Penang Story Part II

The second day of our gastronomy adventure in Penang started in the hotel cafe...hahaha. Nahhh..actually it's more for the kids. Let Faiq & Aira eat their porridge/cereal and what not first. When they are fed, the parents can eat at Taman Tun Sardon in peace! Woohoo!!!

The Medan Selera at Taman Tun Sardon is situated beside the market. So you can bet that there's a lot of people there who goes for just breakfast alone or eat breakfast before doing their marketing later. There are loads of choices to choose from ~ nasi lemak, nasi dalca, nasi kuning, nasi campur, roti canai, roti jala, chapati, char kuey teow/mee/meehoon/me sup buana, serabai ~ you name it, they've got it! We had char kuey teow, chapati, serabai & nasi dalca. (I WILL START DIETING IN 2010..hahahaha!)

After breakfast, we went round the island. At first, we decided to go to Bukit Bendera but hubby's friend advised against it, as there will surely be loads of people on Sunday. The weather was excellent for beach but I didn't pack any swimming attires! Bad decision! So we went to the Toy Museum instead. The Toy Museum, the biggest in the world is situated at Jalan Tanjung Bungah, infront of Copthorne Hotel. According to hubby, during his study years, it used to be a disco club. The Toy Museum features toys ranging from the characters in Marvel comics, LOTR, Star Wars, Disney movies, horror movies (like Chucky, Freddy Kruger etc). I was surprised that Ultraman was not featured.

On our way to the Toy Museum, we passed a kindergarten which has a huge Ultraman figure in its compund. We made a stop at the kindergarten before driving along the beaches at Batu Feringghi. I was still cursing myself for not bringing any swimming attires. We didn't stop at any of the beaches though. Enjoying our cruise driving. The next pit stop is of course, the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel.

The Hard Rock Hotel was the former Casuarina Hotel (I think). It looks classy though. We went to see the lobby and went to the Hard Rock Cafe and Hotel Shops to look for souvenir t-shirts. When the cafe waiters told us that about the live band performance, we wanted have dinner and watch the performance that night, but unfortunately, the cafe was a full house that night. After surveying the t-shirts, we headed to USM to wait for hubby's friend, Rokyzal, who will also be staying at Vistana Hotel. On our way, we made a quick stop at the Teluk Bahang Dam, to enjoy the spectacular view. I consider it a site visit..hehehe.

Rokyzal, or Rocky, is hubby's Uni mate and one of his member ketat. Their geng was called Plain Water. Rocky was my hubby's tennis partner and they were very close back then. He and his family lives in Sik, where he operates his own pharmacy. The last time hubby met him was during his wedding almost 10 years ago. Their first meeting in USM after 10 years surely brought all those memories of their Ali Setan days back in USM.

First we thought of eating at one of the hostels cafes but since it was a semester break and it was close to 3 p.m., there weren't any choices so we decided to have lunch at Pelita which was just behind our hotel.Hubby and Rocky updated each other about their life while I got acquainted with Kak Syikin, Rocky's wife. We went back to the hotel at about 4 p.m. Rafiq took Faiq to the pool while I got ready to meet up with Fatin.

Fatin was my senior back in Malacca Girls High School. We got to know each other through Girl Guides and I came to know that her father and brother played tennis with my dad in Bukit Pringgit. We lost touch when I moved to D.U in 1992. About 1-2 years back, she found me on Friendster and asked, "Do you happen to be married to Upiq?" If I knew she went to USM, I would've asked hubby much earlier. It would made perfect sense as they were both ardent fans of tennis. She too, was part of their geng.

Since she is tutoring in USm since she came back from Germany, we took the opportunity to meet up with her. Unfortunately, we didn't get to lepak that much as she was busy reherasing for USM's Jazz band Festival. The venue for our early dinner was Nasi Kandar Sharrif.

There, we remisnisce about the past and she told us how she is adjusting herself to life in Penang as opposed to In Germany. The Nasi Kandar is of course, SUPERB!!

It was almost 7.30 p.m. when we sent Fatin to Dewan Budaya USM for her to continue the rehearsal. We just stayed in our room, watching tv. Hubby had another jejak kasih session with Rocky at Sharrif and they had made plans to meet up with another friend, Adi, at Sup Hameed Stall at Hotel Malaysia. THe menu: Sup Torpedo.

All I know was then when I heard him came into the room, it was 4 a.m.

-END OF PART II-

Penang Story Part I

We took advantage of the long weekend (and our leave) to visit Penang. Penang will always be our favourite destination. We consider ourselves gastronomic tourists as we are there for the food! I love the historical ambiance, the old buildings. My grandmother and mom were born in Penang, so I feel belonged. Rafiq belongs to Penang, as he has always considered Penang his second home. It was where he spent the best years of his life, when he was a student in USM. I have the advantage of being married to someone who knows where to go for gastronomy adventures. Not in proper restaurants or Jalan-jalan Cari Makan type but the Ian Wright's Globe Trekker style. BLISS!

We started our journey from Kajang at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 19.12.2009. Traffic was excellent even though it was raining in some parts of the journey. We only made one stop at the RnR. No commotion in the car as both Faiq and Aira slept most of the time. But we had to entertain Faiq's "Bila nak sampai ni?" questions when he woke up. It was a fun and smooth drive.

We arrived in Penang at about 2 p.m. Since check-in time was at 3 p.m. and we haven't had our lunch, we decided to start our gastronomy adventure at Medan Suri, Sungai Nibong for Mee Pitchay. They are famous for mee goreng and mee rebus. Memang power bila pekena dengan ABC & Cendol!

Lepas kenyang, we checked in at Vistana Hotel at Bukit Jambul. We stayed there (at the apartment) during our last visit, when Lachik, my brother in-law, was working in Penang. We got a good rate for it, less than RM200 per night. What was even better was there were baby cots available for use at no extra charge. We rested for a while before taking Faiq to the pool.

After pool time, we got ready for dinner. Destination was Gurney Drive, as we didn't go there during our last visit. But Rafiq warned us that since it was malam minggu, traffic was gonna be bad! He was right, but alhamdulillah after making a U-turn, we got a parking infront of McDonald's. And we thought we were early. We just wanna enjoy the ambiance and moment so we only ordered our next meal after we finished one. As we were about to leave the makan place, more and more people started to arrive.

We ordered Lala Goreng Berempah & Pasemboq. We had 3 glasses of sugarcane drinks and were immediately full. Spoiler betul lar! After dinner, Rafiq suggested that we lepak at Gurney Drive's Esplanade. I know he was reminiscing something he and his friends did 15 years ago...hehehe!

We tapau rojak buah and left the Esplanade at about 9.30 p.m.

-END OF PART I- 

Dinner Date with The Keliwons

On 18 December 2009, my MSM chum, Ana, came down to KL with her family, for a holiday. Ana is based in Kuantan. Although I met Ana last May wen I visited Kuantan, most of my friends have not seen her since we laft MSM/graduated.

So I took the opportunity to organise a Jejak Kasih session at Tony Roma's, The Gardens. Emails have been sent much earlier but many did not commit. I truly understand as it was a long weekend and other people may have made prior plans. So for all I know, the attendees would be Ana, Nurul, Eppa and I.

Alhamdulillah, on the day itself, many texted me informing that they would be coming. So, in the end, on top of the people mentioned above, Dina and family, Dida, Zaza and Mardiana were also present. as usual, it was havoc and chaotic. Most of us were there by 7 p.m. Lan, Aisy, Syam Hakimi and Umar had to witness the kekecohan! I hade the big sandwich (I think that was what it was called) and it was yummy. Later we had complimentary desserts. I think we were there for the longest time, inviting stares from the waiters and other customers. We left at almost 9 p.m.

Dina & Umar Aisy

Catching-up session

My dinner

Yeay, Eppa's here!

Group pix. Wey, Nurul is missing lar!

The Convent Class of UA81 (and their little men)

L-R: Umar Aisy, Dida, Ana, Mar, Nurul, Dina, Zaza, ME, Hafizuddin Umar & Eppa

Since Rafiq gave me the green light to stay on a bit late, Ana, Nurul, Mardiana, Dida and I decided to continue our catch-up session next door, at Paddington House of Pancakes. I think the only reason we didn't stay long was because we were informed that the restaurant is closing at 9.45 p.m.

As usual, it is always good to meet up. I'm happy that we still keep in touch even though we left college 14 years ago. Deep down inside, we are still the same MSM Convent Girls.

Farewell Teratak Comel Bestari

Today is Faiq's last day at Teratak Comel Bestari. Faiq has been a student of the nursery since he was 10 months old. We stopped sending him when we got a maid, and then had to continue sending him there when my mother in-law suffered from a mild stroke 2 years ago.

I sent Faiq this morning, his last day at "school", as Faiq calls it. I felt a pang of sadness as the nursery had become a big part of Faiq's life. It was a place where I entrusted my son, a place where Faiq grew up and developed his social skills. It was a place which becomes his playground and where a bulk of his stories come from. I have come to know his friends (Hana, Qaisara, Asyraf@Acap bin Kicap, Aqil, Jiah, Casper, Malissa, Aliff, Amna, Ammar and loads more) and those who are dear to him.

Alhamdulillah, after spending 2 years there, Faiq knows his ABC (he only recognised certain alphabets though), able to count from 1-10, recite 3-4 doas, recite al-Fatihah and 3 Quls and sing many songs. Instead of saying, "TEPILAH!", he now says "Excuse Me".

I am truly indebted to Kak Ratna and the many caretakers who taught and took care of Faiq (the ones I remembered were Nor, Nadia, Shima, Ain, Kak Long, Fatin, Ina & Wani), those who took over my responsibility for 3/4 of the day, 5 times a week. I can never repay you for all your kindness. THANK YOU!

Reflection of 2009

2010 is only minutes away, and as usual, the reflection of 2009.

Honestly, 2009 came and went in a breeze. I realised that it was a very fast paced year. Is the clock ticking faster? All I know is that suddenly half the year has passed, all the long weekends that we were looking forward to has ended, Aidilfitri and AidilAdha was celebrated and now the year has come to an end.

January: Alhamdulillah, we were blessed with the presence of Aira in our life. She was born 16 days early, which was expected. And it was my first time experiencing birth through c-sect. If you asked me, personally I would go for c-sect. It was all about adapting to a new life, an additional member of the family. Mak stayed at AD throughout my confinement and for that, I am thankful. Confinement was spent quarelling with Faiq (as he too was adapting to having a little sister), watching tv and catching up on all the series I loved (Grey's Anatomy, THAT 70's SHOW, The Ellen Show). I also got the opportunity to watch the inauguration of President Barrack Hussein Obama which was very historical indeed and American Idol 8 right from the audition till the end. It was priceless and I don't think I will ever get that chance again, unless I have another baby..hehehe!

February: Still in confinement. Very much a potato couch, lazing in front of the tv. I think I was spoiled because I had a very good maid. Hubby went to UK for a work trip (GRRRRRR!) We also hosted an aqiqah for Aira at AD which went well, alhamdulillah.

March: Dreading to go back to work. Worst still, I had to go for a course in Johor 2 days after I started working. Tension sebab kena tinggalkan Aira who just turned 2 months old..huhuhu! Faiq was also hospitalised for viral fever, and later in the month, alhamdulillah I got a promotion. My friend, Hani gave birth to Hasya Arya :o) Sheikh's wife, Oly, gave birth to Sofea Airis Khalisah.

April: Hubby participated in Kapas Marang Swimathon for the first time. Started working in new office. A different experience altogether. All I can say is the grass is not necessary greener on the other side. We had our first Sisters' Day Out, watching Confession of a Shopaholic. And then, the whole Khan clan (including my mom and my maid, so there was about 20 of us) suffered from eye infection, caused by B-Haemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. It was really bad. Faiq and Aira was hospitalised for it. The birth of My Life Is An Open Book.

May: First family trip with Aira to Kuantan. Kris Allen was crowned the 8th American Idol. I really though it was going to be Adam Lambert! Hubby participated in 1st running competition. Long working hours in the office! My friend, Iza gave birth to Iffat Sidqi :o)

June: New addition to the family with the birth of Ilham Muneerah, my niece and my parents 5th grandchild. Rafiq participated in Xterra competition in Kuantan (got him on tv..hehe), Went to Singapore on a work trip, Michael jackson died.

July: Witnessed Rafiq in action and completing the PD International Triathlon for the first time (even though it was his 4th competition)!, childhood friend Haziqah, gave birth to Muhammad Ariiq Irfan, took leave to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2nd time doing it..hehe), my friend, Mariesa, gave birth to Raja Xander Mikhail, celebrated our 5th year as Mr. Yong & Mrs. Rafiq :o)

August: My friends Julie & Amy menamatkan zaman dara mereka (hehehe), Faiq celebrated his 4th birthday with a high fever (Alhamdulillah it wasn't AH1N1), my good friend, Raz, gave birth to Alya Batrisya who shares the same birthday with Faiq. Another friend, Eppa, also delivered Maryam Husna in August.

 

September: I did a lot of travelling this month. To Miri, to Labuan. Home-cooked buka puasa most of the time, thanks to having a maid, hubby purchased his dream car.

 

October: Got the opportunity to watch a tennis tournament LIVE (Malaysian Open), hubby lost his laptop, Hasfaradi tied the knot, my friend Belle gave birth to Natalie, Aunty Leela underwent surgery, I turned 32.

 

November: Participated in Terry Fox Run 2009, Zalia gave birth to Harez Rayyan, Zaty menamatkan zaman dara, Liza gave birth to Aisyah Ardini, career crisis/dilemma.

 

December: Long, blissful holiday which includes family trip to Penang and watching 3 movies, Zureen gave birth to Khairy, the sudden demise of Shima's father, Faiq's last day at Teratak Comel Bestari.

 

All in all, I think it was a pretty good year, alhamdulillah rezeki bertambah. My wish for 2010? I hope it will be a better year in every aspects for me and my family, insya-Allah.

 

Happy New Year 2010!

Plush

I was on my way back from kajang and nearly squealed with delight when I heard Stone Temple Pilot's Plush on Fly.fm. Layannnnn!

PLUSH
STONE TEMPLE PILOT

And I feel that time's a wasted go

So where you going 'till tomorrow?
And I see that these are lies to come
So would you even care?


And I feel it
And she feels it


Where you're going for tomorrow?
Where you're going with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she stand alone?

And I feel, so much depends on the weather

So is it raining in your bedroom?
And I see, that these are the eyes of disarray
Would you even care?


And I feel it
And she feels it


Where you are going for tomorrow?
Where you are going with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she stand alone?


When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it


When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it


Where you are going for tomorrow?
Where you are going with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she stand alone?


When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it

To find it, To find it, To find it

3 Days, 3 Movies

During my 10 day leave, I took the opportunity to watch these movies:


1. Princess & The Frog with Ms. Rose

Typical feel-good Disney movie. I loved it as it reminded me of Disney Movies that I used to love like Aladdin, Beauty & The Beast and others. I love the characters especially the alligator and the firefly. And Evangeline, of course..hehe! Although I do feel that they could do less with the singing. When the flamingoes joined it, I thought they were over-doing it a bit.

2. Avatar with hubby

A.W.E.S.O.M.E!! I simply can't imagine how James Cameron could think of doing that movie. Throughout the 2 1/2 hours period, I kept saying to hubby, "Camne diaorang terfikir nak buat movie macam ni ek?!" I definitely vote it to be 2009 Movie of the Year! I hope it'll win loads of awards! And Jake Sully is so yummy!

3. Alvin & The Chipmunks 2 with Amy & Faiq

You can't expect much from a movie which features talking chipmunks. Ms. Rose cannot accept movies as such e.g Stuart Little and the likes. But I though Faiq might enjoy it! Although he didn't sit still, I guess he did enjoy the movie. And the Chippets were a cute addition! They sang Corrine Rae-Bailey's Put Your Records On, Katy Perry's Hot and Cold and Beyonce's All The Single Ladies. There was a team-up song, We are Family, so I can bet there'll be another sequel!

I'm actually impressed with myself, having watched 3 movies in 3 days. Normally, I'll be like scratching my head, thinking what was the last movie I saw..hehehe.