A Monday Surprise

I'm not going to pretend that I was not intrigued with the whole sodomy trial that had been going on concerning the opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim. The town was bracing for a sort of lockdown with the Opposition planning a rally. That came the surprise.

The High Court acquitted Anwar. Something that won't happen everyday. The whole trial was a joke to be quite honest with some really dodgy evidence against Anwar. And what was a surprise, all this swearing in the name of Allah in mosques in front of the Quran had become mainstream. A worrying trend indeed.and hopefully this won't continue.

I must admit that the traffic that morning was heavier than usualSo, I'm keen to find out what would happen with the planned rally in town. There were also speculation about what was going on behind the scene. There were plenty to be read between the lines.

The Manchester Derby

So, it's going to be a big one tonight. Third round FA Cup with the holders, Manchester City playing United at home. At the back of a couple of league losses, United would be rearing to lift their game. And what better way than to put one against their neighbour who earlier in the season humiliated them at their home turf.

As usual, the ritual must go on. I was at NZ at the moment waiting for my Tandoori take-out. The crowd were already building in, but I was sure it would have much bigger should it be Saturday instead of Sunday evening. Good luck United. Go get them!

Return to Colmar

It is such a relief to know that a quick escape from my house in Gombak was only a half an hour drive. A quick drive up the Karak Highway, a left turn after Genting Sempah stop. The next thing you know, you were already halfway up the hill towards the destination.

And the destination was of course Colmar Tropicale. The last time we went up there was almost a year ago when we spent the night there. Apparently, the hotel had been refurbished and new attractions were opened.

Nice blue skyYoung couples mingling aboutA rather interesting looking statue. This was new as I couldn't recall it being there the last time we were here.Close-up revealed quite an inrticate workThe service to go up towards the Japanese Garden was also revamped. There was now a car park halfway up should you wanted to do your own driving and then do the short climb to the garden. The botanical garden had also been reopened. The buggy which took you up the hill from the hotel now only climbed to the new carpark. So, regardless of whether you drove yourself or took the buggy, the final climb was the same.

Colours everywhereAs well as street singersAs a result, we took the buggy up, and then straight down.

More in Part II

The Curve CNY Decorations

After a full week at work - having to be on call on New Year Day as well as Wednesday, I took the boys out for dinner last night. Destination was The Curve. It had been a while since we were there.

We used to go there rather a lot to eat at Marche. However, since their pizza had turned lousy, we prefer dinner at some other places. Last night it was Bubba Gump. Irfan is a fan of their hot dog.

The main foyer was transformed into a ..... kopitiamThe gateway into the central lobbyThe outdoor walkway where the restaurants were were transformed with these lightingsLooking from above

The Chinese New Year decorations were already up at the main foyer. It was not much there but the lighting at the central walkway where they usually have weekend market was rather nice. It was similar to the lighting at i-City. Very chic. It was crowded even past 9 pm. We had a nice stroll. The boys got some toys from Toys'r'Us. Mum did some window shopping. And I was too tired to do anything much.

The Ikano Power Center just across the road

I was fast asleep as soon as we reached home.

Such Gorgeous Morning

Such nice weather on.my.drive in this morning and I sure home that the rest of my day would be just as sunny. After doing a couple of calls back to back earlier in the week, I could do with a nice relaxing weekend. Anita was talking about a short trip to our apartment in Port Dickson, but I was not sure if that is doable. It certainly had been a while since we last traveled there.

Alternatively, I might take the boys to Genting instead. Either way, I was keen to get out of the city after work tomorrow. I think I deserved it. Now, let get the rounds sorts out.