Our Bintan Weekend Getaway

We took a short 4 day-3 night holiday to Bintan a couple of weekends ago. It's been a while since our last holiday and DD was suffering from holiday withdrawal so when Sophie and her folks suggested going to Bintan, we jumped at the chance. As it happened, that weekend was also the weekend of our anniversary so it was a family holiday cum anniversary celebration rolled into one!

This was Noey's 2nd holiday and I dare say that he enjoyed this trip way more than his first holiday (I never did get to writing more about it, did I?). Our room at Nirwana had a ceiling fan - which he loves - so every morning he would wake up, make excited noises on seeing the fan, and look around the room with a big smile on his face. It was clear he was thinking "hey, I'm still here!". He also really enjoyed pottering around the room and doing things he was not supposed to like pulling down the phone and banging on the full-length windows with rather thin looking glass.

I've got the remote so I'm in charge here!

It was a relaxed and simple holiday where all we basically did was hang out by the pool and the beach. And because DD took a nap just about everytime Noey took one (Noey is still on two naps a day), he was really well rested! I, on the other hand, entertained myself with the free wifi in between washing up and sorting out Noey's meals. Also, our fears that Noey wouldn't sleep well on a new bed in a foreign environment were totally unfounded. Instead, he slept through the night on 2 of the 3 nights. Now THAT was bliss.

Yes, I'm really enjoying myself here, can you tell? Everything's been more than a-ok!

I also really enjoyed the fact that we were able to spend some time with Josh and Mich and Sophie. For one thing, it meant that we were able to have some other conversation with adults! Also, it was lovely being able to spend an extended amount of time with Sophie. That little girl is growing so fast. Sophie's almost exactly 1 year older than Noey and looking at her is like having a preview of things to come with Noey. I don't know if Noey would be quite as advanced in his speech though. At nearly 25 months, she speaks in full, long sentences -- indignantly telling a lady who called her a baby "I'm not a baby, I'm a toddler!" -- and makes interesting and funny observations like "Sausages are good for skin". I was also totally impressed when she counted the igunanas in the enclosure near the coffee house accurately (there were 6 of them).

Sophie Mophie

So yes, even though we didn't do too much and had to have early nights with 2 toddlers in tow, it was a good holiday. I'll stop and let the pictures do the talking!

With his backpack containing a couple of books and some snacks, Noey is all set and ready to roll!

Someone enjoying his ferry ride, together with his Papa. Mummy here was just trying to stave off a headache (I get seasick really easily).

Mummy's little explorer, well, exploring.

One with Mummy before Noey runs off to do his own thing again

Loving my baths!

Mostly cos I get to play with the tap! On, off, on, off...

Pool time! This was the pool at Banyu Biru next door. It was totally deserted when we were there so we had the whole thing to ourselves. We spent most of our time hiding in the little areas of shade though. Hur hur.

Horsing around with Godpa

Amost everyone, just missing DD the photographer as usual. Btw, this is Noey's latest phototaking pose. We think it's because DD always raises his hand and snaps his fingers to get Noey to look at the camera! Haha!

Wading around. At the Nirwana Resort pool this time. Noey got the hang of walking around in the kiddy pool and that's all he wanted to do, walk and walk around on his own. No holding his hand, thank you very much. It was quite cool to see how everytime he lost his footing he quickly took another step to recover it. Of course, there were a couple of times when he slipped under but we were quick to pull him up again before he drank too much water! He's really comfortable with water and with having his face in it - he just shrugs off the episode and continues. I think his swimming classes have probably helped in this respect.

Noey's first beach experience and encounter with sand. Thankfully he didn't try to eat it.

First time in the sea!

All smiles (in new PJs)!

With Bintan being only one hour away by ferry, I think it's safe to say we'll be back!