Happy Birthday Alya

Julia's youngest daughter turned 9 yesterday, and they had a party near their place in Kajang. I was lucky that I was able to make it since I was on call the evening before. Otherwise, Anita and the boys would have to get there themselves.

Alya was clearly happy as plenty of her friends turned up. Her presents were picked by the boys and hopefully they realised what she liked.

Part of the games. And my belt was off as well! Luckily my pants didn't fell off!

Initially Irfan joined the games, but after being kicked out after the second round, he went quiet and clang on to Anita for the rest of the party. Idlan however was having fun! Anita was picked to play one of the games for parents and luckily, although she lost, she didn't have to do anything silly!

The restaurant provided the games and the mascot came along of course for good measure. My Dad got picked on for his white hair. The staff kept calling him Colonel Sanders!

The mascot meeting AlyaTime for cakes!

My Dad, Colonel SandersThe cucus

I was the photographer as usual, and luckily I could still focus after the long hours last night. I was snoring away be the time i reached the car for the ride home ....

Very Happy Boys

The haze was back and by the afternoon, things really got bad! And by dinner time, the boys were waiting with bated breath. The announcement!

Scheming at the party yesterdayYes, school is closed again tomorrow! Cue the celebration!

Hotel Malaya

I noticed this hotel right in the middle of China Town (Petaling Street) for some time and had been curious about it. Never stayed there or anything but along some of my photowalks, I tended to pass by the old art deco-inspired building.

But last weekend when I passed by along during the Scott Kelby Photowalk, I was surprised that the hotel was closed. In fact, the entrance looked like it was about to be demolished. Maybe a renovation was in the card since the location of the hotel was really central. Backpackers and tourist on a budget would love such a place!

Would definitely be watching what would happen to the place. I did some searches on the web, but the returned were all about the past review on the hotel - which I would diplomatically labeled as "mixed". No entries talked about renovations or demolition. It was just that Agoda and the likes had stopped taking bookings, and that was about it.

24 Hours in Bangkok

It was a quick stay in Bangkok. I was already back home last night - landing just before midnight. And back to work already today, and would be on call tomorrow.

But the trip was a great one, able to meet up with old contacts although I was late to arrive on Saturday evening, hence not able to join the group for a sumptuous feast prepared by the generous Thai host! I had to make do with bland hotel food instead which was a shame!

On arrival at Bangkok AirportFinal touches on the slidesI woke up early on Sunday, and was able to have my morning walk around the area my hotel while people were still getting into their early Sunday morning routine. Stopped for a coffee before turning back, ready for my part of the symposium.

Talks before and after lunch, followed by some discussion. Then it was already time to pack up and leave. The rest of the group had been there for the past three days and almost had enough. Too much information as it was my part to introduce the concept of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in a group who advocates for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. It could be a tough sell!

It's my turnLet's get out of here!Sunday evening traffic in Bangkok had been kind and I was able to reach the airport early for my flight home. Wished that I could stay longer. I could only pick some gifts for Anita at the airport my schedule was such.

Morning Walk in Bangkok

It wouldn't be right if I do not have my morning walk during my travels. Since I was only here for one night, this morning was the only time for me to take my camera out and start exploring.

Time was tight since I was due to attend a talk before lunch. Then my talk proper later in the afternoon before catching my flight home, arriving in JK at around midnight.

Tight schedule.

Weather was kind and it was quite fun walking around in polite crowd, mainly on their was to the markets and temples on this Sunday morning. A quick stop for coffee, before tracking back to the hotel.

Let's go!