One week with the boys
Longer school holidays are always good for both students and teachers alike. My boys often joke that if only the rest of the kids knew how ready the teachers are for break, they would be surprised. I have now been on break for two weeks, and have enjoyed every precious moment of relaxation that seemed to be so lacking during our school year - even with all the holidays we had during the year. Exhaustion, frustration and tiredness accrue, and need to have the opportunity to be exorcised over a longer period of time.
Generally my summer holidays are a solitary experience, as this extended time is one that they spend with their Dad where ever he might be. This year they are in the US with their Dad and his family. A much needed time for them to have experiences and share with family from their Dad's side. It is a time that I struggle with as I always miss them, and worry about them while gone. However, it is also one of the few times in the year where I have an extended time for myself. I enjoy that time, and in many ways also cherish it.
But I do also ensure that I have at least a little time with the boys during these holidays. This time the boys were with me during the first week of holidays. This never fully an ideal time to spend together as we are also dealing with doctor's appointments, long awaited haircuts, and just plain tiredness. However, this year we did spend some time doing a few things that weren't regular run of the mill things that needed to be done.
One of the days we spent in Melaka, as the boys had not yet seen Melaka, it was time. Both had the choice of bringing along a friend. But we only ended up bringing along Namejs' friend, Ash. All in all it was a great day. The one thing the boys wanted to do definitely was to see the Buddhist temple and also take the river cruise. So that is what we focused on, along with some shopping for gifts to take to family in the US. Below are some pictures from the day.
On the walls of a part of the old Dutch fort area.
A water wheel along the river bank.
The view along the river cruise. The buildings have all been painted to make the river bank more attractive. Next time in Melaka I will take a long photo walk along the promenade.
This is one of the homes in the Kampung area of Melaka. It has been made into a Unesco Heritage site, and the homes have all been renovated, repainted and kept up. This is a very rare area in Malaysia, as most of these homes have been disappearing and are being replaced by concrete buildings. There is also an opportunity to stay in this Kampung in Village Stay opportunity.
This is a Portuguese ship that has been remodeled, put onto dry land and been remade into a museum.
These pictures are from the Buddhist temple that the boys wanted to see.
After Melaka we rested for a day and then went to the Selangor Pewter Museum for a few hours. We signed up for the School of Hard Knocks where we learned how to create pewter bowls after learning about the process of pewter making.
Engraving names into the bottom of the original flat disc.
Shaping and making the bowls.
The world's largest beer mug. Something those of us with Latvian genes appreciate. :-)
The rest of the week we spent packing, cleaning rooms, and eating out at our favorite locations, while also making some unforgettable meals at home. I am missing my boys while writing this, all the while knowing that they are having a fantastic time. Hugs and kisses to them and their family in the US for taking care of them.
Generally my summer holidays are a solitary experience, as this extended time is one that they spend with their Dad where ever he might be. This year they are in the US with their Dad and his family. A much needed time for them to have experiences and share with family from their Dad's side. It is a time that I struggle with as I always miss them, and worry about them while gone. However, it is also one of the few times in the year where I have an extended time for myself. I enjoy that time, and in many ways also cherish it.
But I do also ensure that I have at least a little time with the boys during these holidays. This time the boys were with me during the first week of holidays. This never fully an ideal time to spend together as we are also dealing with doctor's appointments, long awaited haircuts, and just plain tiredness. However, this year we did spend some time doing a few things that weren't regular run of the mill things that needed to be done.
One of the days we spent in Melaka, as the boys had not yet seen Melaka, it was time. Both had the choice of bringing along a friend. But we only ended up bringing along Namejs' friend, Ash. All in all it was a great day. The one thing the boys wanted to do definitely was to see the Buddhist temple and also take the river cruise. So that is what we focused on, along with some shopping for gifts to take to family in the US. Below are some pictures from the day.
A water wheel along the river bank.
The view along the river cruise. The buildings have all been painted to make the river bank more attractive. Next time in Melaka I will take a long photo walk along the promenade.
This is one of the homes in the Kampung area of Melaka. It has been made into a Unesco Heritage site, and the homes have all been renovated, repainted and kept up. This is a very rare area in Malaysia, as most of these homes have been disappearing and are being replaced by concrete buildings. There is also an opportunity to stay in this Kampung in Village Stay opportunity.
This is a Portuguese ship that has been remodeled, put onto dry land and been remade into a museum.
These pictures are from the Buddhist temple that the boys wanted to see.
After Melaka we rested for a day and then went to the Selangor Pewter Museum for a few hours. We signed up for the School of Hard Knocks where we learned how to create pewter bowls after learning about the process of pewter making.
Engraving names into the bottom of the original flat disc.
Shaping and making the bowls.
The world's largest beer mug. Something those of us with Latvian genes appreciate. :-)
The rest of the week we spent packing, cleaning rooms, and eating out at our favorite locations, while also making some unforgettable meals at home. I am missing my boys while writing this, all the while knowing that they are having a fantastic time. Hugs and kisses to them and their family in the US for taking care of them.
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