Exploring the Bungalows

Fraser's Hill as a settlement had a long colonial history. The British longed for respite every now and then while in Malaya and explored a few areas around the peninsular for some sort of retreat. And Fraser's Hill was one of them.

Unfortunately we being Malaysian, we see the British who once ruled Malaya as "penjajah" or colonist, and as much as we could tried to erase them from our history. Me, personally was always quite an Anglophile and keen to find out a bit more about the history of this place. I was sure it would make a fascinating read. After all, you can't change the past - although a few politician thought that they can!

Intricate set of stairs to negotiate the steep climbI think this one belongs to Telekom MalaysiaDriving around, you could have a feel of how advanced the settlement once was. I was sure 50 years ago, getting up and down the hill was both difficult and dangerous. And dangerous in the sense that there were Communist around and the British learned from the assassination of Sir Henry Gurney.

Despite that, I could see many buildings dating back from those times and more being built from the 70s and 80s. It was well known that Tunku Abdul Rahman used to come here for his holidays - another Anglophile. Many of the colonial buildings from the past had been converted into shops, rest houses and holiday bungalows. They were scattered around the hill, not just at the town center. Most of the bungalows were owned by large companies and these were used for their staffs for short breaks. Unfortunately, again due to economy and sign of the times, most looked to be in disarray. those which well-maintained looked empty even at this time of the year.

This one looks privately owned and well-maintainedKinda liked this one ....We ended up taking a peek as nobody was in ...Nice little pavilion to look down onto the valleyInitially we planned to rent one of the bungalows - Bungalow Rompin - but unfortunately since my brother-in-law was not able to join us, we decided against it and stayed at the Smokehouse instead, which happened to be just around the corner. On one of the afternoons, Anita and I drove around to explore some of the bungalows for rent, took the phone numbers and photos. Definitely interesting but certainly not a place to come with your elderly parents. But it looked fun to come with a few friends.

Fresh ....Stalking some more ...The message was clear ....Anita told me that during her childhood, the Armed Forces had a bungalow here as well where she stayed with her cousins. We found the place during the drive and it was located just up the hill from where we stayed. We also explored a couple of other bungalows around there.

Lost Again

It was getting excruciating every weekend now. Even though we were playing a relegation struggler in Sunderland, I got a feeling that United would come undone. And I was proven right again.

What was devastating was the manner of the loss. We were hardly in the tie. We conceded first but managed to equalise. Came the second half, the complexion of the game changed when Big Sam Allerdyce somehow managed to suss out our tactics.

Sunderland played with a higher line and United just couldn't keep hold of the pace. We were behind again, deservedly so in the final 10 minutes. Added to that, we lost Darwin through dislocated shoulder.

It looked like the rumour mill would be churning double quick with the latest loss. A lot would be written about the arrival of Mourinho and at the rate we were going, that might just be a relief.

Certainly not looking forward to the next game ....

It Was Now Called Nom

Don't ask me why, the the cafe which we went to at Bangsar Village In which was called F.East had changed again now, and with a facelift it was called Nom. Same staffs, wit an almost identical menu - they still don't the superb pandan chiffon cake - the decor and seats had all been replaced.

So, I tried them last week with Anita when we were out for lunch. The food was still good. I must say that the pasta - which was homemade - was excellent.

I preferred the decor when it was called F.East still. It was very 70s back then, with a touch of art nuovo. But the cafe was still as roomy as before. Might stop there again far a quick coffee so accessible and relaxing as they were.

The cafe was located on the first floor of Bangsar Village II, a floor up from the sky bridge linking it to the main Bangsar Village.

Goodbye Downton

Finally, I've run out of episodes of Downton Abbey. I watched the final episode last weekend during a night of marathon Doynton watching, downing the last couple of episodes - which lasted around 3 hours on my Apple TV.

It brought closure to most of the story arch, but left enough room in case the production were to go on in the future. Reception, and happy endings. The final episode being a Xmas special featuring a wedding. And no, it wasn't Lady Mary's.

So, finally I completed all the six series, and for good measure we went back to watch its pilot episode, just to see how the story had developed over the years. Yes, the household used to be bustling and with the passage of time, the transformation of the British society as a whole after the World War, the high society had stopped being the norm.

Great series and would be difficult to replicate. At the end of the fifth season I thought the series would expend to the States. But that didn't materialise. Missed opportunity. Great six seasons. And best to leave while it was still on top.

Gone Miniature

We did that on the last visit and this time around, Idlan insisted on doing it again. A quick stop by the miniature golf course in the middle of town, with Irfan on tow of course.

The course was maintained well and everything was prepared for you for a small fee.

We only did a couple of rounds because it was threatening to rain. This was followed by push-bike session around a circuit, before calling it the day. The bed and scones at the hotel was so inviting ....

This entry was part of my trip to Fraser's Hill last December.