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Philippines: Boracay

by Asia

Philippines: Boracay 2024.

Philippines: Boracay 2024.

Captains Log Day 17 - 10/01/25 7:43 pm.
Flight PR209

After much deliberation about returning to Australia, the weight of the decision—and the anguish of the flight costs—finally sank in. Despite their doubts, they resolved to press on with the adventure.
While the captain wrestled with the decision and spent time on the phone with the airline exploring options, the cadet blissfully continued his beauty sleep, unaware of the tense discussions unfolding around him.
When the cadet finally awoke, his long rest had worked wonders—he was remarkably affable, a rare and welcome change from the earlier chaos. However, his good mood faltered at the airport when a desperate search for ice cream began. After scouring the area, the only option they could find was a tub of ice cream from 7-Eleven. It wasn’t ideal, but it was enough to satisfy the cadet’s sweet tooth and stave off a meltdown.
After navigating several gate changes and completing their airport duties, the family finally made their way to the boarding gate. The captain, still in considerable pain, was fortunate to have the help of kind locals who assisted with their bags, lightening the load both literally and figuratively.
The flight itself was uneventful, though the admiral was on edge, bracing for the possibility of a hunger-induced meltdown from the cadet. Upon landing, they were greeted by the sweltering heat and quickly located the hotel desk for their next steps.
What followed was a gauntlet of transfers: first, they were boarded onto a bus bound for the hotel’s welcome center. From there, they embarked on a 15-minute boat ride that required them to navigate a precarious, floating makeshift pier that wobbled with every step. The staff once again came to the rescue, steadying the captain as he almost lost his footing. Meanwhile, the relentless cadet, refreshed and full of energy, seemed immune to the challenges.
Upon reaching Boracay, the journey wasn’t quite over. A 25-minute minibus ride from the pier to their hotel at Station 2 awaited them. The captain, now visibly worn and in significant pain, soldiered on as they finally arrived at their destination. Despite the hurdles, they had made it, ready to embrace the beauty of the island and hoping for some much-needed rest and recovery.
At the hotel, the weary travelers took a moment to refuel in the lobby—coffee for the captain and admiral, and a doughnut for the ever-energetic cadet. The quick snack helped lift their spirits as they eagerly awaited to be called to be taken to the room
Finally, the staff came to escort them across the breathtaking resort to their room. The walk revealed glimpses of paradise, and to their delight, their room was less than 100 steps from the pristine beach, and just above one of the 3 pools on the resort.
It was nothing short of heaven. The water was a mesmerizing crystal blue, glistening under the tropical sun. For the first time in days, the captain, admiral, and cadet felt a sense of peace wash over them, the trials of their journey fading into the background
They then headed downstairs, where the cadet and admiral took a refreshing swim in the pool, laughter echoing in the warm tropical air. Coconut water in hand, the captain relaxed by the poolside, taking in the serene surroundings. Before long, they made their way to the beach, a stretch of paradise that was everything the captain had dreamed of sharing with the admiral.
The beach was breathtaking—exactly as the captain remembered it from over 12 years ago, during his travels with friends. The water was as blue as the sky above, clear and inviting, with gentle waves lapping at the shore.The warmth of the water intoxicating. The sand was impossibly soft and fine, slipping effortlessly through their toes as they walked along the shoreline. It was Boracay's famed White Beach in all its glory—a perfect blend of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palm trees, a slice of heaven that lived up to its reputation. In that moment, all the hurdles of their journey felt worth it. They were finally here, in a place that felt like a dream come to life.
The cadet soon found a kindred spirit in a lovely 9-year-old girl, and the two hit it off immediately. They played together for two joyous hours, their laughter ringing out over the beach. She seemed to understand his unique humor perfectly, even bursting into giggles when the cadet told her he had a “susu” on his head.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the horizon with shades of orange and pink, the family strolled back to their hotel. The walk was peaceful, a perfect end to their idyllic day in paradise. Back at the room, they washed off the sand and salt, feeling content and grateful to be in what truly felt like heaven on earth.
For dinner, they ventured to a place called Shakey's for pizza, a meal the cadet finally enjoyed after days of barely eating. Though the restaurant didn’t have the juice he was craving, the captain went on a determined mission. He first tried the place next door and then braved a loud bar with booming music, where a kind bartender whipped up a fresh watermelon juice for the cadet. The captain returned triumphantly, only for disaster to strike—the cadet accidentally spilled the juice all over the pizza.
In the chaos, the admiral rushed back to the hotel to fetch a change of clothes, while the captain cleaned up the mess. Thankfully, the cadet engrossed in his pizza did not notice, averting what could have been a full meltdown in the restaurant. Once the situation was under control, they finished their meal and headed back to the hotel, utterly drained from the day’s adventures.
Back in their room, the cadet stood on the balcony, mesmerized by the lively street below, watching musicians play and soaking in the vibrant energy. Eventually, he retired to bed, but throughout the night, the rhythmic beats of a drum parade echoed along the beach, a gentle reminder of the island's unending festivities.

The admiral woke up feeling very tired, while the captain, still sore, was determined to make the most of the day. They headed down for breakfast, which turned out to be a delightful spread. The egg station was bustling, offering freshly made omelets, alongside a colorful selection of salads and fruits. They discovered some unique drinks and soups—walnut and chia, mango with bitter gourd, and apple mint soup, which the cadet surprisingly enjoyed.
After breakfast, they decided to take a dip in the pool. The day was slightly overcast, with warm winds swirling around. The cadet, however, oscillated between shouting, "I'm cold!" in childlike dramatics and vehemently refusing the idea of drying off or leaving the pool. d. Despite his protests, the admiral and cadet braved the chilly water for a while longer before finally admitting defeat and heading back to their room to warm up. The captain made friends with some swedes who were visiting the island
Showered and refreshed, the trio set out for D'Mall, an outdoor market about 15 minutes away. With the cadet in tow, however, the journey took considerably longer. To keep him cooperative, they offered him a mango shake, but he quickly changed his mind, declaring it “yucky.”
After some negotiating and persistence, they finally reached the market. Souvenirs were bought amidst the light rain that began to fall, creating a cozy, lively atmosphere. Hunger soon struck, and they wandered past various restaurants searching for the perfect spot. Along the way, they encountered two little people inviting passersby into their restaurant. It was the first time the cadet had seen midgets and his curiosity got the better of him. "Did they not eat their vegetables?" he asked innocently, still pondering the mysteries of the security guard with six fingers from earlier in the trip.
After settling into the Japanese restaurant, they ordered cucumber and tuna sushi, thinking it would be a simple and satisfying meal to refuel the cadet. When the sushi arrived, however, they were greeted with raw tuna, a detail that had somehow slipped past the admiral and captain's minds.
The admiral, understandably, couldn’t eat the raw tuna due to her pregnancy, so it fell to the captain to bear the tuna burden. He quickly realized, though, that he'd rather indulge in wasabi than take on the fish. The cadet, with his usual adventurous spirit, also decided the sushi wasn’t for him.
After a meal that didn’t quite go as planned, they wandered around for a little more shopping before heading back to the hotel
On the way back, the cadet insisted on having a banana, but for some reason, nobody would let the admiral purchase it or give it to him—maybe it was the "bitchface" she was unknowingly wearing. But the captain, ever the charmer, sweet-talked the coffee shop into handing over three bananas without a second thought.
As they strolled back along the ocean, the family couldn’t resist taking a quick dip in the sea. The cool water was refreshing, and they relished the peaceful moment together before heading back to the hotel. Back at the pool, the captain, feeling adventurous, finally decided to join in for a swim, making the most of the beautiful surroundings.

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After much deliberation, they decided to walk to a Moroccan restaurant at the far end of the beach—it was the only place that served lamb, a craving the captain had been nursing for a while. Despite knowing they should rest in Boracay, they set out on the 2 km trek. The walk along the beach was beautiful, with stunning views, and even though the distance was long, the sunset made it all worth it. Parts of the walk they had to walk in the water, as the tide came up. Surprisingly, even the little cadet, who usually hated long walks, was unfazed by the journey.
They had a wonderful meal with live music, the atmosphere was perfect, and the cadet enjoyed the performance as much as the food. On the way back, the cadet found a sparkly spinning toy that entertained him as they walked, and they stopped for some ice cream while taking in the nighttime vibes of Boracay. They also picked up a floaty for future swimming adventures.
The walk back felt quicker and more enjoyable, and when they returned to the hotel, they stumbled upon a brief fire show that left the cadet inspired to try his own acrobatics with his donut and sparkly toy. Exhausted but happy, they finally made it back to the room. The captain, feeling the toll of the day’s adventures, went to bed in a fair amount of pain, but knowing they had made the most of their time in paradise.
The final full day in Boracay began with overcast skies and strong winds, but the family was determined to make the most of it. The captain, still recovering from the 30,000 steps taken the day before—and the accompanying scoldings—kicked off the morning with a hearty breakfast. The buffet, with its vast selection, proved to be a highlight, energizing everyone for the day ahead.
The cadet, bursting with excitement, was eager to try out his newly acquired donut float in the pool. Despite the chilly water, his persistence left the admiral no choice but to join him. Together, they splashed and played, with the cadet mastering the art of floating—though only backward—on his donut. His lips eventually turned blue from the cold, signaling it was time to head back to their room for a quick change.
Next, the family ventured to the pharmacy to replenish their supplies of heat patches, Panadol, and Nurofen. On the way, the cadet’s appetite struck again, and he eagerly anticipated a promised treat from the famous ice cream shop, Cocomama. However, disappointment awaited them as they found the store closed. Unwilling to give up, they discovered a small shop selling homemade local ice cream. Though not the original plan, the sweet treat managed to lift the cadet’s spirits—for a little while, at least. Meanwhile, the admiral and captain savored much-needed coffee, though the cadet, ever-curious, managed to sneak a sip when the admiral wasn’t looking.
Their next stop was an unexpected delight: a plaster painting studio. The cadet immersed himself in the activity, choosing a piece to paint and pouring his creativity into his work. Watching him so focused and content brought a sense of peace to the admiral and captain, who cherished the simplicity of the moment.
Lunch, however, brought new challenges. They opted for a traditional Filipino restaurant, but the cadet’s mood took a turn. A tantrum erupted as he refused to eat his food, drawing the attention of nearby diners. After some coaxing and a few stern words, he reluctantly nibbled on his vegetables, and the family managed to leave without further incident.
Earlier that day, the cadet had complained about a broken toenail causing discomfort. To remedy this, they treated him to his first pedicure. Though he enjoyed the experience at first, hunger and fatigue soon caught up, leading to some grumbles. Nevertheless, the pedicure provided brief relief for his aching foot.
Souvenir shopping followed, with the cadet fixating on a turtle magnet. The captain, for reasons only he could explain, insisted on a crab magnet instead, igniting yet another spirited tantrum. Despite the upset, the family pressed on, passing by the quirky Hobbiton restaurant—a midget-themed eatery that had previously amused the cadet.
Seeking to lift his spirits, the admiral took the cadet to the beach for an extended play session. They laughed and ran along the shoreline, the sound of waves momentarily washing away the day’s frustrations. On their way back to the hotel, they stopped to feed koi fish, a serene and joyful moment that delighted the cadet.
As the evening approached, the family changed into fresh clothes and headed to an Indian restaurant renowned for its chef, who had once cooked for Narendra Modi during his visit to the Philippines. The admiral and captain marveled at the breathtaking sunset, while the cadet focused intently on his meal before eventually joining them to admire the view. Dinner was a triumph, with everyone enjoying the food and the peaceful ambiance.
The walk back to the hotel was lively, thanks to the cadet’s antics. He charmed beachside peanut vendors by requesting free samples and delighted locals with his impromptu dancing alongside street performers. Before calling it a night, the family indulged in one last round of ice cream, with the captain finally trying mango ice cream.
Back at the hotel, the family packed their belongings, bracing themselves for the early departure the next day. They went to bed with a mix of exhaustion and contentment, reflecting on the day’s memories.
The following morning, they woke before dawn, grabbing a quick breakfast just as the buffet was being set up. With their bags in tow, they began the arduous journey home. The first leg involved a bus ride through winding roads, followed by a breezy yet bumpy boat ride across the water. Finally, another bus transported them to the small airport, where chaos awaited. Hundreds of travelers crowded the terminal, and the priority lane—ironically—moved slower than the regular lines. The captain, ever patient, instructed the admiral and cadet to rest while he waited over an hour to check in.
During the wait, a baggage scanner struck up a conversation with the captain, jokingly asking if he was getting Starbucks. When the captain confirmed, the attendant asked for the receipt to claim loyalty coupons, adding a moment of levity to the ordeal. Once checked in, the family boarded a short bus ride to the tarmac, where the planes were parked less than 100 meters away in an open, grassy field.
The short flight was uneventful, with the cadet happily snacking the entire way. However, upon disembarking in Manila, disaster struck. The cadet, brimming with energy, ran down the ramp and tripped, scraping his knee badly. His loud cries drew the concern of onlookers, but the admiral quickly sprang into action, bandaging the wound and administering Panadol while on the terminal bus.
With the immediate crisis resolved, the family collected their bags and headed to the bus stand for a transfer to another terminal, located 20 minutes away. During the ride, they struck up a conversation with some American travelers, who shared a somber story about friends in LA whose house had been lost to the wildfires ravaging the area.
At the terminal, the family retrieved their stored luggage. The staff, recognising the captain’s condition, were particularly helpful. While the admiral and captain managed the bags, the cadet decided to play a game of hide-and-seek, disappearing into the storage area. A brief panic ensued until they heard his cheerful voice yell, “I’m here!” from deep within a pile of suitcases.
Bags in hand, they headed to the check-in counter for their international flight. Although they had five hours until departure, the long lines tested their patience. The admiral grew visibly frustrated watching other passengers in different lines check in much faster. Eventually, they completed the process and made their way into the terminal, where they grabbed Subway and pizza to appease the cadet’s hunger. They also managed to scrape some money together with there final Pesos to treat the cadet to a pre flight icecream.
After a gate change and a few more tantrums, they finally boarded the flight home. As the plane ascended, the family reflected on their adventure—a whirlwind of beauty, chaos, and unforgettable moments. Boracay had offered them paradise, complete with its ups and downs, and though they were exhausted, they knew they would always cherish the memories they had created together.

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Philippines: Manila

by Asia

Philippines: Manila 2024.

Philippines: Manila 2024.

Captains Log Day 15 - 08/01/25 7:43 pm.

It was an early rise for the crew, and the captain, struggling with increasing pain in his ribs and back, knew there was no choice but to carry on. They were leaving Malaysia and heading to their next destination: Manila, Philippines.
The morning began smoothly. Check-ins and security at the airport were uneventful, and soon they found themselves seated at the gate, waiting for their flight. However, their calm was interrupted when airline staff approached, concerned about the admiral’s visibly advanced pregnancy.
The admiral had come prepared with a “fit to fly” letter from her obstetrician, dated December 13th, but the staff explained that such letters were only valid for seven days. Since the letter was past its validity, she would need to be examined by a doctor at the airport.
Fortune smiled on them in the form of a delayed flight, giving the admiral just enough time to be rushed to the airport’s medical center while the captain and cadet waited anxiously at the gate.
At the medical center, a young nurse began the assessment by taking the admiral’s blood pressure. It read 141—too high to fly. Hearing this, the admiral, overwhelmed by the stress of the situation, burst into tears, insisting that it was the medical examination itself that was causing her blood pressure to rise.
Her distress only worsened matters, and her blood pressure spiked to 155. The nurse shook her head, declaring that she was “definitely not fit to fly,” and called the doctor for a final evaluation. The admiral knew she needed to calm down. She focused on her breathing, trying to regain control while the captain, unable to sit still, kept calling to check on her. Though well-intentioned, his calls added to her tension until she finally requested that he stop contacting her so she could focus on lowering her blood pressure.
With deep breaths and steely determination, the admiral gradually calmed herself, and her blood pressure began to fall. By the time the doctor arrived, she had willed it down to 123. The doctor, a calm and efficient presence, spent just five minutes examining her before signing the necessary papers. The admiral was officially declared fit to fly.
Back at the gate, the captain was a picture of nervous tension, pacing and fretting about the worst-case scenario. Meanwhile, the cadet, blissfully unaware of the drama, had found a playmate and was charming those around him with his cheerful energy.
Finally, the family reunited at the gate, relieved that the delay and the presence of a doctor had saved their travel plans. Boarding the plane felt like a small victory after the morning’s chaos.
They arrived safely in Manila, weary but grateful to have made it through the ordeal. As they stepped off the plane, the captain silently hoped for a quieter and less dramatic start to their time in the Philippines.
After the drama of the flight, the family finally arrived in Manila, relieved but exhausted. The first task upon landing was to complete an immigration form via a mobile app. It took the captain some time to navigate the process, but thankfully the airport wasn’t busy, allowing him to complete it without added pressure. With the forms done, they headed to the luggage lockers to store their heavier suitcase, which wouldn’t be needed for their next adventure in Boracay. The staff at the airport were incredibly helpful, assisting them with checking in the suitcase, further solidifying their first impression of Filipinos as kind and accommodating people.
Once the luggage was stored, they moved on to more practical matters: getting new SIM cards and cashing out money. However, the cadet, tired and irritable, had an outburst when he wasn’t allowed to push the luggage trolley. An emergency snack quickly calmed him, and they managed to continue on their way.
They hailed a Grab and headed to their hotel, located conveniently near Terminal 3. The journey was short, and they arrived at the small hotel, greeted warmly by a security guard. The guard, noticing the cadet, playfully held up one hand with five fingers and then produced another hand with an extra thumb. The cadet was utterly bewildered by the extra digit and repeatedly counted his own fingers, trying to make sense of it. It was a moment of lighthearted fun amidst the chaos of the day.
After checking into their small hotel room, they ventured out to find dinner. It was another challenging meal. The cadet, having only had six hours of sleep—less than half of what he needed to function calmly—was uncooperative and prone to meltdowns. Despite the difficulties, they managed to have a delicious meal at a Japanese restaurant before retreating to their room for some much-needed rest.
That night was particularly painful for the captain. A new, sharper pain near his ribs emerged, making every movement feel as excruciating as it had on the first day of his injury. The admiral, exasperated by the day’s struggles, sat beside him as the cadet finally slept. The two hashed out their options. The admiral was ready to abandon the trip and return home the next day, but the captain stubbornly clung to the idea of continuing on to Boracay, despite his worsening condition.
The heated discussions of the night gave way to a painful morning. The captain, emotionally and physically drained, broke down in tears, ready to fly back to Australia. He called the airline to inquire about changing their flight, only to be told it would cost $5,000 to make the change. It was a price they couldn’t justify, and so, with the help of painkillers, they resolved to carry on with their plans.
Remarkably, the cadet woke up in a cheerful mood after finally getting a proper night’s sleep. The brief harmony was short-lived as they arrived at the airport, where a desperate search for ice cream ensued. The only option available was a tub of ice cream from 7-Eleven, which they grabbed before heading to their gate. At the gate the captain struggled, at first boarding a bus rather than the plane. This was the final boss he thought of and boarded the flight to paradise.

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Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur. Part 3 – The Departure

by Asia

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 3 - The Departure

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 3 - The Departure

Captains Log Day 13 - 06/01/25 10:20 pm.

The small airport was a welcome change from the sprawling chaos of larger hubs, with its straightforward layout making it relatively easy to navigate. However, that didn’t stop the captain from taking full advantage of his post-accident plight. At every checkpoint, he made sure to recount the harrowing details of his ATV accident, milking every bit of sympathy he could. Meanwhile, the admiral, not one to be outdone, rubbed her belly exaggeratedly to highlight her “extra-pregnant” state, a move that worked like a charm. Together, their combined theatrics even earned them the privilege of fast-tracking one security checkpoint entirely.
While waiting at the gate, the captain attempted to assimilate with the local culture, enthusiastically throwing around phrases like "inshallah" and "alhamdulillah." Unfortunately, he used them interchangeably, blissfully unaware of their actual meanings. The admiral, watching this with barely concealed amusement, could only shake her head at his attempts.
When they finally reached the boarding gate, the captain spotted a ground crew member and immediately launched into his well-practiced tale of woe, once again emphasizing his injuries and dramatically pointing toward the waddling admiral. The ground crew, empathetic to their "plight," offered a surprising solution: the entire squad, along with their luggage, could be lifted into the airplane via a chairlift to spare them the ordeal of walking up the stairs. The admiral, thoroughly entertained by this new twist in the saga, was eagerly looking forward to the chairlift experience.
But when the time came to board, the ground crew clarified that only the captain would be hoisted into the plane. The admiral and cadet, instead of enjoying the same royal treatment, were left to carry the bags onboard and struggle with fitting them into the overhead lockers. The admiral couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation as she wrestled with luggage while the captain was gently elevated into the aircraft.
Once seated, however, things took an unexpected turn. The flight crew, now noticing the captain’s obvious injuries, seemed concerned that he might not have medical clearance to fly. This led to a tense moment as the captain shifted gears, suddenly downplaying his earlier theatrics. With reassurances that he was "totally fine" and "fit to fly," the crew eventually relented, satisfied with his explanation.
As the plane prepared for takeoff, the admiral leaned back, still chuckling quietly to herself. The captain, triumphant in his efforts to secure special treatment, winced in his seat, already planning how to retell this chapter of their journey. Meanwhile, the cadet, blissfully unaware of the drama, was focused on the in-flight magazine, ready for the next adventure to unfold
As they waited for takeoff, the heat inside the plane grew unbearable. The admiral, on the brink of losing it, feverishly fanned the cadet with the safety instructions booklet, trying to keep him calm as beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. The captain, reclined in his seat, kept reassuring her, "It’ll cool down soon," though he looked equally miserable.
Finally, the plane roared into the sky, and the sweet relief of air conditioning kicked in. The trio settled in with onboard snacks, and for the first time in hours, there was a brief moment of peace.
The flight was short and uneventful, and before they knew it, they were landing in KL. But as soon as the wheels touched the tarmac, the cadet’s hunger struck like a thunderclap, triggering a meltdown.
To make matters worse, he urgently needed to use the bathroom, and this wasn’t just any bathroom visit—it had to be perfectly executed. His clothes couldn’t bear the indignity of a single droplet of water. Yet, a rogue droplet did find its way onto his shirt, leaving him utterly distraught. The admiral scrambled to console him, her patience thinning with every passing second.
Eventually, they emerged from the bathroom, a little worse for wear but determined to push on. At baggage claim, they retrieved their luggage with the wearied air of seasoned travelers. The cadet, still grumpy, tugged at the admiral’s arm, demanding food.
The mission to satisfy the cadet’s hunger had officially reached its most dramatic stage. After grabbing a quick emergency pretzel to tide him over, the captain took it upon himself to tackle the cadet’s next craving: sushi. He spotted the infamous sushi place, the very one that had refused to cut sushi for them on a prior visit. Undeterred, and perhaps fueled by residual frustration from the trip’s chaotic moments, the captain prepared for battle.
With determination etched on his face, he approached the counter and placed the order. The request was simple yet seemingly monumental: cut the sushi into smaller, manageable pieces. Predictably, the attendant refused once again, citing policy. The captain, already tested by the tumultuous day, tried reasoning with them, explaining that his son, the cadet, had no front teeth and couldn’t eat the sushi as it was. The conversation escalated as the captain grew more animated, pointing to the pair of scissors on the counter as a possible solution.
This display of passion, however, unnerved the staff. Fearful of the captain's intensity, the attendant refused to hand over the scissors, citing safety concerns. Realizing that he might have come across too strongly, the captain took a deep breath and shifted tactics. He pleaded with them, toning down his frustration and appealing to their compassion. Eventually, the attendant relented, cautiously agreeing to cut the sushi into smaller pieces.
Triumphantly, the captain returned to the cadet, who was contentedly nibbling on his pretzel. He recounted the sushi saga to the admiral, who couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
While the cadet dug into his freshly cut sushi, the captain set off once more to find food for himself and the admiral. Navigating the bustling airport, he eventually returned with sustenance for the two of them. However, the pretzel place they were at enforced a strict “no outside food” policy. Undeterred, they gathered their belongings and moved to a nearby spot where they could eat in peace.
As they finally settled in, the cadet happily munching on his sushi and the adults savoring their long-overdue meal, a rare calm descended over the trio. It wasn’t the smoothest or most dignified dining experience, but in the chaos of the day, it felt like a small victory.
The next skirmish was spearheaded by the admiral as she ventured to secure a post-lunch treat for the cadet: ice cream. The shop, however, was out of cones, and instead of offering a compromise, insisted on charging double for a cup. The admiral, already weary from the day’s battles, stood her ground. She argued firmly against the absurdity of the upcharge, but the shop staff remained unyielding. Frustrated but principled, the admiral refused to pay the inflated price, walking away empty-handed. The cadet, devastated by the lack of ice cream, began voicing his displeasure in a tone that was quickly becoming his signature battle cry.
After a tense lunch aftermath, they hailed a cab to their hotel. However, this too turned into an ordeal. As the grab car arrived, the captain—still in his determined yet limping state—approached a nearby security guard to request help with their bags. The security guard listened intently as the captain explained their situation, nodding in empathy and even agreeing to assist. But just as the grab car pulled up, the security guard mysteriously vanished, leaving the captain, admiral, and cadet to fend for themselves yet again.
In the end, the bags were loaded into the car with great effort, and the crew finally piled in. As the car drove off toward their hotel, the three exchanged weary glances, silently acknowledging the unrelenting chaos of their day. Yet, despite the constant hurdles, they carried on, bound by resilience and an unspoken understanding that these were the stories they’d laugh about—one day, far in the future.

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The flat, even ground of the hotel was a welcome reprieve for the captain, who hoped that the lack of slopes might finally aid his recovery. At the reception, the crew was greeted by an exceptionally sweet receptionist. Spotting an opportunity, the cadet turned on his signature charm, beaming at the staff with an irresistibly sweet smile. The strategy paid off: they were offered a complimentary room upgrade to the coveted club room. Elated, they made their way upstairs.
Upon entering their upgraded accommodations, the crew was overwhelmed with joy. The air-conditioning was crisp, the room spacious and luxurious, and for the first time in days, they felt a wave of relief. In celebration, they danced a little jig around the room, united in their gratitude for a moment of peace and comfort.
Eager to make the most of their evening, they decided to explore the Times Square Mall, conveniently connected to their hotel. Within its cavernous halls lay the famed indoor theme park, the largest of its kind in Malaysia. The group headed to the floor dedicated to children’s rides, only to discover that both the captain and the admiral were required to pay for entry—even though neither would be riding anything. Reluctantly, they paid the fee and entered.
Inside, the level was eerily empty. The cadet had the entire space to himself, but the joy of unlimited access to the rides was slightly tempered by the absence of other children. Still, he made the best of it, darting from one ride to the next, while the captain and admiral sat on the sidelines.
By the time they emerged from the theme park, it was late, and the mall was winding down for the night. Their hunt for dinner became a race against closing shutters. The only options left were less than appetizing: chicken kebab and rice that looked as though it had been sitting in the bain-marie since breakfast—or perhaps the day before. The cadet began eating the meal with some hesitation while the captain embarked on a last-ditch effort to find something else.
This quest led him to a fast-food joint called "Reecheese," where the offerings were nothing short of alarming. The menu consisted of greasy, cheese-covered burgers with ominous names like "Nuclear" and "Atomic," paired with a fluorescent pink drink. Desperate and resigned, the captain brought the food back, only to discover that the insides of the chicken burgers were an unsettling shade of pink. Determining it was safer to go hungry, he abandoned the meal entirely.
They prayed—“Inshallah” and “Alhamdulillah,” used interchangeably as ever—that no food poisoning would strike. Exhausted and still somewhat hungry, the crew returned to their upgraded hotel room, grateful for a clean and comfortable place to sleep. As they prepared for bed, they consoled themselves with the thought of the hotel’s breakfast buffet awaiting them in the morning. It was a small but necessary glimmer of hope to end the day.
The morning began with a surprising sweetness from the cadet, who charmed his way through the early hours with impeccable behavior. Unfortunately, this serene start proved fleeting, as the day would soon unravel into a series of emotional storms punctuated by fleeting moments of calm.
The crew entered the hotel’s breakfast buffet, a lavish spread catering to every taste imaginable. Yet the cadet, feeling cold but stubbornly refusing to wear his jumper, erupted into tears and screams. A delicate mix of carrot-and-stick parenting finally coaxed him into eating his breakfast. Miraculously, he transformed into an eloquent, well-mannered child for a brief and hopeful moment.
The original plan to visit KidZania was shelved as the captain, still recovering from the previous day’s adventures, felt worse for wear. Instead, they opted for a local excursion back to Times Square Mall and its soft play center—a safer, more manageable outing for all.
However, the cadet’s good mood expired just as they reached the mall. He demanded ice cream, which he was promptly given, only to throw a meltdown because the portion was "too much" for his liking. After a great deal of negotiation, he calmed down enough for the group to continue to lunch.
For lunch, the cadet had one simple request: bread. The crew found a bakery called "Bread Story," where they ordered garlic bread. Meanwhile, the admiral attempted to order one iced latte and one hot latte from the café inside. What should have been a straightforward order quickly spiraled into chaos. Despite having four staff members behind the counter, no one seemed willing to listen to the admiral’s request. Frustration boiled over, intensified by pregnancy hormones, as she struggled to get their attention. Finally, she walked away with two iced lattes instead of the intended order, seething from the ordeal.
Meanwhile, the captain went on his own food quest for the cadet, returning to the sushi shop to buy him a favorite treat. Predictably, the staff once again refused to cut the sushi into smaller pieces. Tired, frustrated, and channeling his own version of pregnancy hormones, the captain launched into a passionate plea, detailing the cadet’s plight as a boy without front teeth. Though the staff remained unmoved, the captain walked away, muttering about the dire state of sushi-cutting services in Malaysia.
As they sipped their lattes and reflected on the morning’s drama, the captain and admiral began to recognize a pattern. They liked to think of themselves as kind and worldly travelers, but the challenges of the day had tested their patience to the limit. In hindsight, they realized they might have overreacted. Over coffee, they shared a knowing look, silently vowing to meet the rest of the day with a little more grace—or at least to try.
The day continued with a visit to the jungle gym in the mall, where the cadet unleashed his energy while the captain and admiral took the opportunity to rest. At one point, the captain escorted the cadet to the bathrooms. While waiting in line for the cubicle, he loudly remarked on the people taking showers in the toilets—a mystery he found both frustrating and baffling, given the perpetually wet floors and occupied stalls.
Back at the jungle gym, the cadet found fleeting companionship with another child before moving on to build a castle of blocks in a separate room. There, he was briefly "adopted" by another mother, who supervised his block-building efforts while the admiral rested nearby, appreciating the momentary reprieve.
After the jungle gym, the plan was to head to Petaling Street for some souvenir shopping. But the cadet had other priorities—first, he demanded ice cream, and moments later, he imploded with hunger, insisting on dinner. The crew managed to get through another challenging meal, navigating the cadet’s mercurial moods.
Just as they prepared to head to Petaling Street, the skies opened, releasing a torrential downpour that was forecasted to continue through the night. With the rain rendering their plans impossible, the mission to find souvenirs shifted to the confines of the mall.
The hunt for meaningful keepsakes turned into a frustrating ordeal as they circled the mall, walking endlessly only to find a handful of suitable items. The cadet and admiral eventually had to retreat to the hotel room when the cadet reached his breaking point. Back in the room, mayhem erupted as they tried to calm him down and settle him for the night.
Meanwhile, the captain pressed on with the search for souvenirs despite feeling increasingly sore and unwell. After exhausting his options, he returned to the room, where the admiral took over the dinner mission. Unfortunately, her efforts ended in disappointment—Subway had closed just minutes before her arrival, leaving her to settle for Nando’s. The chicken wraps turned out to be a disaster, with the offending chicken skin rendering the meal inedible.
Disgruntled, hungry, and thoroughly drained from the day, the crew decided to call it a night. With an early flight to Manila looming, they organised their bags in a way in which they could keep some in a locker and then they hoped that a good night’s sleep would restore their spirits for the next chapter of their journey. The captain triple checked the flight time.

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Malaysia: Langkawi

by Asia

Malaysia: Langkawi 2024.

Malaysia: Langkawi 2024.

Captains Log Day 11 - 04/01/25 10:20 pm.
AirAsia AK 6313

The short plane ride to Langkawi carried with it the weight of anticipation. As they soared above the clouds, the Captain allowed himself a rare moment of quiet, dreaming of the island escape that lay ahead. He pictured the stillness of the water, the warmth of the sun on his face, and the calm that would finally wash over them after the chaos of rollercoasters, haunted houses, and whirlwind adventures. It felt like the perfect way to bid farewell to the whirlwind of 2024 and embrace the promise of 2025.
But fate had other plans. What awaited them on the island would be nothing like the tranquility he imagined. The following days would change his life forever, shaping the course of not just their holiday, but their very existence. The ripple effects of what was to come would reach far beyond Langkawi, stretching into a lifetime. As they descended toward the island, blissfully unaware, the seeds of a story far greater than themselves were already being sown.
Onboard, the Cadet, ever growing and hungry, grew restless as the plane prepared for takeoff. The Admiral did her best to keep him entertained, but the promise of food loomed large in his mind. As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, the air crew rushed down the aisle with their snack cart, working quickly to serve light refreshments, despite the admirals pleas for some proper food, all they could manage was some Chips and some light snacks, even so, the timing was impeccable, as barely moments later, the plane began its descent into Langkawi
hey landed in Langkawi, greeted by a blazing sun that seemed brighter and hotter than anything they had experienced so far. The warmth of the island air carried with it a sense of adventure and mystery, though little did they know just how much this chapter would rewrite the pages of their lives.
A Grab was summoned to take them to their accommodation, but the steep incline leading to the resort immediately became a challenge. The driver hesitated, refusing at first to tackle the daunting hill. It was only after the Captain’s well-practiced charm and friendly conversation that the driver relented, skillfully navigating the steep ascent to deposit them at the reception.
The resort was a haven for children, bursting with whimsy and imagination. Each room was uniquely themed—Mickey Mouse, princesses, the World Cup, monkeys—and designed in the shape of colorful domes. For the Cadet, the experience was like stepping into a storybook. That is, until they were led to their assigned dome: The Big Bad Wolf room.
The Cadet froze, his tiny fists clenched in defiance. This was his lifelong nemesis, the very villain he had battled in bedtime tales for year, This was no ordinary accommodation; it was enemy territory.
Inside, the room was spacious, though it was on a noticeable angle, much like the rest of the resort. The Admiral and Captain stumbled around awkwardly until they found their sea legs. The Captain, brimming with excitement to explore, decided there was no time to waste. Leaving all their supplies in the room, he eagerly ushered the squadron outside for a walk on the beach.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow across the horizon. The ocean stretched out before them, calm and beautiful, with water that was warm and inviting. The Cadet wasted no time, running in and out of the waves with pure joy, his laughter carrying on the breeze as he splashed about.
As the Admiral strolled along the shore, she noticed strange holes scattered across the sand. Curiosity piqued, she bent down for a closer inspection and spotted the tails of pink, worm-like creatures burrowing into the ground. There were thousands of these burrows scattered across the beach. A sense of unease crept over her as she realized how many there were. She raised the alarm, voicing her concern, but the Captain dismissed her worries with a healthy dose of skepticism. Meanwhile, the Cadet continued to play, blissfully unaware of her growing distress.
Moments later, the Cadet, with a mischievous grin, decided to engage the Admiral in a game of "attackoo." Grabbing fistfuls of wet, worm-infested sand, he gleefully flung them at her. The Admiral recoiled in horror, begging him to stop, but her pleas only seemed to fuel the Cadet's enthusiasm. The Captain, watching the chaotic scene unfold, couldn't help but chuckle at the Admiral's misfortune as the beach adventure took an unexpectedly messy turn.
The Admiral, finally pushed to her limit, had a tantrum and stormed away from her crew, her patience worn thin by the relentless barrage of wet, worm-filled sand. As she departed, dripping and fuming, the Captain chuckled quietly to himself, though the situation soon escalated. The Cadet, now realizing he was both wet and sandy with no change of clothes in sight, reached his breaking point.
What followed was a meltdown of monumental proportions—far surpassing the Admiral’s earlier outburst. The Captain and Admiral were forced to rally around their distressed Cadet, desperately trying to calm him. It was in this chaotic moment that a peculiar solution presented itself. In an effort to distract the Cadet and salvage the situation, the Captain scooped him up, and together with the Admiral, they ventured across a small body of water on the beach.
Relief, however, was short-lived. As they crossed the shallow water, a foul stench began to rise. To their horror, the trio realized the water smelled unmistakably of sewage. In a mad dash to escape, they rushed back to the shore, frantically washing the foul-smelling muck from their feet. The Cadet, though initially distraught, found great amusement in his parents’ misfortune. His mood was buoyed by the sight of the Admiral and Captain fumbling and floundering, and soon, laughte
They hailed a cab to the bustling Chenang area, where the vibrant sounds and lively hubbub worked wonders in distracting the Cadet from his ongoing plight of wet, sandy clothes and an aggrieved state of body and mind. Spotting a shop, they quickly purchased a pair of shorts for him and ushered him into the nearby mall, where they hoped to restore some semblance of peace.
By now, it was well past the Cadet's dinner time. While the Admiral ordered food for him at a restaurant, the Captain whisked the Cadet off to the mall's toilets for a quick change. Upon arriving, the Captain was confronted with an unexpected obstacle—a 1-ringgit fee to use the facilities. Deciding against paying, the Captain soon found himself caught in a farcical moment when the Cadet, unable to wait any longer, dramatically stripped down in the middle of the mall. The horrified expression on the attendant’s face was something the Captain would never forget.
With the mission accomplished and the Cadet now in his new shorts, a twist in the tale arose. Just moments later, the Cadet had a change of heart, bursting into tears and dramatically declaring that the entire operation had been a grave mistake. He tearfully insisted on putting his old, damp clothes back on. Back at the restaurant, the Admiral, unflappable in the face of yet another whim, complied with the request.
Once fed, the Cadet underwent a miraculous transformation. He devoured his meal with the fervor of someone who hadn’t eaten in days, and as his hunger subsided, so too did his temper. The cranky, tearful child was now an amiable, cheerful fellow once again, leaving the Captain and Admiral to breathe a collective sigh of relief as the evening finally took a turn for the better.
With the Cadet finally in high spirits, it was time for the Admiral and Captain to refuel. On the way to the Subway restaurant, they stopped at an ice-cream stall for a quick treat. The request was simple: a single scoop of ice cream in a cup. But alas, it was met with the dreaded "cannot." They were informed that a single scoop was only possible in a cone, while two scoops could be served in a cup. Despite their offer to pay extra for the cup, the staff stood firm, claiming that it would be impossible to place a single scoop in a two-scoop cup.
Conceding defeat, the Cadet, uncharacteristically adaptable in this moment, agreed to try his ice cream in the "inferior" cone. Barely four or five licks later, disaster struck as they approached a step. The Cadet, not noticing the obstacle, tumbled over, sending the ice cream crashing to the ground. Outraged, he turned his ire on the step itself, yelling at it for existing in such an inconvenient location.
Back to the ice-cream stand they went, where the Captain begrudgingly purchased another scoop on a cone. However, tragedy struck again as the very first lick sent the ice cream flying clean off the cone and onto the ground. The Captain, now on the verge of abandoning the entire ordeal, declared that he could no longer endure this battle with gravity and confectionery.
In a moment of desperation, the Admiral began contemplating ways to salvage the ice cream from the ground, much to the horror of those nearby. Sensing their plight, the ice-cream attendant finally showed mercy. She scooped a single portion of ice cream into a makeshift cup—bending the rules entirely—and, in an act of pure generosity, refused to charge them for the third attempt.
Grateful for her kindness, the squadron continued their journey to dinner with a renewed sense of hope. After a satisfying meal and a much-needed ice-cream triumph, all felt ready to take on the world again—or at least the evening. Their next mission was to find a barber, as the Captain had declared that a proper haircut was essential to usher in the New Year in style. Tomorrow would be New Year’s Eve, and the squadron was determined to face it looking their very best.
The last time the Captain had visited Langkawi, he’d had his hair cut there and was faced with an unusual question about his preference for a healthy versus unhealthy blade (used versus unused). Despite the oddity of that experience, he was unfazed as he began searching for a barber to ensure he and the Cadet looked fresh for the next day.
The search, however, was not without its challenges. After receiving several confusing directions and taking a few laps up and down the bustling strip, they finally found a barber. Unfortunately, the first barber refused to cut the Cadet’s hair. True to his belief that the crew must stick together, the Captain declined to have his hair done there and continued the search.
Eventually, they found another barber, one who was happy to accommodate both father and son. As they settled in, a young Italian man dressed entirely in white was finishing his haircut—a style unmistakably Italian in flair. Post his haircut the Italian man ha d no money, and he explained that his brother would be back to pay, while waiting for his brother to arrive and settle the bill, the Italian man began playing soccer with the Cadet, much to the Cadet's delight. When the brother finally arrived, he was like a taller, more talkative version of his sibling, and the Admiral, observing the scene, was thoroughly amused by their company.
With fresh haircuts and spirits high, the squadron left the barber and made their way back home. Along the way, they stopped to enjoy some fresh fruit and coconut water, a perfect refreshment after a long day.
Once at their resort, the Admiral and the Cadet eagerly washed the day away with clean water, finding solace in the routine of a hot shower. When it was the Captain’s turn, however, disaster struck—the shower drain malfunctioned, and the bathroom quickly became flooded. Wading through the ankle-deep water, the Captain messaged resort management for assistance before retreating to dry land.
At midnight, the squadron finally fell asleep, reassured to wake up to a pleasantly dry bathroom floor and ready to take on the excitement of New Year’s Eve in Langkawi.
The squadron woke up energized and ready for the day’s adventures. They began their morning splashing around in the resort’s pool, enjoying the serene setting and soaking up the tropical vibes. During their time by the pool, they met a lovely couple who were regular visitors to the resort. The couple explained they were involved in revamping the resort’s kitchen to include a Caribbean-style menu, and their warm personalities quickly made them new friends of the crew.
As the morning wore on, the couple generously offered the squadron a lift into town, sparing them the hassle of arranging transportation. Grateful for the kind gesture, they set off together.
Once in town, the Captain and the Cadet wasted no time diving into the day’s highlight—hiring a jetski. The duo zipped across the sparkling waters, their laughter echoing over the waves as they explored the picturesque coastline. The Captain, always a fan of documenting his adventures, connected with a drone videographer who captured epic aerial footage of their jet ski escapade, adding a cinematic touch to the unforgettable experience.
However, as the tour came to an end, a minor hiccup arose. The Captain struggled to locate the spot to return the jet ski, circling the pier for what felt like an eternity. Meanwhile, the Cadet tried his best to help, attempting to recall what the Admiral was wearing to pinpoint her location amidst the bustling crowd on the beach. Unfortunately, with hundreds of beachgoers around, this method proved less than effective.
Eventually, the Captain managed to reconnect with the Admiral, thanks in part to his new drone videographer friend, who offered some much-needed assistance.
Back on solid ground, the Cadet and Admiral seized the opportunity to redeem their earlier game of "attackoo" from the day before. Their laughter filled the air as they enjoyed their playful antics, much to the Captain's amusement. Meanwhile, the Captain was busy trying to organize a quick ATV ride for the group, as most of the available tours were extended and would last several hours. After some negotiation, he successfully arranged for a short 30-minute ride. The catch? They had to leave immediately to make it to the ATV tour station in time.
As the departure time loomed closer, the Cadet suddenly felt the familiar pangs of hunger. This made the Captain's mission to secure food for the crew all the more urgent. While the Admiral quickly changed the Cadet into fresh, dry clothes, the Captain embarked on a scavenger hunt for sustenance—though he found himself without any money on hand.
After some searching, a kind worker from a nearby resort came to the rescue, offering the Captain three ripe bananas as a small but invaluable gift. Proudly, he returned with the bananas, which the Cadet accepted eagerly, his mood immediately lifted by the fruit.
With their hunger temporarily sated, the squadron hopped into a cab and headed to meet their ATV tour, eager for the next adventure. Despite the rush, the excitement for the upcoming ride was palpable, and they couldn’t wait to see where the trail would take them.
Little did they know, what awaited them on the other side of the horizon was far bigger and more life-changing than they had anticipated. The winding roads and the promise of adventure on the ATV tour were only the beginning of a journey that would bring them face-to-face with challenges and experiences that none of them could have predicted. What seemed like an ordinary excursion soon took a turn that would not only change their perspective but would also bring moments of pain, growth, and reflection. As the engine roared to life and the wheels of their ATV carried them into the unknown, none of them could have known just how transformative the days ahead would be. What lay ahead would test their limits, shake their foundations, and ultimately bring them closer together in ways they couldn’t yet understand.
They arrived at the ATV place just in time, they had been waiting for them. They got geared up, helmets, safety briefings waivers etc, this was going to be a Captain and Cadet adventure only, much like the Jetski, the Pregnant Admiral could not join them. The Captain and Cadet then crossed the road and jumped on an orange ATV, and commenced with a ride to a small waterfall followed by refreshing watermelon juice and coconut water. The captain, feeling the wind in his hair and the excitement of the open road, had made a bold decision to take the less-traveled path back to the station. The road was rougher, but the sense of freedom was intoxicating, and with the cadet by his side, the captain felt a sense of invincibility. But in the blink of an eye, that confidence would turn to sheer terror.

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The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky as the captain navigated the rocky terrain, his mind focused on the path ahead. The ATV hummed steadily beneath him, the cadet laughing joyfully beside him as they bounced along. But as they approached a large bump in the road, the captain instinctively veered to avoid it, taking them too close to the edge of a small cliff. The ground beneath them had been dry, brittle, and fragile, its limestone foundation not nearly strong enough to support the weight of the ATV.
Time seemed to freeze as the captain’s heart skipped a beat. The ATV's back wheel slipped, and before he could process the situation, he felt the vehicle teetering dangerously. In a split second, the world tilted violently, and the ATV was falling, dragging them down with it. There was no time to think, no time to brace for impact—just a split second of helplessness before the ground gave way.
The Captain's instincts kicked in as he instinctively grabbed the cadet, pulling him close to shield him from the fall. But the force of the descent was overwhelming. The Captain and Cadet tumbled together, falling the short but heart-stopping distance of 2.5 meters, the ground coming up to meet them with a sickening crash. The captain’s body collided with the earth with a bone-shattering thud, the sound of cracking bones reverberating in his ears. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to make sense of the chaos, his feet and hands bleeding.
The cadet's cries pierced the air, and for a moment, everything was a blur. The captain could feel the weight of the cadet’s small body in his arms as they both hit the ground. Pain shot through his body, intense and blinding. He couldn’t tell what hurt more—the sharp pangs in his limbs, the disorienting throb in his head, or the overwhelming fear that washed over him. He tried to take a deep breath, but his ribs screamed in protest. His vision swam, his hands shaking as he clutched the cadet tighter, trying to shield him from the worst of the fall.
In that moment, it felt as though everything had come to a halt. The world had stopped spinning, leaving only the sounds of the cadet’s frantic sobs and the captain’s shallow, painful breaths. The ATV lay several feet away, its metal frame twisted, but it had fallen away from them, sparing them both the crushing weight of its mass.
But that small comfort was fleeting. The captain knew he had to act. He couldn’t stay here. He had to get them both to safety. His body screamed in protest with every movement, but he forced himself to sit up, to lift the cadet into his arms, and call out for help. His voice was ragged, broken.
The ATV guide arrived quickly, his face a mask of concern as he rushed to help. The guide grabbed the cadet, lifting him to higher ground, away from the edge of the cliff. The captain struggled to his feet, each movement a new agony, but adrenaline and shock kept him moving. He could feel the pain in his bones, the heat rising in his body as his injury began to sink in. Still, he pressed on, driven by the need to get the cadet to safety, to make sure they were both okay.
The captain climbed back up the cliff, his vision blurry from pain, but somehow he found the strength to pull himself up, his hand gripping the rocks as he dragged himself to safety. It took everything he had, but he did it—he made it. His legs buckled beneath him as he reached the top, his breath ragged, but he didn’t stop. He knew he had to make sure the cadet was alright.
When the captain finally reached the top, he fumbled for his phone, his hands trembling as he dialed the admiral’s number. His voice was unsteady as he spoke, doing his best to sound calm despite the terror still coursing through him. He needed to reassure her, to make her believe that everything was fine. But the weight of what had just happened hung heavy in his words.
"Just a small accident," he said, his voice hoarse, barely above a whisper. "We’re fine. Just a little shaken up."
The words felt hollow, but he knew he had to say something. The admiral couldn’t know how bad it really was. She couldn’t hear the fear in his voice, couldn’t sense the excruciating pain in his body. He didn’t want to worry her, not yet.
After the call, the captain knew they had to get back. He had to make the short ride back to the station, but the thought of sitting back on the ATV, feeling the jolts with every bump, was almost too much to bear. His body was a battlefield of pain, but he had no choice. He couldn’t let the cadet see how badly he was hurt. He couldn’t let the cadet see the fear on his face.
As they slowly made their way back to the station, the captain’s mind was in turmoil. Every bump in the road sent waves of agony through his body, but he held on, determined to make it. He could hear the cadet asking if he was okay, but the captain just gritted his teeth, forcing a smile. "I’m fine," he lied, the words catching in his throat.
When they finally arrived at the station, the captain dismounted slowly, his legs shaking beneath him. The pain was unbearable, but he knew he had to put on a brave face for the cadet. They had been through too much already, and he couldn’t let this experience break them.
The admiral was waiting anxiously for their return, her eyes scanning the horizon. When she saw them, her face lit up, but the captain saw the concern flicker in her eyes as soon as she saw the state they were in. She didn’t say anything at first, but he could see the questions forming in her mind. The captain forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
"We’re alright," he said, his voice tight. But deep down, he knew that what had just happened would change everything. He didn’t know how yet, but he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The fear, the pain, the uncertainty—it would stay with him long after the adrenaline faded. It would linger, like a shadow, a reminder of how close they had come to losing everything.
The ATV attendants immediately recognized the severity of the situation. Their faces went from concerned to alarmed, and without wasting any time, they radioed for a car to take the captain and cadet to the clinic. But after observing them for a moment, they quickly made the decision to take them straight to the hospital instead. There was no hesitation in their actions; they understood this wasn’t something that could be dealt with on-site.
The moment the captain tried to move, pain shot through his body like a lightning strike. It was as if his entire frame had been rearranged, his back was in unbearable agony. His legs were numb, but at the same time, every part of him felt bruised, scratched, and raw. His hands and feet were bleeding from the fall—scrapes and cuts littering his skin where he'd hit the rocks. He could hardly process the intensity of the pain, and the thought of moving felt like a cruelty. But he had no choice. The cadet needed him. The captain tried to mask his pain for the sake of the cadet, but tears filled his eyes as the pressure on his spine was almost unbearable.
When the car arrived, the driver gestured for them to sit down, but there was one strange request. Before they could enter the vehicle, the driver asked them to place garbage bags on the seats. The captain was too out of it to ask why, too much in pain to care about anything but getting to the hospital. He nodded weakly, and with help, they carefully lowered themselves into the backseat of the car.
They said their goodbyes to the concerned ATV guide and the manager of the ATV station, both of whom had helped them in their time of need. Their faces were full of sympathy, their gestures sincere. The captain could barely muster a word as he slumped into the backseat, trying to breathe through the pain.
As soon as the car started moving, it felt as though the world was shaking apart. Each bump in the road sent waves of agony through the captain’s body. The pressure on his back was relentless, and he could hear himself making small, pained noises as the car bounced over the uneven terrain. The captain winced, his body stiffening in response to each jolt. Every small bump felt like a hammer strike to his spine, sending shockwaves of pain through his limbs.
His feet were covered in bleeding scrapes from where his legs had scraped across the rough ground, and his hands were raw. The blood was still fresh, staining the palms of his hands. The pain was overwhelming. His mind wandered between flashes of shock and sheer exhaustion. At moments, it felt like the world outside was moving in slow motion, but inside the car, the pain was relentless, unyielding.
Through all of this, the cadet remained quiet, his small face etched with concern. He didn't understand fully what had happened but could sense the severity of the situation. The captain could barely speak, his breath shallow and quick, trying to keep it together for the sake of the child. He didn’t want to break down in front of him. Every inch of him was screaming in pain, but he knew that the cadet needed him to be strong.
As the car sped toward the hospital, the captain clutched the seat, gritting his teeth. Each movement felt like a battle against his own body. But he had to endure. He had to hold it together. His thoughts flashed to the admiral, and a sense of dread crept into his heart. What would she think? What would she feel when she found out what had happened? They’d been so close to having fun, to creating more memories. Now, this… this was all he could think about.
The taxi ride felt like it took forever. It was as though every second stretched out, each second of agony lasting an eternity. The captain's body was screaming for relief, but all he could do was hold on, breathe through the pain, and wait for the moment when they would finally reach safety.
Finally, the car came to a stop in front of the hospital, and the captain, too weak to move on his own, had to be helped out. Every movement was excruciating. The driver, who had been surprisingly kind during the ride, helped them into the waiting area. He didn’t say much, but his face showed understanding. The captain could barely process anything anymore. His mind was clouded with the pain, the dizziness, the confusion. His body felt heavy, as if it had been drained of all strength.
The hospital staff quickly took charge, putting him in a wheelchair and ushering them into the emergency room. The bright lights, the rush of medical professionals, the sterile smell—everything felt surreal. The captain tried to focus on the tasks ahead, but his body was failing him. He was losing track of time. His injuries were serious, and he needed to be treated immediately.
As the doctor assessed him, the captain couldn't help but think of the cadet, who had seemed so small and fragile in his arms just minutes ago. He hoped the child was alright, that he hadn’t seen the fear in his eyes, that the trauma of the fall hadn’t impacted him too much. The captain didn't want him to carry that with him for the rest of his life.
But now, all he could focus on was surviving the agony and getting through the next few hours.
The admiral and cadet spent the next few hours at the hospital, doing what they could to keep themselves occupied and distracted from the growing concern. They waited for the captain’s medical care, spending time with the cadet as he received his own treatment and medications. They even took a moment to grab a quick bite to eat from a nearby café, trying to keep the mood light despite the tension of the day.
Meanwhile, the captain underwent an ultrasound and x-ray imaging to assess the extent of his injuries. His pain was excruciating, but he was able to walk without any numbness or tingling, which was a relief in itself. The fear of internal injuries had loomed large in his mind. The doctors suspected rib fractures, but as the results came back, the relief was palpable. There was no internal hemorrhaging, and remarkably, there were no bone fractures either. The captain could be discharged with a handful of pain medications and a strict order to rest.
The admiral felt a wave of gratitude and relief wash over her as she absorbed the good news. She had feared the worst for hours, imagining all sorts of dire outcomes, and to hear that things weren't as bad as she had feared was a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. Still, she knew this wasn’t over. The captain’s pain was far from gone, and the road to recovery would be long, but for now, they had reason to be thankful.
With the captain now cleared to leave, they made their way back to the resort, the admiral doing her best to tend to both the captain’s and the cadet’s wounds. She cleaned them up as best as she could, a mix of compassion and practicality in her movements. They ordered a meal from the resort’s restaurant, something to nourish them after such an exhausting ordeal, while she made a call to the captain's parents. She briefly updated them on the events of the day, and as always, their concern was evident. They expressed their relief, wishing them a happy New Year, and counting their lucky stars that things hadn’t turned out worse. The admiral shared their gratitude, as the weight of the day’s events still hung heavy in her heart.
The cadet, though tired and overwhelmed by the events, eventually curled up next to the captain, his small body nestling into the corner of the couch as he drifted off to sleep. In the quiet of the room, the admiral sat beside him, her mind replaying the day’s events over and over again. The day had been filled with fear, pain, and chaos, but in the end, they were together, and they had all made it through.
For the first time in 36 years, the captain did not stay up to usher in the new year. Exhausted from the day’s events, he fell into a much-needed sleep, his body demanding rest. His dreams were quiet, a far cry from the tension of the day. But just after midnight, the sound of fireworks crackled in the air, breaking the silence. The admiral, still awake, heard the distant booms of the celebration marking the arrival of the new year.
The captain stirred in his sleep, but didn’t wake. The admiral smiled softly, watching the fireworks from the window, knowing that despite everything, they had made it through the night—together and intact. It wasn’t the new year they had imagined, but it was one they would never forget.
The captain spent a sleepless night, unable to find a comfortable position in the bed due to the sharp, unrelenting pain in his body. Every move felt like an effort, and the discomfort in their round, slanted accommodation only added to his restless state. His mind raced through the events of the day before, replaying the fall and the fear that gripped him in the moments after. The pain from his ribs, the strain on his back—it was all too much for him to escape in sleep.
The admiral, ever pragmatic, decided that today would be a quieter, more restful day for the crew. The mission was simple: take the cadet to the pharmacy for more supplies for the captain’s wounds, grab some lunch, and perhaps lighten the mood with a toy for the cadet. With the captain sidelined and unable to accompany them, the admiral issued strict instructions to the cadet—he was to rest and relax at the resort and not venture out into any further mischief. His orders were clear, and the cadet, though disappointed, agreed to follow them, knowing that he was to obey the admiral as the next in command.
The admiral and cadet set off on their journey under the harsh midday sun. The heat was overwhelming, and the cadet, normally a bundle of energy, slowed down under its weight. But the admiral, ever resourceful, bribed him with juice, lunch, and a promise of a nice air-conditioned taxi ride back to the resort. With these incentives, the little cadet soldiered on, determined to keep up with the mission.

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By the time they returned to the resort, the pool area was bustling with activity. Despite the heat, the cadet, fueled by his unusual craving for pancakes, found the energy to dive back into the pool’s amenities. It was a strange desire, but one that hit him hard, and the admiral complied with a smile, knowing that his joy would make the day feel a little lighter.
As evening rolled in, the crew opted for a quieter night in. They had dinner at the resort’s restaurant, where the cadet indulged in his newfound favorite—plain boiled noodles. It was simple, but it suited his mood and, for now, that was enough. The admiral ordered a meal for herself, though her attention was divided between making sure the captain was comfortable and making sure the cadet was content.
After dinner, they headed to the playroom, hoping to wind down for the night. The captain, still in pain, awkwardly sat in a corner, wincing every time he shifted. The admiral, ever the caretaker, tried to make the best of the situation. In her usual way, she chose to sit on one of the toy chairs—but much to her dismay, it broke under her weight, adding yet another mishap to the day.
The cadet, ever the whirlwind, quickly turned all the toy baskets upside down in a chaotic flurry. With a resigned sigh, the admiral dutifully packed everything back up, realizing that even in their quiet moments, there was always some form of chaos to tend to. With the toys put away, the trio headed to bed, tired but thankful for the calm that had settled over them, despite the unusual circumstances.
The captain, though still in pain, felt a sense of relief knowing that the worst had passed. He had no choice but to rest and recover, as the day had proven—sometimes, you have to take things slowly and trust that the people around you will see you through it.
The captain endured an even more painful and sleepless night, his body wracked with muscle spasms that left him tossing and turning, unable to find any comfort. The agony was relentless, and every movement seemed to make things worse. His exhaustion only deepened as the hours dragged on, and he found himself unable to sleep, no matter how badly he needed rest.
By morning, he had managed to make it through breakfast and laundry, but his condition remained unchanged—he was still in no shape to participate in any activities. The admiral, undeterred, decided to take the cadet for a swim to at least give him something to look forward to. Afterward, they were to get lunch, with the captain suggesting Istanbul restaurant, food that he knew that the cadet would like. Once against he Captain was told to rest in the resort whilst the admiral and cadet did a duo mission.
It was a short drive to the restaurant, but as soon as they got out of the cab, the admiral’s worst fears were realized—the cadet was completely wiped out by the heat. The restaurant itself wasn’t much help either. A small fan barely circulated the air, and the cadet’s specific cooling needs were far beyond what it could provide. The admiral’s concern about food poisoning began to rise as well when the staff member apologized, explaining that her boss was on the toilet and would start cooking once he was done. The restaurant seemed underwhelming, not exactly a place bustling with customers or a reputation for fresh food.
Then, to add fuel to the fire, the freshly squeezed orange juice that was delivered to the cadet was warm. The cadet, already struggling with the heat, completely lost his composure. His mood darkened instantly, and the mission to have a pleasant lunch came crashing down. He refused to even consider drinking the juice, and soon the situation escalated into full meltdown mode.
The admiral, desperate to salvage what she could, hastily hailed another cab, determined to escape. The restaurant staff, unaware of the growing tension, placed the warm orange juice in a plastic bag and insisted the cadet take it with him. The cadet, of course, refused, and they quickly fled the scene.
Relief came when they reached the air-conditioned Cenang Mall. The admiral, in desperate search of a more acceptable meal for the cadet, spotted a rice and chicken shop he knew the cadet had enjoyed in the past. She quickly placed an order, emphasizing three times the need for cold water as soon as possible. But when five minutes passed, and the waiter stood idly by without fulfilling her request, the admiral’s patience began to wear thin.
Eventually, the water arrived, but it was clear the food would be a challenge too. The cadet, now disillusioned with food in general, declared he would only eat plain noodles. No sauce, no soup—just plain noodles. Fifteen long minutes later, the noodles arrived, drenched in chicken soup. The cadet disapproved, once again throwing a wrench in the admiral’s carefully laid plans.
At her wit’s end, the admiral cracked. She forced the cadet to eat five bites of the noodles, which, miraculously, seemed to shift his mood. Reluctantly, he complied, and his mood lightened after the small victory. Exhausted and defeated by the mission, the duo made their way back to the hotel, ready to recuperate for a while.
The captain at the resort, still in pain, managed to calm the admiral’s nerves as she called him and told him of the mishaps. She tried to steady herself, knowing that she was doing her best for both the cadet and the captain, despite the setbacks. As evening approached, it was time for dinner, and they ventured out once more.
On the way out of the hotel, they discovered a sugar glider and two parakeets in the reception area. The sight gave them a momentary distraction from the chaos of the day, but the evening’s dinner proved to be just as challenging. The captain going mad at the resort and the restaurant closed, they decided to venture just down to the closest Indian restaurant hoping the cadet would eat. However, The cadet was still on hunger strike, refusing to eat much of anything at the Indian restaurant.
To make matters worse, a watermelon juice was accidentally knocked over, further flaring tempers and escalating the situation. The captain sat there wincing in pain. Despite everything, the cadet begrudgingly ate his dinner, and once again, the crew found themselves struggling to get through the day.
As they exited the restaurant, the decision was made to split up for a while. The admiral and cadet would head off to search for souvenirs, while the captain, still in pain, felt the need to retreat back to the hotel and rest. They grabbed a taxi for the cadet, and just as the cab was about to pull away, the captain spotted the resort’s buggy parked outside. The attendant had arrived to pick something up from the shops. Without hesitation, the captain waved him down, and they hopped on, thankful for the unexpected ride. The buggy whisked them back to the hotel, delivering the captain straight to the door, where he could finally rest.
Meanwhile, the admiral and cadet set off on their own little adventure, strolling through the local shops in search of souvenirs. The cadet, now in a sweeter mood, seemed to enjoy the search more than expected. Perhaps it was the relative calm of being out in the open air, away from the tension of earlier. They picked out magnets, little mementos to remember their time in Langkawi, and enjoyed the moment of simple joy.
By the time they returned to the hotel, the captain had managed to rest, though the pain still lingered in his body. The admiral and cadet, too, were a little weary but seemed lighter after their successful shopping trip. The trio reunited, each person silently aware of the weight of the day’s trials—the emotional and physical toll, the struggles with the cadet’s mood, and the captain’s ongoing pain.
Captain, determined to feel better, woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to tackle the day despite the lingering pain. Breakfast consisted of eggs for both the captain and admiral, while the cadet stuck to his watermelon, his favorite breakfast choice. However, the smell of the eggs was too much for the cadet, so he picked up his plate and sat at a separate table to avoid the scent.
In the meantime, the cadet made friends with another boy named Luca, a fellow traveler from Perth. The two boys played happily in the pool, and their parents also hit it off, sharing stories of their toddler experiences. Meanwhile, the admiral took a moment to call her mother and discuss the ATV incident. The advice she received echoed that of the captain's parents—perhaps it was time to come home. It was clear that both sets of parents cared deeply, and the admiral found some comfort in the conversation.
While the admiral and cadet continued to enjoy the pool, the captain opted to sit by the side, determined to bear the heat in hopes of feeling better. He was trying to push through the pain, wanting to regain some semblance of normalcy. After a while, they decided to head out for lunch. The captain joined them this time, his first outing in two days. He was determined to break free from the pain and enjoy a meal outside the resort. They grabbed a Grab to Chenang Beach, where Pizza Hut had a line, so they opted for ice cream for the cadet and electrolytes for the captain to cool down.
The mission for lunch continued as they set out for a restaurant only 500 meters away. However, the heat was unbearable, and the cadet kept stopping, complaining that it was too hot. Despite the pain the Captains body pressed on, finally arriving at the restaurant where they grabbed pizza and mac and cheese. Despite some convincing, the cadet finally ate, though not without some reluctance. With the meal over, they decided to head to the aquarium next.
The aquarium was an adventure of its own. The cadet, full of energy, was wild with excitement, especially when they saw sharks, penguins, and seals. The manic cadet running around. It was exhausting.
After the visit, they took another Grab back to the hotel for some rest. Once settled, the cadet, as usual, got into some wrestling with the admiral—an energetic and playful way to burn off some excess energy.
Then, the weather took an unexpected turn, and they were greeted with random tropical rain as they ventured outside. Undeterred, they took another Grab to Eagles Square to see the iconic giant eagle monument. The cadet, however, had to quickly use the restroom, but the urinals were too low for him, resulting in a messy and frustrating moment. The cadet was upset, but to calm him down, they took him to a nearby mall where they found a bathroom to clean up.
Afterwards, they headed to the pharmacy to pick up more medication for the captain. As night fell, the mood shifted as they searched for food. The streets were alive with activity as they were near the Marina. The Captain had found a steakhouse that had the much coveted Cadet favorite Lamb, they walked towards it and along the way the cadet became frightened by the many monkeys on the street, worried they might bite, one even glared at the captain as he walked past. They finally made their way to the steakhouse for dinner, but the cadet complained about the lamb, saying it was too brown and too big for his liking, he did however, end his hunger strike and finish a large lamb shank. The stopped for a bathroom visit at the Ramada and decided to head back
On the way back to the hotel in a Grab, the cadet had one more mission—he asked the driver his name no less than six times. The captain, though exhausted, was starting to feel the strain of the day. As they returned to their accommodation, the captain realized that the slope of the resort was exacerbating his pain, and everything seemed to be aching more than before.
It was time to pack up, as tomorrow they would be flying to Kuala Lumpur. The cadet was concerned that he wouldn't be able to manage his luggage with his recovery still in progress, but they all persevered, packing what they could. However, they soon realised that their laundry had not yet returned, so they decided to put off any further packing and go to bed, resting up for the next leg of their journey. It had been another challenging day, but they had gotten through it together.
The morning felt like a frantic whirlwind as the captain and his crew woke up much later than they ever had before—10 a.m., the latest they'd ever slept in during their trip. The cadet, still disoriented and upset from the previous day’s challenges, was in full meltdown mode, screaming about a number of things that had bothered him. His cries echoed through the room, making it clear that the morning was off to a rough start.
The captain, bleary-eyed and still feeling the effects of his injuries, checked his email out of habit—and then froze. Their flight to Kuala Lumpur had been delayed to 12:30 p.m. instead of the 4 p.m. departure they had originally planned for. This was a major setback—three and a half hours less than they had expected, and suddenly, there was a mountain of things to do in a much shorter window of time.
Panic set in as they realized they weren’t packed, half their laundry was still missing, and the cadet was still screaming—now about being cold and hungry. The pressure mounted quickly, and the captain scrambled to get things in order. He quickly took a shower and then went on a desperate search for their missing laundry, while also making sure to settle the hotel bill.
Meanwhile, the admiral was trying her best to get everything packed as efficiently as she could, but with the clock ticking, it was a haphazard attempt. She fed the cadet as best as she could, but by now, he had lost the use of his own limbs, refusing to feed himself and becoming more of a burden with every passing minute.
Amidst the chaos, a staff member offered to give the captain a ride back to their room in a buggy, likely hoping to make the captain's day a little easier. But, stubbornly, the captain declined, telling him he’d be faster on foot. However, just moments later, as the captain walked toward the hotel, he watched the buggy zoom past him, all their luggage on board. The cadet, half-satisfied from the rushed feeding, and the admiral—still disheveled, unshowered, and flustered—were all bundled up in the buggy, waving goodbye to the resort staff as it zoomed down the hill.
They had hoped to stop by the ATM to withdraw some cash to tip the helpful and friendly staff members who had made their stay more pleasant. But in the face of this last-minute spanner in the works, they could only muster a quick thank you and a sheepish departure from the resort.
As they piled into the taxi, the driver—a kind woman who seemed to understand the urgency of the situation—helped the admiral lift the suitcases into the car, his back feeling like there was molten lava bubbling inside.. She then rushed them off to the airport, pushing through the inevitable rush hour traffic. All the while, the captain and the admiral couldn’t help but feel the weight of their chaotic departure, knowing they had just scraped by and hoping that the rest of the journey would be smoother.
Despite the stress and rush, they managed to make it to the airport, but they couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d left more behind than just their luggage. They had left a sense of calm, of order—replaced with a scramble of uncertainty and chaos that would forever mark the final hours of their time at the resort.

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Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur. Part 2 – Sunway Lagoon

by Asia

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 2 - Sunway Lagoon

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 2 - Sunway Lagoon

Captains Log Day 7 - 30/12/24 5:20 pm.
AirAsia AK6316

They left Genting and embarked on a long cab ride with a very friendly driver who kept them engaged with an informative discussion about the intricacies of a non-Muslim marrying a Muslim in the country. The one-hour ride felt quick due to the thought-provoking conversation. Upon reaching the 3-star hotel, they were initially impressed by the lobby, which seemed fantastic. However, they soon learned at reception that this was actually a 3-star hotel, and they had mistakenly been booked at the 5-star hotel instead.
A car from the hotel arrived to take them to the proper location, and as they entered the stunning 5-star hotel, they tried not to gawk too much but couldn’t help but be impressed. The check-in desks were sleek and modern, and there was a Gordon Ramsay restaurant in the lobby—truly 5-star in every way. The decor was gorgeous, with huge Christmas trees and a spectacular lobby that set the tone for a luxurious stay.
After settling in, they made their way straight to the swimming pool, eager to enjoy some time by the water. They ordered cocktails, but the drinks took over 30 minutes to arrive. At one point, the waiter handed the Captain the notepad to write down the order himself. The lifeguard on duty mentioned that the service in Malaysia could sometimes be slow, which was evident in this situation.
While they waited for the drinks, the Cadet happily played in the pool, but unfortunately, like their pool experience in Genting, thundershowers rolled in. They had to retreat back to their room.
Later after changing, showering and drying up they went to the Gordon Ramsay restaurant in hte lobby. The Cadet, having been asked to behave, did so, but he wasn’t thrilled with the food. He ordered mac and cheese, which he spat out—just as he had done a year ago at another Ramsay establishment in Korea, when he’d ordered the same dish. For dessert, they enjoyed a delicious apple tart tatin. However, when they tried to give Rami vanilla ice cream, he loudly declared, “That’s not ice cream!” over and over again, causing a scene that prompted a hasty exit. Despite the incident, the food was incredible: they had turkey wellington, lamb, and some delicious side dishes.
To soothe the Cadet, they headed to the attached shopping mall in search of sushi. The Captain went over to a shop and found some tuna sushi he liked, but the store refused to cut it for him, rather wanted to give him one big log of tuna sushi. After a bit of a disagreement with the staff, the Captain was handed a pair of scissors to cut the sushi himself. This was yet another example of the service issues they had encountered in Malaysia. While their dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s had cost over 1000 ringgit, the Cadet's uncut sushi only set them back 8 ringgit. They then treated him to "real" ice cream from Häagen-Dazs, and Cadet thanked everyone for the treat, returning to the store multiple times to thank the icecream giver.
They returned to the hotel and got ready for sleep. The Cadet and Admiral quickly settled in for the night while the Captain decided to go downstairs to the lobby for a beer. Upon arrival, he was told that the restaurant was closed, but the staff discreetly advised him to go to 7-Eleven to pick up some beers. The Captain followed their suggestion, grabbing two beers and bringing them back to the hotel. Once back at the restaurant, he was allowed to sit down and enjoy his beers without anyone bothering him. He spent some time reading his book until late, before returning to the room to join the Cadet and Admiral, ready for a well-earned rest before the next day's adventure.
The next day, they woke up late to the sweltering heat. After getting ready, they left the hotel to head out on their next adventure to Sunway Lagoon. On the way out, they stopped for coffee downstairs at the hotel lobby and left their bag at the café as they made their way to the theme park. However, the Captain had to go back to the lobby for the bag, while the Admiral and Cadet navigated through a maze of car parks to reach the entrance.
Upon entering the theme park, the heat hit them hard. The Captain sorted out the tickets and went inside first, eager to kick off the day. The first stop was a horror ghost train, which the Cadet seemed very interested in. However, when they tried to board, security pulled them aside and asked for the Cadet's age. The Captain said seven, but the Admiral corrected it, stating four. Unfortunately, the Cadet wasn’t allowed on, as the ride was deemed too scary for someone of his age. Despite the Captain’s attempts to convince them, they were told to wait for a future event where he could possibly be allowed.
The Captain, undeterred by the earlier incident, decided to experience the haunted house ride on his own. It was a walkthrough attraction, much like the zombie experience they had encountered earlier in Genting, where they would move through a dark, eerie house with actors playing the roles of ghoulish figures.
As the Captain made his way through the haunted house, something unexpected happened. He became the unofficial leader of the group, as other visitors, including a child and his mother, clung to his T-shirt and pants. They seemed to find comfort in his presence, grabbing onto him for dear life as they walked through the spooky corridors, the sounds of creaking doors and ghostly moans echoing in the dark.
Sweating profusely, the Captain tried to stay composed as he led the small group, making his way through the haunting scenes. He could feel the grip of the child and mother tightening with every jump scare, but he soldiered on, determined to finish the tour, though the experience left him feeling like he had been in the middle of a dramatic, yet slightly amusing, horror house.
The sweat kept dripping onto the terrified pair clinging to him, but he maintained his role as an unintentional hero, even as he silently prayed for the haunted house to end. The whole experience left him both drained and slightly amused, knowing that, in that moment, he had become the calm in the storm for his fellow "tourists."
They headed into the water park, where the heat made for perfect splashing and cooling off. The Admiral, ever diligent, reapplied sunscreen at every opportunity to make sure everyone stayed protected under the blazing sun. Meanwhile, the Captain decided to take a break from the water fun and ventured off to experience a 5D ride. However, the 5D ride was a letdown. It felt like it came straight from Temu—the 3D goggles didn’t work, and the chair barely moved, leaving the Captain feeling underwhelmed, not even mildly amused.
Afterward, the Captain joined the Admiral and Cadet at the surf pool, where he threw the Cadet around in the water, enjoying some fun splashing. Despite the ride mishaps, the water provided a welcome break from the heat, and the crew was able to soak in the fun of the park together
It was time for lunch, so they grabbed some sushi and Subway—two different tastes to suit everyone’s preferences. After filling up, they went on a wildlife walk to explore more of the park.
The Captain was absolutely fascinated by the animals they encountered, but one stood out above the rest—his spirit animal, the bear. He had a deep admiration for them, and it was a moment of pure excitement when they learned that 10 of the smaller sun bears would make up the size of one polar bear, the largest bear in the world.
Next, they made their way to the lion enclosure. The Mumma lion slept peacefully while the Daddy lion paced back and forth, ever alert. The crew watched in awe as the majestic giants strolled around and fed, the sight of such powerful animals leaving them in silent admiration.

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As they continued, they spotted a monkey, and the Cadet immediately began imitating its movements, trying to match its playful antics. But the excitement didn’t stop there—out of nowhere, a bird pooped on both the Captain and the Cadet! The Cadet struggled to cope with the mess, turning to the Admiral for backup. Thankfully, she came to the rescue with tissues, helping them clean up and restore some calm amidst the chaos.
After their adventure with the lions, the crew continued their wildlife walk, spotting even more incredible animals—a few flamingos, a jaguar, a leopard, a raccoon, and some otters. Each new creature fascinated them, but after hours of exploration, they were all starting to feel the effects of the heat and their long journey.
They stopped for a brief Go-Karting session in which the Captain channeled his Max Vestappan and almost ran a fellow driver off the road!
Finally, they arrived at another water park. This time, the water eruptions weren't so welcomed by the Cadet, who initially recoiled from the splashing sprays. However, with a little patience and some encouragement, he eventually warmed up to the idea and began to enjoy the water, giggling as he played and splashed around.
As the rain started, the team retreated to a sheltered area, where they had a chance to freshen up. After a quick shower and change, they treated themselves to some ice cream, electrolytes, and refreshing coconut water to recharge. They then went to feed the monster fish, which was a fun and interactive experience.
Later, the Captain finally took the Cadet on the haunted house attraction that had been denied to them earlier. This time, despite the terrifying atmosphere, the Cadet was surprisingly brave, showing no signs of fear. The only thing that seemed to unsettle him were the high-pitched screams of the girls behind him, who were clearly more frightened than he was. The haunted house proved to be quite the adventure, and the Cadet, ever the trooper, emerged unscathed, though perhaps a little more wary of loud noises for the rest of the day.
After the haunted house adventure, they headed to the kids' area, where the Captain took the Cadet on several rides. One particularly wild ride, a cannonball water slide, left the Cadet drenched, which led to an emotional meltdown. Sensing the impending disaster, the Admiral swooped in to save the day, quickly changing the Cadet and averting any further distress.
Once the Cadet was calm again, they took some fun photographs with the park mascots, capturing memories of their day. After spending a solid 12 hours at the water park, they finally decided it was time to leave. The day had been full of excitement, adventure, and a fair amount of chaos, but they all agreed it had been a day well-spent.
After an incredible day, they headed back to the mall and enjoyed an amazing meal at the Middle Eastern restaurant they had spotted earlier. The meal was perfect—delicious, flavorful, and the cherry on top of a fun-filled day. To make it even more memorable, an Arab singer serenaded them, adding a beautiful touch to the evening.
They wrapped up the night with some ice cream, but the sugar hit hard, and the Cadet went wild. His energy burst out, and before they knew it, he was running around the lobby without his shirt on. The Admiral, understandably upset, retreated to the room, leaving the Captain and Cadet to explore the hotel’s multiple floors in their own little adventure, they visited multiple floors with the Cadet running around without a teeshirt.
Eventually, they made their way back to the apartment, where the Captain and Cadet did some laundry in the shower to wind down. It was a fantastic day at Sunway Lagoon, filled with laughter, excitement, and a fair amount of chaos, but ultimately, they ended the day on a high note.
The morning started off with laundry still not dried. The Captain, trying to make the best of it, attempted to hotbox the clothes but then decided it was time to find a laundromat. After gathering their clothes in a bag, they set off and found a small laundromat that agreed to dry the clothes. With that sorted, they headed to the mall for some sustenance. The Cadet, of course, wanted marshmallows. They passed a patisserie with marshmallows on croissants, but when they asked if they could have the marshmallows alone, they were met with resistance, there was constant cries of “cannot”
After some negotiation, the boss finally approved dispensing the marshmallows as a standalone item—success! With that mission accomplished, they moved on to try ice skating, but they eventually decided against it, since they needed to buy gloves. Instead, they headed to the bumper cars for some fun.
Meanwhile, the Admiral, relying on her own navigation skills, managed to find the laundromat and, after cursing her earlier carefree approach, used her female intuition to get back on track. She picked up the clothes and headed back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, she checked their bags, checked out of the room, and set off to rejoin the Captain and Cadet. Now familiar with the labyrinth of escalators, she finally found them. The Captain informed her that in her absence, he had been involved in two altercations: one over sushi that couldn’t be cut and another over a chair that couldn’t be used outside a restaurant. As he recounted the tales, he flared up at his new nemesis, a woman protecting the empty seats outside her shop.
After feeding the Cadet the Captain and Admiral went to lunch, then headed to Nando’s, where another diner had created a "wall of sauces" between the Captain and the Admiral. The Captain thought this might be a brilliant tactic for maintaining a long and healthy marriage, as he picked off the skin off his chicken wrap
After lunch, it was time to head back, pick up their luggage, and make their way to the airport. The usual airport procedures followed—check-in, security, and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. While walking through the terminal, they spotted an airport buggy. The Admiral, ever resourceful, decided to make full use of her "extra pregnant" status and snagged a ride to the gate on the buggy.
As they made their way through the airport, the Captain had grown weary of carrying the three bottles of water for the Admiral’s hydration needs. Tired of the constant refilling and the ongoing water bottle saga, he had a few choice words with her about it. But in the end, the water bottles were refilled, and the journey continued with hydration secured for the Admiral, they boarded the short flight to Lankawi

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Malaysia: Genting Highlands.

by Asia

Malaysia: Genting Highlands 2024.

Malaysia: Genting Highlands 2024.

Captains Log Day 5 - 28/12/24 8:10 pm.

The ride to the Genting Highlands was smooth, the winding roads offering glimpses of lush greenery as they ascended toward the highlands. The Cadet was mesmerized by the changing scenery, occasionally pressing his nose to the window to take in the view. The Captain and Admiral, still riding the wave of their excellent sleep and festive morning, chatted about the plans for Genting and all the fun they hoped to have.
As they climbed higher, the temperature cooled, a welcome break from the humid heat of Kuala Lumpur. As the Grab wound its way up to Genting Highlands, the crew found themselves surrounded by a thick blanket of clouds, reducing visibility to nearly zero. The Captain kept marveling at how they were "driving into the sky," but the Cadet, unimpressed and cranky, declared that this was "the stupidest idea ever." His mood didn’t improve when they arrived at the hotel lobby—another "stupid" one, in his opinion.
Arriving at Genting Highlands felt like stepping into a different world. The crisp mountain air, the sprawling resorts, and the hint of adventure in the air signaled that this was going to be a whole new chapter of their holiday. They unloaded their bags, ready to explore what the highlands had to offer.
They finally checked into their room on the 33rd floor, which literally felt like being in the clouds. The view was surreal, with mist swirling around their windows, giving the impression of floating above the world. The Admiral, embracing the moment, quickly booked tickets to Genting SkyWorlds for the next day, promising an adventure to cheer up the Cadet.
Their first exploration of the hotel was filled with quirks. A staff member offered to show them around, only to disappear when she took the elevator down, leaving the crew hilariously stranded. They decided to explore on their own, finding a kids' area with actual play equipment—a rare delight for the Cadet, who finally smiled.
Their next discovery was the rooftop pool on the 44th floor, still enveloped in clouds. The Captain decided to take the plunge despite the cold water and kids splashing around. Within minutes, his shorts were soaked, and the Cadet joined in, gleefully splashing everyone within range. Just as they started to enjoy themselves, the clouds darkened, the rain began to fall, and a storm rolled in. Security rushed to clear the area, but the Cadet, ever inquisitive, demanded to know why rain was more dangerous than splashing water.
After drying off and dressing, the crew headed out for dinner. They wandered through the local kopitiam-style eateries, dodging durian stalls and even a durian buffet, much to the Captain's horror. The Cadet spotted a restaurant and confidently requested braised octopus—though they eventually settled on Mee Goreng, butter chicken, and fresh pineapple juice, at a very local looking kopitam
Before heading back to their room, they made a quick supply run at 7-Eleven, grabbing breakfast essentials for the next day. Back in the room, they tackled laundry, hanging clothes to dry wherever they could find space—creating a makeshift drying rack out of the room itself.
As they finally settled in for the night, excitement buzzed in the air. Tomorrow was Genting SkyWorlds day, and the Captain, Admiral, and Cadet couldn’t wait to see what adventures awaited them.
The morning began with a thrifty decision by the Captain, who vetoed the idea of the pricey buffet breakfast downstairs. Instead, they made do with a simple breakfast in their room, clearing up the laundry that had transformed their quarters into an improvised drying room.
Once ready, they headed downstairs to catch the shuttle bus to the theme park. However, after a lengthy wait, it became clear that the bus wasn’t coming. Cutting their losses, they hailed a Grab instead and made their way up the mountain.
The ride was longer than expected, as they realized their hotel was over 20 minutes away from the theme park. Adding to the morning's challenges, both the Captain and Cadet were feeling the aftereffects of yesterday’s meals, resulting in frequent trips to release the "excess water."
Upon arrival, the crew faced another challenge—finding their way to the park entrance. The walk through the sprawling mall was a journey in itself. Over 50 restaurants and countless luxury brands lined the path, a testament to the sheer size of the place. The Cadet scored a pretzel snack along the way, while the Admiral began raising alarms about her urgent need for coffee. The Captain reassured her that they’d find a good brew inside the park, though the Admiral’s expression suggested she was on the verge of mutiny.
Finally, they reached Genting SkyWorlds and dove straight into their first attraction: the Independence Day ride. However, a tense moment arose when the ride attendant's brusque demeanor prompted the Captain to call her out. “Why do you have to be so rude?” he asked. “We’re just asking a question.” To her credit, the attendant softened and took the feedback graciously.
After a relatively short 15-minute wait, they boarded the ride. It turned out to be a lucky choice, as it was the park's most popular attraction. But the thrill quickly turned into a bit of a shock for the Cadet. The ride’s alien invasion storyline, paired with its intense visuals and loud sound effects, left him wide-eyed and shaken by the end.
While the Captain and Cadet were on the ride, the Admiral ventured off to secure the much-needed coffee. However, the brew she returned with was so bad that the Captain, in a dramatic display of disappointment, tossed it straight into the bin. They weaved through the park, hopping on various rides and making friends with fellow visitors while waiting in line. The Cadet, as always, was in his element, chatting animatedly and charming everyone around him.
However, trouble brewed when the Cadet set his sights on a game stall offering giant teddy bear prizes. Despite the Captain’s repeated attempts to explain that such games were "a scam," the Cadet stormed over to the game operator and declared, "You’re stupid!" The operator, taken aback by the unexpected outburst, looked around in confusion, unsure of what had just transpired. The Captain and Admiral quickly intervened, ushering the Cadet away and redirecting his attention to another ride.
They tried a mix of attractions, including the carousel and the "real bird ride," which provided spectacular views of the park. Unfortunately, the Admiral had to sit out most of the rides due to her growing "spawn". Still, she cheered from the sidelines and captured countless photos.
By midday, hunger struck, and the trio stopped for a quick lunch of hot dogs and chips. Fueled up, they embarked on more adventures around the park, though not without minor drama. At one point, the Cadet’s top became slightly wet—a situation he found utterly unacceptable. He adamantly refused the Admiral’s offer to dry it in the restroom, fearing that everyone in the park would see his belly. The Captain and Admiral tried to console him, but the Cadet’s indignation at the wet shirt carried on for quite some time.
The Admiral, determined to make the most of the theme park experience, finally decided to join the Cadet on an easy ride. The Captain, ever resourceful, advised her to simply "pretend she's fat and not pregnant" if anyone questioned her belly. Luckily, no one did.
Meanwhile, the Captain embarked on a solo mission to the Planet of the Apes ride, leaving the Admiral and the sugar-fueled Cadet to explore. The Cadet found his way to the water play area, gleefully splashing about and shamelessly flashing his belly to all who dared look. The duo attempted to regroup with the Captain but were hilariously sidetracked by a tempting "corn in a cup" stand—twice.
As they decided it was time to leave the park, rain started to drizzle, and the Captain realized he hadn’t used the photo package he’d paid for. A frantic hunt for photographers ensued, but they had all wisely retreated from the rain. Disappointed but undeterred, the crew exited the park, only for the Cadet to demand a tattoo. They declined, deeming it too expensive, which led to a cranky meltdown from the young rebel.

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Hoping to calm the storm, the Admiral and Captain decided to treat themselves and the Cadet to some Michelin-starred dumplings at Din Tai Fung. However, a meltdown from the Cadet in the queue led to an argument and tears, forcing them to abandon the plan. After a heartfelt discussion outside, the Cadet admitted he still wanted dumplings, but none in the food court met his lofty standards.
Eventually, after a bit of searching, they found a restaurant where they could enjoy a meal. The Captain ordered dumplings, and the Cadet requested some nuggets and rice. It was a slight customization of the menu, but it wasn't too out of the ordinary. However, when they tried to make a small change, the restaurant staff informed them that they could not possibly substitute chicken bites for nuggets.
Frustrated by the lack of flexibility, the Captain calmly but firmly demanded to see the manager. He threatened to email the CEO of the organization, which seemed to catch the staff's attention. The situation shifted, and suddenly, the staff member was more cooperative, willing to accommodate their request. It was a small victory in a larger day of adventures, but the Captain was satisfied with the result and the cadet devoured his gyoza without incident.
With the Cadet relieved and slightly re-energized, the Captain and Admrial visited Mary Brown, Malaysia’s version of KFC, for a quick meal to avoid further hunger-induced drama.
On the way back, they stopped for frozen yogurt to cheer up the Cadet. But as he began building his treat, his bowels sounded the alarm. “Poop poop rara poop!” he yelled, alarming the staff, who quickly set aside their unfinished yogurt and directed them to the nearest toilet. The Admiral and Cadet sprinted to the restroom, barely making it before the Cadet's upset stomach unleashed chaos.
After collecting their frozen yogurt, they ventured into the labyrinthine shopping complex in search of a taxi or Grab. The Admiral began to stress as drivers were scarce, and exorbitant taxi prices further heightened the tension. To make matters worse, the Captain’s stomach had joined the rebellion.
Desperate, he headed to the restroom, only to find the cubicles seemingly locked despite green indicators. Pushing hard on one door, he accidentally barged in on a horrified man mid-business. The Captain, apologizing profusely, retreated in shame. A cleaner, having witnessed the debacle, directed him to a freshly cleaned stall where he could finally find relief.
Returning to the Admiral, who was both mortified by the Captain’s tale and stressed about their transportation dilemma, they continued their search. Finally, a kind taxi driver stopped for them. Despite the high price, they gratefully piled in, exhausted and ready to leave behind a day that had thoroughly drained their spirits.
As the taxi drove through the mountain mist, they reflected on the absurdity of the day, knowing it would one day become a legendary crew tale. Back at their accommodation, they collapsed into bed, finally finding solace in sleep.
The next day began at 8 AM, feeling refreshed after a solid night’s sleep. The crew was ready for another adventure, this time heading to Skytropolis, the indoor theme park at Genting Highlands.
Eager to get some real coffee, they headed downstairs, passing a Starbucks, only to set their sights on Zus Coffee across the highway. After asking a hotel security guard for directions, they were told to "cross safely," but upon seeing the busy highway and the tricky gutters to jump over, they aborted the mission. Instead, they opted for a Grab ride to the theme park.
Once there, they explored several coffee shops, but none had a proper coffee machine—just automatic ones with a button to push. Walking past a McDonald's, they spotted the beloved regular coffee machine and stopped for a McCafe coffee, much to the Captain's relief. They were able to get some barista made coffee at last.
They then caught another Grab and the day’s adventure in Skytropolis began. There were plenty of rides for the Cadet, and the Captain took him on many of them. They had arrived before the park officially opened, and the Cadet was not happy about the wait, throwing a tantrum as he impatiently eyed the rides, counting down the seconds until he was allowed on.
As time wore on and the wait times for the rides lengthened, the Captain grew weary but powered through. For lunch, they settled on sushi and plain Udon noodles. The Captain attempted to convince the staff to serve the Udon noodles dry, and after some back-and-forth, the staff finally agreed, delivering a dry, Cadet-approved bowl.
After a thrilling day, the Captain’s efforts to feel something backfired a bit, as the wasabi and chili sauce combination didn't agree with his already troubled stomach. However, the team finished up their meal and headed to their next adventure at Skytropolis, going on another ride before heading over to Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
They then ventured to the Zombie Experience, which, unsurprisingly, was too intense for both the Cadet and the Admiral, who was pregnant. Filled with terrifying jump scares and grotesque scenes, the experience left them eager to exit. Despite the chaos, the Cadet seemed remarkably unfazed, a little too much so, perhaps.
The group then moved on to Dinosaur Land and the play area, where the Cadet had a blast exploring and interacting with the massive dinosaurs he had only seen in books. It was a welcomed distraction from the earlier experiences.
For dinner, they decided to stop at Pizza Hut, but a technical glitch with the bus system caused a delay in receiving their order. The Captain, eager to avoid further frustration, asked to cancel an item, only to be met with initial resistance from the staff. When he stated he had no cash, the staff quickly changed their tune and agreed to the cancellation.
After dinner, they returned to Skytropolis for one final ride, but the lines had grown significantly longer, so they decided to give up. The Cadet, not wanting to leave without more fun, insisted on hitting the play area, but the Captain, out of cash and patience, nixed that idea.
They finally headed to the taxi area, where the Admiral ran to get some cash while the Captain dealt with the taxi. Once in the cab, they made their way back to the apartment.
Upon arrival, they realized they didn’t have the key card to their apartment. After a quick trip to the reception, they received a new one and made their way up. Back in the apartment, everyone took off their clothes and ran around naked in relief, before setting up the laundry, taking a shower, and finally passing out in bed.
The next morning, they woke up and prepared for checkout, ready to move on to their next destination. First, they made a stop at the factory outlet in Genting, where they were greeted with a quick pretzel snack and some much-needed coffee from Dome, which had a proper coffee machine—a much-needed win for the Captain after a few coffee mishaps.
At the outlet, the group spent some time enjoying the playground, where the Cadet had a great time. Meanwhile, a random kid nearby was struggling with his flip-flop (referred to as a "thong"), which had gotten stuck on his foot. In a rather random turn of events, the Captain decided to try a sweet potato snack, which turned out to be just a whole roasted sweet potato. Both the Admiral and Captain were intrigued by this, and as they tore into it, they realized it lacked salt. The Captain embarked on a mini mission to find some salt, which led him to ask a local restaurant for some before enjoying the snack with the seasoning.
Next, they stopped for a hearty lunch at a place simply called "Chicken and Rice." The floors in the restaurant were incredibly slippery, making the dining experience feel like an obstacle course. But the food was delicious, with spicy chicken served with rice and chili, hitting the spot.
After finishing up, they checked out of their hotel and made their way to their next destination with a friendly cab driver. The ride to Sunway Lagoon was a pleasant change after the whirlwind start to the day.

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Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur. Part 1 – The Arrival

by Asia

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 1 - The Arrival

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 2024. Part 1 - The Arrival

Captains Log Day 3 - 26/12/24 6:15 pm.

The lead-up to this grand adventure carried a different energy, it had been a year since the Captain had a chance to venture out. It wasn’t just the idea of embarking on a three-week journey to Malaysia and the Philippines with a toddler and a pregnant Admiral that made it extraordinary and terrifying at the same time—it was the acceptance of the challenges that lay ahead. They had ample time to prepare, both mentally and logistically, for the demands of the upcoming weeks. A sense of calm prevailed, as they resolved to embrace whatever came their way with patience and flexibility.
The Admiral, now carrying their second little explorer, approached the trip with remarkable grace. The Captain, ever the steady hand at the helm, ensured that every detail was accounted for, while the Cadet, now a lively4-year-old, buzzed with excitement, blissfully unaware of the intricacies of travel plans. Together, they embodied the spirit of "all for one and one for all," even if the Cadet had yet to grasp the concept fully.
This journey would take them from Kuala Lumpur’s gleaming skyline to the misty peaks of Genting Highlands, onward to the serene shores of Langkawi, and finally across the seas to the vibrant islands of the Philippines. But first, it was time to board their flight to Singapore for a short transit and then on to KL, the gateway to their Southeast Asian adventure.
The journey began with a curveball. Their flight, initially scheduled for the 23rd at 10 PM, was delayed to 2 AM on Christmas Eve. The unexpected shift threw a minor wrench in their plans. This too post a huge Christmas lunch at the Captain’s brother’s house. It was a feast fit for the season, filled with laughter, indulgence, and the kind of festive chaos only crew gatherings can deliver. With full bellies it was the next day that they had to head to the aport it had been a long day and the Cadet already teetering on the edge of exhaustion, they headed to the airport, ready to embark on their adventure.
Check-in was blissfully uneventful—no misplaced documents, no frantic repacking, just smooth sailing through the counters. With time to spare, they retreated to the business lounge, a small sanctuary of calm before the chaos of the holiday crowd at the gates. As boarding commenced, they navigated their way to the front of the line, a move executed with such finesse that even seasoned travelers would have applauded.
Their seats, however, left much to be desired. Assigned to the last row of the plane, they found themselves right next to the toilets. It was the type of location that seasoned travelers avoid if they can, but the Captain and Admiral took it in stride. The Cadet, oblivious to seating politics, seemed perfectly content. The night wore on, and as the plane soared into the sky, they settled into a fitful sleep.
That peace was occasionally interrupted by the toilet flush, which startled both the Admiral and the Captain awake. At one point, the Captain, mid-dream, mistook the sound for a werewolf growling—a testament to both his overactive imagination and the vividness of his dreams. Nevertheless, they managed to catch six hours of sleep, waking up with 90 minutes to go.
Not long after, the Cadet decided to make his presence known. Hysterical and inconsolable, he caused a brief ripple of chaos until the calming power of Peppa Pig worked its magic. The familiar snorts and giggles of the cartoon brought peace to their row, and soon the Cadet was engrossed in his iPad, restoring calm for the remainder of the flight.
As they landed in Singapore, the three of them were bracing for a six-hour layover, but news of the delayed flight trimmed that wait time to just two hours. Relief quickly turned to disbelief as they realized their connecting gate was directly in front of them. With time to spare, they indulged in a hearty meal at Popeyes Chicken—one last bit of comfort food before the next leg of their journey.
Boarding the second flight was less seamless. The Cadet, clearly reaching the end of his travel patience, began to lose it. The Captain and Admiral worked in tandem to keep the situation under control, balancing snacks, distractions, and soothing words like seasoned diplomats. And while the journey was far from over, they knew that with every mile flown, they were one step closer to the adventure waiting for them on the other side.
As they boarded their second flight, the Captain had a brief moment of confusion when the air stewardess approached him for what he thought was his boarding pass. It turned out she wasn’t asking him after all, leaving the Captain chuckling to himself about the misunderstanding.
The flight itself was a patchwork of minor dramas. A crew across the aisle had let their children sleep sprawled out in the seats. As the plane prepared for landing, the air stewardess asked the Captain to put their tray tables up and wake the kids. His bemused response? “I don’t know them.” The stewardess moved on, and the Captain leaned back, savoring the small moment of comic relief.
The plane finally landed, and the crew found themselves at immigration, tired but relieved to have reached their first destination. The Captain, ever the delegator, asked the Admiral to fill out the immigration forms. Unfamiliar with the process, the Admiral somehow ended up on an e-visa website, despite Malaysia not requiring visas for their nationality. In her flustered state, she managed to spend $400 on an unnecessary visa.
The realization hit her hard, and as she worried over how to request a refund, the Captain sprang into action. With the Admiral’s pregnancy as their ace card, he approached a security guard and successfully circumvented the long immigration line. A few approving nods and some sympathetic glances later, they were through.
By this point, they had been delayed so long that their checked luggage had been removed from the carousel and left to the side. They retrieved their bag without much fuss and finally stepped out of the airport.

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The Cadet, now running on fumes, was vocally expressing his hunger. Spotting a food court, they made a beeline for it. There, they discovered a new stall serving fresh naan—simple, comforting, and just what they needed after the whirlwind of travel mishaps. The Cadet devoured the food with gusto, and for the first time in hours, the crew felt a sense of calm.
After finishing their naan, They went over and grabbed sim card, the Captain decided to treat the Cadet to an ice cream, hoping to lift his spirits. But the Cadet, in his usual unpredictable manner, declared the ice cream unacceptable and refused to eat it. This set the stage for a meltdown as they waited for a taxi The taxi ride was an agonising hour to the hotel, in the transit all three of them drifting in and out of sleep as the car crawled through traffic toward their hotel.
Upon arrival, the Cadet was unimpressed. He stood in the lobby, crossing his little arms, and declared the hotel “stupid.” The Captain and Admiral, too exhausted to argue, shuffled to their room. They turned on the TV to pacify the Cadet and promptly passed out for a quick 20-minute nap. When they woke, slightly refreshed, they decided to freshen up and properly explore their temporary home.
The exploration worked wonders. The Cadet, who moments earlier had been grumbling about the lobby, now found the hotel “great.” The kids' corner, however, turned out to be a letdown—a sparsely decorated room with nothing but Mickey Mouse wallpaper. Undeterred, they decided to head out and explore the city instead.
Their first stop was Pavilion Mall, just 20 minutes away. Hungry and curious, they made their way to Uncle Roger’s restaurant. The Admiral joined the line to secure a table while the Captain took the Cadet to the nearby Lego store to kill time. Forty minutes later, the Admiral had finally secured a seat, and the crew eagerly sat down, ready to enjoy what they hoped would be a memorable meal.
The excitement, however, quickly turned to frustration. While the Admiral’s and Captain’s meals arrived after a reasonable wait, the Cadet’s food was nowhere to be seen. The Captain called over the staff not once, not twice, but three times before finally demanding to speak to the manager. Twenty minutes later, the Cadet’s food arrived—but the drama wasn’t over. One bite in, the Cadet made it clear he did not like the meal.
The crew exchanged exasperated glances, muttered a collective “Fuyohhh,” and left the restaurant.
The walk back to the hotel was quiet, everyone too tired to do anything but move forward. Once in their room, they took showers and collapsed into bed. By 7:30 PM, the Captain was asleep—a record for the earliest he’d ever passed out on holiday. But rest didn’t come without interruption. Phone calls from parents and alarms punctuated the night, none of which they woke up to, until the admiral finally woke up. Turns out the parents were extremely worried since they had not heard from the crew. They explained the exhaustion and rested.
They woke at 8:30 AM on Christmas morning, ready for the next chapter of their adventure. Despite the rocky start, the promise of a day filled with new experiences kept their spirits high. After all, this was just the beginning.
The squad woke up feeling like new people after a full 11 hours of sleep—the best rest the Admiral could remember having in years. Refreshed and ready to take on the day, they dressed quickly and headed out to see the iconic PETRONAS Towers, a perfect way to start Christmas Day.
But before any sightseeing could happen, the Admiral made a heartfelt plea for coffee. The Captain, ever the provider, secured a cup of much-needed caffeine and some food to hold them over until breakfast. With the Cadet beginning to stir and mumble about his own hunger, they set off in search of something he’d actually eat.
Their first stop was a sushi restaurant. The Captain and Admiral were hopeful, but the Cadet proved as picky as ever, turning down nearly everything except cucumber sushi. Knowing this wouldn’t be enough to satisfy him, the Captain dashed out and returned triumphantly with a dosa, which the Cadet begrudgingly accepted. While they ate, the sushi chef noticed the Cadet and, in a kind Christmas gesture, handed him a balloon.
Re-energized, the crew wandered through a Christmas village display, soaking in the festive cheer. The Cadet, fully recovered from his earlier grumpiness, became a little too enthusiastic and accidentally hit a girl’s backside with his balloon. The Admiral and Captain exchanged knowing looks, muttered apologies to the girl, and shepherded their mischievous little adventurer along
The Crew decided it was time to move on to their next destination: Genting Highlands. They caught a Grab, settling in for the journey with a mix of excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead.

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Seoul – South Korea

by Asia

Seoul - South Korea

Seoul - South Korea

The City That Sparks Your Seoul.

Captains Log Day 17 - 19/11/23 9:15 pm.
Air India AI313

The Captain, Admiral, and Cadet watched as the lights of Seoul glittered outside the plane window while they descended into the city. In the distance, toward the north, they noticed the stark contrast of darkness. Upon landing, the familiar hospitality and respect they had experienced in previous countries was evident once again. They were ushered through the airport, and within 45 minutes of arrival, they had collected their bags and were ready to embark on their journey into the city.

They had been advised that the fastest way into the metropolis was by express train, with the last one scheduled to depart at 11:40 p.m. Setting a timer, they made a quick stop to pick up a SIM card—a potential unknown that could cost them precious time. The line was long, but the efficiency of the process stood out; within 20 minutes, the Captain returned to the Admiral with the SIM card in hand. Thanks to the airport’s smooth procedures and helpful staff, they arrived at the station with time to spare at 11:15. Buying tickets and finding their way down to the platform was easy, with other tourists taking the same route. To their relief, the Cadet remained cooperative throughout the journey to the station.
The train ride took about an hour, and they were captivated by the cleanliness of the carriages. As they looked outside, they watched the train glide over massive bridges spanning the water and pass through tunnels and towns, all while traveling at an average speed of 110 kilometers per hour. At times, they found themselves engrossed in the onboard TV screen; although the programming was in Korean, they could follow along thanks to the English subtitles.
They finally arrived at Seoul Station around 12:30 a.m. After disembarking and orienting themselves, they realised their accommodation was just a ten-minute walk away. Following the usual debate with the Admiral about whether to take a taxi or walk, they settled on walking once again. However, as they left the station, they were greeted with a rude awakening—the cold was much more intense than they had anticipated. Having been indoors since their arrival, they were unprepared for the freezing wall of air that hit them when the station doors opened. It was minus two degrees outside, and they hadn’t fully grasped what that meant.
Quickly, the Captain reached for his bag and pulled out his down jacket. The Cadet shouted, “IT’S COLD!” They bundled him up, tucking him snugly into the pram, and began navigating the laneways toward their accommodation. AS they walked they feared that they were a bit lost, they had started ascending a hill, hoping that they were close they stuck to the direction that they were heading. Finally arriving at the Airbnb that they were staying at. Checking in finally at 1am.
They opened the door to find their room was surprisingly tiny—half the size of their accommodation in Taipei, measuring barely 22 square feet, which squeezed in a kitchen, a sitting area, and two bedrooms. After dropping off their bags and taking only a moment to settle in, they bundled up and headed out, as they hadn’t eaten anything for dinner and were starving.

Given the late hour and the biting cold, they didn’t have much time to explore. As they walked back, they noticed that everything seemed shut, prompting them to return to the station. Little did they know that most establishments were still open, just not on the ground floor. Like many places in Korea, shops are often located higher up in the city buildings.

Upon returning to the station, they found that many options had closed for the night. Their choices were limited to the Lotte fast food chain - Lotteria, which was about to shut, and McDonald's. In their rush and with the time ticking away, they decided on McDonald's, hoping the Cadet would find something he liked. Fortunately, he enjoyed the prawn burger patty and the nuggets. The Captain ordered one of everything on the menu and was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of his McDonald's experience.

Not looking forward to the cold, they braced themselves and, with full stomachs, walked the ten minutes back to their tiny apartment. Once inside, they discovered that the apartment had heated floors, which blew the Captain's mind. After experimenting with the heating settings, they placed their clothes on the heated drying racks and called it a night.

Their first day in Korea began a bit late, as the Cadet woke up around 9:30 a.m., which was unusual for him. However, the coziness of the bed and the closet-sized dark room likely contributed to his sleep-in. They hurriedly got ready and set off on their adventure into the city.
As soon as they stepped out of the apartment, they were greeted by a vibrant world that contrasted sharply with the quiet of the night before. They found themselves in a bustling area, surrounded by busy streets, lively cafes, enticing aromas, and a dynamic cityscape.
They set off toward some starred spots the Captain had meticulously plotted in anticipation of the journey. They grabbed coffee from a cafe called Cafe Ding Dong—which, surprisingly, had a “No Children Allowed” policy—and then made their way across a large overpass called the Skybridge. The bridge puzzled the Admiral, as it wasn’t easy to access, but they eventually found their way and continued toward the Treasury Gate aka - Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun)
The Sungnyemun Gate stood amid a concrete jungle, a relic from the past beautifully juxtaposed against the modern cityscape in a busy intersection. As they approached, they noticed several guards dressed in traditional attire standing beside the monument. The Captain bowed to an unflinching guard, then moved closer to take a photo with the stoic soldier. The guard stood firm and unmoving as the Captain posed beside him, before letting out a loud noise and ceremoniously walking away. This was also their que to leave and they continued to walk to Namdaemun market.
Namdaemun Market was an incredible experience, with countless shops spread across maze-like alleyways. They wandered through the fascinating stalls, taking in the sights, when the Cadet suddenly spotted his idol in the distance—a set of Pororo statues. He ran over, excitedly telling them how much he loved them and that it was nice to meet them.

They continued exploring the shops, winding through the alleyways until they reached the food market, which was packed with interesting items like grilled fish, squid, and other local delicacies. After exploring the sites they jumped on a train and headed to the landmark called Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is an architectural marvel, known for its futuristic design and fluid, curved lines. Designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, it serves as a hub for art, culture, and innovation, housing exhibitions, design shops, and even hosting fashion shows. As they arrived, the gleaming, silver facade and unique shape of the plaza captivated them, creating an almost surreal contrast against the bustling city surrounding it.

Most importantly, the DDP housed a renowned play centre, which they owed to the Cadet for his patience and cooperation with the Captain and Admiral’s adventures all day. They arrived at the massive structure and were instantly awestruck by its futuristic design—it looked like a colossal pill merged with Chicago’s iconic "Bean." Moving closer, they began searching for the play centre. However, after multiple laps around the DDP, Google Maps in hand, they still couldn’t locate it.
They realized they were completely lost; according to Google Maps, they were close, but nothing seemed to match up. After about an hour of wandering, they decided to follow a tip from one of the online reviews. This took them into an underground parking area and then up a lift in a nearby building. Eventually, they found themselves on the floor of a fashion company. Approaching the reception desk, they explained through Google Translate that they were looking for the "Diki Diki" play centre
The receptionist, incredibly helpful despite limited English, used a local search engine on her phone and guided them to the correct location. It turned out the play centre was on the second floor inside the DDP building—they had been circling the structure without realising they just needed to go in.
Finally inside - they let the Cadet loose while the Admiral and Captain found nooks to sleep in. The Cadet explored spending over 2 hours entertaining himself. They gave him some luch a nd lingered a bit longer, noticing his sleep signs, before putin him in the pram and heading out to explore the DDP museum further and walk around the facilitating compound. They made the most of the time that he slept, going around and seeing hte exhibits and the displays before exiting, grabbing some koreans subway and walking over to the nearby Dongdaemun Street Market, which turned out to be nothing like what they had imagined. Rather than a retailer market this was a commercial markey with loads and loads of textiles.
Feeling a bit underwhelmed by the market and wondering if they hadn’t explored it thoroughly enough, they headed to the train station to make their way to the Seoul Tower. On the way, a man noticed the Cadet looking a little glum and tried to cheer him up by pulling out a pair of quirky bunny-ear headphones that moved up and down. It worked—the little guy was now mildly entertained.

The Admiral seized the opportunity to ask the man for directions. However, after three attempts, the language barrier proved insurmountable, and the man had no idea what she was saying. Instead, he continued raising one bunny ear after the other, keeping the Cadet amused and happily distracted from the momentary confusion
The confusion quickly turned into chaos as the Admiral attempted to manoeuvre the stroller through the train station gates, only to get it stuck. Three elderly men nearby started shouting in Korean, animatedly pointing out that she’d used the wrong gate and passionately directing her to the correct one. The Cadet joined in with his own shouts, adding to the commotion.
Suddenly, a woman appeared out of nowhere, effortlessly hoisting the stroller high above her head and dashing into an elevator. She vanished as quickly as she had come, leaving the Admiral and Captain momentarily stunned but immensely grateful for this unexpected act of heroism. The Captain, however, couldn’t contain himself—he was in the corner, laughing harder than he had the entire trip, thoroughly entertained by the whirlwind of confusion and the Admiral’s wide-eyed look of bewilderment.
After boarding the train, they arrived at the station closest to the tower. They could see it in the distance, and when they asked for directions, a train attendant simply pointed at the landmark as if to say, "It's right there." With the Cadet settled in his pram, they began what they thought would be a short walk—only to realise it was a steep climb.
Finally, they reached a large elevator without knowing exactly where it led, but they jumped on anyway. When the doors opened, they found themselves at the cable car station. Exhausted and cranky, the Admiral regretted not opting for a taxi, while the Cadet was also growing restless. This was fuel further with the Captain wanting to take photos and selfies at every point on the journey up
They took the cable car up to the Seoul Tower complex, but the journey wasn't over yet. They still had a few platforms to ascend before reaching the lift that would finally take them to the top. The tension between the trio was palpable, each feeling drained and frustrated by the seemingly endless journey.
At last, they were close. After buying tickets, they were asked to wait a little longer for their turn to go up. They wandered around the area to pass the time until it was finally time to enter the spectacular elevator, which featured an immersive video display as it whisked them up to the observation deck, giving them a well-deserved reward for their patience and perseverance.
As the elevator doors opened, 380 m above sea level, they were greeted by a breathtaking view of the city stretching out beneath them—a sight they’d worked so hard to reach. But right in the center of the observation deck stood an ill-placed candy shop. In his exhausted and cranky state, the Cadet zeroed in on it with laser focus, refusing to move until he got his prize.
Reluctantly, the Captain bought him a treat, hoping it would be the end of it. Instead, it was only the beginning. The sugar hit the Cadet like a storm. He was off, zooming around the observation deck, bouncing off walls, leaving a trail of energy behind him. The Admiral shot the Captain a look that could have KO’d him right there, clearly unimpressed by this new turn of events.

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After finally wrangling the Cadet, they exited the complex, but the drama only intensified. The Admiral, worn out from the climb, cable car, and sugar-fueled chaos, was on the verge of a full meltdown. Sensing it was time to pause his adventurous spirit, the Captain went into crisis-control mode, gently trying to calm her down. At this point, her only request was a simple one: food and a place to unwind.
Realising they all needed a break, he put his plans on hold and led the way back toward the central station. They finally settled on Lotteria, the fast-food spot next to McDonald's, and enjoyed a quiet meal. Refueled but thoroughly exhausted, they headed back to their tiny apartment, bracing against the freezing cold, ready to call it a night.
The next day started with some excitement – it was the day the squadron was heading to the world-famous Lotte World theme park. They packed the essentials and set off in search of coffee. They stopped at a place they’d noticed called Mega Coffee. The Cadet was handed a giant cup of milk, which he found disgusting and ended up spilling everywhere. Meanwhile, the Captain and Admiral were each handed a massive cup of coffee.

Afterwards, they hailed a cab, and an elderly driver pulled up. The Captain explained their destination, but the taxi driver seemed quite irritated when the Admiral struggled to get in. He yelled at her in Korean, while the Cadet and Captain couldn’t help but laugh. Once that ordeal was over, they began their journey to Lotte World.

During the ride, the elderly driver attempted to chat with them in Korean, though they didn’t understand a word. He was a nice man, though, even offering the Cadet some lollies. They continued their awkward conversation until they arrived at their destination. As they got out of the cab, the Cadet expressed his displeasure with the lollies by spitting them out and letting the driver know exactly how he felt about them. They said goodbye and shuffled out for their LotteWorld Adventure.

They arrived at the theme park, but navigating through the shopping center proved tricky. They circled around for a while, walking in circles for almost an hour before finally figuring out where they needed to go. When they finally found the entrance, they were taken aback by the sight of rollercoasters and rides zooming around in one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world.

The park was split into two sections, so they decided to start with the outdoor area before venturing inside to explore. It was cold, and the Cadet felt it, moreso her nose did, as the proceeded to sneeze for the next 8 hours of their adventure.
Lunchtime arrival soon after, and they decided to treat the Cadet to some traditional teokbokki. Unfortunately, the dish was a bit too spicy for him, so the Captain ended up having to finish all the spicy sauce from the rice cakes while the Cadet made do with the bland remnantsThe sweat was visible on the Captain's brows.
After a little food drama, the Cadet took a nap, which turned out to be perfectly timed. While he rested, the Captain and Cadet grabbed the magic pass—an absolute lifesaver for skipping lines! With that in hand, we headed straight to the park's four best roller coasters. They did not disappoint.
They took turns as one looked after the Cadet the other would whizz to the ride and have a go. The highlight of the day was definitely The Atlantis roller coaster. With its intense twists, turns, and a serious whiplash effect, it left them all breathless. Epic doesn’t even begin to cover it. They were grateful for the toddlers' naps.
After the Cadet woke up from his nap, it was back to the rides! He had a blast., there was so many rides to go on and he loved it. There was a small hiccup in the kids' area where he accidentally broke someone else’s building toy while they were making blocks. Oops! Fortunately, it was all handled with no hard feelings or none that they could understand, the parent did not look too happy
Exhausted and hungry, we decided it was time to leave Lotte World. But before we could head out, we had to catch the theatrical acrobat show. The Cadet was adamant about staying until the very end, despite not knowing exactly what was happening in the stage performance. The theatrics, however, were incredible! The acrobats and the dramatic flair of the show had such an impact that the Cadet was completely glued to the stage. It was a perfect way to end an action-packed day filled with adventure, and we all left Lotte World with some unforgettable memories.
After leaving the theme park, the squadron headed back to the mall that had felt like a maze earlier in the day. The Captain had spotted Gordon Ramsay’s burger restaurant earlier and was determined to try it. They got seated and ordered their food, but the Admiral almost went for the $150 burger before deciding against it — wise choice as it could pay for a whole day's worth of activities.
The Cadet, being a bit adventurous, went for a fancy sous-vide chicken dish, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a hit. The Cadet hated it and promptly spit it out, leaving the parents and other diners around them a little mortified, fancy fine dining was not his jam. But despite the rocky start, everyone managed to enjoy a good meal. The Cadet happily devoured sweet potato chips, mac and cheese balls, while the parents savored their own meals.
They also had tickets for the aquarium but unfortunately didn’t make it before closing time. Given their previous adventurous (and occasionally chaotic) experiences, they decided to skip the taxi and take the train home instead. With two train changes along the way, Rami giggled the entire journey, making it a lighthearted experience despite the long day.

Once they disembarked, they still had a 30-minute walk home. Along the way, they passed by some construction work, and the Cadet, with a look of confusion, commented on a strange smell. The group initially thought it was the construction, but turns out, the culprit was a bit more personal — the Cadet had a little accident! The walk home became even more interesting with that discovery, but they made it back, ready to crash after a truly unforgettable day.

 


The next day, they were all completely exhausted and didn’t wake up until 10 a.m. — a late start after the excitement of the previous day. The weather was colder than usual, with temperatures dropping to -1°C and rain adding to the chill.
They decided to head out for a coffee, and after some walking, finally found the perfect cup to warm them up. With a few last-minute errands to run, they made their way to a large supermarket and an outdoor market nearby.
As they wandered through the market, Cadets socks got soaked, but it didn’t dampen his spirits. To keep him entertained and distracted, they picked up some lollipops and toy cars as bribes.
While they were browsing, a man approached the Cadet, saying hello and then taking one of his toy cars. At first, they didn’t think much of it, but it soon became clear that the man might have been intellectually disabled. He started playing with the toy car on Admirals head and speaking to her in Korean. It was a surreal moment, the Captain refraining from getting involved and watching the show from a far. It was bizarre and very amusing. Despite the unexpected encounter, they continued their day, navigating through the rain and making the most of their final moments in the market.
After grabbing a few knickknacks, the weather made it too difficult to enjoy shopping, so they decided to head to the palace. Unfortunately, there were no easy public transport options, and the language barrier didn’t make things any easier. The Admiral acting as chief navigator, with great difficulty, navigated them to the bus stop, but a pretty lady came to the rescue and helped them figure out which bus to catch.
The Captain, a little smitten by the helpful woman, smiled at her thanks. Cadet, on the other hand, was fuming and soggy from the cold rain, frustrated by the delay. When they finally reached the palace, they thought it would be an indoor adventure — it wasn’t. The cold and wet conditions were too much for Cadet, who quickly lost his patience. Crying in frustration, his loud sobs echoed across the palace grounds. They rushed through the sightseeing, barely taking in the beauty of the place, and ran through the muddy grounds, eager to escape the chilly, damp conditions.
After struggling through the freezing weather, battling heavy rain, and trying to console an inconsolable child, they finally found refuge in a warm building. It was a relief to dry off and escape the cold for a bit. The Cadet, finally calmed down, had a croissant, and the transformation was instant. The mood shifted, but exhaustion still hung over them all. They were worn out, but at least they were warm and a little more relaxed.
After the morning’s drama, the Captain decided it was time for a little solo adventure. With so much to see and the weather making it difficult to stick together, it was decided that the Cadet and Admiral would head to the science center while the Captain went off to explore on his own.
The Cadet and Admiral hopped into a taxi, leaving the Captain to set off on his own journey. His phone, however, decided to stop working, but instead of letting it get him down, he embraced the moment. As he wandered, he stumbled upon a massive area filled with people in cosplay—turns out, it was a League of Legends competition fan zone! Someone approached him and asked for a Polaroid picture, then handed him a cap. He also took some photos of other cosplayers before continuing on his way.
His exploration led him to a Mercedes store where they gave him some stickers. Finally, following his passion for F1, he found a Red Bull-sponsored store, where they handed him a can of Red Bull. The experience was insane, filled with gaming fans, cosplayers, and incredible surprises along the way.
After his unexpected adventure with the cosplayers and Red Bull, the Captain wandered along the stream in the city called Cheonggyecheon. It was a peaceful spot, and he was delighted to spot a heron relaxing by the water. As he continued his walk, he came across a beautiful inner-city waterfall that added to the charm of the area. From there, he made his way to Insadong, a famous street known for its boutique souvenirs and unique shops, the perfect place for a little exploration and shopping.
However, the rain showed no signs of letting up, and the Captain quickly found himself lost. Trying to navigate through the downpour, he asked a few locals for directions, but no one seemed to know where he was trying to go. One person even mentioned they were from Japan and didn't recognize the area. With a growing group of people trying to help, the Captain found himself standing in the middle of a park, surrounded by a small crowd of strangers, all trying to figure out where he was headed.
After a few more attempts, the final person in the group understood where he wanted to go and gave him clear directions. As it turned out, he was only about 15 minutes away from his destination—Changdeokgung Palace. It was a bit of a detour, but after all the confusion and the rain, he was excited to finally be on the right track.
Meanwhile, the Cadet had passed out from exhaustion, and the Admiral found herself dragging his limp body into the science center. She managed to settle him in the pram, where he slept soundly as she enjoyed a well-deserved coffee and took a stroll around the exhibits.
Suddenly, loud announcements filled the air—there was a fire drill in progress. The Admiral, unsure of what was happening, just sat there, her mind racing as the loudspeakers blared around her. She glanced over at the Cadet, still completely passed out in the pram, unaware of the chaos. A few moments later, someone tapped her on the shoulder and explained that it was, in fact, a fire drill, and she needed to evacuate the building.
Now in a bit of a scramble, the Admiral had no choice but to bundle up and push the Cadet, still asleep, out into the freezing -1°C weather. The cold air didn't even seem to wake the Cadet—he remained in his peaceful slumber, blissfully unaware of the evacuation drama unfolding around him

Out in the relentless rain, the Admiral took off her jacket and draped it over the sleeping Cadet, trying to shield him from the cold. She shuffled along, hoping to find a nearby café to take refuge in. As she walked, a few passersby approached her, concerned and asking if she was cold. She could barely focus on their words, preoccupied with keeping the Cadet warm and comfortable.
Finally, the Captain called. He suggested they meet at the Racoon Café, a cozy spot that seemed like the perfect place to regroup. Relieved, the Admiral made her way there, hoping to rest and dry off.
When they arrived at the café, the Admiral waited in the lobby, still holding onto the Cadet, who had finally woken up. The poor boy was shivering from the cold, and when he tried to stand, his legs seemed stiff and uncooperative—likely from the freezing temperatures. He stumbled and fell every time he tried to walk, which only added to the exhaustion of the day. The Admiral, at her wit's end but relieved to be out of the cold, gently helped him get back on his feet, hoping they could finally enjoy a bit of warmth and calm.
The Captain returned from his adventure, and it was time to refuel with some much-needed sustenance. A quick stop at McDonald's satisfied the hunger, and they realised that they had left something back where the Admiral was waiting. He went solo leaving the Admiral and Cadet at the McDonalds, he returned and they hopped in a cab and made their way to the aquarium which was located in the famous area of Gungam.

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They arrived at the mall and made their way towards the aquarium, passing all the fancy shops and vendors along the way. By the time they reached the aquarium, all of the morning's frustrations were forgotten. The Cadet was in his element, completely mesmerized by the fish, turtles, and manatees. He couldn’t resist mimicking the slow, deliberate movements of the turtles and the graceful gliding of the manatees. But then, in a moment of pure curiosity, he decided to lick the floor of the aquarium. The consequences of this decision were yet to be seen.
After the aquarium, they walked around the mall, with the Admiral growing increasingly agitated as the shops were closing, worried they wouldn’t find a place for dinner. Meanwhile, the Captain was determined to explore all options before settling on a spot. They eventually decided on a cozy Japanese restaurant where the Cadet was happily situated. The Admiral enjoyed some delicious sushi and nigiri, while the Captain enjoyed a comforting pizza at the place next door.
As they stepped outside leaving the warmth of the mall, along with the cold winds they were greeted by a massive statue of two hands, a tribute to the famous Gangnam Style song by Psy. Despite the cold and the rain, the Captain couldn't resist the urge to perform the iconic dance as the song played on a nearby screen. It was an impromptu moment of joy that added a little extra fun to the day.
Finally, they took a taxi home, exhausted but content from the day’s adventures. Tomorrow would bring something entirely different—a visit to the DMZ


They woke up early for the DMZ trip, but the Cadet was not happy—he wanted nothing more than to sleep a little longer. Despite his protests, they got ready and left. The cold that greeted them was even more intense than the day before, though at least it wasn’t raining. As soon as they opened the door, the icy blast hit them. They bundled up and made their way to the station, arriving just in time to catch the train. They grabbed breakfast—iced coffees, a black coffee, and some chocolate sticks—and boarded the train.

They got off at Unjung Station, where they were set to meet the Captain's old school friend and comrade, Major Haiyoung, along with his family. It had been over 15 years since they last saw each other, when the Major had moved back to Korea after studying alongside the Captain from primary school all the way through year 9. It was surreal to see him again, now with his beautiful family. They disembarked from the platform and made their way to the street, where the Major and his family were waiting in a van. After exchanging hugs and greetings, they jumped into the vehicle, where hand warmers were handed out to help them battle the freezing cold. With the squad now reunited, they drove off, the journey continuing with a sense of nostalgia and warmth amidst the chill..
They drove to the DMZ, with Major Haiyoung sharing stories about his life in Korea and his travels, including a hilarious tale about how he broke his hand in London. The drive was filled with laughter and reminiscing as they all looked forward to the visit.
Upon arriving at the DMZ, they lined up among many other visitors to get their tickets. Once inside, they made their way to a café upstairs where they shared their first meal together. The Cadet immediately hit it off with the Major's beautiful kids, who were incredibly kind and took great care of him.
They picked an assortment of baked goods and coffee to enjoy while they relaxed and chatted. Just as they were settling in, Aida had a delightful surprise: she bumped into an old friend from Melbourne whom she hadn’t seen in many years. It was a moment of serendipity, adding a special touch to the day
As soon as they finished their baked goods, the bus arrived, signaling it was time to board and continue their journey. After a brief wait, they went through passport checks and were assigned military escorts to guide them into the DMZ. They continued along the roads looking at the isolated landscapes outside, places abandoned years ago.

The drive took them to the tunnels, located 73 meters underground. They were then led to a monorail, which carried them 300 meters into the heart of the tunnels. Equipped with helmets, they walked through the narrow passageways, carefully navigating the underground maze.

Along the way, they hit their heads several times due to the low ceilings, but the experience was thrilling. They eventually made their way to the North Korean side of the tunnels, crossing under the border where the two countries met. It was a surreal moment, standing just feet away from a place so historically significant, yet so distant from the everyday lives they knew.

After exploring the tunnels, they boarded the bus once again and headed up to the top of a mountain for a breathtaking view of the border. As they reached the peak, snow began to fall, adding a layer of surreal beauty to the already tense and historic landscape. Through binoculars, they could make out a sign across the border that read, "Our leader is the best," along with a propaganda village that, as the guide explained, was completely fake—designed to project an image of prosperity to outsiders. The tour continued with a couple of other activities, where they learned about the complex history of the DMZ and its significance in the broader context of the Korean conflict.
Finally, it was time to return. They boarded the bus once more, heading back to the starting point where they went through another round of passport checks before being allowed to leave the DMZ. The experience had been eye-opening, a mix of awe, history, and reflection, as they left behind a place that had witnessed so much tension and change.
After leaving the DMZ, the group headed back to Seoul for lunch, where they were treated to a traditional minari-style meal—delicious, hearty, and comforting. The flavors were rich, and it was a welcome break after the cold, historical experience they had just gone through.
Next, they embarked on a drive to the Blue House, the official residence of the President of South Korea. They made it just in time for their visit, marveling at the grand architecture and historical significance of the place. However, things took a turn when the Cadet, feeling restless after a day full of new experiences, went a bit feral. Once inside the presidential office, his curiosity led him to explore a bit too enthusiastically, prompting security to step in and retrieve him. It was a brief but chaotic moment, much to the amusement (and slight embarrassment) of the Admiral and Captain.
After a full day of adventure at the DMZ, the Major and his family kindly dropped them back near their hotel. They decided to visit a small Korean eatery nearby for a cozy, local dinner. The meal was a delightful end to the day, with hearty, comforting dishes that hit the spot after all the travel and excitement.
On their way back to the hotel, they made a stop at Bricksand, a charming butter cake shop known for its delicious baked treats. They picked up some sweet goodies to take back with them, adding a little extra sweetness to their evening. The walk back to the hotel was a peaceful one, as they reflected on the incredible day spent exploring the DMZ, meeting old friends, and enjoying the rich history and culture of Korea
The next day, they woke up a little later than planned, but excitement was still in the air as they were set to meet Major Haiyoung and his family again. The cold was biting that morning, with temperatures reaching -4°C, and the wind cut through their coats as they headed out.
They made a quick stop for coffee, hoping the warmth would help shake off the chill, but the Admiral began to feel a sharp ear pain from the cold winds. She gritted through it, though, as they made their way to the bus stand.
As they arrived, the Cadet, already feeling the exhaustion and frustration of the cold, had a meltdown. His cries echoed as they waited for the bus, and things didn’t seem to be looking up. The double-decker bus they had been waiting for finally pulled up, but the Cadet continued to cry, visibly upset by the whole situation. The crew could only hope that the bus ride and the day ahead would help turn his mood around.
They finally arrived at the destination and settled into a cozy coffee shop, where they waited for Major Haiyoung and his family to join them. The Captain, in his usual playful way, ordered an affogato for the Admiral, keeping her guessing as to what it was—just another small bit of fun amidst the chilly morning.
Once the Major and his family arrived, they all headed to a Play Center which may have been the National Science Museum. The Cadet, full of energy, ran around with excitement, exploring the museum's various exhibits. He particularly enjoyed the standard museum displays but had a habit of running off and getting lost, much to the Admiral's frustration as she tried to keep track of him.
The highlight for the Cadet was when he found a section where he could dress up in various outfits. He was absolutely delighted to try on different dresses and costumes, posing and twirling in front of the mirrors. Meanwhile, the Major’s boys found a climbing area and eagerly began scaling the walls. It was a fun, active day for everyone, each child enjoying something different, but all coming together for some family fun.
After a fun morning at the play centre, the group headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. They were treated to a delicious meal of Kalguksu—a traditional Korean knife-cut noodle dish. The noodles were freshly cooked right at the table, adding an interactive element to the meal. It was a hearty, comforting dish, full of flavor. To follow it up, they enjoyed some fried rice, which complemented the noodles perfectly, that were cooked in the same pot. Everyone was delighted by the warm, savory dishes, and it was a welcome break from the cold outside.

After lunch, the group made their way to a traditional folk village, just a few minutes away. The Cadet, exhausted from all the excitement, passed out in the pram. He slept peacefully for over an hour while the Major’s boys playfully poked and pinched his cheeks, dutifully pushing the pram along. The village was a living history lesson, with displays of folk architecture, blacksmiths forging tools, mask painters creating intricate designs, and flute players adding a melodious atmosphere. It was like stepping back in time.
They visited an old-timey jail, where the Captain got a “paddling,” then headed to an amusement park nearby. Aida and the Captain ventured into a horror house, braving the spooky scares. Meanwhile, the Cadet woke up, a bit disoriented, and unfortunately, took a tumble and bumped his head. There was some crying, causing the Major and his wife to stress, but the Cadet had had many bumps in the past and eventually calmed down. He even managed to enjoy a few rides after settling his nerves.
As the day came to a close, the Cadet grew tired again and started to flip out from the cold. Concerned, the Major ran to the car to warm him up. After the final farewells, which were bittersweet, the Captain and Admiral were extremely grateful for the time spent with the Major and his family. They would miss their new friends, and the Cadet would definitely miss the company of the Major’s kids.
The Major sent them off with parting gimbap (Korean rice rolls) and warm hugs. They dashed to catch the bus, barely making it without paying the fare. Unfortunately, they missed their stop, so they had to walk back. Just as they were about to reach their destination, someone scolded them for not using the elevator. So, they ended up walking for what felt like an eternity to find the wrong elevator. Realizing the mistake, they had to walk back and finally use the escalator with the pram.
They were promptly scolded by another person, but luckily, they managed a slow getaway as their escalator was going up while the other person's was going down. After that ordeal, they grabbed some more food and headed home, exhausted but entertained by the series of small misadventures that had unfolded, they finally reached back home.
Determined to make the most of his last night in Seoul, the Captain decided to set out on a solo adventure to Myeongdong, leaving the Admiral and Cadet behind to rest. Braving the biting cold, he ventured outside and began the 40-minute walk toward his destination, departing the house around 8:00 p.m.
After a few wrong turns and nearly an hour of navigating, he stumbled upon the bustling heart of the Myeongdong Night Market. It was the largest night market he had ever encountered—an endless maze of alleyways lit up with dazzling lights and filled with vendors.
Eager to soak in the experience, the Captain indulged in a feast of street food, sampling okonomiyaki, gyoza, fried chicken, japchae, grilled corn slathered with butter and Korean spices, chicken kebabs, and refreshing pomegranate juice. Along the way, he discovered a quirky "almond store," which felt like the Toys “R” Us of almond-related goods, packed with nut-themed novelties and snacks.
Satisfied and slightly overwhelmed by the sheer vibrancy of the market, the Captain began the long walk back home, logging over 30,000 steps by the end of his journey. Upon returning, he enthusiastically recounted his night market escapades to the Admiral, sharing tales of the sights, smells, and flavors of Myeongdong. Exhausted but fulfilled, he passed out shortly afterward, concluding his final night in Seoul.
The time had come to leave Korea and head to India. The Cadet, however, had other plans, declaring he wanted to stay in Korea. After much cajoling, he was finally convinced to join the them for their onward journey.
The squad made their way to the train station and then to the airport, where they breezed through priority check-in. It was a surprisingly painless process—except for the Cadet screaming at precisely the wrong (or right, depending on your perspective) moments. The Captain and Admiral made a tactical move to spend their remaining Korean won on food, ensuring minimal financial losses and maximum stomach gains. Amidst the frenzy, the Cadet promptly poured out his orange juice. By this point, the parents were too exasperated to react.
Finally, it was time to board. The Cadet was a ball of energy, jumping up and down with excitement, before crashing hard and falling asleep shortly after takeoff. The Admiral, however, had reached her breaking point and ordered a vodka to soothe her nerves.
As the Cadet slept soundly for about three hours, the Captain discovered that his in-flight screen wasn’t working. Resigned, he leaned over to share the Admiral’s screen. Meanwhile, the Cadet decided the airplane seat wasn’t quite his vibe and made himself comfortable on the floor, much to the bemusement of nearby passengers.
When the Cadet eventually woke up, he became the life of the cabin, charming passengers and inviting them all over to his house for a game of cards. An elderly Korean lady was so taken by his charisma that she handed him a candy, which he gleefully accepted. It wasn’t until he tried it that his parents realized it was a coffee-flavored lolly. The Cadet’s reaction? Priceless.
It was a chaotic yet memorable journey, as the family hurtled toward the next chapter of their adventure in India.

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Taipei – Taiwan

by Asia

Taipei - Taiwan

Taipei - Taiwan

Taipei the night market city of the world

Captains Log Day 12 - 13/11/23 9:15 pm.
Scoot TR896

After a much longer flight than they had anticipated, the Captain, Admiral, and Cadet arrived in Taipei, Taiwan. Instantly, they felt some relief from the humidity as they disembarked the plane. The immigration lines were busy, but as shown on a previous occasion, the efficiency to get through people was next level. The captain took the opportunity to visit the bathroom and was utterly confused by all the gadgets and gizmos. He was also surprised by the cleanliness and neatness of the bathrooms.

After about an hour, they were able to pick up their bags and find a place for cash and SIM cards. They were also approached by taxi operators who informed them that the taxi would be a lot cheaper than an Uber. This claim was validated by locals who were waiting beside us.

It took an hour to get to the accommodation. Along the car journey, they observed the mountainous terrain and the wide, fast-moving freeways. It was instantly evident that this country was well progressed and modern.

They arrived at their abode for the week, zigzagging through alleyways and narrow roads to get there. Although there was a language barrier that was immediately evident, the taxi driver was able to advise them that they were staying centrally and there were plenty of food options and places around. Once he had dropped them off, the first challenge was evident - getting up to level 3 via stairs to their apartment. Slowly, they climbed, taking suitcase by suitcase. The cadet was amused and distracted by the stairs. Once they had offloaded, they admired the size and aesthetics of the chosen apartment. It was clean, minimalistic, and pretty new. This was also the time when the Captain noticed that the Admiral could not smell well. He mentioned that the apartment smelled like paint, to which the Admiral replied, “I don't smell anything.” Some alarm bells were going off in the Captain's head.

Despite the late hour, creeping towards 10 pm, they had not eaten, and the Captain was itching to explore. Instead of doing the logical thing and relaxing while ordering in, they decided to put the Cadet in the pram and head off to a night market earmarked to be 15 minutes away.

They left the air conditioning and ventured out, using Google Maps to walk in the general direction, instantly noticing three 7/11s and 2 Family Marts within 150 meters of their place. They were also pleased with the sidewalks—although old, they were suitable for piloting the pram. They walked past several signs for bomb shelters until they arrived at Ningxia Night Market. Though considered small compared to other night markets around Taipei, they found plenty on offer with around 40 food stalls.

Instantly hit by the smells, the Captain started gagging, while the Admiral expressed that she smelled nothing. It was an instant sensory overload. Hundreds of people walked body to body, shuffling along the long strips of stalls. They joined the long line and started exploring all the varieties of stalls and foods. There was the infamous stinky tofu, a smell you can't mistake and one that lingers, burning into your nostrils long after you walk away. Other foods included grilled meats, fried quail eggs, BBQed squid, octopus balls, noodles, and stir-fried rice.

Realising the Cadet was starving by this point, they quickly walked over to a food stall and bought some mysterious chicken and rice. Communication was an issue, and since they had ordered takeaway, they couldn't sit in the seated area. A tourist from Korea came to their aid. He knew the native language and was able to guide them and eventually secure them a seat. The Cadet, however, seemed to enjoy his chicken rice concoction regardless of where they were sitting and the surrounding smells and copious amounts of crowds.

While the Cadet was eating, the Captain went on an exploratory mission and found a grill meat sticks place to visit. He also picked up some random juice and crepe-like sweets, returning to the Admiral and Cadet. They walked over and picked up meat sticks from an outdoor fridge. Once again facing the language barrier, they took a risk and enjoyed a selected basket of grilled meat and vegetables.

Taking one more walk down the strip, it was evident the Cadet had had enough. They picked up a few supplies and walked back through the night crowds to the apartment.

The following day commenced with a quest for coffee and a walk towards the hipster district nestled in Huashan 1914 Creative Park. The sun blazed, the temperature nearly hitting 30 degrees, as the group made their way towards the Central Park tourist area. Their search for coffee persisted until they stumbled upon a setting-up coffee van. Struggling to communicate effectively, they resorted to the internationally recognized word “Coffee” and gestured to indicate they wanted it strong. Surprisingly, the message got across, and the universal language of caffeine worked its magic. Despite some confusing sign language, they received their orders, though lacking milk for the Admirals. The Captain cleverly signaled for milk by mimicking the milking of a cow with his hands, and the addition was made.

With their beverages in hand, they pressed on, braving the heat, delving further into the parkland, even pausing for a photo op with a giant strawberry until they spotted a playground in the distance. The Cadet eagerly veered towards the equipment while the Captain, attempting to befriend a dog, was promptly warned by the owner about the dog's wariness toward strangers. Sensing trouble, the Captain stepped back. Meanwhile, the Cadet found solace in an orange car at the playground, wholly absorbed in driving it around. Later, he discovered the water area and managed to get completely soaked, citing car washing as his excuse—a perfectly understandable rationale.

After a swift change for the drenched Cadet, they wheeled him along to the Creative Park, but their anticipation was met with disappointment. It turned out to be a collection of boutique stores with very hipster offerings. They made the regrettable decision to enter one with the Cadet, resulting in a lot of chasing him around and apologising to the storekeepers. It became evident it was akin to a bull in a china shop scenario.

Exiting without making any purchases surprised both the Captain and Admiral. Realising the Cadet's hunger, they spotted Alleycats, a boutique, fancy, and slightly overpriced pizza joint nearby. Charmed by its aesthetics, they decided to have lunch there.

Post-lunch, they wandered the area and stumbled upon a Google Pixel marketing stand. The Captain delved in to explore and learned about creating GIFs by scanning their bodies into the system. Intrigued, he stepped into the booth and got scanned, resulting in phenomenal and hilarious results. Unfortunately, the Cadet was too small for the cameras, but the Admiral participated and got some GIFs made. As they laughed at the results, the Cadet quietly fell asleep in the pram, granting them time to explore the creative park undisturbed.

After exploring, they crossed the street to a fancy coffee place to regroup and plan the rest of their day. A 30-minute walk away lay Chiang Kai-shek's Memorial. Deciding to trek there, they embarked on the journey.

The walk itself was uneventful, allowing them to soak in the neighborhood sights. Approaching the memorial, they were amazed by the 70-metre-tall structure completed in the late 2000s, coincidentally awakening the Cadet as they reached the building. The building was enormous, a structure that was set atop several staircases rather than going upstairs they entered the ground floor to explore. Inside, they savoured cold Oolong tea and purchased souvenirs, exploring the museum that detailed Chiang Kai-shek's life and legacy, a revered figure in Taiwan's history as the former President of the Republic of China.

Ascending the stairs, they encountered a towering statue of the political figure, reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln's monument in Washington. It was guarded by motionless soldiers. The Cadet, eager to interact with them, was redirected by the Admiral, who encouraged him to mimic the soldiers' posture with his teddy bear instead.

For a brief moment, they split up: the Captain and Cadet explored while the Admiral took the elevator with the pram. This brief separation led to the Captain and Cadet engaging in conversations with strangers as they awaited the Admiral's return. Once she arrived, they quickly decided to take the train to Taipei Tower for dinner. Fortunately, the underground train station was nearby, and they hurried to catch a train to the mall and tower.

Disembarking at the station, they realised they had misplaced the train tokens. The Admiral rummaged through her bag and eventually found them. As they entered the mall, the Admiral realised she had left the house keys behind during the bag search. She rushed back while the Captain and Cadet waited outside.

Thankfully, the Admiral successfully retrieved the keys where she had previously emptied her bag. Passing a long queue, later identified as the line for the restaurant Din Tai Fung, they finally entered the Taipei Tower mall. Striding past boutique shops, they sought the elevator to the observatory, only to discover it was sold out. Disappointed yet relieved, considering the long queues, they returned to the ground floor for dinner, realising the Cadet was now hungry.

Initially hesitant about food options, the Cadet insisted on an apple or coconut water. After a few disagreements, they procured a small apple and coconut water from a convenience store, finally satisfying his cravings. The Captain then embarked on a quest to find suitable dinner for the Cadet. Despite language barriers, he managed to secure some curries and lentils from an Indian place, which turned out to be a success. Joining the Cadet, the Captain also indulged in the Indian cuisine, relishing its flavors. However, the Admiral's choice, a wrap from a fried chicken place, turned out to be unexpectedly small.

After a satisfying dinner, they returned to the train station and decided to revisit the night market they had explored the day before. There, they bought supplies before heading back to their hotel room. The Admiral's inability to smell the distinct aromas of the night market concerned them, prompting a decision to purchase a COVID test the next day. Upon returning home, they did their laundry, wrapping up their eventful first day in Taipei.

The next day began with a clear agenda: the Captain, Cadet, and Admiral were determined to visit the Taipei amusement park. With this mission in mind, they departed from their apartment early in the morning, braving the 30-degree heat. Their plan involved reaching the station and embarking on a half-hour train journey, followed by a bus or taxi ride to the amusement park.

On their way to the station, they made a necessary pit stop for snacks. Their first choice was a McDonald's, a compact outlet where orders were placed and prepared via an intricate conveyor belt. Remarkably, this particular McDonald's did not accept card payments, operating on a cash-only basis. After grabbing breakfast, they proceeded to a nearby 7-Eleven to pick up snacks for the Cadet.

Boarding a train, they finally reached their destination station. Faced with a complex bus system, they opted for a taxi to reach the amusement park. Upon arrival, they wasted no time and delved into the enjoyment of various rides. They started with the merry-go-round, where the Captain found it challenging to fit into the straps, followed by bumper boats with the Admiral. Seeking relief from the heat, they explored the indoor area, with the Captain purchasing tokens for the Cadet to experience the indoor games.

Afterward, they headed to the food area on the third floor for lunch at Burger King. However, the Cadet decided not to eat anything, leaving the Admiral to finish the meal, which included a Salmon burger and other unique local menu items. Following an unsuccessful lunch, they returned to the theme park rides. Once again, the Captain struggled to fit into the seatbelts. However, the Cadet found joy in the more thrilling rides, laughing and enjoying himself immensely on the mini chair ride and the rocket ride.

During one ride, the Admiral was joined by a local lady and her three-year-old child. Initially terrified, the lady reluctantly joined the ride after some persuasion. What ensued was a humorous chaos - all four occupants in a carriage, spinning around fast. While the Admiral and Cadet laughed, the lady and her child screamed and cried. The more they reacted, the more the Cadet laughed, creating a scene that was both amusing and chaotic. Outside, the Captain video taped the incident and couldn't help but join in the laughter.

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Disembarking from the rides, they stumbled upon what looked like a kids' casino with a ball game they couldn't quite figure out. Despite the confusion, they played and miraculously won something without understanding the rules. To beat the heat, they ventured outside and discovered a poop-themed ice cream stall that piqued their curiosity. Naturally, they had to try it. This marked the Cadet's first experience with brain freeze, resulting in tears and a sore head. The Admiral and Captain did their best to console him while holding back laughter. Eventually, the Cadet recovered, albeit in a cranky mood, signalling the end of their theme park adventure.

A cautious Admiral attempted to use what she thought was hand sanitizer at the gate, only for the Captain to reveal, "That's mosquito repellent!" It turned out to be citronella oil, and they shared a laugh as they cleaned their hands with baby wipes. It became evident that the Admiral had no sense of smell.

The day's activities had worn out the Cadet, and despite the heat, he fell asleep in the pram as they headed toward the conveniently located Science Centre across the road from the amusement park. The Captain, relishing the childless moment, eagerly explored the Science Centre while the Cadet napped.

They encountered some challenges, like the oversized wristband struggling to fit around the Captain's hand. Despite this, they navigated six floors of science exhibits. The Cadet, once awake, revelled in the experience, exploring, reading, and interacting with almost every exhibit. The Captain tried to ignore the hungry cries, continuing his inspection, but the Admiral intervened, signalling that it was time for the Cadet to eat.

The team continued to explore the Science Centre, with the Cadet's initial hunger cries subsiding. However, the Admiral's "Mum energy" eventually surfaced, cutting the exploration short as she insisted the Cadet needed to eat immediately. They left the science centre and discovered a playground in the distance. The Cadet was set free, running around and enjoying the equipment, even breaking into a cordoned-off construction area. The Captain and Admiral carefully lured him out without causing any harm.

As they played, the Captain and Admiral decided to walk to the Shilin Night Market for dinner. The 20-minute walk proved slightly more intense than expected, navigating traffic and parts of the road with no footpath. Nevertheless, they remained positive, laughing along the way, with the Cadet amused by passing cars.

They finally arrived at the night market, and it instantly struck them as less intense than the one they had visited earlier on the trip. Although still bustling with people and unique aromas, this market had a more gentrified feel, featuring numerous branded stores, shops, and tourists.

They strolled through the initial section, resembling a carnival with fair-style games. Among them was an uber-realistic shoot-the-balloon game, equipped with a modified assault rifle that shot pellets instead of balloons. The Captain, succumbing to a surge of testosterone, couldn't resist the opportunity and posed with the rifle in his arms.

Continuing through the market's game section, reminiscent of a country fair, they encountered a fishing game where children attempted to catch real fish with a net and release them back into the water. The Cadet eagerly participated, albeit without much success in catching any fish, providing an entertaining spectacle.

It took some time to navigate through the game section, but eventually, they reached the fast rows of food stalls, each exuding a variety of enticing smells (though none were detectable to the Admiral). Similar to other night markets, they joined a procession of people, weaving through the exotic food offerings.

Growing late for the Cadet's dinner, they found a small spot down an alley. With the kindness of the shopkeeper, they were allowed to squat there, and the Captain embarked on a reconnaissance mission to fetch Lamb sticks, a veg bun, and a juice for the hungry Cadet. The Admiral accommodated, sitting to feed the little one.

In a quest to explore the night market further, the Captain ventured off and stumbled upon a few Michelin-starred food stalls. Joining the queue, he purchased a Michelin-starred peppered pork bun, marking his first experience with Michelin-starred cuisine. Despite not being a fan of pork, the Captain found it extremely tasty, and even the Cadet enjoyed the Haram meat.

Completing the Cadet's dinner, they left the food stall area and headed to the shops, picking up some candy from a store. Upon exiting, the Admiral began feeling stressed about getting home. Despite the Captain suggesting they walk, the Admiral was hesitant about the one-hour commute. Eventually, a female taxi driver stopped, and they boarded the vessel home. The Cadet, still elated from the adventures, decided to leave a smelly surprise in the car. Despite the Captain's struggles and the evident discomfort on the driver's face, the Admiral, once again, displayed her lack of smell.

Upon reaching home, they breathed a sigh of relief and fresh air. However, the Captain, still hungry, suggested grabbing more food from where the taxi had dropped them off. Craving a banh mi, they headed to a small Vietnamese bakery. After what felt like an eternity, they received their banh mi. The Captain took a bite and found it mediocre at best. Disappointed, the Admiral subliminally dropped her untouched banh mi on the road. With nothing left to do but laugh, they both looked at eachother and giggled at the scenario that they found themselves in. Luckily the Admiral did not miss out on much since the Bhan Mi was nothing like the Captain had expected. To add to the stressful pressure cooker of exhaustion and chaos the Cadet was losing his mind and had transformed into a feral version of himself, they had to get him home. Leaving the fallen Bahn mi on the road, in a gust of disappointment, she walked over to McDonald's and picked up a burger. They walked home after what seemed like an endless day or rather several days melded into one.

The Admiral's lack of Smell finally caught up with them and they decided to go and buy a test in the morning, despite the previous night's exhaustion and tiredness they had woken up early, not by any choice but because that Cadet decided not to sleep anymore rather than loitering around and trying to put him back to sleep they decide to start the day early they had a lot to explore.

Descending to the ground floor, they made their way to the nearest pharmacy. Despite encountering challenges in conveying their needs, the staff, after some effort, appeared alarmed upon realising that the customers were seeking a COVID test. Acquiring the test,
they left the shop, leaving the staff visibly concerned.

They strolled over to a cafe, grabbed a coffee, and began strategizing their route to the station. In a sociable mood, the Captain approached a local security guard to ask for directions to the train station. What followed was a comical encounter, as the security guard didn't understand English. Undeterred, the Captain resorted to pantomiming a train, complete with "choo choo" sound effects. After a moment of confusion, the security guard finally grasped the destination. Meanwhile, the Admiral couldn't contain her laughter, bursting into fits at the amusing spectacle.

Despite receiving no assistance from the security guard, the Captain relied on his intuition to locate the train station. They entered an elevator, leading them underground to a vast tunnel system connecting multiple stations across kilometres. Navigating through, they miraculously found the right train line.

Boarding a train headed for Taipei Arena, they made a quick stop to satisfy the Cadet's craving for a pink doughnut from Mister Donut. The primary goal wasn't to explore the arena but to visit a nearby play center. The play center revealed itself as a vibrant space with abundant options for the Cadet. One set of unique magnetic blocks particularly fascinated the Captain. While the Cadet explored various toys, the Captain, enchanted by the magnetic blocks, went online to discover their exclusivity to AliExpress. Amused and oblivious to the cost, he ordered a set, only realizing later that he had spent $250 on soft magnetic blocks. Adding to the sting of buyer's remorse, the Cadet didn't find them as entertaining as the Captain had hoped.

Burdened by buyer's remorse, the Captain and the party departed from the play centre, hoping the next destination would alleviate the financial damage they had just incurred. After all, they were on their way to the Meerkat Cafe for lunch with the adorable creatures.
A short stroll down through the streets of Taipei and they had arrived at the Meerkat cafe.

Upon entering the café, they were requested to remove their shoes and handed a menu that wasn't in English. At this point, language didn't matter much, as right before them were several Meerkats—some in an enclosure and others being cradled by other patrons in a designated petting area of the café. The establishment, being small and able to accommodate only about 30 people, provided the perfect setting for interacting with the petite Meerkat population. Meanwhile, the Admiral went to the restroom to address a situation the Cadet had caused in his excitement.

While waiting for the food, they were briefed on the rules, revealing that the Cadet was not allowed to enter the petting area. Though disappointing, they understood that these endearing creatures, as cute as they were, required delicate handling and care. They proceeded to enjoy their lunch, which, to their disappointment, turned out to be mediocre at best. Following the meal, the Captain and the Admiral took turns entering the petting area to interact with the delightful Meerkats, cradling and cuddling with them. The experience was truly adorable. Once they were done the staff, who must of felt bad that the Cadet could not go into the petting area, decided to bring one of the Meerkats to him. It was brilliant, although the Cadet could not hold the little creature he was able to interact and play with him albeit briefly.

Capitalising on the Cadet's fatigue, they placed him in a taxi and returned to Taipei Tower, hoping for a less crowded experience compared to their last attempt. Their strategy worked, and the environment was significantly less hectic. After transferring the Cadet to the pram, they purchased tickets for the observation deck swiftly and joined the line for what used to be the world's fastest elevator.

With the Cadet fast asleep, they seized the opportunity to savour the panoramic view. Despite the foggy weather, they acknowledged that a nighttime visit would have offered a superior experience, possibly explaining the earlier crowds. Nonetheless, they stumbled upon various quirky items to pose with, and in high spirits, they snapped amusing photos, revelling in childlike antics. Notably, there was a perfume stall at the top where the Admiral finally detected fragrances, signalling a potential subsiding of whatever had hindered her sense of smell in the past few days.

The tranquillity, unfortunately, proved fleeting as the Cadet awoke upon hearing another infant crying loudly. With the Cadet now awake, he enthusiastically joined in, participating in some amusing photo sessions with them. He joyfully scampered around and, despite tempting treats in the candy store situated on the observation deck, he made a commendable effort to resist them

They made their way to the outdoor viewing area, positioned three floors above them. The Admiral was noticeably displeased, finding no lift or ramp available. Though considering expressing her dissatisfaction, the absence of someone to listen or understand dissuaded her. In response, the Captain took charge, lifting the pram and carrying it up with them to the outdoor observation deck of Taipei Tower. The cloudy day cast a sombre tone over the city's visibility, yet they could still discern the mountainous horizons in every direction. The undulating landscape was captivating, even as it remained veiled in a foggy and hazy atmosphere.

The Cadet appeared to tire of his surroundings, prompting the decision to leave the tower and return to ground level. Upon reaching the ground floor, they spotted an exceptionally luxurious soft-serve stand. Deciding to indulge, they purchased what could only be described as the smoothest, silkiest, and most delicious soft-serve they had ever tasted. Despite the high price, they all took turns savouring the delectable cold treat.

When it was the Cadet's turn, he decided to spread the joy beyond just his taste buds and proceeded to squish the ice cream in his hand. Despite the mess, they successfully cleaned him up and then departed from the establishment, feeling sad that the Ice Cream had turned to soup, they made their way to the train station.

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The plan for the rest of the evening involved heading to another play centre - Austin Land. This particular one was renowned for its size and various rooms and activities, making it the best in the vicinity of Taipei. After a relatively lengthy but convenient train journey to the centre, they arrived at the station, departing it to some rain. The play centre was lucily only just across the road at a shopping mall. Upon entering, they approached the information desk to inquire about the location of Austin Land. They were directed to take the lift up to level 5. Following the instructions, as the lift doors opened, they were greeted by a vast amusement centre adorned with rides and arcade machines

Upon entering the play center, the Cadet immediately headed straight to the dress-up area, selecting dresses to wear. Fortunately, they managed to convince him that he could only don the male outfits, although it required some persuasion. He tried on doctor outfits and the fireman one. Encouraging him to leave this area proved challenging, but eventually, he took off the costumes and proceeded to the next play space.

During the remaining time, he persisted in jumping into the ball pit, engaging with the toy kitchen, exploring the sandpit area, and playing in the shop. Amidst his play center antics, the Captain and Admiral encountered a delightful family that had relocated from Manhattan, USA, back to Taipei. They sat and engaged in conversation as the kids played, gaining insights into both American life and the experiences of transitioning to Taiwan. After an engaging conversation, it became clear that, despite the enjoyment shared by all, the Cadet was exhausted, signalling that it was time to bid farewell.

They returned to the station, relieved that the rain had ceased. While the train journey back was not anticipated with enthusiasm, it surprisingly passed swiftly, much like the preceding days in Taipei. With the Cadet having enjoyed his time, it was now the turn of the Captain and Admiral to embark on exploration. They made their way to the shopping district, Ximending.

Captivated by the expansive railway crossing intersection bustling with people heading towards a beautiful section of stalls adorned with fairy lights, they discovered a charming night market. Stepping into the extensive walking street enveloped by prominent brand shops and retailers, they began their exploration.

They had noted a Cat cafe on the map, hoping for an experience akin to the Meerkat one they enjoyed earlier. Navigating through the lively crowds, they reached the indicated spot on the map, but no cafe was in sight. A local passerby noticed their confusion and offered assistance. Leading them past the overlooked cafe, tucked between the Nike shop and another retailer, he pointed out that it was on the second floor. This meant the Captain had to lift the Cadet and the pram to ascend the stairs. Upon reaching the top, they discovered an age limit of 14 and over for the cafe, leaving them disappointed. They descended the stairs again, with the Captain carrying the precious cargo on his shoulders.

They continued their exploration, strolling through the vibrant market and walking strip. Unlike the traditional night markets they had previously visited, this one exuded a modern and well-lit ambiance, resembling something closer to Melbourne back home—highly cosmopolitan. Despite its contemporary vibe, they stumbled upon a food street, where the distinct aroma of stinky tofu finally reached the Admiral's senses as they walked past. It was faint but recognizable, a scent that had triggered the Captain's reactions before. The odour lingered in her nostrils for hours.

Amidst their exploration, they discovered a xiaolongbao eatery, treating themselves to some of the finest dumplings they had ever tasted. Accompanied by HotStar fried chicken, a local specialty, they found a spot to sit with the Cadet and enjoyed these delicious local delights.

After concluding their meal, the Captain expressed interest in returning for some souvenir shopping. However, they ended up stopping at a local shop and efficiently acquired the necessary items in a whirlwind of shopping. Deciding to walk back home, despite the 30-minute distance, the journey became eventful as rain started pouring and the accommodation seemed far away.

The Captain spotted a lift, realising there was a network of underground tunnels that could shelter them from the rain. Taking the lift down, they were surprised to discover an entire underground world, complete with shops and more. They continued their walk underground for what seemed like many kilometres, still intrigued by the tunnels they finally emerged near their accommodation after navigating a series of tunnels. Upon returning home, they tested the Admiral, and her COVID test came back negative. She finally noticed the paint smell in the apartment, if she had COVID, it was fine now. Finally resting, they felt like they had gone back on the promise to have a chilled day, they had managed to fit in so much, they felt exhausted, but little did they know the next day was going to be one of the biggest yet.

They woke up feeling sore, but ready for the big adventure that was going to come. Looking for sustenance they found a hidden away amazing coffee shop (Twin Brothers Coffee), the coffee was something that would be fit for a Brunswick resident, and the pastry (famous Cinnamon Scroll) was the best the Captain had ever had. As they sat and devoured the delicious goods, they planned the day's adventures. They had been told about a hidden waterfall in the mountains that they decided to vist. This was the Yinhe waterfall and to get they would need to take a train and then a taxi into the mountains.

They embarked, changing two trains and sitting for 45 minutes. The Cadet had been on his best behaviour, as they finally reached Xindian Station, and looked for a taxi.
They drove along, and observed the tiny mountainous villages and single lane roads. It seemed like they were ascending into the clouds, the roads curving in and out like a serpent in the trees. All of a sudden it all became quiet and they were dropped to an isolated location, the taxi driver pointing to a map.

They had been dropped off at a temple in the middle of the forest, there was no one to be seen anywhere, it was very quiet and there were no cars. They saw a narrow path up and started walking up, realising that they could not accomplish the climb with the Pram they folded it up and hid it within a small dwelling/ hut like structure. They walked up the path and then came up to a steep staircase zig-zagging up which seemed like 500 plus steps.

This was a challenge for a 2 year old Cadet, he accepted and with great effort was able to accomplish about half the distance without asking to be picked up by any means.
They stopped mid way to see a little pond on the way, they met a little Crab that the Admiral picked up and showed to the Cadet, he was mildly impressed. Post this distraction they continued up the mountain. It was a treacherous climb that was not made easier with the added weight of a toddler.

Drenched in sweat they finally made it to a small temple that had been carved into the cliff face. The view and the temple was breathtaking, this temple was definitely an untouched wonder, with only a few other people present. The Admiral and Captain took some time to soak in the view, before being interrupted by the Cadet who had already figured out how to get into areas that they were not allowed to visit. They picked him up and posed through some of the windows in the temple, slowly making their way outside to see the beautiful Waterfall that you could stand behind. It was surreal. They instantly forgot all the hardships of getting to the serene location, and just felt the light spray of water on their faces. It was beautiful, and for a brief moment, the impression of beauty flowed into the Cadet as he stopped wriggling and enjoyed the spray.

They took one last look and started the much dreaded descent. This time the Cadet did not want to climb down, instead wanted to be carried. The Captain carefully placed him on his shoulders and started walking down the wobbly, uneven staircase. If this was not difficult and dangerous enough, the Cadet started hitting and biting his beloved RahRah (Captain's codename reserved for the Cadet) Feeling a ton of pain the Captain stopped only to find out from the Cadet that his anger on his shoulders was purely a game he was playing.
After some Hostage style negotiations he agreed not to bite and hit when on the Captain's shoulders and hold tight as they descended down.

They finally reached the bottom. The Captain had been bitten a few times and hit on the head but he felt a jolt of energy when he found that the pram had not been stolen from The random dwelling that they had stored it in.

The next challenge was trying to find a taxi. As mentioned earlier, there was no traffic or any cars down the bottom. They waited at the temple for about 15 minutes before deciding to walk down to the restaurant that they had seen about 5 minutes earlier on their Drive. Luckily they had the pram and they placed the cadet inside and started walking down the single lane road. Hoping that there would be no car coming. There was no footpath just the road and the curves with many blind spots made this a very dangerous exercise.

The admiral was freaking out but continued walking since they had no other option and there were no cars that they had seen go up the mountain. They reached a little restaurant where they asked the attendant to call a taxi. There was a sense of relief from the Admiral. The attendant also asked how far down the walk would be and the attendant said it would be another 20 minutes rather than waiting for the taxi. The Captain's impatience grew and he decided to walk down and cancel the taxi. The Admiral was not impressed but was too exhausted to argue

Continuing their descent down the steep mountain, they encountered little more than trees and rocky terrain. As they reached the bottom, communication between the Captain and the Admiral dwindled, and silence fell over the group as they made their way toward the main road.

Upon reaching the road, resembling more of a freeway with few cars, they crossed and found a small convenience store. The Admiral stocked up on supplies for the Cadet while the Captain shared a beer with cyclists passing through. Despite attempts to call a taxi, they were unsuccessful, so the store attendant suggested catching a bus.

Departing from the store, the Captain bid farewell to his newfound cyclist friends with a selfie, while both he and the Admiral attempted to hail an Uber without success. Their destination was another waterfall on the opposite side of the island, about an hour's drive away. Spotting a random bus, the Admiral dashed toward it, unaware of its destination.

As they watched the bus disappear into the distance, an Uber ride was finally accepted, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the group. They jumped in the Uber and headed to the Shifen Waterfall, which was over an hour away. The Admiral and Cadet used this time to sneak in a nap as the Captain watched as they weaved through mountains, cities and villages.

Upon reaching the waterfall, they encountered a bustling scene vastly different from their previous visit. The area buzzed with activity as crowds of people, buses, and tourists flooded in. Despite feeling a bit tired from the journey, the Admiral and Cadet were captivated by the lively atmosphere.

Following the mountain path, they encountered a massive suspension bridge that captivated the Cadet. Crossing it, they discovered statues, temples, and even a steam train track, before stumbling upon a vibrant night market nestled in the mountains. The array of food stalls and boutique shops lining the narrow path amazed them.

Continuing past the bustling market, they ascended towards an observation deck. There, they were greeted by the breathtaking sight of the horseshoe-shaped waterfall, spanning approximately 40 metres in width and dropping about 20 metres into the pool below. It was a mesmerising experience, feeling the spray of the water on their faces and posing for family photos in this picturesque setting.

As they bid farewell, they walked back, the Captain carrying the Cadet on his shoulders, playing road roller along the way. They crossed the market and the suspension bridge, and as they reached the village, a passing steam train added to the charm of the moment. Unlike their last waterfall visit, they were able to easily catch a taxi back into town.

Despite their exhaustion from all the adventures, instead of heading back to the hotel like most people would, they decided to do some souvenir shopping at the shops before grabbing dinner. The Cadet, true to form, was full of energy and hunger, making the task of the Captain and Admiral much more challenging. He ran around the shops, opened toys, and caused a bit of chaos along the way. They quickly grabbed what they needed and rushed back, hoping to find a Pizza Hut that appeared to be close to them on the map.
Exhausted, they sought relief in a nice dinner at the Pizza Hut they had discovered. However, when they arrived, it turned out to be just a small takeaway outlet with no place to sit. Without wasting any time on tears, they quickly googled another pizza place. As they did, the cadet’s discomfort became more and more evident. Fortunately, there was another place nearby, and they rushed there. They found it easily, sat down, and ordered. It was there that they experienced the strangest pizza they had ever had, featuring lamb, pear, and cumin as the main ingredients. Although it sounded strange, it tasted delicious. They inhaled the food, and finally felt a sense of relief. Looking at his watch the Captain noted that he had surpassed 25k steps on their adventure thus far, and the day was still not done.
Bellies full, legs aching, they had one more stop to make, now that the Admiral's sense of smell had returned, the Captain had to show her the horrors of the sticky Tofu he had experienced over the past few days. They detoured across the town and back into the pits of the night markets. The stench hit her this time like a train off the tracks on a busy intersection and despite the Captain putting on his A-game sales pitch, she was not game enough to try it. Exhausted and pushed to the limit from the days adventures they headed back to the hotel, chanting to themselves that tomorrow would be a less hectic day
They woke up in the morning, legs still throbbing from the night before, they recounted the chants they had made on the final leg home and planned out the day. After the morning tradition of the Cadet playing with his cars and the Captain and Admiral scurrying frantically to get ready, they figured out the required train hops to get to the infamous Poop cafe. The famous toilet themed restaurant that littered many tiktoks and facebook reels. It was just what they had imagined as they entered they saw that toilet seats, plungers, urinals thay littered the dining hall. They walked to a table past the sink where they sat and ordered some Poop shaped bread, a iced coffee served in a toilet shaped mug and a snack assortment tub, which was aptly served in a bathtub. It could not be a Captain adventure without some mishaps, the Cadet had ignored all signs and pleas to avoid jumping in a ballput, made only for instagram shots and jumped in, throwing the balls and rolling around. Whilst the Admiral tried her best to pull him out the Captain tried to distract the staff who had already indicated to them that it was not a play area. They lured him back and emptied their toilet drinks and bathtub snacks and bid the cafe staff farewell.

On the way back they stopped by a police station to say hello to the friendly police team, either that or he tried to explain to them the happenings of the previous establishment where he was not allowed to play in a child's ball pit. As they walked back it seemed like the Admirals bowels were inspired by the toilet restaurant and she had to rush to the bathroom luckily there was a public park close by so while the Captain took the Cadet for some routing circuit training as the frantic Admiral seeked out a bathroom. She was unsuccessful, and thus they undertook a little sprint back to the train station.

Once things had settled, they took a train to Taipei zoo, the pitter patter of rain had started but they were determined to visit one of the most popular landmarks of the city on their last day, and just as the rain started to intensify, so did the Cadets' tantrums. They seeked cover and found that, unlike the rain, they could tame the tantrums with some Jelly and Apples from the conveniently located 7/11 in the zoo. Another crisis averted as they went to visit the Zoos famous exhibits starting with the flamingos and working their way up to the Panda’s, Monkeys, and a very strange creature known as the Tapir. Along the journey a friendly Slot recognised the Captain from a photo he had taken with his uncle in a previous south american adventure and popped by to say hello. As the rain intensified they seeked cover in the insect house to be greeted by human sized (slight exaggeration - but fairly large) insects.

The Jelly had passed through the Cadet as he once again descended into madness, the Captain felt at this point the wild animals around him were more tame, the Cadet had found some large leaves and started directing traffic as if he was an air traffic controller, often joining other families, no doubt explaining to them how he want to escape the Admiral and Captains clutches. This madness continued in the train where n the 45 minute journey back, all the Cadet could do was laugh, as if every joke told in history was flowing through his tiny brain. The Captain could not complain this was the best he could hope for after the Zoo antics.

They disembarked to visit the last of the night markets, instantly realising that they had by coincidence saved the best for last, the Raohe night market. SItuated next to a beautiful buddhist temple they trodded along taking in the sights and smells, the Captain secretly hoping he could put these in a jar so he could reminisce on these memories forever.
The time was ticking and it seemed they had reached boiling point with the Cadet, they could not get by without feeding him so they escaped the clutches of the market and found a nice Thai restaurant in a shopping mall closeby.
Finishing up their they days activities they boarded a train in which the Captain managed to hit at least 4 people with the backpack/ nappy bag. It was a successful day

They started their last day packing all their bags and setting them aside for checkout later in the day. They walked down, now a memorised path to the station and while the Admiral bought tickets for the train ride, the Captain somehow managed to score some free coffee. They rejoined with the loot and headed down to the platform. As they sat and sipped their free coffees, a local popped over and advised them that drinking coffee is not allowed on the platform. This for some reason rubbed the Admiral up the wrong way as she started to explain how they just got them up the escalator, the rebuttal was that yes, and that's where you can drink them. They later found out that even water is not allowed to be consumed on the platform or trains in an effort to keep the city clean. The Captain was impressed by the national pride of the residents.

Today's destination was the same playcentre they had visited earlier on the trip. Much like his father the Cadet somehow managed to find himself in a situation which was unfamiliar and pretty amusing he had somehow joined a play group in which he had no idea what was going on since everything was in a different language he just followed the steps of the instructor albeit confused, it was pretty amusing for the Captain and Admiral to watch. They remained at the play centre for close to 2 hours before picking up some of 7/11’s finest Pasta for the Cadet and heading to a Mexican burrito place for our final meal in Taiwan.

They headed back to the hotel after a quick pitstop to buy matching Asics for the Cadet and the Captain. They called a cab and after a bit of manic directing using google translate, the driver finally arrived to pick them up, they loaded the luggage in and left saying goodby to the place that they called home for the past 5 days.

Once again noticing that the Captain and Admiral had a minor they were escorted right to the front of the queue, checking in in record time, they had 2 hours to spend at the airport before their flight. The Cadet had wanted a tasty treat, and the Captain went on minor mission. On the way he made a random bird noise that scared the living daylights out of a elderly lady that was walking to her gate. He learnt that random loud noises at an airport are generally frowned upon. He later returned with a bulk pack of Trolli lollies for the Cadet. The effects of which were evident instantly. The Cadet ran around like a mad man for the following 40 minutes before running up and down the aisle as they boarded the two hour flight on to the The Land Of The Morning Calm - South Korea

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Main Pic

Singapore

by Asia

Singapore

Singapore

The gateway passage, opening to the door to the wonders of Asia

Captains Log Day 5 - 07/11/23 2:15 pm.
Scoot TR992

The lead-up to this epic holiday felt unlike any other. It wasn't merely the prospect of travelling for three weeks with a toddler in lands where language, culture, landscape, and climate would be vastly different, but rather a sense of acceptance. They had ample time to confront the overwhelming reality of what the upcoming weeks would entail and had achieved a mental state of Zen, ready to go with the flow.

They made a conscious decision not to stress about the Cadet's sleep routine, diet, and the myriad of concerns that come with caring for a child, issues that had troubled them in the past. There was no point in worrying excessively and they also realised they were all in this together—truly embodying the ethos of "one for all and all for one" (even though they were unsure if the 2.8-year-old Cadet grasped this concept).

Like countless times before for the Captain and Admiral, and the 5th time for the Cadet, they boarded their Jetstar flight to Singapore—the initial destination of their upcoming three-week adventure. The eight-hour flight passed relatively uneventfully, with the Cadet sleeping for a portion of it and entertaining himself by jumping on the seat for the remainder. He even succeeded in befriending fellow travellers within a six-seat radius, frequently approaching them and expressing his affection or, perhaps, his eagerness to break free from the Captain and Admiral's watchful eyes. 

They watched the mesmerising lights as the aircraft descended into the Merlion City. This sight brought a sense of relief not only to the Captain, Admiral, and their fellow travellers but also a feeling of anticipation. As they disembarked the plane, a wave of humid air greeted them, akin to the sensation of a chef skillfully chopping up Kotthu Roti on a sizzling grill.

The efficiency and process-driven nature of Singapore had its advantages and disadvantages. Initially, they encountered a lengthy immigration form that consumed a significant amount of time. While the Admiral tackled this task, the Cadet explored the airport floor, making friends with a cleaning robot. Following this, further delays ensued due to the assigned Immigration officer, who seemed to embody the sloth character from the movie Zootopia.

On the positive side, luggage retrieval was swift. Despite the delays, they managed to navigate through the airport arrivals process and reach the exit within 40 minutes of disembarking the aircraft.

They were picked up by the Admiral's brother, Lieutenant Colonel Reza, a resident of the city. Escorted to his meticulously maintained residence, the group headed into town towards the barracks where they would stay for the initial part of their travels.

Recognizing the Cadet's hunger, they made a quick stop to pick up Hana, the Colonel's wife, and promptly headed to a nearby steakhouse for dinner. The Colonel had mentioned his fondness for Jacket Potatoes several times. They were not disappointed. Despite it not being a traditional Singaporean meal, the Jacket Potatoes lived up to the hype. They enjoyed their meal and left the venue, situated in a mall with an astonishing play area comprising an intense rope course between mall floors. Well fed and exhausted they headed to the Barracks for a shower and a well needed rest.

The following morning began with breakfast at the Colonel's house before they swiftly hopped into the car, making their way to the Science Centre. Upon arrival, while the Colonel sought breakfast, the Cadet and Captain embraced the warmth and ventured into the outdoor area, marvelling at the engaging hands-on displays. Once they were fueled with coffee and prepared, they delved into exploring the centre.

Initially disinterested, the Cadet dashed towards the parked Car Pram they eventually hired. However, as they ventured further, his inquisitive nature sparked, leading him to engage with the exhibits. They explored various sections, with a standout being the 'scary science' area where the Cadet had a blast being startled by a tiger that leaped out from the screen. Another highlight was the typhoon simulator, offering a vivid experience of what a typhoon feels like with its gusts of wind.

After spending several hours immersed in interactive displays, they decided it was time to find a place to sit and eat. The idea of a traditional Indonesian lunch intrigued the Captain and Admiral, leading them to a nearby mall for their meal. As anticipated, the Cadet ate heartily, his hunger apparent after hours of exploring the science centre.

After lunch, exhaustion was evident in the Cadet's eyes, prompting a decision to split ways. The Admiral and Cadet would return to the barracks for a much-needed rest, while the Captain stayed with the Colonel for a watch shopping excursion. The Admiral departed, and the Colonel and Captain first headed to acquire SIM cards, which took a considerable time to activate. Then, they strolled around exploring second-hand Rolexes. The Captain was taken aback by the exorbitant prices of the inventory, some shops boasting items worth millions of dollars.

After spending a few hours browsing, they were unsuccessful in finding a watch within the Captain's range. They left, leaving the Colonel's wife behind for some pampering at the infamous Sim Lim Square.

Sim Lim Square was renowned as Singapore's go-to tech market hub and a frequented spot by tech enthusiasts, including the Colonel, passionate about all things tech. Entering the establishment, still reeling from the staggering value they had witnessed earlier, the Captain accompanied the Colonel as he visited his favourite store to collect computer parts he had ordered. Sim Lim Square was as impressive as the previous location, with vast inventories housed in unassuming "hole in the wall" style shops. Unlike the watch exploration phase, they successfully completed their mini mission, acquiring silicon-based items, and returned to the Colonel's home

The Captain arrived just as the Cadet woke up from his nap, feeling refreshed and ready to go. However, the Captain needed a moment to recover as the Cadet's restlessness started to manifest in mischievous behaviour. To calm him down, the Captain resorted to a threat, stating, 'If you continue, I'll throw your Dummy off the balcony.' Initially effective, the Cadet settled down and began playing with his cars—or so the Captain thought. About five minutes later, the Cadet picked up his dummy, walked to the balcony, and tossed it over, returning inside with an intense glare directed at the Captain. Astonished, the Captain was left speechless by the power play demonstrated by the Cadet, asserting his dominance as he continued playing. It felt like he was the Captain now. 

To diffuse the tension, the Admiral suggested a swim in the downstairs pool. Still processing the recent incident, the Captain agreed and sent the group downstairs for some aquatic fun. Meanwhile, the Captain remained upstairs with the Colonel, who had begun assembling a new PC with the parts gathered earlier from Sim Lim, joining them later.

They wrapped up their activities and returned to the apartment, freshened up, and decided to visit Mustafa Centre, a renowned supermarket in Little India. The place was bustling, especially with Deepavali approaching, attracting shoppers, tourists, and pop-up stalls geared towards the occasion. Navigating through the crowds, the Captain, Admiral, and Cadet explored dining options, strolling along the strip. The Captain recalled a childhood eatery and was determined to locate it. However, the Admiral felt overwhelmed by the heat and crowds, eventually pleading with the Captain to halt the exploration, to which he reluctantly agreed.

They decided to immerse themselves in Singaporean culture and dine at a Hawker hall. The Captain, brimming with excitement, ordered an extensive selection from the menu. Despite the subpar service, understandable due to the multitude of diners, the food was exceptional. They indulged until their stomachs were content. After the meal, the Captain discovered it was a staff member's birthday and, unaware of Singaporean cultural norms, stood up in the dining area to sing 'Happy Birthday.' To his surprise, no one joined in, leaving the moment awkward and embarrassing. With a blushing Admiral, the Captain settled the bill at the counter.

The Admiral was feeling better, and seizing the opportunity, the Captain invited her to join him in exploring Mustafa Centre. After a security check, the Cadet insisted on being on the ground, out of his pram. As they entered the overcrowded centre, it was packed to the brim, body to body. The Cadet's voice cut through the chaos as he urged people to move aside, pushing and squirming his way through. Chaos seemed an understatement. Seeking children's items, they headed to a lower level housing clothes and baby items. It was narrow, congested, and certainly not suitable for a 2.8-year-old—or even 28-year-olds. Despite this, they managed to find a nice outfit for the Cadet, and the Admiral found the supplies she needed.

Exiting the centre, the Admiral's patience seemed to be teetering, but the Captain insisted they walk through the Deepavali market. Filled with pop-up stores and bustling with activity, the market was busy yet far more comfortable and manageable than the earlier Mustafa Centre. They strolled past handicrafts and glamorous Indian garments. Though it was a brisk walk, the Captain could sense the Admirals' patience wearing thin. Exiting the market, they sought taxis to return.

At this point, the Captain asked the Admiral to check the distance on Google Maps. It indicated a 15-minute walk. Pushing his luck, he suggested walking instead of taking a taxi. Initially, the Admiral disagreed in an enraged manner, but then reluctantly warmed to the idea. Little did the Captain know, she was actually brooding.

On the walk back, the Captain and Cadet led, while the Admiral followed. They paused briefly to purchase some overpriced fruit and supplies from a grocery store. The Captain was laughing and chatting with the Cadet, completely oblivious until they passed a Durian stall. Turning back to share his discovery, he realised the Admiral, looking unimpressed and angry, had already noticed it. She yelled back, 'YES, I CAN SMELL IT.' This not only startled the Captain but also surprised a lovely old lady who witnessed the Captain's joyous expression swiftly shut down by the Admiral. The Captain thought it wise to remain silent for the rest of the walk.

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Upon their arrival, physically unscathed but with considerable mental discomfort for the Captain and a visibly upset Admiral, they took a moment to cool off from the heat. After a bath, the Admiral regained her composure. Putting the Cadet to bed, she returned to her normal self. They gathered to watch the F1 race and the film 'Dungeons and Dragons' before retiring for the night.

The following morning began eventfully as the Cadet accidentally broke a bowl and left a dent in the fridge by slamming it against the kitchen door. Concerned about the damage, knowing how much the Colonel cherished the appliance, they departed before he woke, heading to check into a hotel for a night in Sentosa, the resort and theme park destination of Singapore.

Arriving early for check-in, they dropped off their bags at the beautiful hotel, clearly a holiday spot popular among honeymooners or affluent tourists. The upscale establishment boasted several exquisite pools, including an Infinity pool. They spent some time exploring the grounds before opting to walk to Universal Studios via the Monorail

They began by visiting a gourmet food park located outside, where they enjoyed coffee and juice. They were impressed by the food trucks, housing Michelin-starred restaurants and Timeout winners, although they had not yet opened. Ready for their day of theme park fun, they entered the park and were instantly struck by the lack of crowds, offering them the chance to maximize their rides.

Starting in the kids' section, they joined the Cadet on a Sesame Street ride, which he loved so much that they went on it again. Following a random show featuring performers dressed as candy, they moved on to the Transformers section. Here, the Cadet enjoyed an extreme teacup-style spin ride.

Shortly after these initial rides, the Cadet decided to take a nap, allowing the Captain and Admiral to venture freely. They hurried to the extreme roller coasters and discovered a parent pass, allowing one parent to wait in line while the other stayed with the child. When the first parent finished the ride, the other could proceed straight to the front without queuing. They kicked off their thrill-seeking with the biggest, most intense roller coaster, ending a five-year hiatus from such rides.

They were informed it was an ideal day to visit, with usual park attendance at 12k, but that day felt more like 3k, enabling them to ride virtually all attractions without waiting. Continuing their thrill-seeking, they experienced 'The Mummy Returns' ride, a highlight of their visit.

Having completed all the adult rides, the Cadet woke from his nap. They moved through the park, exploring the dinosaur section and eventually found a roller coaster suitable for the Cadet. He laughed throughout the ride while others around him screamed.

Meanwhile, drama was brewing with the Colonel, understandably upset about the earlier incident with the fridge dent. Heated discussions soured the mood, prompting the Squad to leave the theme park and return to the gourmet park they had visited earlier to feed the Cadet. They got him some butter chicken and rice, but it turned out to be a bad idea as it was slightly too spicy, resulting in the Cadet throwing the food and having a meltdown.

Hastening back to the hotel amid the fridge drama, they realised they were lost. Emotions were high, and in their stressed state, they accidentally hit a rock, breaking the pram wheel, which fell off unnoticed until much later. They stumbled upon a resort with overpriced food. While the Cadet and Admiral sat inside, the Captain spent nearly 30 minutes searching for the broken wheel, walking in circles back to the theme park. Fortunately, he found it and returned to re-insert the wheel. To their relief, the Cadet was calm and eating dinner. The fridge situation had also been subdued and rectified, restoring a sense of normalcy and calming stress levels.

After settling the bill, they returned to the hotel, securing a nice room to settle in for the night and unwind. While the Admiral and Cadet had a bath, the Captain went for a walk and ended up befriending a wedding party, receiving an invitation to join their reception. Dressed casually and with a sweaty appearance, he politely declined and headed back to the room.

With the Cadet asleep, the Admiral and Captain still hungry, they decided to order Uber Eats and got Shake Shack delivered. As the hotel room was a single space, they opted for the bathroom floor to sit and enjoy their delicious burgers before calling it a night and heading to bed. It had indeed been an eventful day.

They woke up the next day and checked out of the hotel. Despite the enticing pools at the hotel, they had no time to utilise them. Leaving their luggage, they headed straight to the waterpark, Adventure Cove. Arriving early, they found the park hadn't opened yet. They opted for a coffee and an ice-cream at the nearby gourmet park area. Sadly, the Captain's ice-cream flew away in just two licks.

With only two ice creams left, they entered the Lego store. Although they were told food wasn't allowed inside, an assistant suggested they stand in a corner to eat. However, the manager intervened, asking them to leave and finish their ice creams outside. Deciding not to enter, they realised it was already time to change into their swimwear and head to the waterpark they had eagerly awaited.

They entered, hired a locker and grabbed a doughnut floaty, heading straight into the Lazy river, floating around the park. After about 20 minutes of floating they disembarked at the wave pool.

The following hours were spent splishing and splashing at the epic wave pool, interspersed with numerous attempts by the Cadet to engage in risky behaviour: dunking his head, jumping into deep water, and riding the waves like a mini Kelly Slater. Meanwhile, the Captain roamed the park, realising there weren't many activities suitable for the Cadet to participate in. However, this didn't pose a problem for either the Captain or the Admiral, as they took turns enjoying the water rides while the other transformed into a Baywatch-style lifeguard, performing around 4 saves per minute. The Captain and Cated also had the chance to go into the man-made reef to do some snorkelling amongst some beautiful fish whilst Waterworld was being replayed in other parts of the park.

They stopped for some hot dogs at lunch before resuming the festivities in the wave pool and then moved to the water treehouse, allowing the Cadet to enjoy a water playground. However, just as they were about to finish up, sirens signalled the park's closure due to approaching thunderstorms. Exiting, they stumbled upon an intriguing vending machine offering freshly squeezed orange juice.

Capitalising on the Cadet's nap, they headed to the Lego store for some Lego shopping, then returned to the hotel to check out and retrieve their bags before heading back to the Colonel's residence.

Invited to a Melbourne comrade's place for dinner, they swiftly got ready and made their way to their beautiful home. Conversations flowed as they shared a delightful meal, reminiscing about the Captain's childhood memories and reflecting on life in Singapore. The evening was accompanied by an extremely tasty dinner and well-paired drinks, while the Cadet indulged in playtime, particularly with toy cars in the playroom.

After a wonderful dinner and catch-up, they returned to the Colonel's residence to pack and prepare for departure. It was their last night in Singapore before continuing their journey, so they readied themselves for a restful night.

The next morning, they loaded the bags into the car and got ready to leave. The Colonel took them to a nice breakfast spot where they all enjoyed a satisfying meal. The Colonel insisted they needed new suitcases, despite their initial reluctance. They ended up walking out with two brand new Lojel branded carriers. They headed downstairs, transferred their belongings from the old suitcases to the new ones, leaving the emptied old ones in the car park before heading to Changi International Airport.

They encountered initial difficulties checking in due to a document control issue that kept arising. Eventually, they managed to resolve it. However, they soon discovered that their flight was delayed. Rather than giving up, they followed the Colonel's lead and had lunch until it was finally time to bid him farewell. Thanking him, they felt emotional as they walked through the immigration gates."

The last memory they had in Singapore was being served a brandy cocktail made by a robot before boarding the plane and waiting for 40 minutes before takeoff. During the wait, the Cadet was hyperactive but eventually crashed right as the plane hit the runway, falling asleep. Meanwhile, the Captain and Admiral enjoyed watching the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, and the Admiral got a glare from the Air Steward for repeatedly asking for the immigration forms. They were off to Taipei, Taiwan and ready for some Food Comas.

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