b3 b0rn.. c0nf0rm, b3 si|3nt .. di3

49 hours and 10 minutes.

that’s the minimum number of hours (barring any delays in the schedule) that the faramir clan will be on the railroads over the 9 days of tgrt.

that’s 5 times the time spent cooped up in a return car trip to penang. god grant the whole clan the serenity to survive  the 5 train rides

and just when i thot i’d be able to go on leave with a clear conscience, corp planning had to drop the bomb on our budgeting cycle being brought forward – with the main bulk of the effort having to be completed while i am on leave. yeesh. talk about bad timing.

plus that finally got the green light to go forth with my pet project (guess what it is?… yup. budget cycle improvement.. what joy!) .. though this at least is based on my own schedule. hoping to get this one off by april.

i just need a paperbag for the next 1 w + 1 d

-farah out!-

in order to not to risk turning  loco on the locomotives, any rational parent would want to be prepared with things to amuse their kids when on long trips – be it on the car, plane or train. boats – i won’t even think of it.. there’s enough to worry about kids falling overboard, than worrying abt them being entertained.

of course, with the advent of technology – we can always fall back on the good old portable dvd player. but i’d like to keep that as my final recourse. some options available depending on how much effort needs to be put into crafting the games:

NO TOOLS REQUIRED

Here are some games that require no supplies and are limited only by your imagination!!!

Take turns with the oldest or youngest starting the game and the first person to guess or win goes next:

• I Spy with my little eye – give clues – can be done with letters and colours also
• ABC – each person picks an item starting with next letter in the alphabet.
• Old MacDonald – take turns adding an animal
• Guess the animal, person or thing – give clues
• Guess where I am – give clues
• Guess the Pokemon – just for kids usually – give clues including HP points and evolved forms
• Statue Game – last person to stay still wins
• Quietest the Longest – last person to remain quiet wins – this makes for a quiet train ride. *I use this a lot in the car muahaha.. and it works!*
• Spelling bee with age/ability appropriate words or backwards spelling to make it harder for older children.
• Domino Spelling – first person starts with a letter and the next person adds a letter and continues with each person adding a letter.  The person who cannot add a letter is out and a new word is started until only one player is left.
• Category Lists – these can be done randomly or alphabetically – eg – farm animals, states or provinces.
• A variation on the “I’m going camping and I will bring” game where each person picks an item to bring to the travel destination and each subsequent person must recite the entire list.  First person who forgets an item on the list is out.
• Video Trivia – make up questions about favourite children’s videos.
• Counting and shape game – have children count the number of a certain shape or colour item they see along the way.
• Sing-alongs are fun and increase oxygen intake while you play to reduce the feeling of fatigue while travelling, especially action songs like “The Wheels on the Bus”.  You can also have a christmas sing-along which is really fun for a summer holiday. *probably not – since you’d be annoying the other passengers in the coach – in your own car, this works of course*
• Sound contest – see how many different sounds you can make.
• Simon says clap your hands, etc.  when the caller asks for an action without saying “Simon Says” anyone who does the action is out.

PENCILS, PAPER AND COLOURING

These games require only a pad of paper and some pencils, crayons or washable markers to play.

Pens  can also be used

• Hangman – or you can use the format of wheel of fortune to guess letters that form the word indicated by the spaces on the pad.
• Tic tac toe is always a family favourite
• Many children just love to draw and a quiet time for this is a welcome respite *Definitely kakak’s thing*
• Spelling games can also be played this way.
• A visual scavenger hunt – make a list of things to see and kids can cross it out when they see it.
• Catagory list game can also be used this way.
• Keeping a journal either by pictures for younger children or older children can write down their adventures for a keepsake.
• Tracing – pick objects or hands to trace and colour.

now, with those lists – i should at least keep fidgeting kids at bay for at least 2-3 hours before we need to walk em

not counting my marriage leave and the 3 maternity leaves la kan…

so after 10 yrs of working, have finally decided to take 2 weeks off from work early next month.

after the aborted trip up north in june to hotel batu keras, kakak has been asking when will we be going on a vacay.

we’ve finally decided on an itinerary. and we’re doing it the old skool way – by rail.

won’t share on the wheres and whens just yet – but will definitely be posting updates via fb when we are aboard. right now i am having heart palpitations at the thought of being in a confined space with 3 kids for long hours at a stretch…. road trips we’ve done, but we were always able to make a pit stop whenever we felt like it…. in this case, there’s only the scheduled stops at the stations… but that’s part of the fun ehh?

so am mentally preparing myself by checking out travel tips for family..

PACKING TIPS

Packing for a rail trip is similar to travel by air – you may have a little more room if booking a sleeper car but most luggage should be stored in baggage.  See Air Travel Tips for additional tips along with these additional suggestions for packing on a train ride:

• Limit each member to one carry-on piece – while the size restrictions are not as limiting as airlines, especially when travelling in a sleeper.
• Bring along some snacks, toys and activities to keep children occupied.  Some rail lines now have activity cars that may offer board games, scheduled activities and even video games and movies.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a change of clothing for each member of the family.
• Carry all medication on board
• Pack a toothbrush for each member in carryon luggage.
• Delays can occur so be prepared, especially if meeting a connecting flight, bus or train at your destination.
• Bring all baby-care items if you are travelling with an infant, including food.
• Bring headphones for a media player.

ON THE TRIP

When your family is ready and set to go on a trip, take advantage of these tips to help make your adventure an enjoyable and safe trip for all:

• Arrive at least an hour before your train’s scheduled departure to check your luggage and give your family time to find the departure gate and familiarize yourself with the train station.  Take the time to find out where you will also depart the train and pick up luggage on your return trip.
• If you have arranged to pre-board, or even if you haven’t, ask the Ticket handler if you can pre-board with children.
• Review Safety Concerns with children before boarding and after you have boarded.
• Supervise young children when using the restroom
• Settle into your seats as soon as possible to allow other passengers to settle in.
• Remind children to respect other passengers and Service Attendants at all times.
• Locate the washroom facilities.
• Introduce yourself to the Service Attendant and inquire where any special cars that you can visit may be and particulars of any meal service.
• Try to respect other passengers that may be napping or sleeping on the train – especially during the late evening and early morning hours.
• Feel free to tip Service Attendants.
• Take advantage of train stops that allow passengers to disembark for some fresh air and to stretch your legs – but make sure you reboard the train on time.
• Avoid high sugar and caffeine snacks and drinks for children.
• Ask the Service Attendant if any activity books or toys are available for children.

SAFETY TIPS

Safety tips to keep in mind for children and adults riding the rails:

• Keep well back on train platforms and keep children close – especially toddlers.
• When embarking, disembarking and walking beside the train keep hands and feet away from underneath the train.
• Never let children near the train wheels.  The train can move at any time.
• Never cross the rails or play on the rails.  Teach children never to play on rail lines at any time or go on rail bridges.
• Never cross in front of a train.
• Teach children not to play with any emergency braking systems.
• Children should not play or touch any exterior doors or emergency windows.
• Use caution when embarking and disembarking.  Take advantage of the assistance offered by Service Attendants.
• When travelling between cars, teach children not to put fingers anywhere other than the door handles and watch your step.
• Young children should not wander the trains at will.  If children are going to be permitted to visit other areas of the train on their own (over 12 years of age only) set guidelines for where they may go.
• Children should never go in the washroom or sleeper car with another passenger.
• If children are in another car or area of the train, they should return immediately to their seats if the train stops at a station or at any time.
• Use caution when walking or moving in the train as a sudden stop can occur at any moment.
• Sudden movements can also occur after the train has stopped.
• If children are sleeping in upper bunks, look for a harness or rail that will reduce the risk of falling out during the night.  Some trains have a harness system.  If a harness system is used that has openings – tell children not to put their head in the openings.

that’s for now.. will scour the ‘net again for further words of caution … better safe than sorry!

footnote: shall dub all entries related to this tgrt (the great rail trip)