Aidil Adha 2015

Unless in Kelantan, the Aidil Adha tended to be a low-key affair. It certainly looking that way this year until a few of our friends and relatives decided to come visit. So, Anita hit the kitchen on the double.

And it turned out to be a nice day, with some of the time I spent at my parents where our Qurban was held. Bringing the boys with me allowed Anita to get on with the cooking. She prepared both soto ayam and speghetti which were hits!

Spent the rest of the day just sitting around before another drive to my Mum's later that afternoon to pick up the Qurban meat.

We decided to head back to the apartment later that evening rather than spend another night. Usually our mornings tended to drag on till the afternoon and before we knew it, the day was gone. It was the right idea to head back early to get on with the rest of the week. A weekend where I decided to take things easy and just generally chill ....

The New Mediplex

It was finally opened. Although I haven't learned of any fanfare. The Mediplex right next to my ward was finally opened. More of a soft launch, announced by the opening of Starbucks.

Access was straight forward as there is a dedicated lift straight from the car park. I happened to park right next to that entrance. So. This morning, I decided to have a look. No clinics. Some time to kill on the way to breakfast.

Urut Melayu .... HmmmmThe lobby straight out of the liftWelcomeI'm sure it would be manned soonFrom the entranceNice and neat. Not all the outlets were opened yet, but the food outlets at the ground floor, plus Chicken Rice Shop had already started business since a couple of weeks back. There was also a pharmacy, which ironically was selling health supplements right there. According to the list, there would be more outlet upstairs mainly for wellness. I might just try some massage.

The next thing I looked at was the Surau. We have two Surau at SJMC, one for each tower. But they were small and we're more of an afterthought rather than a purpose built room. The one at Mediplex looked to be more dedicated although I wished that it would be bigger. It was tucked in at the back of the building, right by the lift.

Starbucks of course, with staff discountI's sure this on would be popular, if the service is fast enoughMore choice, but the number of seats were limitedPlace for wudukThe praying area was still emptyIt had a separate area for wuduk which was good, but it could with a bigger area to sit and store bags and shoes. It was also still empty. Just being opened I guessed. I had yet to try it myself.

To be honest, located by my car park made getting in and out through the new building easy for me. Great for getting a quick bite on my drive home before getting stuck in the usual jam.

Let's see what else was in store when the upper floors were opened. ‎

Stop for Cendol

The sun was getting higher and the clouds had parted by mid morning with the market bathed in some sunshine. With the sunshine came the early afternoon heat and humidity. By that time, I've been walking at least 3 km, and could do with a drink.

But nothing could be better than a touch of cendol and ice. Gorgeous. That also allowed me to catch up with the rest of the group as I was away from the main crowd while in the market.

I was told that this particular stall was the best in town. Or at least in Pudu. I found the ice a bit too sweet though. Couldn't finish all of it. But the stop was a welcomed one. The next part of the walk would be around some old shops along Jalan Pudu before some architecture shots and abandoned building at Jalan Sarawak.

Digging the Sunday Morning

It was always nice to wake up in the morning not having to rush for the ward round. And since we were at the apartment for the week, the drive to the hospital would only take me 10 minutes. I was able to chill out and take my time.

And this was despite being woken for an admission at 6 in the morning. The case could wait, and I had breakfast and enjoyed my morning shower before setting off.

Better enjoy it while it lasted. On call tomorrow ...

Padang Kota

A trip to Penang for me won't be complete without a stop at Padang Kota for laksa, sotong kangkung (squid and spinach) or sotong bakar (grilled squid). But most of the time it would be all three - like today.

After an afternoon nap, we set off for a ten minutes drive up the street to Padang Kota. Still early, we managed to get a spot to park without much hassle. Sat down, ordered the stuff and enjoyed the food. The boys only stared at us at the beginning although later Irfan joined us for laksa.

We tended to order from the same stall every time we came here. It was located at a corner, away from the sea front where most of the customers usually sat. It was good again today, although the squid was rather overcooked. The laksa was still the bomb though.

Sotong kangkungSome proper laksaOf course, some sotong bakarNext came the walk along the beach front. There were many vendors selling toys, and my boys went for the bubble guns. Before long, it was mayhem!

It was still an overcast day, with not much wind, making the weather rather muggy. A strong breeze would have been better. Once the bubbles dried up, we took a drive towards Batu Feringghi. It was almost Maghrib when we reached there, and Anita decided against getting off. There was a night market near the main intersection and the traffic was already starting to build up.

Time to head back to the hotel then ...