Finally got my car back yesterday in the worst snow storm so traffic was moving at 10km/h. With our rental car friend managed to figure out a few more buttons but still so much more to "unlock".
Have been preparing for the Chinese New Year! I always seem to adjust to the customs of places we live with a slight delay - best after we have moved to the next place. I suggestewd to Beatrice's teacher to do an hour for her class about the customs of CNY celebrations in Singapore and of course it has grown into a mini-project. First it took ages to find the right tone and thickness of red paper - will make some lanterns and ang pao's. Then of course searched the net for pineapple tarts. Corina thankfully sent a recipy but that seemed to require at least a degree from Larousse! So found a much simpler version and have prepared filling and pastry but putting them together still seems a bit daunting. Pastry keeps crumbling away so I might end up just cutting out round shapes and splashing some filling on top.
Last weekend we did another attempt of cross country skiing. Karl started askind "when are we there" after 10 meters skiing and was a total whimp even though his skiing was so much better than first time. Beatrice and Raoul however enjoyed it very much and after we were back at the start after the first round the wanted to do another one! And then one more. Just left Karl behind to play in the snow at the start. Will go again today. Beatrice's school does lessons for them and hopefully she will catch up some technique.
Also went to see a kids musical which was very very good - based on a few books of one of today's best Estonian kids authors (who happens to be a uni friend of mine). All kids know these stories by heart. The music was lovely, catchy tunes and dances, crazy costumes.
Boys went to an English playhour at the International School. Unfortunately there was only one other boy this week but hopefully normal group next time. This is probably the best I can do to keep their English going (apart from watching CN). They have had a great week at kindy as well - went to a trip to the old town by tram. And the "snow city". Also had a puppet theatre at kindy.
Beatrice and me went to a Mandarin lesson on Thursday. Mainly with the aim that she could keep some of what she has learned in Singapore. For me it sounds like Chinese! We'll see if we can keep it up. Either it is the age or total lack of reference to another language but it does not look very promising for me. As was to expected - after nearly 2 years in Singapore my Mandarin consists of less than 10 words. Will have to spent the next 1000 years learning in that pace.