Batam for CNY 08

We woke up early to go to Harbour Front to catch the ferry to Batam and we were all excited as this was our first trip to that island.

At Harbour Front, we realised that many many other people had similar ideas about spending the Lunar New Year at Batam and the place was so crowded and packed we didn't know where the queue started and ended.

We boarded the ferry at 2pm and the ride took us slightly over an hour.

This is us in the ferry.

When we reached there, the first thing we did was to hire 2 cabs to take us to Novotel Hotel and we were surprised with the security at the hotel. The cab was stopped just before it made its entrance into the hotel and the guards on duty seemed "over-dressed"; actually they looked like soldiers.

Then before we could go to the reception, we had to walk through metal detectors. All of us were looking at each other and wondering if it was the norm. When we checked into our rooms, we found out why...

... then my camera died. (I will upload pictures when Aunt Di comes back)

We went shopping and ate seafood which was very reasonably priced and had some good time bonding with our family members.

The next day, Cheryl was all bright and cheery as she brushed her white pearlies.

Then after breakfast, we went for a dip in the indoor pool. The water was freezing but it didn't stop Cheryl from having her fun.

Uncle Ben with Aunt Di and a shot of us!

We also went to some fanciful restaurant where we had yusheng.

Hmm... we didn't know how on earth all the dishes we ordered ended up being spicy.

We also brought some very famour donuts back. And I am usually not a sweets- person but their donuts were really delicious and I couldn't resist them. Daddy was really pleased that we bought some back. :)