The Parks

  A walk in the parks.

Singapore has many parks. The island has many recreational sections which cater to the urban folks. The island is small but so well equipped with facilities that benefit its people. When the girls pleaded for us to go down last weekend, we decided that we should honour them and pay them a visit.

After all it's Father's Day .

However, the truth be revealed. Papa longs for Emily and would agree at the first instant. He enjoys her tremendously; playing and talking to her in baby terms.
Grandpa will normally stop all regular work and entertain grand daughter.
So, it is not strange that Emily prefers granddad to anyone else in the home including mama Grace.

When Emily woke up from her short nap, she was greeted with the best surprise.

It's granddad in town. She ran her fingers all over his face and gave him that grin that breaks his heart . Very soon, granddad took upon himself to walk with her at the neighbourhood park. Strapped to him, Emily seemed ready to conquer the world.To the park, they heard birds chirped, cats purred and dogs barked. Little Emily, innocent in all ways is easily excited by the things she sees around her and in babyish speech communicates with granddad in great harmony. Yes, they really enjoy each other's company. Even at one, Emily already knows granddad dotes on her and can get away with anything when he is around her.

As we trotted round the park. we also men and women of all ages exercised using the facilities parked there. There were soccer and volleyball matches and some merely walked the miles to discard calories.

Like anywhere else in the world, the older folks are taken to the recreational surroundings by maids. While I noticed the old man nodding off in loneliness, the caregiver was chatting away loudly with a friend over the phone. It is not an unusual phenomena but it quickly brought me to remember my own parents back home and I wondered what they were doing. We begin to realise we are also nearing the era and while our feet can still carry us, we will attempt long distance walks and we decided to try the Mt Faber trail.

After the short stroll along the neighbourhood park, we left Emily home and scour the Faber Hill in a bid to reach Esther's home at Portsdown. Dad said it was a mere 40 minute walk which I believed was so achievable. So, armed with determination, we walked and walked.

Overlooking the hill, are panoramic scenes that cover the southern part and Keppel Port. It was breathtaking and throngs of walkers were taking the weekend as reason for that exercise. Granddad kept ranting that he should have lugged Emily along and that she would have screamed in elation. 

There were markings to show milestones and two noticeable spots were the Henderson Waves and the Hilltop Forest Walk. Here and there we watched families come out in droves for the coveted outings.

Dad mentioned that Alkaff Mansion refers to an old colonial bungalow with huge green grounds turned into a much sought after event area where weddings and other functions are held. All along the walk we saw colonial black and white bungalows and barracks once resided by the Whites who came to the island. They are still standing tall till this day.

The well-maintained walkway surrounded by rich flora and fauna are indeed therapeutic to the tired souls and the energetic lot. We have not walked for such a stretch for a long while and dad clocked his steps.

Yes, we did it!

We walked 15300 steps in 90 minutes before finally hit the door of Esther's abode.

Esther likes to be surrounded by nature. She does not mind the old look; she loves to be in sync with anything to do with architecture. So, for her to seek a barrack for stay is nothing unusual.

The morning walk was a calculated move.

We were prepared for a colossal dinner in celebration of Father's Day that evening.

I am beginning to realise that when extended families get together , it is always meals and a lot, a lot, a lot of money spent. We tend to succumb to treats in the name of celebration.

So, it was not surprising we landed at Sentosa Island for the meal of the day. I do not have to go into great details but enough to say it was Chinese fine dining with great service. Many courses were served and I wondered who the cook was.

Noodles were cooked tastefully and all seafood and meat were prepared with the finest touch. I had some guilt; to indulge in such meals.

We ended dinner with this sweet; Emily enjoyed it most.

I was truly concerned about the bill; felt we had overspent and dug deep into the girls' pockets.

Yes, this was where we dined and the cook was a  Master Chef judge...

No wonder all dishes tasted good with a polished touch.

Well, it is Father's Day. So we accepted gracefully in gratitude.

A good weekend indeed in Singapore.