Weekend on Batam

Wednesday saw us back at work administering tests to all levels other than the kindergarten ones. It is rather boring to administer but the results give us some idea of which students can work independently and which need more support. In a few cases I found I had to read the test to students or they couldn't even attempt it. So while I know their reading level is low this also gives me some idea what vocabulary they are familiar with.

On Thursday morning we returned to the Gallery of the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) to collect some Heritage Walks pamphlets that could be useful for this year's Great Race. Even if they are not, we will still enjoy following them for our own benefit. We were once again impressed by the models of the city centre, the island and the future planning. Unfortunately we could see the proposed development of our much loved Bidadari's bush land which is very disappointing for all the bird lovers. 

The white buildings below denote future planning

 

Look how Punggol will expand

Walking on through Chinatown we chanced upon a wedding taking place at the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple on the corner of Temple Lane. The noise from the nadaswaram flute and drumming drew us in and it was absolutely gorgeous to be immersed in all the colour and noise of this joyous occasion. 

On Friday I went to the doctor to try to solve the ongoing fungus problem I have under the toenails of one foot and ended up discussing Annapurna Base Camp with her as she has also completed the trek. We are now well known there and even the receptionist asks us about our latest trips nowadays. In the meantime our new fibre internet connection was activated so now we have a very fast network and a stronger wireless signal. In the afternoon I at last got to the new sewing machine so have started on the mending and alterations pile. Did I mention this machine has a self needle threader? It gets better and better! 

Sunday brought on Australia Day, my birthday and the anniversary of Dad's departure. It always carries with it mixed emotions these days. I made the most of my birthday by having all the classes sing to me (after the tests were finished of course) while I accompanied them on the ukulele. We sang Happy Birthday in English and then Chinese. One class also managed Malaysian and another did it in Japanese. The rest of the teachers think I am a bit crazy but I don't care, the kids had a bit of fun. After work about a dozen people joined us at a favourite local Italian Restaurant for dinner and then some of them came back to our place for a nightcap.

Mon morning dawned and it was so nice to just roll over and think of the walking group assembling at McRitchie Reserve. We enjoyed a lovely sleep in and then caught the ferry to Batam where we had booked a couple of nights at the Tempat Senang (Happy Place) Spa Resort. I was pleased I had remembered the ginger tablets as there were white caps on the crossing. 

We've not been to Batam before, the island is more of an industrial hub than a tourist destination. Being so close to Singapore there are many electronics factories, a ship repair industry and a large oil service sector. Better work opportunities means many Indonesians flock here from the other islands in search of work and housing them all is a challenge. In response, Indonesia has linked some of the previously unpopulated nearby islands of the Riau group by bridges and is building high density housing. The result of all this is not attractive but it is a convenient location for us to get away for a few days with just a 25 min ferry trip from Harbourfront. 

We had little idea what to expect but were pleasantly surprised with the secluded location, welcoming staff, beautiful furnishings and surrounds. The sound of falling water was a constant backdrop to the lush gardens and tranquil feel of the place. Our room has Indonesian decor but we could have chosen to upgrade to a number of other Asian styles. For instance the Thai room has its own personal fish spa, The Japanese room has a free standing bath and beautiful kimono encased on the wall. Ours has a private balcony and features a shower that you access through the bathroom but which is actually outdoors.

After arranging our spa treatments for the next morning we had a light lunch then went for a walk, hoping to spot some wildlife, but instead found ourselves on the golf course. A quick trip back to the resort to collect a wallet and collard shirt for Eric and then we were on for 9 holes. The Indah Puri Golf Resort is located right beside us and the course was beautifully planned, being a Ronald Fream design (the same architect as Singapore's Tanah Merah and Sentosa Serapong courses). It was immaculately maintained and we were accompanied by Zen, our designated caddy. Despite my maiden name being the same, I have never before played with a caddy attending to my every need; handing me my (read his) club selection, raking the bunker, cleaning my ball, so at first it was a bit daunting but I think I could get used to it. Unfortunately my score was nothing to write home about but I finished well. Eric hit some nice ones but found it hard to combine the long and short game on any one hole. 

On Tuesday morning we took advantage of the half day spa which entitled us to a choice of three treatments from the spa menu. We each chose the Balinese massage which focuses on the back, neck and shoulder area. We also both chose the hot herbal compress which is designed to be a soothing therapy that travels deep into the muscles while you are pummeled by hot herbal wrapped mallets. As the third option I chose foot reflexology while Eric opted for the Balinese Boresh, a hot herbal wrap which is supposed to be great for aches, pains and flu. In their own ways they were all wonderful. I usually find foot reflexology pretty challenging as it tests my pain and tickle thresholds but this one almost put me to sleep listening to the nearby waterfall while seated in the poolside cabana. When I moved to the massage room I found Eric was just finishing up with the massage and so could hear it all while he was being pummeled and knew what I was in for after my massage. He really enjoyed the hot wrap where he was basted in a herbal marinade then wrapped in a sarong for the ensuing 40 mins, much of which he slept through, except for the occasional times where his snoring woke him up.

We spent the afternoon by the pool under the shady umbrellas and then ventured back onto the golf course (with binoculars this time) in the late afternoon. We saw a number of birds in the trees, around the water hazards and along the coast. Much clearer today so we were able to see the unmistakable silhouette of Singapore from the Marina Bay outlook. 

How's that for an impressive looking shaslik grill for 2? We caught the ferry back and were home in plenty of time to get to work in the evening.