Year end activities

Year end is always a busy season for me and family. That's when many relatives, as far as from Medan, Indonesia, from Sabah (Borneo) and not to forget those from the Pearl of Orient, Penang Island, would be in town for a holiday and shopping. Any birthday celebration would also take place, wishing for blessing on the years ahead. I normally spent the rest of my yearly off-day from work then. Yum... I could still taste the wonderful steamboat we had.

End of 2009, I decided to join the crowd, checked in to the hotel with my parents, brother's and sister's family so that I could spend time with them, especially with those niece and nephews of colorful characters, without interrupting their shopping activities.

It was a nice hotel, located around the oldest town of Kuala Lumpur, just a walking distance to the busiest road, the well known ' Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman'. It was quite an expensive hotel for that standard, but convenient for shoppers. Luckily I am married to a travel agent, who was able to get a much cheaper rate for us.

Having a room on the 25th floor, giving me a nice view of the oldest town area, also known as 'Little India'. Its a shopping paradise for Malaysian Indians, especially when 'Deepavali' (Diwali) is approaching. It's also a favorite shopping area for the Malays, especially when 'Hari Raya'(Eid) is around the corner.

Ornaments for decoration, materials for making flower and take-away item at Malay weddings, glittering brooches, real and fake flowers, clothing materials, Islamic books, traveller's items, CDs, jewellery shops, Muslim attires, Indian attires, Shoes, varieties of Indian dishes and many more are available and cheap.

2 nights stay and it was time to say good bye. Sad to see them leave.

Next, back to my normal life, busy with traffic jams, meetings, clearing office back-logs, emailing and of course blogging continues.

From wet to dry

I was X'mas, year ending, sister's visit, sister-inlaw's birthday and a holiday. I make use of the holiday for all-in-one treat day. Not to waste the day, I spent the early morning breakfast with my sister, Siti and family, who were here in KL for a visit. Time with sibling is always precious for me. Hence, woke up early for 'Nasi Lemak' (coconut milk base steam rice with chilli paste, wrapped in banana leave)and 'Roti Chanai' (Malaysian Indian kinda pancake, to be eaten with curry gravy). Next, where the excitement began. SUNWAY LAGOON..!!!! Its a famous theme park build on abandoned tin mine. Its about 20 minutes drive from the central of Kuala Lumpur. Entrance fee is RM60(USD17) per adult and RM48(USD14) per child. I didn't mind the cost as being there makes me feel young and energetic. During holiday, lots of people queuing. So, come early. Its open at 10am. It has Dry Park, but no guarantee that you will stay dry. It has Wet Park. Guarantee you will get soaked. When you are there with kids, make sure to feed them well before jumping into the pool, as its not going to be easy to take them off the pool. It happened to Siti. One son cried after being forced to get out of the pool(Hakim), while the other cried of hunger after hours of swimming(Haikal). I watched and laughed. My children have grown up. Phew..!! Wildlife Park is also available with an extra RM10 cost.

We stayed in the lagoon from the opening hours to the closing.

Ops..!! I got many missed calls from Diana and Tuty (sis-inlaws). Goodness..!! my eldest sis-inlaw's birthday treat on that very night. Its was almost time for our girls outing. ( Our man stayed home , took care of the kids)

ooh..what the heck.. the gathering that matters. Without having a chance to get back and change, I went straight to the dinner place in the same outfit. Luckily it was a 'Kampung' (Malay village)style of seating, that my tropical dressing didnt really clash much with the ambiance.

It was a very nice environment. All dressed up except me. Anyway, the almost forgotten gathering turned out fun. A group of musician and singers added more essence to the night.

"Happy birthday Kak DD"

Here's a special gift for you.. muah! I love you sis.

Thats my name he wrote

He wrote my name!!

He actually wrote my full name with his own bare hand..!!!!!

He signed on my books!!!

They were sent to my office by the staff without me having to collect.

I am not a politician and never intend to get involve in any political matters, somehow, Tun Dr.M is one great charismatic leader that I adore and highly appreciate. Its all based on my personal judgement and categorization of a Great Leader.

He wrote my name..!!!!

Pasar Malam at Kuala Perlis

Kuala Perlis is where the jetty of ferry crossing over to Langkawi Island located. Its about 1 hour drive from Alor setar, the state capital of Kedah (up north of Peninsular Malaysia), displaying a nice scenery of paddy Fields.

The place is famous of its 'Laksa', a local noodle dish with fish-based gravy.

I happened to be at the state of Perlis for a short meeting last December.

The meeting ended early, left me with such a wide gap to the time of my flight back to Kuala Lumpur. My client was kind enough to drive me to the place of beautiful sunset, Kuala Perlis.

After a good taste of the Laksa, we joined the crowd at the 'Pasar Malam' (night market). I should find 'Pasar Malam' somewhere in Kuala Lumpur at certain day of the week, on several places too, but I could not spend a time to go. Or perhaps, the right way to explain it is, my hubby doesn't like such a crowd places and we never make time to sweat for it. At last, I did , in Kuala Perlis, way...... 400km from where I live. Prices are mostly super cheap there. These photos should explain what I found at the Pasar Malam. I'm lovin' it. Finger lickin' good..

I also met a poor girl, Teoh Bee Sen with her father, begging for contribution. Too bad I spent a lot on other stuff before I met her. I hope my little contribution did help to shed some lights to her life by now.