From Setback to Sweet Memories: Our Long Weekend in Singapore

Our much-anticipated family trip to Singapore took an unexpected turn a few days before our departure when my son Toffy was hospitalized due to a near-syncope episode and subsequently diagnosed with viral myocarditis. Although he was eventually discharged, the pediatric cardiologist advised against travel, leaving us facing a difficult decision. Faced with the non-refundable nature of our reservations, my wife and I made the tough choice for her to stay behind and care for Toffy, while my mother, my youngest child Evian, and I proceeded with the trip.

In this unexpected situation, I embraced the opportunity to spend four meaningful days with my 77-year-old mother and my energetic 3-year-old daughter. Despite the initial disappointment, our journey turned into a beautiful bonding experience filled with cherished memories.

On our first day, we ventured to Sentosa, where we savored a delightful lunch at Malaysia Food Street, indulging in delectable chicken rice and claypot rice. The Sea Aquarium enchanted us with its marine wonders, offering interactive programs, up-close animal encounters, and immersive learning journeys. We capped the day with a delightful dinner courtesy of my cousin Jairus and his family at Lau Pa Sat, where we were indeed wowed by the many delicious food choices, especially the authentic Singaporean cuisines.

The following day, we explored the wonders of Singapore Zoo, immersing ourselves in captivating shows – the “Splash Safari Show,” where Pedro the sea lion entertained us, and the “Rainforest Fights Back Show,” featuring various rainforest animals. A late afternoon visit to Orchard Road, though shortened by early store closures due to the New Year's Eve festivities, offered us a glimpse of the city’s vibrant energy.

Our third day brought us to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. We delved into three exhibits: “Future World: Where Art Meets Science,” “New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed,” and “Mars: The Red Mirror.” All were good, but it was Future World that all three of us truly enjoyed, as we were immersed in a world of art, science, magic, and metaphor through a collection of digital interactive installations. In the evening, we went to Bayfront to catch the “dragon drone show” but as it was starting, heavy rain down poured and so we decided to return back to our hotel.

As our last day dawned, we relished a tranquil morning at the hotel before my mother embarked on some leisurely airport shopping, savoring the final moments of our Singapore sojourn.

Amidst the hurdles and unexpected turns, our journey unfolded as a testament to the resilience and joy that comes from family bonding. While the original plan was derailed, the trip epitomized the beauty of embracing life's twists and turns, and finding moments of joy and connection amidst uncertainty.


- dtravelingfamily


Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Comfort to Chaos: Our Unexpected Air France Adventure from Manila to Vienna

Image
This year, our European travel began with a bit of excitement—and a few hiccups—right at the start. We chose Air France for our long-haul flight since it offered a convenient direct route from Manila to Paris, followed by a short connecting flight to Vienna, where Maan's convention was being held. A Smooth Start in the Skies The 15-hour flight to Paris was uneventful in the best way possible. The seats were comfortable, and Evian managed to sleep for nearly 9 hours straight (a miracle in economy class!). We flew on the Airbus A350-900, which features upgraded economy seats with ergonomic support, cup holders, and retractable device stands—small touches that made a big difference. Each seat also had a large, anti-glare 13.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, and both USB-A and USB-C ports for charging devices. The food? Your typical airline fare—nothing to rave about, but it got the job done. The Tight Connection Challenge Things got tricky when we landed at Charles...
Read more

A Magical Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt: Through Vineyards, Rivers, and Fairytale Towns (June 6, 2025)

Image
Our day began early in Vienna, with the buzz of anticipation in the air. After a hearty breakfast at the Trend Hotel, we boarded a private bus at exactly 8:00 AM, ready for a full day of exploration. Our destination? The picture-perfect village of Hallstatt, with a few exciting stops along the way. Morning Stroll in Dürnstein Our first stop was the charming town of Dürnstein , nestled in the heart of the Wachau Valley. This area is known for its scenic vineyards, baroque architecture, and the tranquil flow of the Danube River. We stepped off the bus and immediately felt immersed in a postcard-perfect setting. We walked along the Danube, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the water, then made our way uphill through cobbled streets lined with blooming flowers and quaint houses. At the summit stood the striking Dürnstein Abbey , a baroque masterpiece with a distinctive blue and white church tower that stands out against the lush green hills. Built in the 18th century, the abbey’...
Read more

Sipping, Singing, and Hitting the High Notes: An Epic October Birthday Bash

Image
  During the last presidential elections, a group of batchmates from the University of Santo Tomas High School's Class of 1994 came together to support good governance. United in our conviction, we campaigned passionately for then Vice-President Leni Robredo and her platform, "Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat." Although our efforts did not yield the desired outcome, the experience strengthened our friendship. Since then, our group has continued to meet regularly, reminiscing about our high school days, discussing how the world has changed, and cherishing the bonds we have forged. We often take the opportunity of a birthday to come together and celebrate. This month, three of us boys are celebrating our birthdays: Engr. Joseph Navarro, Atty. Jun Santamaria, and myself. Jun and I share the same birthday, October 20, 1977, and we turned 46 this year. Joseph, our Kuya, turned 47! Although organizing parties doesn't come naturally to us, especially us boys, we were dete...
Read more