First Vacation - Bangkok, Thailand - July 2014

Dear Ceyone,

We took our first vacation of 3 nights and 4 days with you in July 2014 from Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand. It was our wedding anniversary and you had turned 18 months old with enough intelligence to understand the changes happening around you. It was the right time for all of us. Papa made all the arrangements for our super smooth and comfortable stay from the moment we left home. 

We reached well in time at the Changi airport and I had told you numerous stories of what to expect at each stage. You were excited and loved the idea of luggage on the conveyer belts. 

You eagerly looked out of the window at the clouds and recalled that it was the fairy's home from your books. It was easy to narrate a few of fairy stories to you on the flight. It was a smooth 2 hours flight overall despite the delay in take off due to a misbehaving passenger. 

The friendly flight crew of the Jetstar flight gave you a good cuddle. I knew you wouldn't enjoy cuddles from strangers so much and quickly took you in my arms. 

At the Suvarnabhumi airport at Bangkok, Papa had arranged some amazing escort service for us. We were received warmly and didn't have to worry about the airport transfer at all. 

We stayed at the Centara Grand hotel in the heart of Bangkok. Your favourite part of our suite room was the huge bathroom. You spent most of the time there exploring and holding the shampoo bottles all the time. The gigantic tub took your fancy and I didn't turn on the shower deliberately. I knew that if I would, you wouldn't leave the room for the evening.

We had some pizza, sandwich, shrimp salad and salmon rice for the in room dining and took rest.

We started off the evening with exploring the huge mall connected internally to the hotel. We enjoyed the famous and locally produced ripe and juicy mangoes. Ours was a family of mango lovers. 

There was a bike exhibition going on in the mall and we sneaked the opportunity to give you a ride and click pictures. I also stocked up on some local bread for meals on the go. 

We went for the wedding anniversary celebration dinner at the rooftop restaurant. It had amazing views of Bangkok's skyline and you enjoyed the open space. It wasn't entirely a kid friendly place but we managed some fun and sumptuous food. 

Then finally we retired for the night. I asked the hotel to provide some extra pillows and made a tiny dam for you. You were used to sleeping in the big bed at home and I didn't want to change it. You slept peacefully and we replaced the contents of the minibar with your night milk bottles.

The next morning I filled the tub for you and you had a ball bathing and playing in it. After good 30 minutes we coaxed you to come out without tears. You enjoyed freshly cut mangoes and omelette for breakfast.

We visited the Grand Palace temple and it was mesmerising. We planned short sightseeing trips and returned to the hotel for your nap. I wanted the least disruption to your routine. It was an incredibly hot day and we later found out to be 46º.

We returned to our room for lunch and tried some Thai noodles with peanut powder. You relished the new taste.

After nap we went out again to visit the famous sleeping Buddha. We had booked the car from Singapore and the driver was very courteous. 

In the evening we went out for dinner at the restaurant. By then you started missing your favourite broccola (broccoli) and Papa requested the chef to steam some broccoli and potatoes for you. You enjoyed it all heartily.

We had lots of cuddly moments together on the trip.

Soon it was our third day and time for breakfast in the morning.

We went out for a bit of shopping and had a light agenda for the day. It was very important for me not to over stress you. 

We discovered the wonderful train on the children's floor in the mall and took a nice long ride in it. You smiled ear to ear at the train.

We made a trip to ToysRUs and while you played with big machines, I stocked up on some toys for you. I bought a toy cake blender, some toy fruits, vegetables, old macdonalds farm truck with animals  and supermarket shopping trolly cart for you.

While we stopped for dessert, Papa and I couldn't decide what to have and took one of each delicacy :)

Soon it was the time for our return flight to Singapore. We explored around the hotel a bit in the morning while Papa completed the check out.

We got to do a quick sit in the Tuk Tuk. 

At the departure gate in Bangkok.

Landed on Changi and after a bit of tough flight you were hale and hearty at the airport. 

We came to our home sweet home in the evening and ordered Pizza for dinner. 

It was a wonderful vacation and a great change for all of us. I was surprised to see how well you participated and worked in the team throughout the trip. Felt happy and proud of you.

To many many more vacations together for our family!

May you travel to uncharted territories and keep discovering life's little pleasures. 

Love,

Mumma