All I Want For Christmas..

Last week, I went to the giant Christmas Tree at the hotel lobby.. reading at all the Christmas wishes from kids from the orphan houses.. it really makes me thinking, what would it be if I am one of them? Or my nieces or nephew are one of them? Isn't that sad..? I should do something for them!

Decided to take one of the wishing card that was hanging on the Christmas tree and will buy one of them a Christmas gift. At least, I do a bit of charity here.


The card was from Muhammad Faiz Redzuan (14 years old) from Darul Kifayah Orphanage. He ask for a PMR revision book for Pendidikan Islam and Sejarah.. I felt so sorry for them, they have to beg to study.. meanwhile, we can get anything we want and just ask from our parent. But they don't have anybody.. just begging for a sympathy from others..

Since today is my off day from work, I will go the bookstore and buy the gift. Rahman decided to join me since he will finish his work at 7.00pm. Met Rahman in Berjaya times Square and we took Monorail down to Chinatown.. it was so much fun! :) This was my second time on the Monorail this year!! Serious! :)

Went to Popular Bookstore in Chinatown, it really brings back my memories while in school. Me and Nik used to hang-out here in this bookstore after school! After we had our Longan drink at the corner of the building (we did stopped at the longan stall twice today and had the best longan drink in this whole wide world!!), we proceed to Popular Bookstore.. buying stuff that we don't really need (stationary, books - really need them!, magazines, etc.). Wow.. it has changed a lot here! Not like it used to be!

This is the new Popular Bookstore (the one that bought the books), the other one (old one) was in the Chinatown itself but is now only for Chinese books and Chinese reading materials.

Managed to get the PMR books that I needed, thanks to my niece for her recommendation of Sasbadi publication. I've wrapped it nicely and will hand it over to the Wishing Tree counter at the lobby tomorrow.. I'm so glad that I decided to be part of this charity event. This is the least that I can do at the moment.. but I have a few ideas now to be more involving myself (and friends) into charity. Hope you guys will support me when I come out with that ideas.. :)

Lunch Appointment..

Poh Ling called me at 12.00pm today.. I just woke-up from my very good sleep.. and I was 'shit'.. my appointment with Poh Ling is at 12.30pm!!. I'm over-slept!! 'Lucky I call you..! Never mind, I'm still at home.. he.. he..!' she said. 'Take your time.. give me a call once you reach KLCC ok?' with smile.. (I guess!).

This is what I had for lunch today!

I reached KLCC at 1.15pm.. and rushed to Dome Cafe to meet Poh Ling. While having lunch, Poh Ling had surprised me with a Christmas gift.. so sweet of her! She got me a loosen-tummy drink and a supplement tablets (??). But what makes her buying me all those stuff? Am I too obvious? I don't think so! But anyway, thanks for the gift.. I really really appreciate it. And I appreciate our friendship too.


With the gift, she gave me as well a Christmas card.. reading the card makes me wanna cry, the words really touched me. How I was so lucky to have such a good friends.. and it is always pays for being good to someone. But I felt bad not getting anything for Poh Ling, but instead, I treated her the lunch (for the time being!) and will have to get her something!


While at home, each time I looked at the gift I received this afternoon, I really felt bad.. for not have something for Poh Ling. So, decided to drop her a text of thanks and appreciation.. 'Being a good friend is the best gift I ever got from you. I don't ask for return ok! Keeping in touch and keep each other update is good enough. That's what friends are for!' she replied. Awww..

Anyway, I really enjoyed my lunch today with Poh Ling.. we catch-up on few gossips and really had fun! Thanks Allah for blessing me with all my friends.. how am I to live without you guys in my life..

Can't Wait To Reach KL..

Today is our last day in Penang.. have to drive back to KL (I hate long distance drive!!). Checked-out from the hotel at 1.30pm then we straight heading down to Tanjung Bungah, to try the Penang Laksa.. yummy! In my mind, it should taste better than the one I usually had in KL.


My sis stopped-by at one of the food stall van with a signage 'Laksa Penang RM2.50'.. as my other sis claimed that she had been to this side of the road and had a very good Penang Laksa. We all are so excited to try it!


All of us ordered Penang Laksa and Rojak Buah. The aroma of the laksa gravy is good enough to make your hungry stomach explode! Finally, the long waited and most talked about arrived.. I tasted the gravy.. tasted very good! The presentation of the food is well arranged.. with sliced salad, sliced cucumber and chopped 'bunga kantan' on top of the laksa.. the bunga kantan makes the smell very good!

Before..

After..

Goodness.. it was one of the best Penang Laksa I've ever taste.. and the Rojak Buah also was good! I will be regretted if I don't stop by here.. since we did not go to the Gurney Road while we're here for the street food, this is good enough to replace it.

At about 2.30pm, we continue our journey back to KL. After almost 6 hours of sleepy and tired drive and a few stop in the R&Rs, we reached home safely. But I've learn my lessons, I will never drive alone again for a long distance trip (unless if I have a co-driver next to me!). Home sweet home.. :)

Pearl Of The Orient..

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel before..

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel now..

Founder of E&O Hotel, the Armenian Sarkies brothers

Since a few years ago, I always have an intention to visit Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O), Georgetown. When you see the charming building from outside, you'll interested to find out more and to know what it look like inside. I read a lot about his hotel's review in magazines and online. I was so eager to discover more about this old colonial building especially after I've seen Joe pics when he stayed here during his last visit to Penang.


On our 3rd day in Penang, my sister would like go for a sightseeing in Georgetown and it surrounding area. This is my best chance to visit the E&O Hotel and to take as much photo as possible (since we're not staying there! Sad!!). Told my sister about my plan, and she agreed. I was very excited!! :)


Finally, we reached at the E&O Hotel.. parked our cars at the hotel's basement car park. Walking through the back yard of this building really mesmerized me. It was built in 1885 by the Sarkies brothers, who also ran the legendary Raffles Hotel in Singapore, there are obvious similarities in architecture and style. Everything here brings back mind the past grandeur of the old times.. the beautifully craved ceiling in the reception, the wood and gold paneled bar lounge and the English tiled floor. The poolside located on the ground level at the back of the hotel building overlooks the Malacca Straits sea..


E&O Hotel had became a place to stay for a lot of famous celebrities, Head Of Countries and top people for their visit in Penang. I took some pictures for you guys.. and if any of you guy had a chance to visit Penang, don't forget to drop by at The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, you'll be glad that you visit it!

Aidil Adha 2008.

This year Aidil Adha, my family celebrate it in Penang. It is not as grand as Aidil Fitri, so it's no big deal for us. The main reason we're in Penang is to spend the school holiday with family, and on the other hand, since it is an Aidil Adha, we decided to visit our relatives here in North part of Malaysia (sounds like I have relatives all over Malaysia huh?!).

After breakfast, we heading up to Changlun and Bukit Kayu Hitam
in Kedah, very near to the Thailand border.. visiting my sister ex husband's family. After 2 hours drive from Penang (I can't help myself.. I was very sleepy while driving there - slept at 3.00am last night, lucky Syafiqah, my niece had a driving license and replaced me half way) , we finally reached our destination. While on the way, we went through the country side.. paddy fields and villages, it was an eye catching!! It was amazing, peaceful place far away from hustle and bustle of the city! Cows and chicken are all over this places.. I really love being here. I think, it has been
5-6 years now since my last trip to this kind of country side.

According to my sister, my family used to live here while my dad
was posted in Kedah as a police officer. It really brings back their memories when they're kids.. when they're really young. My sister non-stop talking about their younger years to my nieces while pointing their old kindergarten and primary school and the police quarters that they used to stay.

Spent about 5 hours in the village, we managed to took some nice pictures of this place. Then we moved down back to Penang, stopping by at my cousin place in Bertam. I planned to visit Zahir's family too in Jawi, but we just don't have much spare time to drop by.. probably some other time.

Reached the hotel at about 10.00pm, exhausted.. but very happy to be able to visit this places. Tomorrow, we will spend our last day in Batu Ferringhi (it's time for sun, sea and sand!) and Georgetown. I was very interested to visit all the old buildings here!.

Spending Time With Family..

Today is my holiday with my family.. my sister decided to take us to Penang. It has been a while, and my last time in Penang was about 2-3 years ago.. after attending Leman & Ayu's wedding in Ipoh. Me, Alang and Zahir decided to continue our journey to Penang visiting Zahir's family.


Right now, we stayed in Holiday Inn Batu Ferringhi as my niece wanted to stay in the Kid's Suite.. mm.. nothing special about this room, it is just a suite room with another room for the kids with a PlayStation (what's the point? she brought her own PlayStation too!!). My sister booked 3 rooms and I've got a room for myself!! Boring!


Invited a few friends to join me (as usual!) but they're all busy and furthermore, it is Aidil Adha tomorrow. Some of them got no more leave and some of them had canceled their long Raya Haji leave.. so, here I am stuck alone in this double queen size bedroom!! :(

Drove for 4 hours and reach Batu Ferringhi at about 3.30pm. In the evening, my nieces spent their time at the poolside and the beach taking photos then we taking a walk at the night market right in front of the hotel and having dinner in the restaurant somewhere around here. Bought DVD (RM4.00 per copy.. where you can get this price in KL!!!) titled Twilight and Madagascar. Planned to watch it tonight in my room with my nieces & nephew, but nobody turn-up. Guessed, they had fall asleep by now.. at least I can spend my time alone in my room resting (well, actually I'm kinda scared being alone in this room!) :o

Tomorrow is Aidil Adha, we planned to visit some our my sister ex husband's family in Changloon, Kedah and some other part here. Have to wake-up early tomorrow, and we will make our move right after breakfast. So.. I'm going to bed now!

Thanks for spending your time reading my blog! :)

Finally..

Gosh.. it took me a while (almost 2 months) to cut this video! And finally, I got it posted in my blog.. and proudly to show it to Liling, Poh Ling and to whoever following my blog. Many thanks to Rahman who managed and helped me to cut this DVD and to Ghazali Apek for the video converter software he gave me the other day.

Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!!