International Day 2010

It was International Day last week, a special one being Ayden's first and and the first of many for all three together. The day started with the usual parade for the junior school.

The question the night before every year is "what to wear". It's rugby shirt vs the baju Melayu and the rugby shirt is winning hands down every year!

Ayden was not so sure about the whole thing and was very shy (we had to hide taking the pictures for fear he would run off).

Iman chose to go as an Irish jockey - thank god for the Indian tailors who made this in 2 days!

JIA Shanghai

We found this fairly new stylish boutique hotel and decided to give it a go. (Interestingly while waiting for our flight we found out that there is a subtle Bruneian connection). The decor was amazingly stylish and chic and the rooms very comfortable though there was nothing in terms of a view and the service was at times frustrating. Great location for a first trip but don't think we will be back a second time.

KK Swimming

Iman as part of the JIS team took part in a swimming competition in KK last weekend. There were about 10 clubs there from all over Sabah, one from Miri and ourselves from Brunei. Iman was in the age 7 & below category and swam only 22m races. She did fairly well getting 3 bronze medals in her individual races, a bronze in the medley relay and a gold in freestyle relay. I had one very happy girl! And even better everyone in the eventually got a medal and the JIS came third overall (thanks really to the two exceptional brothers that came first in all their races!)

(nb. Facebook readers will have to go to the blog to see pictures)

Two years on...

Last weekend we went to Miri for a break with our good friends the Downeys and went for an excursion to Lambir Hills. The last time we were there was the lead up to New Years in December 2008. Iman was 6, Jack 3 and Ayden just 2.

And how they've grown....

Ayden's Day

Today was all about Ayden. Our big boy not only turned 4 but also started Kindy. Trying to take a picture in the morning would have been impossible so I waited until we got home to take his first day at school picture - and with his presents which he was not interested to open in the morning. And despite giving me the big wail treatment on separation, he actually admitted that he loved his day and excitedly told everyone all about it!

And later in the afternoon the cousins came over for pizza, pasta and a slice of the tennis cake which Ayden was very happy with (well done to his P-N). We almost thought he wouldn't blow the candles when he hid himself for the birthday song but the big boy surprised us all and he was so proud!

More of Shanghai

Only just getting round to posting these.

The queue for the Apple shop!

View of the Bund from Pudong

And from the Bund side

Typical laundry day!

Upmarket cafes and restaurants of Xitandi

Where's Madang Manor?

Most of the buildings on the Bund had these interesting plaques

1st October when all of Shanghai decided to go walkabout