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We set off early this morning. We were already in the car by 7.30 and was well on our way by 8am.

Traffic was much lighter than expected, and we reached KL by 11.30 in the morning. We did not take any toilet break. One bit of problem was we had a bit of a problem with the air-conditioning in my car. I thought it needed the compressor fixed. It was well warm by the time I reached KL.

Under four hours seemed to be pretty standard time for Penang KL. This was actually from Sungai Petani rather. I have known people who travel sub three hours, but I would rather not tell you who that was.

So, I reached home much earlier than anticipated. Time to take the boys out for lunch, but unfortunately, I had some lectures I need sorting out during for the coming week. So, probably had to burn the midnight oil tonight.

A Full Day

Since I was only in Penang overnight, I had to cram as many visits as I could today. And I did just that.

I went straight to my Grandmother's house in Georgetown. My parents and sister soon joined me. Before long, my eldest Uncle and his daughters and grandchildren also arrived. We hang around for a bit, before leaving for lunch.

As usual, it had to be nasi kandar. We went to Kassim, right opposite Komtar. It was only half open from the looks of things. But, it was still authentic stuff. Two servings of rice and a few scoops of fish curry later, we were ready to hit Seberang.

My Grandmother in the middle, with her two eldest sons, my Dad on the left most, and my Uncle, second from the right.

First stop, my Auntie's place in Seberang Jaya. One of their daughters - my cousin - will be getting married in October and they were busy making preparations. It looked like it would be another trip up North next month. Then we went to Kepala Batas, and stopped at a couple of houses - both were my Uncles - and was joined by another Auntie. And tonight, I would be spending the evening at another Auntie's house in Sungai Petani. Now that was a full day if you asked me.

Lunch was almost served.The damage in the endOne of my handsome nephews.My sister, Julia.My Uncle, Basir, at my late Grandfather's house.

It was nice catching up with the family although most of them were asking where Anita and my boys were. Had to leave them behind, for efficiency you see.

We just had a hefty dinner and would sure be having coffee and a chat after that. I was sure I would be sleeping like a baby. Had to start the journey early tomorrow. I was sure the traffic would be heavy if we left late. Here are the photos from the trip.

Driving up to Penang

I've just reached the rest stop in Tapah, well on my way up to Penang. The traffic was light on my side, but it was clearly building up KL-bound.

Even though there were not much cars, the flow was slow since the lane were cut down to just a single file. Cones were placed in the middle of the highway, blocking the right hand lane. I was sure they would be opening it for the opposite traffic later on. I was stuck behind a couple of lorries for a good 20 km, with maximum speed of 70, down to below 70 km/h on inclines. Excruciating.

I decided to stop for a quick wash and breather. The place was packed with people having breakfast. Judging from the way they were dressed, most of them would be attending weddings. I was sure there were plenty of those going on this weekend.

Well, got to move on. I would be driving straight into Penang to Grandmother's place in Pahang Road, wrote spending the evening at Julia's house in Sungai Petani. Time permitting, I would stop by Kepala Batas for some food and Maghrib Prayers.

Decorations at The Curve

Among the last venue I went to photograph for the Raya decorations was The Curve. I dropped by the place when the stalls were being set up a few weeks ago, but this time, I took a camera along.

Nothing fancy. Just a few stalls at the central foyer and a small stage.

To be honest, the decorations this year had been universally disappointing. Compared to the last couple of years, this season had been a downer. Well, there would always be next year ….

The Open Afternoon

That was a full afternoon. Right after Smurfs, we rushed to Bangsar Village to buy food and cakes for the open house later on.

After Asar, a few of our cousins turned up with their families. Some of them had not been over for quite some time. A nice chit chat. They stayed until Maghrib.

We were lucky that we had enough food. Apart from the take-outs, Anita cooked spaghetti and another cousin of ours made a curry. Unfortunately, one of our uncle couldn't make it as he was taken ill after his chemotherapy last week. He was feeling weak with some mouth ulcer to boot. We may need to go owe at his place to visit in the coming few days.

Looking forward for another full day tomorrow. A few of Anita's friends from the UK would be meeting up for afternoon tea in Bangsar. Will be joining them after Jumaat prayers.