... so good to be in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

We accompanied Ken to San Francisco to help him settle into his new apartment. The original plan was to help him do apartment hunting but that was settled by Ian (his apartment mate) - so we had more time to sight see and help him set up the apartment.

On arrival we did household goods buying at Ikea and Target - even at the Premium Factory Outlet we bought household stuff (on top of clothing). Ken and I also managed to play 4 rounds of golf at Golden Gate Park and Lincoln Park. The weather was perfect - 20º plus minus.

Ken went with us for a wine tour and Segway tour. 

Connie and I also managed to hop on to the Big Bus HOHO (hop on and hop off) 48 hours tour which included a night tour and side tour to Sausalito. 

On the pier at Sausalito

We also did a 3 day/2 night tour to Yosemite National Park. We were blown away by the sights.

At Glacier Point with the Half Dome in the background

Life is great - spending time with family and seeing so many wonders of the world!

... so good to have Ken back for 3 months

Kenneth came back for Jon's wedding but stayed for an extended break before starting his new job in San Francisco. So we had a great bonding time - playing golf and traveling to Bangkok (to play doubles with Zainal), China (his first trip to China) and Siem Reap (to see Angkor Wat).

Family Shot at Bridge over River Kwai

Feeding tiger cub at the Tiger Temple

Really glad to have Ken make his first trip to China even though it is to Kunming and Lijiang for golf and sight seeing.

Golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mt Golf Course - the longest 72 hole course in the world. Elevation - 3,200 m

We also visited the Stone Forest in Kunming is also a World Heritage site.

Another item off our bucket list - Angkor Wat in Siem Reap which is another World Heritage Site.

In front of the refelection pool at Angkor Wat

Lots of air miles but also a good bonding time. During the travel, we also realize how much Ken has matured. From some one who hardly reads, he was reading on his Kindle. 

His thinking has matured and his general knowledge has grown multiple folds. Guess his education at Yale has paid off!

... so good to see Jon and Andrea tie the knot

Today will be one of the most memorable day for Connie and I. We have not travelled for almost half a year in anticipation of this day and it has been all worth it. I have not seen Connie as excited about anything as this wedding.

Jonathan has always made us proud in everything he did, every decision and how he has grown into a matured young man. Andrea is also a well brought up intelligent and loving lady. Perfect couple.

The church ceremony was really meaningful. The tea ceremony was simple but significant. Dinner was perfect - the food was great, the band entertaining and the speeches well crafted and delivered. Perfect day!

Words cannot express the joy we feel today! Just like a sense of wonder over came as when we first saw Jonathan as a baby, today a sense of fulfillment, pride and achievement swept over us!

... so good to have another golf trip (this time to Vietnam)

The magnificent seven went to Danang (Vietnam) for a golf trip. The group include Vincent Koh, Richard Chua, Richard Yeo, Wilson Hon, James, Daniel and I. We played 3 rounds there including the Montgomerie Links, Danang and Laguna golf clubs. 

The standard of the golf courses were a little disappointing and the service was nothing to shout about. Fortunately, the company made up for it. So the trip was still quite fun with lots of joking and laughter. The food was also very good especially the Pho (Vietnamese noodle) at a small shop with tables along the 5 foot way! 

Had a good bonding time with Wilson as we shared room. Found a good friend that travel together!

Lessons learnt - 

1) not where you go but who you go with
2) always look for the positive and you find things will work out somehow

Though I still feel that it is not worth the $$$ to play in Vietnam. Silkair just cost too much for the distance travelled.

... so good to resume tradition of Christmas dinner with close friends

This year, Johnny and family were in US, LA for their first long holiday in a long while. So glad for them that they are finally using Johnny's travelling privileges.

However, also had a surprised visitor - Shirley came back from Melbourne to visit and was at the dinner. Shirley, Carmen (her daughter) and Connie even went for manicure before the dinner. Lots of catching up over old photos from BHSM and Holland Chapel days!

Thank God for friends that have lasted over the decades!

...so good to attend another wedding

Alice and Caine got hitched on 23 Nov at Peony Jade, Clarke Quay. Get food, great company and the couple was just adorable.

So happy for Alice - she deserves to be happy. She is such an easy going, down to earth and caring girl. The way she accommodates Caine and his mother's needs is just amazing. She will definitely make a great daughter-in-law and wonderful wife!  

... so good to have a bonding time with Ken at the NFL game (Giants vs Colts)

Visited Ken in New York as he had not come home for 1.5 years. The men (Ken, me and his flatmates) went for a football game. It was a really good bonding time with him - taking the train all the way to New Jersey having beer all the way. It was a spectacular entertainment - fireworks at the kick off, the lights and sounds were just amazing!