Author: yoongz

A Singaporean family living in Switzerland; sometimes loving, sometimes hating, always living the differences we see each day.
Posted on

He’s an NSman…

My son’s enlistment day was 16 May 2024 so he’s now known as an NSman.

I witnessed his enlistment and it was great to have been there for the start of a new chapter of his life. 4 family members were allowed to witness his enlistment so it was my mum, brother, godma and I. The husband will come to witness the end of his basic military training (BMT).

We got bussed into the camp from the nearest MRT (subway) station, there was a mini tour of the bunks and then it was off to the multi-purpose hall to watch some videos while we wait for the rest of the people to arrive.

There was a brief introduction of the personnel responsible for the day-to-day running of the camp and all the officers as well as a care team. The care team is a recent addition to the life of a military camp which is reassuring for a mum to know that they are more aware of mental health needs these days.

Parents are also encouraged to join a specific Telegram channel to be updated on their daily activities in BMT and Slack channel for direct communications. So now I have 2 more apps on my phone.

We also got to try the canteen food they would be having during their time in camp.

Here are a few pictures from enlistment day and a couple of him in his uniform:

On the bus to the military camp
The carehub team
Us, waiting for the bus to camp
My boy, in his uniform

Besides being there for my boy’s enlistment, I was also able to be there for my elderly relatives, accompanying them to medical appointments and helping them with some tech stuff. I managed to find time to clear out my dad’s clothes and his chest of drawers. We found some “treasures” and remembered some lovely memories.

There was, of course, the usual yummy foods and time to meet other family and friends. One highlight was going to Sentosa with one of my cousins’ son and his girlfriend while they visited Singapore for a couple of days (they live in Japan).

Here are some photos:

Iconic Bear at Hamad International Airport
Dinner with my cousins
Snack at the S.E.A. Aquarium
View from Sentosa
Birthday meal
Yummy Sashimi
Aburi-En – yummy Japanese pork with rice
Yummy prawn noodles
Nice seating area – Hamad International Airport

It was a busy trip but it was good to have been there. So proud that my boy decided to serve and seems to be adjusting well to the new routine.

Phew! I feel I need a holiday now… LOL…

syc

Posted on

April, April It Does What It Likes

That’s the translation of what the Swiss say about April’s weather–April, April, der macht was er will.

To give you an idea, watch this TikTok by the city of Luzern which went viral.

Here’s a look at temperatures over the last week in my region:

In just a few days, you can see the wide temperature changes, from a high of 9 degrees last Wednesday to a high of 21 degrees just 3 days later.

While April weather has always been slightly erratic, I think in the 20 over years we have been it, it has never been so changeable and it is worrying to say the least. I believe it’s climate change and I try my best to do my part to slow climate change.

But are we past the point of no return? Can we still slow climate change enough to make a difference? What do you think?

syc

Posted on

Spring and New Life…

This year the clocks move forward on the same morning as Easter Sunday – Spring’s arrival brings to mind new life and celebrating Easter also highlights new life.

So I want to share 2 things with you: firstly, a Bible verse:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Good Friday is a solemn remembrance of Jesus’ death and Easter Sunday is the joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection – these 2 events are major pillars of my Christian faith. Jesus took my sins on himself, died on the cross to pay the price for my sins and He rose again on the third day so that I can have a relationship with the Almighty Creator God.
New life in Christ Jesus is why I celebrate Easter.

As you think about new life, here’s the second part: enjoy some beautiful pictures of new life from nature I took this week:

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Blessed Easter!

syc