. :(

another sunday

I apologize if this blog is beginning to look like a dead town. again, I'm losing inspiration to write, because really, there isn't anything interesting going on in my life right now. it's only work, work, work, and more work. I actually hate this, but I don't think I would have any choices except to grit my teeth and hang in there.

today's the one-month death anniversary of Ah Gong. life still goes on, but he will always be deep in my heart.

Ah Gong, I still miss you.

sabbatical

it's a Sunday. I'm in the office.

I need to go on a sabbatical.

miserable

miserable, is the only word that could describe my feelings right now.

when I cried the last time, I was grieving and mourning over the passing of Ah Gong. now, I don't understand why am I feeling so horrible, and why should I deserve this.

I've not felt so miserable over work before. the work has always been stressful, but I've been taking it in my stride. there were many down moments, but I've tried standing up on my feet again. there is a limit to what I can handle, and I suppose I've reached that.

many times when I'm threatened, to be deprived of my wishes to be back in Bago City, I told myself, I can handle it. I blame myself for not putting enough effort, for not managing things well. I tried my best to recify problems, but there is only this much I could do.

I don't know if this is called a 'consequence', this is not something that I would want. you do not threaten me with something I hold on dearly to.

I know this is not going to be the last time. it will not be the last time until the day I complete whatever I need to do. I can be evil, I can leave and leave all problems lying unresolved. but I won't do that.

I shall wait for the day I leave for greener pastures.

a letter to Ah Gong

Dear Ah Gong,

how have you been? have you got to see Lao Ma and Po po? how about your wish of going back to China? have you been there yet? you must be enjoying your self-brewed tea and puffing your cigarettes.

it has been 10 days since you are gone, and everybody is still adjusting to the lives without you. but you are never really gone, you are still in our hearts, in our thoughts. and you do know that.

for the past 23 years, you have been a doting grandfather. I've never really hear a scolding from you. when I was young, I slept at your place every weeknight because mum and dad had to leave house early for work. you were there, sometimes making breakfast for me. and sometimes you liked to poke fun at me, and making farting sounds to make me laugh. many times I've tried imitating you, but it was never a success. and you would laugh back at me.

you like painting and drawing. I enjoyed playing with the ink, and helped you do the mixing whenever you feel like painting. sometimes I would mess up your table, and you had to the one doing the clearing up. nevertheless, you never stopped me from doing that. small little things that would make a kid entertained.

I like wearing your big silver watch. the Ah Gong's watch on my small wrist. it made me feel like I'm an adult.

I used to go to the market with you. while mum was busy tending the stall, you liked to sit near the parked lorries, and chit-chat with all the uncles there, while I was running up and down the lorries, playing with whatever that amused me. you hardly tell me to sit down quietly, you just let me run about, because you knew I will never go out of your sight.

there was once you had to accompany me to school because I had to go early for supplementary lessons. because I didn't know the way well, we alighted a stop earlier. from there we had to walk a long distance to reach the school. the next day, I received a scolding from mum, because the long walk made your feet ache. I was being stubborn, I refused to apologise, but I felt bad for not knowing how to make you feel better. but you just brushed the issue aside.

you used to play your ye hu (coconut-shell erhu) and that two-stringed lute in the afternoons. I would sit beside you, listen to you playing your Teochew music. I could still remember the tunes. perhaps it was your influence, that I've picked up learning the erhu in secondary school. but you've never hear me play that.

as I grew older, the time spent with you, spent in the house, became less. longer school hours, more activities. but whenever there's a family gathering, we would all be there. I know you like big gatherings. I always look forward to your birthday celebration every year, I know you always look forward to that too. you would always move from table to table, asking everybody to 'eat more'.

when you first got hospitalised, I was so scared. suddenly you just seemed to become so frail overnight. the medicine might have caused you to feel drowsy and hallucinate, you started to mumble, and said that you have cooked porridge and asked me to eat. I was so frightened, so afraid that I would lose you any moment.

thank god you were discharged. I had just graduated then, but I wasn't intending to get a job. taking care of you seemed to be the most important thing at that moment. being the one who is the most educated (by far), I had to learn how to use those machines, and be clear of all your medications. you were too weak to get out of the house, so you did not attend my commencement ceremony. I wanted to get you an extra ticket, so that you could be there, be proud of your eldest grandchild.

the doctor advised you to quit smoking. I know it has been hard on you. how to kick a habit that has been with you for 70-odd years? I'm actually proud of you, that you have managed to cut down to a cigarette a day. it takes a lot of willpower to do so, and you are a strong and tough Ah Gong.

when you got hospitalised again a year later, you told me that you knew it was about time. I hate hearing that coming from you. I even told you that you would still have many more years to come, you would have to wait till I get married, till you get to carry your grand-grandchildren. and you even laughed at me for saying that.

Ah Gong, I'm sorry for not being there with you when you were celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival at home. I totally regretted that.

your last stay in the hospital was the last time I saw you suffer. when you laid there unconscious in ICU, it was really painful to see you like that. I know you could hear us. you fought on for a few more days, but I guess it was about time.

I hope we all have managed to fulfil all your last wishes. but it still hurts, to see you go.

sometimes I'm afraid of travelling alone. I would often stare blankly into space, and memories would just flood back. even if my MP3 player is blasting lively music into my ears, tears would still well up. many times I almost cried on the bus, but I had to hold back the tears. embarrassing, isn't it? I could only cry when it's late at night, when everyone else is sleeping.

Ah Gong, thank you for being my Ah Gong. you were always so supportive of me. you never questioned me of my decision to keep going back to the Philippines, all you said to me was, to take care of myself and be careful.

I gave you an ang bao during this year's Chinese New Year. that was my first, and the last time giving it to you. I want to let you know that your ah-hui has already grown up to become a young adult, facing the challenges of the real world.

I hope you are proud of me.

Ah Gong, there is this song I want to dedicate to you. although you may not understand it, the song truly expresses how I'm really feeling right now. Ah Gong, I miss you.

-your beloved ah-hui

goodbye, ah gong

it has been physically and emotionally draining for the past 2 weeks.

from the day ah gong was hospitalised, we all feared for the worst. seeing him lying there unconscious after the operation, face and body swollen from the operation, with lots of tubes and needles connecting to all the supporting machines, it hurts.

upon receiving a call from my brother, all of us rushed down to the hospital. his heartbeat had slowed down to 48, and the doctors said he had a few hours left. all his children were there, to be with him for his last moments. all of us gathered by his bed side, and he left us at 7am.

they said it was a good sign if a person passes away in the morning, for it would mean that he/she gives the rest of the time to his descendents. ah gong is indeed a good person.

I did not cry. perhaps I was trying to be strong. perhaps reality had not sunk in, yet. he looked so peaceful lying there, as if he was having a good sleep.

we couldn't bring him home the same day. he had to go for an autopsy to verify that it was not due to complications from the operation. walking him to the mortuary was solemn, but seeing him being pushed in, out of your sight, then you realised that he was no longer by your side.

when he came home the next day, he was wearing a suit with a tie. he looked smart. that was my second time seeing him wearing a suit and a tie, the first time was from his wedding photos. the rituals made the reality sink in further, that ah gong had really left us. for the first time, I saw my ah ma cry. after the rituals, my little cousin asked, 'why didn't you cry when everybody else cried?'

I didn't know how to answer, I just told him, 'I am strong. ah gong is in a happy place right now.'

for the next few days, we all stayed by his side, following all the rituals, hoping that he would lead a better life in a better place. some of the rituals were tear-inducing, but i tried holding back the tears. I wanted to be strong, when I saw my mother cry. many people came to offer their last respects to ah gong. ah gong have been blessed to have so many friends and relatives who have respected him as a person, as an elder.

when ah gong was about to leave for cremation, I couldn't hold it any longer. I walked up to him, and I broke down. that was the last time I saw him. it hurts too, to see my mum and aunts cry that hard.

I didn't dare to walk beside my mum, because I wasn't strong enough to give her the support that she needed.

our very last moments with ah gong was heart-wrenching. seeing him being pushed into the raging fire was even more painful than ever.

his body has been reduced to ashes, but many of his bones are still intact. ah gong had a life well-lived, and he also made people around him live well too. ah gong is a good man.

he is now resting peacefully at the columbarium.

I only hope that ah gong is happy, drinking his tea and puffing his cigarettes right now.

I'll miss you, ah gong

ah gong, you've lived well. you have been blessed with whatever you've enjoyed. all your children were by your side, and you look so peaceful. you left with no worries, to a place with no sufferings.

I'll miss you. thank you for being my ah gong.

ah gong, please hang on

ah gong is admitted into hospital again. a major operation.

a bad dream a few nights ago made me fear for the worst. I'm not ready to let go yet, not now, not ever.

ah gong, please hang on.

exams

kid 1 is having his exam from 26 September to 10 October.

kid 2 is having his PSLE from 3 October to 9 October.

kid 3 is having her exam from 22 October to 29 October.

wooh. life is getting a little exciting. arghh.