Escape Adventureplay

This is Ian's latest love--think of a stacked ropes course with 3 levels of height and corresponding difficulty.

Each course is belayed with a continuous safety line that begins and ends at the command tower--you cannot inadvertently disconnect yourself from it!

You can see the concentration on Aria's face!

Here, you get a sense of how high the level 3 course is. I estimate it to be about 50 feet (15m).

At this portion of the level 3 course, you see Ian having to place his feet on poles he has to pull towards him. Midway, he also has to traverse a tree branch.

Both Ian and Aria in the same shot.

Aria continues on a level 2 course.

Over time, I have de-sensitized myself from the fear of heights by staring down from the towers until my nausea and jumpy stomach subsides. Occasionally, it might take 5-10 minutes. But I have also focused out my fears and not looked down, only to face the fear over and again. The de-sensitization actually allows my brain time to shift, and the fear goes away.

And what a workout in a gorgeous setting as well!

~ Shien

De Grill--Sunset Cafe & Kang Beef House

We had been wanting to branch out a bit, and decided to explore the middle eastern food in Batu Ferringhi.

We saw restaurants offering similar menus but at very different prices from diner to lavish restaurant, and even a beachside barbecue.

I thought the streetside cafe would be a good compromise.

It was, except that every motorcycle in Penang had decided to join the rally that was parading loudly infront of the cafe.

The food was good, while not inexpensive, was good value for money.

They featured pizzas on the menu and were disappointed to find out that they charged a royalty to order it from the corner shop nearby.

Monica really enjoyed this Keema Matar made from Ground Lamb with Peas. It was excellent with flatbread.

Our other place on the list for the fabled Kang Beef House. By day, the coffeeshop serves beef soup 3 ways from a cart-like station--herbal, claypot and kway teow soup.

Herbal, which had a very nice balance of medicinal and sweet herbs and earthy broth.

The hearty claypot version that had a rich broth that made your lips gummy.

And my favorite kway teow soup with the tangy, fiery chili dipping sauce.

This place is easy to miss and is on an out of the way nook.

The fabulous Batu Lanchang Market was nearby, and a great place to visit to walk off your lunch.

We love the fact that the produce here arrives later in the day and is therefore fresher for late risers!

We had been talking about taking pictures beside the ever changing Precinct 10 sign, so we finally made time to do so.

~ Shien

Aria's 10th Birthday--Kampachi, Equatorial

A Wii bit of fun before the rest of the celebrations begin.

Aria gets her fierce on.

She likes to win!

Either that or she doesn't like posing for the camera.

Next it was lunch at Chili's!

We told the server it was her birthday and she got a chocolate sundae with ice cream!

Then off to the bookstore to spend some of her birthday cash!

During another instalment, we went to the Hotel Equatorial to put away some serious amounts of sushi and sashimi at the Kampachi Restaurant.

It so happens that the kids can just about eat their weight in sashimi... or so it seems. They definitely get their money's worth.

They did something really nice for Aria's birthday...

Then gathered around to sing for her!

Aria figured she could eat it all by herself, but we wouldn't let her.

"My precious!!!" claims Aria.

Waddling in the garden outside after that massive meal.

Very fun and picturesque.

Happy Belated 10th, again!

~ Shien