Christmas 2001

Borneo

We wanted to do something different for a holiday at Easter and after much searching we decided to go to Borneo. We flew to Kota Kinabulu (KK) in Sabah (in Malaysian Borneo) and stayed in a resort called Rasa Ria. Borneo is famous for its orang-utans and we took an internal flight to the rehabilitation centre at Sepilok to see them. During feeding time it is possible to see the orang-utans at close range. On Easter Day we went to a local Anglican church in Kota Kinabulu, where they made us very welcome and invited us to stay for lunch. Later we went on a colonial style steam train journey operated by the North Borneo Railway. The train stopped a couple of times to allow for site-seeing. It was turned around at the far end on a turn table and returned to KK while we were served with lunch. Another day trip was on a speed boat to one of the small islands off Borneo. Here we did an island walk, snorkelling and finished with a beach BBQ.

We wanted to do something different for a holiday at Easter and after much searching we decided to go to Borneo. We flew to Kota Kinabulu (KK) in Sabah (in Malaysian Borneo) and stayed in a resort called Rasa Ria.

Borneo is famous for its orang-utans and we took an internal flight to the rehabilitation centre at Sepilok to see them. During feeding time it is possible to see the orang-utans at close range.

On Easter Day we went to a local Anglican church in Kota Kinabulu, where they made us very welcome and invited us to stay for lunch. Later we went on a colonial style steam train journey operated by the North Borneo Railway. The train stopped a couple of times to allow for site-seeing. It was turned around at the far end on a turn table and returned to KK while we were served with lunch.

Another day trip was on a speed boat to one of the small islands off Borneo. Here we did an island walk, snorkelling and finished with a beach BBQ.

Disney

Our second holiday of the year was to Disneyland in Florida during October half term. There were a total of 15 Bateman’s on this holiday as Marcus’s parents and brothers/families also went. We stayed in a Disneyland hotel and through the week did all the different parks — Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, MGM and Typhoon Lagoon.

Joshua was able to go on everything and especially loved the biggest roller coasters. Abigail didn’t like anything dark or wet. Especially after the 2nd day when she got completely soaked on a ride in the Animal Kingdom.

Typhoon Lagoon was a water park with waters slides and rides, artificial beach, and giant wave machine. Joshua and Marcus’s favourite ride was called “Test Track” and emulates the testing that a new car design is put through. It was a really good week and allowed us to see family that we often only see at Christmas.

Joshua's News

I’m 7.5 years old and this year I started at Waverly Abbey School. We’re allowed to play basketball at break and there’s a computer club. It’s really cool! I go to and from school on the bus from Puttenham, but Mum still makes us walk back home over the hill—She says the exercise is good for us... My favourite activities are the computer, Playstation, cricket, basketball and more computer. Best subjects at school are science and maths, oh and I.C.T. (computers!).

Abigail's News

I’m now 3.5 years old—I like playing with my baby (doll), playing games and doing puzzles. I moved up from nursery to pre-school in October, I have to keep telling mummy off though when she says that I’m going to Nursery. I’m the star in the nativity play, a gold one of course. Started swimming lessons this year, we’re doing badges although mummy says I won’t get one if I don’t jump in, trouble is that I don't like jumping in, maybe I could just smile instead? Biggest problem I have at home is getting on the computer as Daddy or Joshua always get there first.