Out of Town

The boys summer break was still in full swing. They went to JB with Anita last week. But I wasn't there with them. So, this week it was my turn to go - although of course Anita was there as well.

We went to PD. Although we contemplated staying at the apartment, the thought of having to go out to get food every now and then put that idea to bed. We stayed at a hotel instead.

We did some on line booking and took a room at Lexis Hibiscus, a new hotel in PD, but after checking in, I was not that impressed and soon we left for its sister hotel, the Grand Lexis.

Now, this was better and we didn't look back since. It was also nearer the town centre and the inroom pool was way bigger. An important prerequisite.

Two nights flew by. Half of that time were spent in the swimming pool - the pool at Hibiscus was warmer though. We also took some time for a Segway and bike ride. The boys also enjoyed the play room with arcade game, fussball table and air hockey. I wished that I had more time to snap photos, but I must say I had other activities while I was there. And I did get plenty of sleep.

Great midweek escape all around. Definitely would di this again.

Return to The Mall

Or should I say, the newly renamed Sunway Putra Mall.

Yes, the place looked different to what I remembered. Gone were the huge glass canopy over the main atrium, replaced by column of shop floors and a central foyer. The old cinema and indoor theme park was also gone, replaced with more shops although the famous eatery on the top floor remained, although there were new restaurants there.

The old Yaohan was replaced with Uniqlo, and still plenty of shops under renovation or practically empty. The parking lots were the same as before. Cramp and damp, but now with the option of valet parking at the main entrance. Access was much better now with LRT attached to the main building.

The place was still yet officially opened, and was still empty even for a Sunday lunch time. Not all the restaurants were opened, but we had a nice lunch at Lorong Seratus Tahun, a Penang-themed food outlet. 

Going there with Anita brought back many memories of the late 80's and early 90's. Sweet ones. I remember going to have lunch there on the days I was due to fly back to the UK and doing last minute shopping. That also seemed to be THE place for meetups when friends come in from out of town during school breaks. The hippest place before KLCC and Pavilion or even One Utama were the rage.

Oh, time has changed. One of the girls at the shop corrected us when we said that "The Mall" looked different. She said, there is no "The Mall", there is only "Sunway Putra Mall". Hipster!!!

The Season has Begun

Early season optimism smelt like a freshly cut grass. It never failed to provoke the sense of familiarity and new beginnings. Well, the familiar feeling returned last weekend. With a host of new signings, everybody was looking forward to the new season with glee.

United got off to a mixed start. We got all three points without even scoring a goal - a Kyle Walker own goal took care of that. At least we far better than Arsenal - who lost to West Ham - and Chelsea - who managed a draw.

Unfortunately I had to miss United's first match since I had to attend an open house. Apparently from what I've read, I didn't miss much. So, looking forward for more matches - and hopefully more new signings in the coming weeks.

Disheartened

I love my country. I always have and always will be. And I am sure you do too.

But I don't think I would be alone in expressing my concerns and disappointment on the events over the past week. The sacking of Muhyiddin, the sudden termination of the Attorney-General, the Special Branch Chief being reassigned, the elevation of the Parliamentary PAC members who was in the swing of investigation the 1MDB debacle into the cabinet and to cherry on the cake, the fire at the safest place in Malaysia, the National Police headquarters. Stuff of legends!

One day, I was sure my grandchildren would ask me, what were you doing when the infamous "Najib Shuffle" happened? My answer would be in the car being driven to the hospital after giving a lunchtime talk at Menara Maybank! These thing won't happen often, and hopefully won't happen again.

Malaysia is becoming a laughing stock of the World, and we only got ourselves to blame.

Right! No more writing about politics as it would not make a jot of difference. I shall leave that kind of writing to the more eloquent and information flow would be something that the Government would struggle to control. Will blog on better things from now on! And for now, let's get on with my call .....

Easing Back In

The day had been kind. A quick ward round although the patient was really poorly, then a smooth clinic followed by a nice free lunch before heading for prayers. I was caught in a light shower on the way back, but luckily the heavy burst only came when I was already safe inside.

Another ward round afterwards plus a few referral before heading home.

Anita had been carrying a cough since returning from Penang and had been in bed all day. She wanted to go out for an early dinner when I returned, so we were just about done when I draftee this entry. It would be an early night though as I have to run an errand back to Gombak later. Will do that after the traffic lighten up a little.

Next would be going through the snaps from Penang. There would be plenty from the last count. That should keep me busy tonight.