It has been a long one month. With school holidays, too many plans have been made so not to bore the children to death. And most of the plans were successful.
Our trip to Kuala Lumpur in the first week of the school holidays was great. We always love Gabai. And it has become our ritual to climb the steep stairs on every trip we did to Kuala Lumpur. It is like our second playground. I hate cold, and I can’t stand cold water the most. But dipping my feet (at least) in the icy cold mountain stream, seems to have a calming effect on me. And I dare say that we will be doing more climbing up the steep stairs in our future trips too.
By far, the latest trip was the best experience. On our previous trip to KL, we used to dine at expensive restaurants, shop at exclusive boutiques, and stayed at 5 stars hotel, if not, at Puan Sri’s bungalow. But on the latest, we stayed at Naufal’s condominium, sleep on the slim padded mattress on the floor. We felt almost at home. Although the condominium has all the necessary facilities for a luxurious accommodation, we felt the basic was what we need on this trip, so the children won't be too pampered with all these expensives trips. So, our meals were basic… roti canai for breakfast, subways sandwiches for lunch, some had hawker foods, and pizza for dinner, we event had food from the roadside stalls. We managed to squeeze Sri Hartamas Corner in one of our night outings. In all the 4 days we were there, we managed to visit Puan Sri at her residence and went to Zebby and Nadia’s new apartment. The scenery was beautiful, located at the foot of a mountain, it was cold without aircon. I wish we could stay longer and spend at least a night at Zebby’s. From the mountain, we were able see mist and slow white clouds passing thru. It feels like we were in Cameron Highland, only without strawberries.
On our way home, we stopped over at Ayer Hitam, the haunt for makcik-makcik beli pasu. My oh my… there were too many things to buy, and too little money left! By the time, we were headed home, Ulka’s MPV was full with knick and knacks that made Erin the guardian of the treasure. She had to put her hands over those things so as not the let them fall over and caused an injury… to my head that is. One of these days, I need to make another trip there, solely to Ayer Hitam, so I can shop to my heart contents.
The weekend after the KL trip, we had a small gathering of Bros to celebrate the belated birthdays of Aini and Jaimie. I made my special Steamboat. It was a steamy nights with balls and meat, chicken and mussels... and soup that was so delicious, that the pot was dried out to the last drop. Just my way to say thanks to Aini and Ulka, for driving us up to KL on our recent trip.
Right after we came back from the holidays, I had to make plans for Qhairul’s 21st birthday. The BBQ event was a success too. Of a handful friends that we were suppose to invite, turned out to be a lot more hands needed to count of the guests. From a mere “only Bros and our usual gang of Klaz78” it became, Bros and family, relatives, Klaz78 and families and more, and Erin’s, Eriq’s and Qhairul’s friends. Luckily the food was enough for everyone, and they enjoyed the varieties on the table and on the grill.
I was supposed to attend a Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 19th and 20th, so I was busy making plans, for meetings and dinner and the who's who to meet. The hard part was to schedule Abang to not be on 24-hrs duty, so that he will be at home to look after his little sister while I was away. I felt that after the family trip and the BBQ event I wouldn’t have any energy left to sit still for 2 full days of listening to people talk and try to enjoy it. But thru God’s Grace… the conference was cancelled! Amin.
An email from CIMB HR in Kuala Lumpur confirmed the cancellation :
“We are pleased to inform you that the above programme has been postponed to the new date until further notice.”
I am not sure, if I should be pleased as the email suggested, or should I be disappointed of the cancellation. Anyway, reading the short email, makes me wonder if these people really understand their own writing.
“We are pleased to inform you that the above programme has been postponed to the new date until further notice
They were so pleased that the conference has been postponed to a new date… but … until further notice. Means there is no new date.
Not even a day after the BBQ, our usual gang suggested another gathering before the school reopens. So, this Sunday there will be a picnic with good friends and more food. Out picnic doesn’t involve sea water, but only sea breeze. Thank God for that. I don’t want to feel sticky and wet, and hair that are hard to comb. Another food galore awaits us.
This week, Eriq is spending time away from the family. He has been chosen to participate in a Leadership Course, organized by the OutBound Singapore. So, right now he is spending his one week training in Ubin OBS facilities.
This June has been fulfilling and full of activities, a great month indeed.
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