It turning out to be an annual family outing for us these days. Whenever we are back in Malaysia, it seems to be a must for Ted and I to spend a few days in some nice resort. And this is mainly because it’s a hell of a lot cheaper paying for a really nice pricey room in Malaysia than back in Sydney. What we paid for our room in Penang we would never in this life time get the same in Sydney so we made the best of it.

I thought of trying out another hotel since we had tried Parkroyal the last time and it was ok. But apparently, due to the festive season and all, the prices had really sky rocketed. Special thanks for a family friend who managed to get us a really good price for our Grand Premier Suite at this time, really. So we settled for Parkroyal again and it didn’t disappoint. Only thing is, I wasn’t able to down that extremely delish pint of ice cold Carlsberg – I tell, aside from the ridiculous price attached to it, it was the bestest ever cold beer I have EVER EVER had in my entire life. I can still remember what it did to me the last time. But I will not……I cannot tell you la. *grin*

Arianna going about her rounds inspecting the room – it was nice coz it had a separate bit at the back which is like a small living room. It served us well since Arianna goes to bed at about 9pm and it’s far too early for us so we had the chance to have a cuppa and some private time.

View from outside our room…nice

From the top looking down into the pool. We were located at the 2nd floor so had like this long balcony all the way. Shared of course with sunchairs and tables.

Ever notive how Evian spelt backwards is naive…? Makes you think that perhaps some of us a rather ‘naive’ about mineral water eh? And check out that price!!! Siao wei…

The first time Arianna stepped into the pool the last time, she totally enjoyed herself and this time, she had apparently not forgotten how wonderful it can be and took to it like a duck to the water!

This was immediately after we put her in and away she went! Didn’t really bother whether or not we were around. Just went about her way doing what she wanted to do, going after what she wanted too…really brave la.

Needless to say she screamed her head off when we took her out of the kiddies pool. And she continued even when in the room but stopped when we placed her in the bathtub to have a quick shower. But back to the screaming after she was done. It was only after I gave her a bottle did she stop and THEN it dawned on me that the poor thing was hungry. Having too much fun in the pool to realised that she was hungry and the bad mummy didn’t realise either. I felt really bad about it coz she was peachy right after the bottle. Poor little thing!

Right after her bottle, we rested abit and this is what you get and Daddy and daughter chill out together.

A little up close of the little madam

This second time around, we were more prepared when it came to getting fed. That first time really threw us off but not this time. We had our eyes peeled as we drove up to Ferringhi and took note of the possible places to get our meals. So the first night, we had dinner at this place called Moghul Arch. The food was so-so but VERY VERY slow. No need to say that it was too expensive la then again, it was peanuts compared to hotel prices so complaints, just that it took forever to arrive.

The next day, we went to the Butterfly Farm and the lunch was nasi kandar and roti canai. That night, we had chinese food and it was DIRT CHEAP even for Ferringhi prices. I can’t remember the name of the place but it’s the first Chinese restaurant after Parkroyal, when you turn down to the right. You can’t miss it. The food is good and it’s SO going to be the place that we will go to if we ever stay at Parkroyal again. I really have no complaints whatsoever.

And on the way back, we bought Arianna her Christmas pressie. A vibrating ball which played ‘Crazy Frog’. At one point after she opened the present on Christmas day, it really drove me mad coz it played continuously. However, something has happened to it and it doesn’t seem to be working after the Christmas party that night. O well….

Before we retired to our room, Ted wanted a Cappucino to make up for the Carlsberg he couldn’t have coz he was too busy keeping an eye on Arianna in the pool. Arianna spent her time climbing all over the place of course.

A new found skill – frowning on demand. *lol* However, she doesn’t do this anymore.

Of course I couldn’t resist getting a little artistic la.

Glad I snapped this – check out that hand outstretched while looking at Daddy saying, ‘Daddy, I *am* touching this, you know?’. So funny!

In general, we had a really good time and more so, I think Arianna really had a ball too. Only thing was that she refused to wear the sunhat I had sewed as part of her yellow polka dot bikini suit – teruk! It was HARDWORK wei but nevermind la. At least I did it anyway. Heh…

The last time we let her touch waves, she freaked out. But apparently not anymore. Maybe its time to take her to the beach, eh? It’s summer after all.

I’m finally getting around to being able to blog more often. Thank goodness for proper internet connections and life-saving DVDs! *lol*

Looking back, I really miss being home in Malaysia. This trip around, it was mainly just spending time with family. We didn’t go anywhere but to Parkroyal for a weekend getaway, the Bird Park and the Butterfly Farm. I really mean just family because for most of the time, I actually forgot to contact friends! I don’t think some of them were pleased but you know what, I miss family more so, I hope they understand.

Some good friends came to visit me and I even managed to sneak in a lunch date with an ex-KDU mate with Arianna. Mindy brought Naomi along which was great. It was nice seeing how they reacted with each other. Fun!

We took a short trip into the Butterfly Farm while we were at Parkroyal. It was our second stay there and I must say that it was better this time around.

Here we are at the entrance. Note the welcoming note “Save our butterflies’ and keep that in mind.

Here are some shot of the butterflies around. There were so many but because they were fluttering most of the time, it was tough getting shots!

Check out the camouflage!

Of course, me being the sucker for being on hands with animals and all, I couldn’t resist the animal show coz I knew that they would allow the audience to touch the animals.

The stick insect, so fragile looking that I was afraid of dropping it.

I think that this is called the Scorpion stick insect coz it was spiky and looks like a scorpion too.

I found this a little bit ticklish and though most would squirm at the sight, I found it interesting. I was glad it didn’t *fart* at me!

I would never, ever touch a house cicak but this I didn’t mind.

The following shot is funny. Keep in mind the welcome note you read earlier…

This was to be a shot of a really gorgeous butterfly but before I could snap it, *someone* decided to poke it! Hence, the pink blob to show where it was suppose to be. How to save the butterflies la? *lol*

I guess we couldn’t resist just another shot of her in action. But this time, it was intentional.

Apparently quite interested in the fish!

I didn’t expect the place to be that huge but trust me, it seemed as if we were stuck in there! It seemed to go on and on and on. One route lead to another exihibit and there was just no way out. Scary up to a certain point. I got sick of the butterflies at one point.

Too much of a good thing is always not good. Towards the end, Arianna got bored too. I’m just glad that we decided to go earlier in the morning coz by the time we left, it was stinking hot and terribly humid. Needless to say, we packed back food for lunch. I had my standard nasi kandar and Ted had his roti canai. Cheap and yummilicious!!!