​ T​oys of My Big Boy (Part 1)

T​​his is 3-part series on Ravi's 'toys'.

April 2, 2013 we got our new MPV, Volkswagen Sharan.

We replaced the Toyota Estima van which was leaking, more like draining, engine oil ​​every 2 months.  My husband never liked the Estima - he found it too big "like driving a bus"​ ​ and the ride was too bumpy for him.  So when we found out about the engine oil issue, he jumped at the chance t​​o get a better car.​ 

It was initially a toss up between Mazda 8 and the Sharan, both 7-seater MPVs but the latter has more bells and whistles.  But my husband was so gung ho about getting the Sharan (even if it costs 30% freaking more!) so to maintan the peace and quiet, I gave in, reluctantly I may add.

Anyway, we've been enjoying the Sharan.  It was a bit of an adjustment space-wise but the ride was so much smoother, more like a sedan than a van.  Plus, the midnight blue color and the interior/exterior looks really nice.

We had a good run with this 2008 Toyota Estima.

Ravi's new baby, the Sharan.
Photo credit from Volkswagen site.

Pay It Forward Rodson and Oda

Rodson, a former classmate, and his wife Oda stayed in our apartment for a few days from May 16-21.​   Oda fetched Rodson, who resigned from Philips due to his medical condition which I am not at liberty to divulge.  I'm hoping things​ ​get better over time​ ​for my friend.  Going back to the Philippines to stay with his family is a step in the right direction.

​Both Rodson and Oda have been very vocal about their gratitude for our "help and kindness in their darkest hours" and were keen to 'repay' it in some way.  But I've told them that the best thank you would be for them to just Pay It Forward.  A simple but very powerful concept we should all embrace and practice.

The couple enjoying Penang's hawker food :)

Rodson and Oda at our apartment before they left for Manila