Allan's Water

*This entry was originally written in September 2016*

This place was closed for renovations when we were here last December and it had am certainly received an uplift. There were new facilities built and the place looked spruced up compared to the last time we were there in 2012. It was basically a reservoir on top nod the hill which stored fresh water for the town. It was big enough for water activities and located about 10 minutes up hill from the town center.

We spend about 30 minutes hanging around there, feeding the fish and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

There were kayaks and pedal board for those interested as well as bumper balls as well. But Anita didn't approve of those...

Next to the lake was a small potting farm, which sold vegetables and flowers. Spend another few minutes there, taking photos of the nice flowers on display. The strawberries were off season when we visit and in was sure that would be a future attraction.

Nice time to spend the late afternoon before heading into town for early dinner. There was also a small tuck shop there for drinks and snack.

Breakfast at The Smokehouse

This entry was originally written in September 2016

Breakfast at Smokehouse had always been an enjoyable experience. But gone were the days when you woke yourself up to the aroma of freshly baked croissant.

The breakfast now was a more sedated affair. I remembered back in 2009 when the place had a proper cook, the smell really perked you up, and you could even order some leftover scones from the day before.

The English breakfast was also a full plated, kept you full for the rest of the day affair. Now, it was nothing more than just some sausages and a piece of bacon. Even the fresh fruits were just some melon. It used to fill a whole plate. Then came the croissant which were really supermarket level being heated in an oven.

I ordered some omelette but it turned to be just some glorified fried eggs. A sad affair.

It just reflected the decline of this once great place...

The State of The Smokehouse

This entry was drafted in Septeber 2016

2009, 2012, 2015 and now 2016. Those were the times we made the trips up Frasers Hill and stayed at Smokehouse. And over the years the place had suffered a steady decline.

Last December was the worse in terms of the facilities. At least now after some renovations were made, a few more rooms were opened and the place felt to buzzing again. But other things especially good had suffered.

Not only that you get less portion - a decline in quantity - the quality had also been really poor this time. I wasn't talking about breakfast, even the once-famous afternoon tea with scones - their flagship meal - had lost their shines.

Gone were the complimentary hot chocolate for nightcap in a small pot, where you enjoy a chat at the main common room in front of the TV or during the cold season, some fire. We only got a mug, and it wasn't fantastic.

It was a great shame since they had done a good job renovating the place. And looking at the stream of people coming over the couple of days, they shouldn't have much problem filling up the place especially during afternoon tea. If the scones continue to decline, they might just lose their business.

The rooms remains cosy and Parameswari, the housekeeper of almost 30 years was still there greeting us, remembered us from our previous stay. The nights were still cool and the beds were still warm. The hot shower in the morning still reminded me of my student days in England. The common room was still inviting and terraces and the dining tables were still inviting. The charm were still there but the glow was missing.

Such a beautiful establishment deserved a better group of people running them ...

Family Outing

It was a full day today. Anita wasn’t very pleased when she learned that I had to make a quick trip to the ward despite being on leave. She decided however to. Follow me for breakfast. This was followed by a quick trip to Sunway Pyramid, where she managed to get some shopping done.

We then went back to fetch the boys for lunch, and we went to Burger and Sushi before learning that Nana was having a cough and needed nebulisers. Enough excuse to head over to Kajang.

We started with a sushi lunchWhile I murdered some steakThe boys helping with some groceriesThat went on until dinner when my parents joined us as well. We had some really nice Thai food in Kajang town. Nana was better and would be travelling back to Kedah tomorrow back to her hostel. It was close to midnight when we finally settled back home. At least I could look forward to the prospect of not having to do the Weekly Sunday Morning Ward Round (tm)!

Foggy Morning

This entry was originally written in September 2016

I planned to do an early morning around the town after waking up very early. Unfortunately the cool mountain air produce a fog which have yet to lift. It threaten to rain as well, hence I decided against taking off.

But the fog did create some serenity. Combined with the cool fresh air, it was really a sight to behold.

I ended up sitting around enjoying the view instead until not was time to have some breakfast back at Smokehouse...