Holiday was Sorted

For the after EId break this year, we would be going back to Penang. But this time, rather than staying with the relatives, we decided to lay low and stay at a hotel in town. We decided to spend most of the time indoors - if there such a thing.

The initial plan was to get a room at Batu Feringghi, at one of the beach resorts. But while browsing, Anita discovered a converted old Colonial mansion which was now a hotel. No arguments. We did the booking this afternoon ....

If would be smack in the middle of Georgetown. I have never been to this hotel before, so hopefully the hype were true .... Fingers crossed!

Back in Sungai Petani

Yesterday afternoon, while in a meeting, I received the news that my Uncle passed away. He was getting worse overnight and by the morning, it was inevitable that he couldn't hang on for much longer. The Doctors spoke to the family again this morning and from the tone of their voice, the end was near.

By 5, my parents, Anita, the two boys and myself were back on the road. A quick stop near Ipoh for berbuka and we reached Kepala Batas by 10 pm. My Uncle's body was laid to rest earlier in the evening. So we went straight to his house to meet my cousin and Aunt.

Next was checking in into the hotel - it was in Sungai Petani to be near my other Aunt. We plan to go to the grave tomorrow morning on our way back to KL.

I'll be on call on Wednesday. So, I'd better get some rest. I had just had my sahur while I drafted this entry, waiting for Subuh. Would be catching on some sleep after that. ‎

Pasar Malam

After spending the best part of an hour at the ICU talking to the nurses about my Uncle, I went straight to Kepala Batas. It was time for pasar malam. I just couldn't resist it. Being Saturday evening, the place was packed. It didn't help when I got there just after half past 6. The crowd were really in a rush to get their chopping done.

Didn't get to do a proper browsing. It was pretty much smash and grab, before rushing to Sungai Petani, arriving there just in time for berbuka.

It was undercooked. We had to cook again at home.Spent the rest of the evening catching up with the family gossip and talking about my Uncle. He remained critical, and the journey for him would be a long one. It also looked like he might have to be on dialysis at the rate he was going. Big challenges ahead.

After the talks died down, I really need to get some sleep - and catch the football a bit later on. It would be a subdued game with the two semifinal losers meeting for a third placing match. But still worth the watch ....

Busy Weekend

I had planed for a long weekend from tomorrow, but it looked like I would have to drive up to Penang after clinic. My Uncle was in ICU, and his condition did not look very clever. My Mum was already there, so I plan to head up there and pick my Mum up on the way back.

So, for this evening, we would still go out for our customary Friday evening outing. Will be catching some dinner after berbuka, and maybe do a bit of shopping.

I'd probably drive back on Sunday afternoon if things were OK in Penang. I should arrive back in KL just in time for the World Cup Final with Anita. As it stood at the moment, I'd better enjoy any free time I had. There would not be much over the weekend I was afraid ...

Cosy Little Hotel

I wouldn't call it little, but it certainly was a cosy place. Only had the chance to stay there overnight and the location being right next tot he airport and about 20 minutes away from the centre of Kuching City certainly made it more of a business hotel rather than a holiday one.

Four Points was the name and it was part of the Sheraton/Starwood chain.

Time for room serviceSun shining into the lobby floorThe room I stayed in was a simple one, but it had everything including Internet. Few basic movie channels. Nothing fancy.

I got to order room service when I arrived, and the service was prompt plus the food was actually quite nice. The steak could've been better cooked, but it was ok.

Internet was not the fastest and since there was only a single sports channel - and also a single movie channel - I had to resort to RTM1 to catch the football matches.

Time for breakfast

The breakfast spread was fine. Again the service was prompt and the food was well-prepared. Didn't get to sample the gym nor the swimming pool. The pool being right next to the main cafe where breakfast was served was really a put off.

The lobby however was nice and roomy. It had a few cafe and a bar by the main reception if you wanted to catch the World Cup matches on the big screens.

The hall where we had our talks were spacious. I was able to use my Mac connected to the presentation projector, which was a big plus.

I wouldn't recommend the hotel if you were coming with your family for a visit though due to its location. Hotels in town - Pullman and Hilton - would've been a better choice. It would be nearer to the city attractions and most importantly food. This hotel was mainly for business meetings and conferences.