Botani Perdana

It had been a while since we went to the park. We hated going there mainly due to the traffic situation, often not finding a proper spot to park not to mention the aggro when there were a small lane opening while you were trying to pass.

The old Botanical Gardens, Lake Garden or Tasik Perdana has now been renamed Taman Botani Perdana. A lot of new infrastructure were being built, making the whole area - the Bird Park, Butterfly Gardens and Orchid Park seems more connected.

Irfan organising the drinksIdlan with his strap-on rubbery shoes ....Walking from the carparkLooking at the multistorey carpark from the groundFollowing our trip to the new Restoran Rebung, we learned that there was a new multistorey car park being opened. So, we parked there and walked across to the new area of the park where Panggung Anniversary used to be - there were renovations being done on the pavilion at the moment.

It was right pleasant and the place, being a Sunday afternoon was filled with joggers, cyclist and young families, some carrying picnic baskets and playing football.

Directions ....I want to roll down the hill on that grass ....Walking with dinosaursWalking onThe place was well kept and the walk across from the car park towards the children play area and the lake felt like a breeze. Pleasant weather and fresh air. We stopped for photos, quick drinks and fed the koi fish when we reached the lake, white people were running around having a good time.

Next stop, the lakeFeeding them turtles ...The crowd soon build up ....Ironic that people playing football by the sign ....Anita wished that she carried her picnic basket with her. But there were plenty enough seat for us to sit and have some ice cream while enjoying the surrounding.

The hard part was walking back to the car park - uphill mind - rushing there before sunset. But I must say we were pleasantly surprised with the day out and would definitely be coming again.

Enjoying the scene while doubling back ....Panggung Anniversary being rebuiltAlmost back to the carparkI was sure in the months to come, more attraction would've been ready, including the newly refurbished Panggung Anniversary. Looking forward to that.

Breakfast at the Terraces

With the nice weather, we were treated with breakfast out in the open during our stay. Although it was a bit on the chilly side, the warm meal soon thaw us up. It was nice actually, with the birds chirping and all.

The only problem was the boys refused to come down for breakfast, electing instead to stay in bed. So, Anita and I had to take turns to come down for our meals.

The room included full English breakfast, with choices of eggs, plus bacon and sausages. Great way to start the day. Sorry, no nasi lemak ....

Truckin while Waitin

It would become a routine from now on. Idlan will attending tuition in Melawati every Tuesday evening. Anita would stay in Gombak after school and should I have time, I would be joining her in Melawati while waiting for Idlan to finish his class.

While waiting, there were a few food trucks near the tuition venue. We decided to sample some pasta and were pleasantly surprised. My carbonara was superbly done and I must say that in was impressed. The only problem were the variety. There were three trucks parked there and all three seemed to have almost identical menu. Mainly Italian and Mediterranean.

I was pretty sure I've seen this before

Luckily there were a few more traditional restaurants around there. So, should we became sick of those cheesy offering, there would always be tomyam.

I must say I recognised the truck from the recent Foodgasm Fest we attended back in November. We didn't get to sample the food then since they ran out of food. Now we knew why the food ran out. They were rather good.

Looking forward to next week...

Cousins Were Back

My Mum had a bit of fever and we brought her for a check-up - dengue test negative - and stayed at the apartment over the weekend.

Julia came to visit and the moment her children arrived, my boys had been asking if they would stay overnight. It was a long weekend after all with Monday being a holiday for Thaipusam.

No wonder they slept late!Not sure what they were up to ..Looking through the old LEGO bitsSo, came the cue for a trip for junk-food shopping followed by early sushi dinner. Then the havoc started when we reached home again. More pizza and junk food ensued. Plus video games party of course.

They were all still asleep when I got up for my ward round this morning. Not sure what Julia's plan or what time she was coming over to pick the girls up. Mum also feeling much better and might be heading back to Bukit Antarabangsa today.

Dinner

Irfan swore that the fusili he had on the first night we were at Smokehouse was the best he had ever had. He finished his plate in double quick time and Idlan also enjoyed his roast beef.

Back in 2009, the food here was excellent. I still remembered the chicken pie I had then. I ordered the same item but although it was better than 2012, it still way below the offering back in our first visit. My Dad enjoyed his sole while Anita was on a diet - she only ordered some salad.

It's foggy outside. And cold!Loving the draft!Great ambiance though ..... and still very expensive!