Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

I just returned from taking Puan Anita out to Jalan Taunku Abdul Rahman. She wanted to get some tudung and 'telekung' for Terawikh, so we thought we give the place a visit with the day was still early.

The last time I went here was last year, but that was just to drop by at the bookstore. This time around, we actually ventured into the stalls and market. We parked at Semua House, the spiraling carpark up to the top. The place has hardly changed in the last 10 years or so. Still the small colourful shops and vendors selling their wares on the corridors. But the parking fare has certainly kept pace. It was RM4 per hour.

It was just past 2 pm when we arrived, so the traffic was only just building up. The stalls were also just being opened, and they would stay open till midnight. Anita basically got what she wanted at the first shop we entered, and within 20 minutes, we were all set to return home.

The place definitely brought back memories as when I was in school, I tended to come here with my Mum, to shop and buy books at the famous Pustaka Minerva. I also remembered that Semua House had the biggest Habib Jewel Shop before they were famous and had branches everywhere. There was Globe Slik Store of course, and a number of carpet shops - I thought Udani Carpets was one of them - which my parents frequented to. There was also the famous KFC and A&W outlet sitting next to each other - as they still did today. Doubling back, you'd venture into Wisma Yakin and Masjid India. Now, that would be a different entry all together!

There were bargains everywhereThe famous Pustaka MinervaCheck out the KFC and A&W next to each otherMore bargains

Even at this hour, the Police had been keeping an eye on the traffic, making sure that everything ran smoothy. I cringe at the thought of how it would be like just before Aidilfitri.

Getting out of the place was easy with the one-way system being employed. We were back in Gombak within 20 minutes. Should I come here again, I would probably park at CapSquare, located just 5 minutes away. Traffic flow going in and out there would be a lot smoother, not to mention plenty of parking slot - and a trip to the movies there should you wish to. More of the photos I took from the walk here.

Baju Melayu Time

Anita really like the to shop for Hari Raya at Bac Medacena, a traditional Malay boutique at Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail. We had been going here for a number of years, and I still think that the place was overpriced. Not helped by the attitude of the workers there who tended to pick and choose who they gave their service to. Unfortunate really. Usually, I just let Anita do the shopping. After a few incidences where I was ignored, needeing to practically beg for assistance, I really couldn't be bothered to enter the shop. Even today, I just stayed in the car. There was no parking space anyhow, so I might just as well.

But to be fair, they do provide quality garments, and the service in terms of product is reliable, but you have to book early for Raya, unless you prefer to pick the shirts and dresses off the shelves. The location of the shop was also quite tricky to get to and parking could be difficult. As I said, I tended to stay in the car, so no real problem there.

I must warn you that the clothes there was not exactly cheap, but you get what you paid for. The clearance sale after Raya tended to be very good if you were into bargains. They had the whole stuff there, from songkok, Baju Melayu and accessories, even footwear. Anita loved to go there because they also make cute garments for children, and she tended to be able to pick everything on the same visit. You can click on their Facebook page here if you wanted more details.

 

Ready to Go Out

Getting ready to take Puan Anita out for the chores. First stop should be Bangsar for the bank, followed by TTDI and lastly IKANO/Curve. Should be a productive day, and plenty to blog about.

The boys were still asleep and hopefully they would behave themselves. Better not to upset their Grandmother who has been feeling a bit down since my brother-in-law left for Turkmenistan on Sunday. Then, there would be the small matter of clearing up my table from all the junks I have accumulated in the last few weeks!

The First Day

A right shine!Being on leave has its perks but at the same time stretches the day making the day felt longer during Ramadhan. After a hearty sahur, we went back to sleep and only woke up way past 10 am. I then had to drive Puan Anita around, to the bank, then for grocery. And lastly of course Pasar Ramadhan. But I would keep the Pasar Ramadhan tales to another entry.

The traffic today was really bad especially driving back from Great Eastern Mall through Jalan Ampang. A good 45 minutes just to enter MRR2. Since returning from the Penang trip, we have yet to give the van a good cleaning. That was sorted out, wax and all at GE Mall. And ad usual, I overspent again at Cold Storage. My trolley seemed to be filled with nachos!

GE Mall has yet to get into the spirit of Ramadhan yet. There were hardly any deco up for the time being.

National Geography Store

On the last afternoon I was in London, while walking past Regent Street, this store caught my eye. I was glad that I ventured in as they actually sell outdoor gears and gadget, from GPS, clothing to camera bags. Unfortunately, as I was not planning to do much shopping that day, I had to exist the nice T shirt the sold there.

The store was bigger than I thought with a themed cafe right at one end. The basement floor basically housed the outdoor gears, while the main floor, the cafe, the main clothing as well as area for exhibits, where should you be interested, you can buy some stunning photographs there. Unfortunately, they do not come cheap! The First Floor housed more clothing as well as books and guides. The bags they had there ranged small small pouch, to full on knapsack. They were rugged enough for the desert, and the pouches were all water-proved. The material was really light but sturdy and looking at it, I understood why it cost so much.

I had some hot chocolate at the cafe, while waiting for the rain to stop. It was pouring all afternoon, and I was not talking about gentle drizzle I was used to. After a while, I decided to walk the 200 yards to the Piccadilly Circus station, which took me back to Canary Wharf. It was straight to the airport after that.