Look at my new shoes - Cuti Raya Day 2

Kasut baru, kasut raya, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

A rather dull day today. Anita had to go to Putrajaya to settle the maid's permit for next year, and I babysat the two boys. She was back by 1 and we planned to do some shopping later in the day and get a haircut for Idlan. His fever is now better and he is getting restless to leave the house. Since Anita and her Mum was tired from the Putrajaya journey, they took a nap before we left.

We set out at around 3.30. The traffic was really bad along MRR2 and Jalan Ampang. We finally reached the Great Eastern Mall carpark just before 6! 2 and a half hour journey to travel 7 miles! Madness. Apparently the Minister has announced that tomoorow will be a day off for schools. The parents hence set about to leave for kampung tomorrow and went into a last minute shopping frenzy. The traffic was basically jam-packed, not just at Jalan Ampang, but most of the trunk roads into the City Center. We were lucky that the boys were still under control in the car, and nobody needed to rush to a toilet.

Since time was tight, we got the shoes for the boys. Irfan actually picked her own (above). Apparently the spider on the laces were the clincher. He can't stop running around in them right after. We then headed to Cozy House to see if there are any empty table for iftar. We were turned away however. Reluctantly we had to settle for a table at Penang Village right next door. I decided to have Japanese instead at Express Sushi. It worked out better for me I think.

Luckily the traffic back was smooth. By the time we reached home, everybody was already tired. Time to catch some zzzz. I am taking my Uncle to see the Urologist tomorrow, so going back to UMMC for a bit tomorrow morning.

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Greetings from Port Dickson - Day 2

Irfan and his castle

Pasaraya Mesra - for all your towel needs!It was stormy the night before. All our towels outside were soaked. The first order of the day is to buy fresh ones. After that was settled, we decided to do some shopping in town. My mother-in-law's maid has a relative here in PD, so we let her go for a visit.

After shopping we headed to Thistle, a newly refurbished hotel just south of Telok Kemang. The last time we visited it, it was still in it's earlier incarnation, the Guomon.

After a quick walk around the place, we settled at the creche. We spent nearly 2 hours there, watching DVDs, playing ping-pong etc. The boys had some ice-cream by the pool. The weather was overcast and dull. The best place to stay was indoors.

We never stayed here before, so I can't comment about the rooms. The pool was nice with a separate area for young kids with waterslides and shades. The whole place was designed to be child-friendly. My main gripe was the lack of lifts. There was only one that we can find, to serve all six floors. Waiting for one can be an eternity. We therefore used the stairs instead. But imagine if you have a pram or carrying some bags, that can be an issue.

The creche was nice and cozy. The walls and floors were covered with foamy mats for protection. There was a room filled with balls were my boys were practically swimming in it. The entrance fee was however rather steep at RM15 per child. You can use the ticket the whole day however. The toilet and changing facilities for kids at the creche was also very good. By about 4.30, we went back into town to pick up the maid.

After a quick change and shower back at the apartment, we returned to Thistle for Berbuka. The buffet spread was very good and the price was way reasonable if you compare to KL. Apart from the usual Malay dishes, there was also barbecue, salads and plenty of sweets. Unfortunately the waitress messed up our booking went we came earlier to book a table. We were surprised to learn that there was no table under our name when we turned up. Luckily, the duty manager was nice enough to arrange for one even thought the place was fully booked. The manager will get an email for this .....

After another walk post-food, we headed back to the apartment content. The boys were still jumping until almost midnight, but all in all, it was a nice day for everyone.

* more picture will appear as they were uploaded into flickr

Happy Ramadhan

Pasar Ramadhan 1, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Yup! I bravely stepped out to go to the local Pasar Ramadhan. It was teaming with people, contrary to what I expected. Not many of the were wearing mask. At least they are being sensible. There were plenty of stalls, and all the usual suspects were available. As for me, it is the typical 'air asam boi', 'cucur udang' and chicken wings 'madu'. Got all of them, and really content. Have to wait for berbuka (breaking fast), to see if they taste as good as they look.

Packed!I spent the morning at the doctor's clinic to pick up Idlan's MC which we forgotten yesterday. Alhamdulillah, Idlan is fine today, running around as usual. Come afternoon, a quick drive to Taman Melawati for the Pasar Ramadhan. Even though it is 10 minutes from my house and there are other stalls nearby, I have been frequenting there for the last 15 years, even during the time I was studying in the UK, if I have the chance to celebrate Eid at home.

As I mentioned, there were surprisingly plenty of people. I had to park by the roadside. There were even reporters from TV3 doing reports, and I can see the cameras panning around. The reporter stopped a few people for quick chats. I was concentrating on my chicken wings though! I decided to drive there early, at 4pm to just have a look. It turned out to be packed instead. Oh well!

Since it was only 4.45 when I got home, I went out again for a haircut. The usual mamak joint of course, with the beck neck-twisting action and back massage. Nice, and I still have feeling on my feet!

The boy with the mask!

The boy with the mask!, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

The H1N1 pandemic has certainly hit fever pitch here in Malaysia - pun intended. You should listen to the parents' meeting at the entrance of Idlan's kindergarten. There are even parents who are planning to keep their children away until the pandemic ends .... ie next year? Even my wife caught the bug (another pun). She was asking me about all sorts and basically being the middle person to all of Idlan's classmate parents. Should they wear masks? What brand of mask? Is the RM3 better than the 50 sen ones? Why was the school not closed? I think rather than bitching around about it, they should just read about the public guideline and get on with their life!

However, there will be another group that will affected by all this. The People selling breakfast food during Ramadhan. It is common knowledge that some people actually take unpaid leave during the month to open up business. They rake in a hell of a lot.

Ramadhan in Malaysia is a time where everybody mingle around. The shopping malls will be full with shoppers buying new wares for the coming Hari Raya. Before breaking fast, it is almost traditional that they visit the stalls to buy food. These makeshift markets are called 'Pasar Ramadhan' and they spring up like mushroom.

At night, people go out again shopping in the streets. It is much cooler at night compared to the day. They can also eat out. A lot of people also frequent the mosques and surau for Tarawikh prayers every night. I am sure that there will be an effect to the way we celebrate Ramadhan and Hari Raya.

While we are on the subject of Hari Raya, the celebration will definitely be dented this year. I can announce a big open house because I am sure nobody will be coming ... hehehe! Have a blessed Ramadhan!