No Kino?

Puan Anita asked me to follow her shopping this evening and I duly obliged. Destination was Suria as she had to buy some stuff for the upcoming trip to Kelantan. As you know, ladies took their time while shopping and I was practically left to my own devices for almost a couple of hours. So, I spent some time at Kinokuniya.

The place was not like it used to be where one was free to browse the books. I loved looking at travel and architecture books. But all of them were covered in plastic films. Yes, you could ask the salesperson to unwrap them for you, but you'd end up with a dirty look and after a couple of unwraps, you'd soon get enough.

I finally had it after half an hour or so, and decided to look at the magazines instead. I do realise that the place was not exactly a library, but the fact that the books were all wrapped just put me off from getting interested.

Maybe I was just getting old .....

Far Far Away

Finally we were there. Far Far Away. The mystical land where Shrek went to live and rule. It was fun. It was tacky. But that was it was supposed to be.

The first area we entered was supposed to be the Wicked Witches Hut. It turned out to be a gift shop. But you could get yourself exclusive stuffs here. And I spent more than SG 150 on gifts and toys. There was a small ferry's wheel which we queued up for. A small one. The kids seemed to enjoy it. You would be treated by the sight of Puss-in-Boots hanging right in the middle of the wheel. A nice touch.

The entrance was unmistakeableInside the Wicked Witch Hut, where the potions were made. A rather nice surprise in every cornerCome here pussy, pussy, pussy .....There was also one of the more popular ride here, The 4D. Unfortunately Puan Anita wasn't really keen on that. So we gave that one a miss. Next door was Shrek's house as well a few other restaurants and shops.

A popular ride this one. The queue was long ....Meanwhile, at the swamp ....I wished that Shrek and Fiona would make an appearance here. But obviously we were too early. Oh well! We could've stayed longer but the pull of Madagascar next door proved too much.

The Universal Studios

Everyone has been asking me, was the trip to Universal Studios worth it? Of course! Most definitely. I initially had problem convincing my children to go. After all, there was a huge billboard along the MRR2 near my house in Gombak which said, "Sunway Lagoon, Asia's Best Attraction." And they swore by that!

Now, they kept telling me that Universal Studios couldn't be as good. After the trip, they changed their mind.

But, if you don't believe the boy's endorsement, you should go there yourself. It was electric. From the moment you enter the park, the excitement was palpable.

By the main entraceGift shops everywhereTime for a breatherMore photos ......We went there on a Monday. The crowd was apparently lighter, but still a bit more than a typical Monday since it was a public holiday in Malaysia. I could tell that the majority of the visitors - as well as the staffs - were from Malaysia. We got purr tickets beforehand via the internet, so all we had to do was start straight at the entrance queue. We reached there shortly after 10.30 am, and there was already a crowd. Despite that, everything was orderly. The next step was to pick up the park map. They were everywhere and easy to get hold off.

The park was basically devised into 7 areas, all with a unique theme. In the end we spent more time at the Lost World - a Jurassic Park-based attraction - and Far Far Away where Shrek lived. The main dining area was by Hollywood area. 

Rather than dwell on in one long entry, I might as well write on the individual area separately. So, watch this space …..

The Terendak Trip

Red carpet. Great singing from the College Choir. Wifi at the Balai Pelajar. Students allowed handphones. Students proficient in English. Those were few of the surprises I had today when I visited my former college.

I was honored to be invited to officiate a program there and spent slightly more than an hour at the rostrum, giving motivational talks and taking questions from the floor. It went very well. I had the chance to impart what knowhow I had to help them prepare for their exams and future.

Entering the campI also got to meet my former teachers and visited my old dormitory. Some of the building had been renovated since I've last been to Terendak in 2009 - I was there for a career talk. The main one being Block F being built up to three floors - my batch were the first to use the old Block F back in 1985, and it was a double-story building.

The main cafeteria were also extended to accommodate the growing number of students. The playing fields also looked better maintained, compared to when I was there as a student.

My old dormitory. I stayed there for a couple of years - 1988-89The new block F. It used to be only a couple of floors.The old smelly lake was also gone.The cafetaria had been expanded.I had a nice chat with the Principal as well. I was glad that he put plenty of emphasis on co-curricular activities rather than just all studies. The choir were definitely going strong. I remember how frustrated I was as a student when being told to just study, and the Principal then not giving a hoot about anything else. Something which I touched during my talk.

All in all, it had been a fruitful day. I was also approached to visit other MRSM as well. That would be at the mercy of my tight schedule though. Should I be invited again, I would definitely return in a heartbeat.

Back from Terendak

The journey time from Terendak and Gombak was just under a couple of hours. Both in and then the return. The journey down was especially nice as I travelled on an empty highway, setting off just after Subuh prayers.

I had to be in Terendak by 9 and I made it with half an hour to spare. A nice drive down, exiting the highway at Linggi, taking the last 45 minutes along the scenic kampung route. In early morning in fresh air. It was nice.

I have arrived a bit earlier as I was too tired to hang around, plus the fact that I had to be on call tomorrow meant that I could do with a rest and rest I did. I also had to decline an offer to vosit anotjer teacher in Melaka. As soon as I reached home, I took a nap and only woken up a couple of hours after with a phonecall from work. I'll probably have to drive in to visit a patient at some point this evening.

So, for the meantime, I need some food. And a shower. Will blog more later tonight, maybe after the big game against Liverpool. As usual, I've it to have some tandoori .....