Coffee Breaks: The Break

Every break taken has to be with the family.

This has to be as moments together are like stolen time; everyone is busy and putting plans on the calendar is also a major effort. The trip to Singapore and Batam was not easily concorded as much rantings and quarrellings were created before everyone could agree. At one juncture, I was doubtful if the trip could happen.

This reminded me of the good old days when the children were young and planning was done by adults alone and it did not involve headaches and heartaches. We only had to inform them of our plans and they would obediently and joyfully tag along.

She must be the reason for us to be patient with one another and the attraction was so strong that we finally agreed with one another's plans. Emily brings joy to the people around her.

Emily with aunt Lyn showing off their shades.

Emily gives no rest to grandpa and demands all his attention.

As public transport was a chore during festive seasons and flights were unreasonably priced, we went to the extent of borrowing a 7-seater vehicle just to accommodate one another. So you see, it was a huge effort to be together.

Singapore and Batam were just excuses.

We wanted to be together and picked a nearby place to while away our time.

In Singapore, we took time off to visit the zoo; the ultimate place to entertain the old and young.

At the Safari, we were taken around to see nature and the main theme was on the life found along major rivers of the world; Congo, Amazon, Mississippi,

Ganges, the Nile, Mekong and Yangtze.

Yes, truly educational and I would recommend on a school visit.

The explanations included types of sea life, activities associated and how the population thrive along them.

The Mississippi runs across 10 states and the life and activities are many and beneficial. Many cities rose from its existence and wealth created along side it. The livelihood has been established for centuries right from the migration of the English. There is much history if you read about it.

I love this American style wooden house typical of the first days along the river. Cowboys and stories related to the rich forests. Observe the logs used for the building.

River Nile is the Africa's longest river and its history goes way back to the biblical days. Man is here but gone tomorrow but God's creation lasts forever or until the end of days.

The hippo and crocodiles are found along the Nile but their existence are probably threatened with increase in human population.

Ganges to the Indians is sacred. It brings forth livelihood; is used for religious celebrations and the mother of life to the Indian community.

This information is reason why we must appreciate the mangrove swamps around us especially along the river mouth of my hometown; Muar. The mangrove swamps are where we get prawns, crabs, oysters and fish and shellfish.

How we enjoy those source of seafood.

So, how much we must preserve them.

The mud skipper is another creature found in mangrove swamps.

A creature like the crab ; on land and sea.

So familiar to South East Asian lands is the Mekong River; often known as the mother of all rivers.

The mother of all rivers is a familiar life saver for the South East Asians. Flowing from the mountains of China it flows across Myamar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. For each of the countries, it serves as a transportation hub, provides fertile soil in the deltas of the tributaries that join its course and sometimes is a tourist attraction with its multiple business transactions done along it. A main source of water for drinking, agriculture and washing, the Mekong is truly incomparable in its tribute to the nations it flows through and befits the calling; mother of all rivers.

The aquarium is the home to many species of sea fishes and creatures and is a great learning experience to all who see it. Adults and children alike were mesmerized by the many varieties and species of sea life just like the one in Sea World of Gold Coast of Queensland. But the latter had dolphins and many wonder shows; it being a theme park.

Can you spot the world's largest amphibian?

The zoo is also home to Jia Jia and Kai Kai; the loves of many.

The pandas of China are well taken as they are 'borrowed' and there is an accountability attached to the loan.

There was a concerted effort to make the dwelling place extra cold; a temperature that match its homeland and also to overcome heat that the pandas may feel with its thick fur.

They seemed pampered.

A walkway connects the different parts of the zoo and in celebration of the rooster year, greetings of good sayings in a typically Chinese Singapore adorned it.

While little Emily was under the care of aunt Lyn, the rest of us took the ride through forests.

Monkeys, the deer, colourful parrots and the beautiful storks were some of the forest animals witnessed. Emily was not allowed the ride because she is under aged.