My Experience with DBS/POSB's new SMS 'Q' system

Last week I have finally decided to get my fat bottom moving and headed over to open a bank account for baby K.

POSB recently has this new queue system which they advertised as one that can save you much waiting time as you can request for a queue number through SMS before heading over to the bank. To quote from them, 'With the DBS SMS “Q” option, you can now join queues at our bank branches remotely without being physically present in line'.

This is the commercial in case you missed it:

Such a brilliant idea right? What could have gone wrong? I mean, this is totally customer-oriented!

So while I was walking over to POSB, i SMSed the number provided and was notified that there was no one in queue for 'account opening'. Instinctively to avoid missing my turn, i then decided to SMS only when i have reached the bank (which was just five minutes later I swear). 

Suddenly I am two numbers away! I guessed there probably were two customers who miraculously decided to open bank accounts within that five minutes of me walking. 

Anyway, the sms stated that it will 'send me a reminder when it was nearing my turn'. So nearing my turn means probably before my actual turn right? Unless we are not speaking the same language. So dumb dumb me went to the store next door to kill some time (yes i know right, not exactly a smart move when there were two persons ahead of me in the queue but hey, there were only two counters serving new accounts and other services).

Then after quite some time my phone rang: 'please proceed to counter xxx now to be served'. 

Eh hello? What happened to 'nearing my turn'?? 

But never mind that, since it is my fault for being so trusting. I walked really fast (like Godspeed compared to my last trimester) only to receive another sms almost immediately: 'you have missed your turn. Please reply "5" for a new queue number.' 

{#^%}£?!*

Ji Dan Gao. 

So this time round, i have to wait there patiently for my turn even though once again the sms told me i will be notified when it is 'nearing my turn'.

After eternity, i was served and after a while at the counter, i received the sms again, to proceed to the counter 'now' for my turn.

You think I will fall for it wouldn't you? Ah hah.

It is a good thing that I do not have to go to the bank often, but this 'sms to avoid queuing' system is a flop. Whoever came up with this should either 

1. Review the English used ('nearing'?); or

2. Remind people that skipping the queue just means that there will be no line but you are still required to be physically there in the bank (think McDonalds' crowd at the collection point); or

3. Hara-kiri (joking k, please do not do that)

On another note, i must applaud POSB's staff as they really displayed good customer service. The redeeming factor of my visit that day.

P.S. while i was waiting for my turn (again), this lady came up to me with a tablet and asked if I have used their sms service to get a queue number. I looked at her, smiled (probably not a pretty one given how irritated i was), and said, 'yes, don't get me started on it'. I was hoping she will ask me for feedback but she decided it was better to get out of my way. *shrug*

Have you experienced the new system? Did you encounter the same issues as i did? Let us know by commenting below!

Of Kurma Milk and Carbonara Linguine

Here's Baby K smiling happily at her 12th week!

Made some dates milkshake this morning. Crossing my fingers and hope that it will be a milk booster for me!

Kurma Milk, also known as Dates Milkshake, is simple, nutritious, and delicious!

There is a lot of hype online for Farm Fresh Kurma Milk, which is said to be a milk booster for many breastfeeding mummies. They are selling for ~SGD7 per 700ml bottle online, and most of them are for bulk purchase. This isn't very ideal for me because i doubt i can finish the drink before they expire.

Dates are now readily available everywhere because of Ramadan, so I just grabbed a box at the supermarket. It is however, too sweet for me to eat them on its own. That's when I decided to make my own dates milkshake.

All you need is a blender, some dates, fresh milk, and water. Just remove the seeds and soak the dates in some water to soften them before blending the dates, water, and fresh milk together.

We didn't manage to make a trip to the wet market so I do not have any fresh ingredients on hand for dinner. Instead, inspired by the new western food stall near my estate, I made some Carbonara Linguine. :)

I thought it will be a little dry but surprisingly the runny egg made the pasta pretty good! *BHB*

It's Lactation Cookies Baking Day!

Finally back online after a long hiatus!

Been really busy since the baby was born, and it took a while for me to get used to life as a mum.

My days now are pretty much a fixed routine... Someone asked how is life as a mum? All i can say is, days are like endless cycles that pass by very quickly: Feed the baby, burp the baby, coax the baby, pump milk, and repeat the cycle several times a day. Squeeze in some time in between to bathe the baby,.wash and sterilise bottles, grab a bite, wash her clothes, prepare dinner, and at the end of the day, pray hard that she sleeps early.

Baby K was in a good mood this morning. Gave me a huge grin after she woke up and had her milk *cue hearts in the air*

I wonder why parents will always find their own kids cute; maybe it is nature's way to ensure that the kids survive the harsh environment haha.

Lactation Cookies: Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chips

Today while Baby K was having her afternoon nap, I decided to make some lactation cookies for myself. Baked three flavours: peanut butter, dark chocolate chip, and cranberries & raisins.

Was quite an accomplishment given how I have procrastinated and delayed baking for weeks!

 I personally love the peanut butter cookies as it blends really well with the cookies. I could still taste a hint of brewer's yeast for the cranberries & raisins flavour so I probably have to refine the recipe further. Can't wait to make other flavours after I finish eating this batch!

Thai Green Curry Rice with Omelette

Because i was busy baking, dinner was much simpler. I made Thai Green Curry Rice with Omelette. :) We bought the spice mix during our Bangkok trip and it has been resting in the pantry since then. Pretty fragrant and packs a punch! Totally recommended if you like spicy food!

[Newborn Checklist] What goes into a hospital bag for delivery in Singapore?

I must admit before I was pregnant, I have never thought of the fact that i need to prepare a bag full of stuff to bring to the hospital when the baby is due.

When I first realised I was pregnant, there was suddenly this influx of information from everywhere: family, relatives, friends, internet... it is really overwhelming. So one of the things people told me was to prepare a hospital bag by week 32. So now, at week 35, I'm sharing my list with you!

Image courtesy of USA Intern

This list is adapted from various sources, theasianparent, babycentre, antenatal class information from KK Hospital, and from experienced parents.

In Singapore, delivery usually takes place in hospitals, where most of the necessities are provided from. If you are not planning to deliver in a hospital, this list may not be applicable to you.

Many people recommend packing two separate bags, one for the delivery and the other for the admission thereafter. However, if your spouse is unable to travel to and fro to bring you the bag after delivery, it may make more sense to just bring everything along.

Image courtesy of Dailyupdate UK

 For the Delivery

1. Birth Plan: This is the document that communicates to the midwives and doctors what is most important to you and your partner during the birthing process.

I have briefly sounded out my Gynaecologist and she mentioned that some birthing methods popular in western countries are not available in Singapore, but we can provide her with the list during regular checkups and she will advise on what are the things that can be done or can't (not available, or may endanger the baby/ mother). To take a look at my very simple birth plan, check out my following post here.

2. Personal Documents: Bring along your Antenatal Booklet which will contain information about your allergies and other conditions. For admission itself, bring along your identification documents (NRIC or passport/ work pass) and the doctor's inpatient admission authorisation form.

3. Cardigan and socks: It may get cold inside the delivery suite, especially if you need to spend longer than expected in there. Bring an old cardigan and a pair of old socks, as they will probably be stained or soiled in the process. Papa-to-be should pack a set along to fight the cold as well, as you will there for as long as your wife is there.

4. Lip Balm and lotion: Lip balm is apparently an essential for the delivery suite as the lips get chapped and dry from lack of water intake and the environment.

Image courtesy of The Asian Parent

5. Camera, video camera, laptop, handphones, and chargers: Gadgets are a must if the excited papa-to-be and mama-to-be want to capture the first moments of childbirth. Do remember to ensure that they are fully charged for the big moment!

6. Relaxation items: If you think it will help you, bring along some soothing music or your most comforting stuffed animal as it can be a long battle. I have a friend who brought a pillow along!

7. Pen and paper: The conventional and most reliable tool you can use to document every moment down.

8. Underpads: Put these in your bag as they will be useful if your waterbag burst and you need to take a car/ taxi.

Image courtesy of Floral Garage SG

For Admission and Discharge

1. Toiletries and slippers: Do remember to pack toiletries for both papa and mama if papa is planning to bunk in as well.

2. Clothes: For the mother, bring a set of clothes to wear upon discharge. Remember that you probably still cannot fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes, so do bring along your maternity/ nursing clothes instead. For the father, pack a few sets of clothes for the duration of stay.

3. Nursing bras: If you intend to breastfeed, this will come in handy. I heard that hospitals will typically provide maternity underwear. KKH will also provide a box of cold pads for pain relief. You may want to bring along your own maternity pads and breast pads just in case.

4. Cosmetics: To ensure that you look radiant and good for the visitors and the 1001 photos your spouse may be taking.

Image courtesy of Aden Anais

5. Baby Clothes: For the day of discharge, bring along a set of baby clothes, swaddling blanket, a pair of mittens/ booties, and a cap. The Chinese believe that the baby should wear a set of hand-me-down clothes upon discharge so that he/she will grow up as healthily as the original wearer did. You may want to pack along some baby face towels and baby wipes for the ride home.

6. Newborn Car Seat: If you are driving, remember to install the car seat earlier (and check that it is properly installed!) so that your newborn can have a safe ride home.


That's all you will need for the big day! Do share with us what was in your hospital bag as well!

Our Europe Honeymoon at Vatican City: Attending General Audience as Newlyweds for Pope Francis' Papal Blessing

General Audiences (or Papal Audiences) are held on Wednesdays if the Pope is in Rome. Visitors may typically wish to obtain tickets in advance (free of charge) to enter St Peter's Square for the audience. If you do not have a ticket, you can still enter and participate at the back of the Square.

The Audience usually starts at 10.30am and will include small teachings and readings. Depending on the groups that were visiting, there will be different addresses made to them in their languages. The Audience will end with several blessings where the Pope will pray for different intentions and bless any religious articles visitors have brought along.

For more information on Papal Audience, check out the official website here.

Tickets collection the day before

In our previous post on how to reserve tickets to the Audience as Sposi Novelli in Singapore, we mentioned that we have received the attestation certificate and a copy of the letter from the Papal Household.

It was indicated in the letter that we can collect the General Audience tickets in Pope Paul VI Hall between 3pm to 7pm on the day before the Audience, or between 7am to 10am on the actual morning itself.

To ensure that there are no hiccups, we decided to collect it the day before. It was rather easy to find the queue. Once we entered the city, there was a pretty long queue that has formed along the Square.

The queue for tickets collection

Everyone was just patiently waiting for their turn to enter the hall for tickets collection. There is a bag and security check along the line and I had to stay behind because Mr R has forgotten to remove his Swiss Army Knife from his backpack. :(

Anyway, he took some photos along the way while he waited for the tickets, so here goes:

More queuing....

Done!

Here's how the tickets looked like

Buying a Zuchetto for the exchange

Word has it that if you present a Zuchetto to the Pope and it fits, he will exchange his Zuchetto for yours.

After we collected the tickets, we made a trip to Gammarelli, the Vatican tailor, to purchase a Zuchetto. It cost about 80 Euros (~120SGD). 

Gammarelli, tailor for Roman Clergy

Ditta Annibale Gammarelli (Via S. Chiara 34 - 00186 Roma) was about a 30 minutes walk from St Peter's Square and you probably need to use google maps or equivalent to navigate your way around. It opens on weekdays from 8.30am to 7pm.

Our happy little purchase

Preparing for the Audience

As part of the Sposi Novelli requirement, I bought myself a simple white dress online and brought my veil along (just in case). 

The top criteria i had in mind was lightweight and wrinkle-free... because backpacking with a full bridal dress is not really a funny joke and going to meet the Pope with a wrinkled dress is a huge no-no too!

The dress i bought

Day of the General Audience

The security counters are opened from 8am, but because Sposi Novelli couples have a designated sitting area, we decided to enter the Square only at about 10am. It was really packed with people who were early so that they can get a good view.

Can you tell it was scorching hot??

The weather was crazy that day and we were kind of relieved that we didn't join the crowd earlier. For people who have lived their lives on the equator, the sun was killing us. Imagine how ironical it would have been to be down with heatstroke when we are in Rome. :'D

We could barely keep our eyes open

Mr R's camera has an incredible zoom!

Queuing up to queue for blessings

After the Audience has ended, the Pope went round the Square to greet the other visitors. The Sposi Novelli has to queue up to wait for Pope Francis to be back.

Everyone waiting patiently to meet the Pope

Spotted a Chinese couple in her Kua

Finally the moment arrives! The Pope appears and started blessing each and everyone of us.

Pope Francis trying on our Zuchetto

Pope Francis blessing the religious articles we bought

Star Struck moment

One thing to note is that we are not allowed to take photos during the interaction with the Pope. Someone will pass you an instruction slip with details on the venue to select, purchase, and collect official photos. We purchased the three photos above (together with some other photos) in digital format and 4R printed format.

After the blessing we were ushered into the Basilica where we were allowed to admire the pieces up close.

The famed La Pieta
It was too crowded to get closer though

Love how the lights are filtered in from the ceiling

We bought night tickets to the Vatican Museum on another day so we called it a day at the Vatican City.

Our Europe Honeymoon at Vatican City: Getting There

After our two nights stay at the bridal suite, we set off for our 18-day Europe Honeymoon trip. The first stop is of course the main highlight of the trip: Vatican City!

Flying in to Rome via Singapore Airlines

I must say that Singapore Airlines is Singapore's pride for a reason. They gave us a handwritten card, champagne and a cake to commemorate our honeymoon trip! *nomnom*

Congratulatory cake from Singapore Airlines

After the really long flight, we finally reached Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport! We bought our Leonardo Express tickets to Rome Termini Station via the many automated ticket kiosks. We read online that you can also buy the tickets from the newstands but we didn't attempt that.

It was a rather straightforward process using the booth to purchase tickets

A cup of Italian coffee later, we are on our way to Romaaaa!

Boarding the Leonardo Express and reaching Rome in 30 mins

The first thing we did when we reached Rome was to head over to TIM store and get ourselves data SIM. TIM allows us to use the data throughout Europe and the plan was rather friendly on the pockets. They had a bundle deal so we got separate data SIM for easy communication.

On board Metro Line A to Ottaviano San Pietro Station
Pardon my face still swollen from water retention and the 14-hour flight

After settling our data connection and reporting our safety to homeland, we took Metro Line A to Ottaviano S. Pietro. There are several ways to get to Vatican City but taking the metro is a safer option. Buses to Rome are notorious for their skillful pickpockets and we really didn't want to be easy targets on our first day there.

If this helps, i made a little directions guide to getting to the Hotel

From the station, it was a quick five minutes walk to Hearth Hotel, where we booked the double room for four nights. Hearth Hotel is strategically located right opposite of the Vatican Museum, and there are cafes, supermarkets, and food market (Mercato Trionfale) all within the vicinity. Breakfast was included and we spent approximately 150 Euros per night's stay (~SGD230 per night).

Hearth Hotel: Simple hotel with great service

We explored the area a little before going into Vatican City to collect our General Audience Tickets. Lunch at the Trattoria opposite the museum was simple but good. Having pasta in Italy is really an eye-opening experience because it looks so ordinary and yet tastes so good!

Trying to decide what to eat...

We were a little skeptical when food was served but after we tasted it, we were sold!

Taking a stroll along Sant Angelo Fortress and exploring Vatican City:

Sant Angelo Fortress

Finally here at Vatican City!

The Mango of the Catholic world :D

We ended the day with exploring the Pantheon and taking in the scenic river view.

The Pantheon

We chanced upon this place which seemed to be really popular

Interesting deco in the store

Everyone was just standing at the counter enjoying their coffee and snacks

We will be sharing more photos in the next few updates! Stay tuned!