Putrajaya Next

Got back home straight after ward round instead of looking for food today. The boys only just woken up and heading for the showers. It was soar time for lunch. A quick change of plans and before I knew it, I was already sat at a table at China Treasures staring at some tasty dim sum. I couldn't say no to that.

My mother-in-law came along and after lunch, we headed straight to Putrajaya taking Idlan along for a spot of fresh air.

Unfortunately as I was approaching Putrajaya - I wasn't doing the driving - it began to drizzle. Heavily.

Hmm..... Spoiled the plan indeed

Balloons!

To take my mind of the fact that I will be heading to Ipoh tomorrow alone without the boys, I decided to take them to the hot air balloon show over in Putrajaya. There were balloons alright, but unfortunately not of the hot air variety. We arrived there at around 10.30 am and the main exhibits have already brought their balloon down in preparation for this evening’s ‘Night Glow’. What was left in terms of balloon were four tethered baskets for the tethered balloon ride, which cost a bit to get into. Apparently the quota for the day have been sold out.

But the balloons were not all. There were helicopter rides, a big bazaar and stalls area, ‘waterball’, songstage and other activities. I reckoned there was easily 500 people in the crowd, so in terms of audience number, the fiesta looked a success. It was a shame that we came at the wrong time and the weather was getting warm then as well. It would have been better to get there either earlier in the morning or late evening, in time to watch the ‘Night Glow’ as well. Just pray that it won’t be raining.

Already coming downWaterball!The funny bikeThe thing that caught our eyes were this interesting looking tricycle, where instead you stand to peddle, you actually lie on a mini-platform and kick out to paddle. Unfortunately the queue was too long for us to try but it sure looked fun. We spent a few more minutes at the stalls, but by the time both Idlan and Irfan were already getting restless. We left the area before midday, and head over to the Marriott for lunch.

The vast lobby filled up with tables for todayWhat Chee Chee made for Puan AnitaWe were amongst the first to arrive and quickly get our food for buffet. Then in walk the clown. Put it this way, we saw more balloons from the clown than at the balloon fiesta! Since there was only a couple of table with kids, he lingered around quite a bit. He happened to be Chee Chee the Clown. He was the one that we got for Irfan’s second birthday party back in 2008. He also had him over for Imran’s birthday later that year, so I recognised him straight away! He spent some time doing his balloon tricks and entertaining the boys. The buffet hall was fully booked but they were for a corporate event which lunch did not start until way after 1 pm. Even the music trio got bored as there were hardly any crowd at the beginning and came over to sing for the boys. As usual, Idlan asked for an Abba song and they duly obliged.

Irfan looking bemusedThe boys just finished their crumbs only! Spoilt!Chee Chee joining in the singingWhile waiting around to burn the boy’s sugar down after lunch, a couple of people called on me. They were old friends who I thought during their Masters program at UMMC. There was a pharmaceutical company meet-up at the hotel the same afternoon and it was nice to meet up with old colleagues. We left for home just after 2 pm and then rushed out again. Just me and Puan Anita. We had some business to attend to ……

Puan Anita's new laptopPuan Anita has been fed up with her old 3 year-old laptop. She needed a new one. It was a shame that she did not want a Mac. Vaio was a bit too expensive for what it can do, so we got an HP for her. A good discount, decent package, with free upgrade to Windows 7 which I am currently installing. Apparently it takes a while to install. 

Colonoscopy and maid issue

My father-in-law had his colonoscopy done this morning. Alhamdulillah everything was fine. There was no ulcer or anything untoward. He was discharged shortly after. He suffered more from the fasting and bowel preparation last night than the actual bleeding. He needed some rest. I went to visit him very early on, bringing my brother-in-law along who have just touched down from Beijing at 6 am.

The colonoscopy only took around 20 minutes, done by one of my friend. My dad tolerated it well, snoozing through the whole process with the help of medications and the lack of sleep of course. After a quick sandwich we headed home. In the meantime, Puan Anita was caught in a drama of her own, bringing along one of our maid for visa extension in Putrajaya. It was nearly 7pm before she arrived back home. My mother came along to look after our boys while I was at the hospital. Upon returning, I got to spend a few hours with them, doing guys thing. We stopped short of actually building a tent! Last day of school break. Irfan will be joining Idlan tomorrow at Sri Utama.

As for tonight, I have to visit my Dad-in-law again to administer some medications on him. He will need some blood tests repeating on Wednesday. I'll be taking tomorrow off. I'm still recovering from United getting beat by Leeds last night ......

Weekend in Putrajaya - Day 2

Pullman Day 2 - Dinner at The Village 4, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

This is the only real full day that we spend in Putrajaya but unfortunately I had to return to UMMC for my ward round that morning. On the way back, I was stuck in traffic due to the anti-ISA rally in the middle of town. There were roadblock everywhere and the Federal Highway was turned into one giant car park.

I finally reached Putrajaya after lunch. My wife has ordered in, and we decided to head to Alamanda since it was rather hot outside. The boys had already had their dose of swimming in the pool when I was away so they are pretty content. We spend a good few hours there walking around.

It was nearly 5 when we reached our room. My wife decided to have a lie in. I went out with my camera to take some shots. Unfortunately the weather was overcast then. Initially we planned to go out for dinner, but everyone was pretty tired by then. I decided to check out another restaurant in the hotel. It is on the jetty by the lake overlooking the hotel. Nice ambiance. Wide open space. Sounds of crickets in the air with cool breeze.

'The Village' serves Western fusion food. I ordered some salad and halibut as my main. It was gorgeous. The kids ran around on the jetty. There is a small little air conditioned room smack in the middle of the jetty. They went in there to cool off before running around again.

One thing that impressed me about 'The VIllage' is the waiters. They went the extra mile to make our patronage an enjoyable one. They explained to us the content of the menu, attend to our request for food for our kids and delivered food to the room for our parents. It was certainly a nice change.

The lobby for Seri Tanjung WIng

Weekend in Putrajaya - Day 1

Dessert in a spoon - put a new twist in the word dessert spoon, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Unfortunately, due to the student exams and SIRIM audit in UMMC, my planned holidays were canceled. Instead, Anita booked a weekend getaway for us and her parents. After much deliberation, she decided on Pullman Putrajaya, a place we visited sometime in April.

Irfan redecorating the tableThe ceiling deco at b bistroIt is a brand new hotel, and as I can see during the stay, part of it were not yet opened. We stayed at one of the executive floors, but for the price we paid, I think the pricing was very steep. This was compensated however by the nice swimming pool and a sometime surprisingly resourceful staff. The room we stayed was advertised to have a lounge area, but it was essentially was a square room, with a settee and table as a study, plus a rather small toilet. There was no separation between the bed and the lounge. Worst still, the study table was smack in front of the TV.

Being a Friday, I can't escape from clinic especially with my Boss away in Beijing. Anita and the rest checked in first at around 2, and I only traveled after work. Traffic was rather tight and I only arrive there at around 8, starving of course. As soon as I reach there, we went for dinner at the 'b bistro'. There was a buffet, but the selection was forgettable. I ordered some salad and pasta - the healthy choice. The deco at the bistro was rather chic, with themed colour scheme - red and white - and tasteful cutlery. The ceiling decoration was also quite unique.

Daddy settling into some pasta.... and some starfruit juiceAs both Idlan and Irfan have already hit the pool earlier in the day, they were understandably tired. We settled in right after dinner.