First Impression

When it comes to hotels, first impression could mean everything. It could be the maker or the breaker. So, we were expecting great things from Eastern & Oriental when we landed there yesterday, and we were not disappointed. In fact, for Puan Anita, she was impressed the moment she first set foot. As for me, I needed some warming up. The reception lady looked at me with a certain look when I arrived, and I got the distinct feeling that she was sizing me up. Especially when I booked for four nights ....

We booked at the Heritage Wing, the older and more exclusive site. Not exactly the most expensive room, but all the rooms at that particular wing didn't come cheap. They were all suites, and the key word when I opened the room door - no, I did not open the door, the butler did - was opulence.

Where we sat at whil being checked into our roomThe grand old staircaseAnita exploring the room of course. Before things get messy!Everything screamed antiques and quality. The butler took time to explain the workings of the rooms and the services provided.

We then went for a late lunch at one of the cafe - named after the Armenian brothers who built the hotel - Sarkies. Idlan went straight for the sirloin and scones. My God, it was gorgeous. Me? I had some laksa .... Old school ....

Time for a late lunch at SarkiesIdlan in his elements after ordering his steakSnap courtesy of IrfanThen came the photography session. I had to compete with a couple of Chinese couples doing their wedding photography there. There was a small patch of grass where my boys duly ran on. We went combed through the hotel looking at all the decorations and and services.

There were a couple wings at the hotel, the traditional one which we stayed at - called The Heritage Wing - and a more recently built Victory Wing, six floors with a car park.

Time to explore the rest of the hotelMaking our way across the compoundAlong the marbled corridorAt our wing, we had our private pool on the ground floor. I sampled it yesterday evening while waiting for dinner - it was room service. Nice relaxing laps while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves.

We left the windows opened during sunset to listen to the waves. Unfortunately the hotel faces the north part of the island. One had to venture outside to see the sunset. But we did face the sunrise this morning. So, GoPro to the ready tomorrow morning .....

Lazy Afternoon

In keeping with the spirit of Raya, I did the whole gambit this afternoon, heading out to one of my friend's open house, had a nice lunch and spent the afternoon on his couch snoozing away while my boys were running around the house, and Anita chatting away with her friends.

I must have dozed off for a good hour, before being woken up by Irfan. The drizzling rain did not help matters. It was a drag to get the boys to get back home as they were enjoying their afternoon so much. We headed straight to KLCC from the house as all three of us needed a haircut and we then settled for dinner before a quick walk around at the mall.

The mall was packed this afternoon with both the locals and foreigners. No space in the lifts as they were filled with strollers. The boys got themselves some toys - with Irfan getting a Furby Boom! I already did my fair share of shopping in the last few days, so enough spending for me.

Tomorrow would be some packing and trips to the bank and other formal errands. I also could do with a jog early tomorrow morning. Need to lose some of them calories ....

Then the Satay

For the second year running, satay was on the menu for Raya. We again bought the satay from Satay Sri Melaka at Keramat.

Anita made the booking last week. So, yesterday, we just turned up to pick up the order. By the time we arrived at the stall, the satay were already lined up. All we needed to do was to bring the receipt, and pick up the satay. No sweat!

Picking up the Rendang

We ordered the rendang a fee weeks in advance and the caterer that we ordered them from only take a limited number of orders. We had been ordering from them for a member of years and we were never disappointed.

My Mum came across them about ten years back when she ordered some catered food from them. They were both cheap and of good quality. And most importantly, very reliable.

When I took Anita to pick up the rendang, the items were already ready. We picked them up for my Mum and one of our friends. And the smell .... heavenly.

We would definitely be coming back here next year ...

Haze in an Empty City

https://www.flickr.com/photos/harisrahman/14587052618/

The City dwellers were still away. Might as well as overnight, the air quality plummeted. Visibility was down to less than 200m despite the City being almost devoid of its usual traffic.

Not a good idea for outdoor activities. At least that was what I told myself when I got up this morning and was too lazy to have my morning jog.

Now praying that it would rain, washing the haze particles away ....