Just get home safely

It's the year of the Dragon! And before I begin what I'd set out here to write, I'm choosing to not give up this rare opportunity to wish all of you sepets, oink-oink eaters, ang pow givers and every tom, dick and harry out there who would be celebrating this prosperous and blessed festival. May your homes be filled with love, joy, peace and may you be blessed with God's divine protection, good health, cheerful company, fruitful success, refreshing rest and joyful moments everyday. Peace out.

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Before the date was settled and passports renewed, it was an either here nor there moment as Dad contemplated on the destination for a family vacation. India was apart of the list of countries he'd initially planned for and then there came along China to take it's place. After weighing the pros and cons and all the necessary, Dad finally settled for Rome - especially since it's going to be the last time that country would be listed on the list of countries MAS flies to (only for the time being, I hope). It was also decided that it would only be Mum whom he would take along with him. In a country as romantic as Rome, with it being thousands and thousands of miles away from the three of us, it's little wonder why eh?

With both of their luggage packed and ready to spend the rest of the entire CNY week in the company of each other, they'd be leaving tonight.

People would ask me, having found out about my parents dued absence if whether we'd be okay on our own. Never really parting from my sarcastic and egoistic ways, I'd reply, "Good, let them go". I'd smile the cheeky thresher-cat smile and make the kind of hand gesture that would only mean, when translated, "Get lost!". But after what took place yesterday, I'm starting to open my eyes a little wider and look at their absence in a slightly different light.

A few hours before I hit the sheets, Dad huddled us all together as a unit and had a little family meeting. And of all things, he'd brought up the topic about his will. It would be the first time we'd be left on our own without the supervision of the two pillars which have kept our little stuffy condominium a home all these years. So that is why Dad thought it would be an appropriate time to brief us, touching on the surface of everything from safety right up to the steps we would be advised to take if, god forbid, anything were to happen to them while they spend time away.

What strummed the emotional chord and rendered great importance was when he said that if anything were to happen to them, he'd be the proudest Dad if during the eulogy at his funeral, we'd mention... I'm paraphrasing but it was something along the lines of:

1. I have been Christian my whole life.
2. I love the Lord my God with all my heart and soul.
3. I hope, with all my might, that the rest of you would accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

These are the three things he wants me to mention during his eulogy. After thinking and pondering upon the whole idea of him not being around anymore, I shook my head and tried to erase even the slightest trace of that thought altogether.

However, on a similar note, I'd like to think that they'd have a wonderful time in the comfortable and loving company of each other. I hope they get to discover new things and be amazed at things that would surprise them.

But if I had just one wish, I just wish for them to come home safely.

Amazing Grace 2011

So, I'm finally home from the Amazing Grace event which was clued and mapped all the way to Kuantan. Unlike the last Amazing Grace which I participated with my family, this required more of my participation as we worked together as a team to unlock each and every clue that was given to us, which if I may add, would be the only way we could get lead back to our hotel. The entire race was spent seated in a old, beated-up, unair-conditioned Proton Saga, which made our butts ache, skin even tanner than it already is, and sweat drip all over our body (which isn't as turning on as it sounds, by the way).

Upon arriving at the Bukit Gambang Resort City - Waterpark Resort, Jemimah and I checked into a room which we had to share with the Dorai's. We didn't get a room to ourselves because 1) we didn't pay for a room and 2) the entire hotel was fully booked due to it being Labour's Day. So our sleeping arrangments had to be altered and rooms had to be exchanged in the end. But it was alright, we understood. What we - I -  did not understand was the long and complicated roots we each had to take just to get around the hotel. It was as if we were caught in a maze and there was no easy exit. Absolutely ridiculous, if I may say so.

Despite not having a room to ourselves, the amount we paid for entitled us to free Waterpark tickets which wasn't valid until the second day. So when the sun scorched in the sky during midday the following day, a large group of us youths hopped on the tram and was dropped off right at the entrance of the Waterpark. All the pent up hype and excitement that drove me to attend this year's Amazing Grace was dampened right then and there when we saw the unbelievable number of cars parked along the roadside but the worst was yet to come. When we walked in, the impossible crowd was even more unbelievable. Wet, sweaty and sandy bodies were everywhere. With such a huge crowd present, rules are expected to be broken. And they were. The "No smoking" sign that was stabbed into the ground was a big joke. The queues to each ride was annoyingly long and winding, setting off my patience. I couldn't take it anymore so by 5pm, after engaging in a game of beach football and watching my peeps go neck-to-neck with each other, I decided to pack up and head back to the hotel. I was worn out.

Holidays are supposed to be a relaxing and self-discovering retreat from reality, aren't they? But I can't possibly consider this 3 day stay to be such because it was not even close. For the most part, it was exhausting. As much of an early-nighter I was and no matter how early I tried to get myself to sleep, I didn't manage to get enough hours anyway.Yes, there is a hidden explanation behind this statement but no I will not voice it out here. But what I can regretfully say is that I missed so much. While the night was still young for my roommates, I was the odd one out catching up on some shut-eye. I even missed the much anticipated game of Mafia on the last night. That was a bummer.  

I guess what really tired me out though was the continuous annoyance and disturbance I received from Ben whom made full use of his ever so sarcastic antics, never missing out on an oppurtunity to insert either an insulting or too-good-to-be-true remark about something I did or said. But despite how exhausting it was to be his source of amusement, I have to admit that it was at the same time the very thing that brightened up my day. His constant teasing was the rope that pulled me back from being sucked into a whirlpool of emotion. 


Parallel to the exhaustion each day left on my sun-kissed skin, I was also dealing with matters of the heart which lead to mood swings as the aftermath. Hence, constantly being the odd one out among my group of friends. The distance that is in-between that certain someone and I and the time we rarely have together was and is the sole reason of it all. It is hard enough that we live so far apart and I think I made it even harder for him when I left for Kuantan, even if it was in the span of three short days. I could tell by the change in his voice when he confessed, so sad and tear-filled with sniffs in between.

"If I could, I would have never gave you the green light to leave." He said, in the most saddest tone I have ever heard from him.

"But dear, it's just for three days. If I didn't go on this trip, it's not like I can spend time with you anyway. You'll be busy at work." I said, trying to make him understand.

"Yes, I know that. But when I come home from a long day's work, I doubt I'd be able to pick up the phone and call you because you'd be so busy. There won't be any time left for me during those three days." He replied, worried.

"I'd always make time when it comes down to you, you know that." I said, attempting to make him feel better.

"Yeah, sure. We'll see about that." He said, giving up. Half-believing, half-accepting.

But it was not just about me leaving to Kuantan, it was the change that was taking place in our lives, our busy schedules intervening in our relationship. Twenty four hours in a day and we only get to spend (at most) two hours with each other, and that too, is only via phone call. It was the strain that has been on our relationship due to prolonged arguments about petty issues. It was about how both of us have changed in our relationship, so much so that it sometimes feels like things can never return to the way they once were - the comfort I find in him, the openness, the shared inside jokes, the exchange of secrets, him being the one person I can depend on to cheer me up; the one person I do not have to worry about being myself with.

I miss it. I miss it all. I miss him. The him I am referring to is the man I met at camp, the one who would stare at me from across the room just to see if I had noticed it. The one that did not sweep me off my feet but managed to creep his way into my heart. Him. 

Sitting at the staircase I was when thoughts of him, me, us, everything floaded my mind. And at that time, I wished for nothing more than for time to fly faster so that I could return home.

Two days later, my wish was granted. Without hesitation, I packed my belongings and parked my luggage at the front door, ready to drag it out when it was time. My mind pretty much spaced out when I sat by the balcony, killing time as I allowed my thoughts to flood my mind. I then also realized that I wasn't feeling the way I usually do when a trip or a vacation draws to a close. There was neither a hidden longing to prolong this trip and stay for a few more days nor an urge to head home immediately. In fact, I couldn't have cared less. My feelings were pretty neutral. 

Right now, being at home and sitting in-front of my laptop, I know that this is where I want to be - and would rather be. But if I were given the chance to do it all over again - ROAD TRIP! - I would do so in a heartbeat. This trip may not have been a self-discovering journey for me, nor did it feed my wide eyes to wonder, but if there is something I got out of this trip... it is that there is no harm in trying again. After all, that's how my team and I ended up walking away with the 15th place.






P.S- This post has been prolonged for weeks now and I just thought that it was time I finished writing it up and do it some justice.   
   

Hello, I miss you

I've never felt more independent than I do upon arriving back home from National Service. In all my history of being somewhere far and away from home, this is the most impressive feeling of independence I've ever felt. When I walked through the gate of my grandmother's house this afternoon, struggling to drag my heavy luggage (yes, luggage) up the pavement floor, I wasn't feeling the way I was supposed to feel - you know, the i-miss-home-and-it's-good-to-be-back feeling. That feeling didn't swallow me whole at all, actually. Instead, I felt like I didn't leave in the first place. Like I didn't leave home; like I didn't leave the people I love behind; like there was nothing to be left behind to begin with. Everyone has been expecting my arrival, the people whom I have been updating on my daily happenings, that is, and although I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel, it is good to be back.

The two weeks that were spent at the Gopeng National Service have opened my eyes wider to the things I was so blinded to see before; unlocked the doors of my heart to the people I never thought I'd let in; and released my mind from views and perspectives of other people that I never took into account or respected before. Even though it has only been a mere two weeks, it's proven to say that I've learned a lot (and will be learning more when I return back to the camp).

It's a winding road all the way to the camp site, complimented with thick, lush green forests at every angle and an astounding view of picturesque mountains which birth the sunrise and welcome the sunset in such a beautiful manner. At night, the moon would light up the sky and the stars would give out a sparkly glimmer. And sometimes, after a downpour, a rainbow would appear across the sky. The scenery there is simply breathtaking (need I more proof?).

As for my dorm, let's just say it doesn't live up to fine Hotel standards - the tiled floor would be far from squeaky clean, our shoes wouldn't be arranged neatly in order with sand stuck to its soles and our lockers would be a terrifying mess once opened. But nonetheless, it is not as bad as I'd imagined it would be. And believe me when I say that my wild imagination lead me to believe that it was going to be far worst. But in truth, every utility there - although too low for my usual standards - is pretty much...bearable. Yes, that's the word - bearable. Bearable because, as hard as it is, I'm slowly getting used to being in discomfort. I mean, out of my usual comfort zone. 

What has gotten me through those lonely days and cold nights, I've come to realize, are the people who in the beginning were just casual acquaintances - who would just pass me by and politely smile at me; who would just glance at me from across the room/hall and then would forget the sight of me in a split second; and who would introduce themselves out of an act of force and then never bother to talk to me again - but now, over time, I've developed a real camaraderie with. I refer to them as a blessing, truly I do. Before I 'reported for duty', as usual, I assumed the worst. I never thought they'd be so nice, so friendly. I'd thought they'd treat me differently, due to my complicated background history and upbringing. I was even scared that I'd be picked on and there won't be anyone to save me from it. Maybe I'm being a little to mellow-dramatic but it's true.

As most of you already know, I'm a Chindian. A Chindian who doesn't speak neither of her mother tongues because I was never really forced to learn it - I was given the opportunity to learn it at a mature age. An age when there were other things that were more important to me than learning to speak Mandarin. I spoke English, day in and day out, through all the years of growing up. And that was that. Oh, and I was known as a Banana. You know, white on the inside and yellow on the outside. People didn't come up to me and question my inability to speak neither of my mother tongues and when they did, I would just take it in one ear and it would come out the other. After a few days in National Service, I met a few people who shared this particular issue. They, too, couldn't speak their mother tongues and when they shared their story with me, I realized that I didn't go through so much as even a fragment of what they have gone through. They were picked on, mocked at and became the object of irrational, childish teasing. Of course, I'd never know what it feels like to be in their shoes but I admire their strength. I admire the fact that despite being teased and mocked, they never let that put them down (you know who you are). And I'm glad to have them as companions at the camp. Knowing this, I have more to be thankful for.

For now, I guess that's all I've been struggling to get off my chest.

I never thought I’d reach a point of my life of enjoying the ride so much that I didn’t mind not knowing where it would lead.
I can’t help knowing that days like these are the ones I’m going to look back to and get a coy little smile about.
I’m happy right here; I’m happy right now.

(via write of passage)

  

P.S - Just in case you inquisitively wonder why I am able to have access to the Internet; uploading pictures and typing out journal entries, I have set aside a good explanation. Since it's Thaipusam and it's stated 'India' as my race, I had the advantage of applying for Thaipusam holidays - the Indians were all given 3 days off. Although I'm a Christian - and Christians weren't allowed to apply for Thaipusam holidays - I managed to talk my way through every question that arose from the trainers with little white lies ( I look like a "mix" but am an Indian). I'm not proud of it but I did what I had to do. Let's just hope I get to extend an additional three days for Chinese New Year. Keeping fingers crossed.

Goodbye Dubai, Hello Home Sweet Home

Throughout the entire Dubai trip, my little black notebook was my main companion amongst the other needs I carried in my handbag. Since it became my companion, I'd written every aspect of the trip in detail.

__________

21st Nov 09', Day 1.

I left home at about 6.30 in the evening and managed to reach the airport at around 7.30 p.m. Just as we parked in the crew carpark, pictures we're already snapped. Let's just say it was the beginning of many many more memorable shots. As I walked pass the airport entrance, the airport air was all that was needed for me to let out an aaahhhh..... I could see people lingering around, waiting for their loved one's to walk through the gate, see people at the counters booking their flight tickets and for the first time, I saw a man with a large bouquet of red roses in his hand and when he saw his special someone walk through the gate, he ran towards her and embraced her in a warm hug. Pretty sweet, if you ask me cause nothing beats red roses. My sister and I tagged behind Daddy's back and followed him wherever he went. First, we went to check in our priority luggage and went to collect our boarding pass. Along the way, I managed to learn about the many different trolleys. Sounds weird, but true. Most of them are specially designed with stoppers which help us a great deal when ascending the escalator. After the important must-do's were settled, my growing craving for french fries were satiated as I suggested to head over to Burger King's for dinner. As a ritual whenever we eat at Burger King's, I order the Chicken Deluxe combo set, Claire orders the BK Fish combo set and Daddy, his satisfying Whooper. Full and stuffed we were after leaving to roam around the airport some more - almost sickly. Finally, we made our way to the crew lounge where the crew as ell as the pilots hang around before they are called for boarding. That's when Daddy allowed us to use his laptop so in order to play fair, my sister and I divided our time so we both would have the same amount of time with the laptop - after all, we will be hanging around the crew lounge for approximately two long, boring hours with nothing but an ipod, my little notebook and Dad's laptop to keep us company. A few hours have passed and Dad will finish giving his briefing any time now. When he came out, we packed the laptop, grabbed our check-in bags and followed Daddy as he led the way.

 

We were led to where our passports needed to be verified and our thumb print needed to match. We thankfully got through despite my sister feeling a little worried from what happened the last time - it took a quite a number of failed trials before her thumb print matched. Then, we had to go through another security check - where we had to place our hand-held bags into the scanner and whatever items we had on us, placed into a little blue bucket. After all the needed security checking was done, it was time to wait in the Waiting Room but since Mum isn't coming on this trip with us, Dad brought us on-board earlier together with the other cabin-crew - talk about feeling important. Being an IFS's daughter results in every crew wanting to get to know you a little bit better - your name, your age. They attended to our every need, and more - they treat us even better than they treat a first class passenger, if I may say. They are all so welcoming and friendly, just as they are supposed to be. To top of the feeling of importance, we had Business Class window seats - one of the best seats in the Business Class. Since we boarded early, my sister and I were able to see just about everything they do to prepare the aircraft for a flight. Everyone of them had individual tasks - some placing the pillows and blankets in every seat, some placing their luggage in the compartment above the seats and the caterers rushing in and out of the galley to stock the food. As I've been told, it's not easy being a cabin-crew. But in between completing their tasks, they manage to make the most of it by cracking up jokes here and there and sharing laughter. They really get along well with each other, as if they go way back i the years. It was time for take-off, at approximately 12.30 a.m. Before we knew it, we were above the grounds and heading to the skies. Everything from the window - as far as I could see, cause' I was seated next to the alley - looked so peaceful and colourful, well, with a red-ish, yellow-ish and orage-ish hue. It felt as if the world was at my feet. When the plane reached the height it was supposed to be, the seat-belt sign was turned off and the crew began handing out the portable entertainments which were filled with a wide range of the latest movies, tv shows and albums. I managed to watch a movie I've been wanting to watch ever since it was out in the theaters; My Sister's Keeper. Sad and touching it was till' I teared a little (what's new?).

While watching it half-way, the stewardesses came and began taking our dinner orders. I had a platter of Herb Crusted Pinenut Fish Fillet and my sister had a lamb-chop dish (not too sure what it was called). Already being too full due to the amount of food we were being specially served by our Dad, I only ate a few spoons full of my dish. An hour later, when the movie ended, I decided to catch up on some sleep. Which only lasted for a few minutes. I woke up to a gentle pat on the head by Daddy. And again, they were serving food. This time, supper. They served light tuna sandwiches along with a glass of fruit juice. It was an hour away before the plane landed in the Dubai Airport. As it was about to land, I could see all the city lights beaming away, the decorations on buildings, the vast ocean. Just utter speechlessness. A few moments after that, we arrived, went through the customs and then a van took us all to our hotel. The Hyatt Region Hotel. Truth be told, I was hoping to stay at the Burj Tower, but I then realized that that wish would only remain in my dreams, forever. Now, I'm in bed and having it all to myself and getting ready to call it a day.

22nd Nov 09', Day 2.

Woke up this morning to an unknown yet noisy television show, and when I turned to my left, I was blinded by the sun's glares. Since it was a long day the day before, it was only rational to go back to bed and continue to catch up on some sleep. Unfortunately, lazing around and refusing to go get dressed was what I did since I'm the kind when woken up once, I can't ever fall back to sleep. But when One Tree Hill was showing on the television, I could not help but prise my eyes open, sit in bed and watch it.. till' the very end. By 9.30 a.m, the show and ended and exactly at the same time, Dad suggested we go to the crew room to use the internet and such. When the time was almost nearing to 11 a.m, we went back up our suite, placed back some unneeded belongings and headed back down to the lobby. Were were in perfect timing cause' the shuttle bus just arrived too. The Hotel shuttle bus took us to City Centre where we walked to each and every corner of the three floors. We did some grocery shopping - most importantly - for the day my Dad goes to Beirut. We got ourselves some easy microwaving foods such as Salmon Lasagna and Chicken Rice Porridge. After having being done with grocery shopping, we walked around the mall some more, entering stores that aren't open back in Kuala Lumpur such as H&M, Accessories, 21 For Love, Galeries Lafayette etc. etc. I kinda pitied Daddy cause' throughout the entire time while my sister and I went through all those arrays of clothes, trying the chosen one's on to see whether it fit perfectly, asking the sales person to help us fin the right size and whatnot, Daddy was outside waiting. Patiently, at least that's what his facial expression portrayed. After walking around for quite some time, our tummy's began grumbling so we satiated our hunger by gobbling down the pretzels we bought from Auntie Anne's. It was almost time for the shuttle bus to arrive and take us back to the hotel so since we finished early, we waited at the waiting hall, keeping ourselves occupied by listening to my playlist and munching on some other tit bits. When the shuttle bus arrived, we hopped on to get the best seat and we went straight back to the Hotel. When we reached the hotel, our feet were dead soar and all I hankered for was to soak my poor two feet in a tub of salted warm water. But Dad wanted to walk through the back way and see whether the ice-skating ring that was there all those years ago, the last time he was here, is still there or not - it might just be one of the potential time-filling things we may be doing while Dad would be in Beirut. After having seen it with his own eyes, Daddy lead the way to our suite. We kicked out our shoes, got comfortable and started snacking on the shawarma Dad bought us earlier at the Dubai Carrefore. I have to admit, it was pretty damn good after over-looking how disgusting it looked at first.

A few minutes later, after having rested for a bit, we headed to the Dubai Mall by taxi. The mall, which I found out later on that day, is the world's largest shopping mall. When I walked pass the entrance and into such high-end haven, everything is as it seems - classy and expensive, that only people who earn big paychecks can call, home. We took the liberty of arriving early to roam around and see the place for what it truly is, before Uncle Zani arrived. When he finally did arrive - and on time, which is a shocker there - he gave us another detour of this fancy mall. He showed us which grand hotel he was currently spending his stay at and filled us in on the best top restaurants and café's in this very mall. One of the lot was Armani Café , which I've been told that even their napkins are Armani. As the time was slowly drawing to 6 p.m, Uncle Zani lead us to Joe's Café. To be expected, a pretty classy café with a verandah out front in the open. From where I was seated, the Burj Tower, The Address and many other tall sky-scrapper buildings were in sight. We had sort of a light tea-time before the show began. We ordered a large bottle of sparkling water (which costs about 24 Dhs), I ordered a healthy dish of mix fruits with lemon yogurt and my sister, her usual minestrone soup.

When it struck 6 p.m, The Musical Dancing Water Fountain began. It was beautiful and oh-so romantic. Most of the people from where I was seated at paused whatever they were doing and drew their full attention to admire the magnificent view. I personally enjoyed it more when one of Andrea Bocelli's songs were being played.While admiring the view, Uncle Zani suggested we try some other house specialties, so we tried the Sticky Date Cake. I was hesitant to try it at first cause', I don't like dates at all. But this warm cake tasted amazing and more so because the taste was enhanced by the two scoops of vanilla ice-cream served on the side. The combination was to die for, or so my Dad would say. Minutes passed by, a close friend of Uncle Zani's joined us and there five of us were, enjoying the display for the third or fourth time while Daddy and my sister had their camera's out to capture this spur of the moment on video. After the fifth time, it was getting kinda boring so we made our way to some other restaurant called More and this time, for the main course.Since I wasn't too filled by the earlier tea-time, Uncle Zani suggested I order the half a kg of tiger prawns dish, and followed through, I did. When all our orders came, we were sort of stunned at the portion sizes. Everything was huge, especially the soup. It came in a pot, for crying out loud. When our tummies were satisfied and the day's slowly coming to a close, Uncle Zani took us on a detour around the hotel he was staying in, The Palace Hotel. Showing us beautiful landscapes and architectures.We walked and walked till' our feet went back to being soar. A few minutes after all that walking and as the detour was coming to an end, we said our goodbyes and took a taxi right back to our hotel. The first thing I did, was take a nice long shower and later on hopped into bed, enjoyed a late night tv show and a few minutes after the show was over... called it a night.

23rd Nov 09', Day 3.

Fully energized, I am. So much so that I sprung out of bed, got ready quickly and headed down to the crew lounge before the events of our day begin. Dad and a few of his crew plan to go on foot today, around the area not too far from our Hotel, Naif Road. At 9.30 a.m, as usual, we went down to the crew room to relax and meet up with the other crew - and also make use of the Internet and connect with the Cyber World. Before we knew it, it was already 10. 30 or so, and we headed out with Aunt Nancy and Kor Kor Patrick. We walked along the sidewalks and passed by many shop-lots, of Naif Road. If it were Kuala Lumpur, it would be known as Petaling Street or Chow Kit. Our first stop was The Visitors, where we had a wonderful breakfast, yet again. I, as it has become my usual, ordered a plate of Puree and a bowl of Mushroom Soup (pretty spicy, to my dislike). After our tummies were full, we paid and carried on walking. Passing shop-houses after shop-houses. This place isn't as classy and well-kept as the other places I've been to cause' like I said earlier, it's similar to Chow Kit. Today, we managed to purchase whatever goods and groceries our family members/friends asked us to help them buy. I could check off most of the things on the list Nanny had given me, all of them actually - cashews, Chela and some chocolate coated dates for my classmates.

Since everything on our lists we're checked off, we headed back to the Dubai Mall because Kor Kor Patrick hasn't seen and taken in the entire place yet. As described as the largest mall, in Day 2, more walking was done. We walked and walked and contemplated on doing some Christmas shopping, either at H&M or Forever 21. I saw that grey long sweater I've wanted for as long as I can remember at H&M, but seeing at it costs 109 Dhs, I didn't have the heart to go through with purchasing it. So, in hopes of coming across another less expensive one, I allowed it to cease into oblivion. Shopping became a choice, in the first place, because Dad gave my sister and myself each a 100 Dhs. I guess that became our green light to be shopaholics for the few days we had left. When it was time for lunch, instead of dining at some gourmet restaurant, we went to check out the varieties of different cuisines at the food court. As I was walking to see which cuisine my mood fancied, I spotted Taco Bell.

Spotted it and insisted on trying it for the first time. I ordered a Grilled Chicken Burrito and my sister ordered the Cheese Quesadillas. I can now say I've tasted Taco Bell, after hearing it being mentioned in numerous songs and music videos. Later on that day, as it was the perfect timing for dinner, we took a cab all the way back to The Visitors. We had our dinner with the other crew we coincidentally bumped into there. After dinner, on the way back to our Hotel, Dad and Kor Kor Patrick spotted a car gadget shop and the thing which drew their attention most was the installed screen at the back of the head rest which was going for a very reasonable price. Dad was considering buying it, but after a while later, he changed his mind. So we continued on our journey back home. When Dad got out of the shower, it was my turn and for the first time, I took a bubble bath. It felt so good on my aching body that I spent at least 45 minutes soaking in it. When I was done, I insisted on sending a birthday message all the way back to Malaysia as tomorrow would be my Aunt's birthday, I got comfortable in bed and finally watched Jennifer's Body for the first time. Personally, it was gross and mostly disturbing. Such a waste of precious time, when I could have called it a night earlier.


24th Nov 09', Day 4

It's Aunty Sharon's special day today, it's her birthday.Since I wished her last night - which she will read when she wakes up in the morning - the next thing I need to do now is get my butt back home as it was what she wished for. I woke up this morning to my Dad's absence. He left for Beirut and would only arrive back at the hotel in the evening. When I prised my eyes open, to be aware of my surroundings, I found my sister on Daddy's laptop. So I continued lazing around for a bit and mentally-noted a few potential things we could do in the hotel itself. Such as going to the gym at about 9 something or so, go ice-skating, go for a massage or maybe even possibly just take the hotel shuttle bus all the way to City Centre and back.

After much thought, everything I've mentioned got canceled in some way or another. When it was time, I went down to the gym but all of a sudden my mind-set changed and I ended up at the crew lounge instead. A while later, being online started to become a bore so we both, my sister and I, headed back up to our suite, lazed around while the other continued playing on Daddy's laptop. When it was lunch time, we finally got a chance to make use of the portable cooker mum insisted we brought along - being saving savvy - and we, well my sister cooked Alfredo Portabello Macaroni. Not too bad for first-timers such as ourselves. When Dad arrived at our hotel room door, it was past our dinner but not too late either - Just In Time, would be more specific. So, in a rush, we hurried down to our usual, The Visitors and had a filling dinner. When we got there, we were taken off-guard by the number of the other crew already seated and since they were a bunch of familiar faces, we grabbed a seat at their table and joined them.

After dinner was settled, we walked back home earlier than the other to meet up with Uncle Eddie's son back at our hotel to hand over some goods from his parents. I must say, he puts hardcore Christians to shame. We talked and talked for what seemed like hours. It was understandable because it was the first time meeting him. An hour or so later, I was back at our hotel suite, just the three of us. Nothing really fun nor entertaining happened today other than the usual.One thing's for sure though, tomorrow is promised to be an eventful day. Thank goodness!

25th Nov 09' - Day 5


This is the day when the last excitement kicks in. We didn't wake up as early as planned the night before - we woke up an hour late due to sleeping way past our bedtimes. When we waked, got dressed and cleaned, we headed out as fast as possible. We headed to the crew lounge, as Daddy wanted to check his mails and make an attempt to redesign a website. An hour later, after everyone who was up for gallivanting arrived at the crew room, we headed out. First, we made a stop at The Visitors to have a healthy meal to jump start our morning. I had my usual, a plate of Puree, a tall glass of fresh pomegranate juice and Chicken 65 - for your info, it's a chicken that is cooked with 65 spices. Hence, the name. After having a heavy breakfast, we walked to get a taxi and it took us to the nearest train station. When we got there, and got a hold of a few brochures which could be of help, and found out it was the longest metro rain in the whole of Dubai, possibly the longest in the entire world. It was planned many days ago, to see for our own eyes, Atlantic City - as well as Emirates Mall. 

Seeing as today wasn't such a busy day for the crew, we stuck by our original plan. It was a 20 minute ride all the way to the mall. When we arrived, and took in the surroundings, we concluded that it was another amazing mall - which is also a fact. Huge, mostly but just the place for addictive shoppers such as myself. We walked, walked and walked some more, passing high-end fashions houses such Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. Walked some more and spotted real-like stuffed animals right in front of a toy shop which were of same size and height and as the ones in the world I live in, and snapped pictures with it. The best part of this gallivanting trip though, was finally spotting something that I've been sleeping on for many nights and purchasing it. I finally bought that grey long sweater, I've always wanted from H&M and a white floral dress from Forever 21 - a combination I'd be clad in on Christmas Day. Whereas for my sister on the other hand, nothing really caught her eye even though she'd tried on countless of pretty dresses and tops. Well, it was my taste of clothing, not hers. Whatever she wanted was either out of size or in the colour she disliked. Time passed and it was a few minutes before the shuttle to Atlantic City arrived. When it finally did, we hopped on the shuttle, conquered the middle row and made the most of the ride by capturing beautiful sceneries, sky-scrapper buildings and as for me, I made use of my photographic eye for pictures. When the shuttle stopped in front of the Atlantic City Hotel, no one got down. Daddy didn't either. It was getting late and we needed to be on time for the Safari. So, all we did was sit back and watch while the bus made a U-turn heading back. At least we can say we've been there. 

The shuttle brought us back to Emirates Mall and from there we speed-walked to get a taxi to drive us all the way back to the metro station. From there, we took the train and when the train stopped at our intended destination, we got out and walked to the exit to hail for a taxi. The taxi took us all the way to some petrol station, where we're suppose to be meeting our Safari driver. When we arrived, we shook hands with him and hopped in his 4 by 4. Being Daddy, he always wants us to get the most impact so we were seated behind. It was a long ride all the way to the Sand Dunes. When we arrived, I was all set and ready for a bumpy ride ahead. True enough, it indeed was. We were swerved in all directions that kind of made our tummy's turn but it was way better than roller-coaster rides. After awhile, the driver's took a break - for their sake as well as ours - so, seeing as the sand was oh-so-smooth, we layed in it, played with it, took pictures and at last, took a little back home as a souvenir. When the ride ended, it was time to go ride on Camels. It surprised me really, at how determined I was to go and ride on a Camel. 

 

While waiting for the other 4 by 4's to arrive, a man came walking towards us with a Falcon rested on his arm. It's eyes were blindfolded for safety measure. In order to snap a picture with it, we had to pay about 5 Dhs and Daddy did. Though I wasn't too over-joyed by the outcome of the pictures. Without hesitation, I did and now I can say I've done it, at least. It was getting late and it was time for dinner - it was apart of the whole package deal - so we all, everyone on this Safari had to walk into this large open space where a small belly-dancing area was placed in the middle, surrounded by several small tables similar to Japanese dining tables. 

  

 When we entered, we queued for the starters and grabed a place to sit. A few minutes later, when all the other crew were seated, one lady from my Dad's crew told us that some lady is doing Henna. Without the slightest doubt, my sis and I along with other lady crews went to get designed on. It was a pretty quick one, although she did it really professionally. I love the design she did on my hand. Shortly after wards, dinner was spreaded out at one tent. A wide variety of good, local food. Being the picky eater, I didn't have much to eat cause' not all the dishes were to my liking. Later on, belly dancing was suppose to be the last activity for the night, but since it was the eve of Eid Mubarak, it got canceled. So, after lingering around for awhile to chit-chat and snap pictures, we got back into the 4 by 4 and it was a long journey back home. Long enough for a short nap. When we reached the hotel, we were all too tired and weak to even walk to the lift and later on to our suites but seeing as we didn't have a choice, we did. After washing up, we jumped into bed and immediately dozed off. 

26th Nov 09' - Day 6

The day started pretty early, than usual. We made our way to the crew lounge, firstly. As always, the first thing we do is plant our butts on the computer chair as our fingers run wild, striking the keyboard. This time, since there still were a few unheated frozen microwave food packs which we bought for the day when Dad would be away, we brought them down to the crew lounge with us to be heated up and be eaten. I heated up my Salmon Lasagna as my sister did so her England Clam Chowder Campbell soup. Mine wasn't as good as I'd thought or hoped it would be. It was on the verge of disgusting, really. Luckily, I didn't suffer from a tummy ache as the aftermath. Having done with our breakfast, a man whom I've never seen in my entire life walks up to my Dad and I and shakes our hands, since he was in the crew lounge, he must be a crew too. He sort of ticked me off when he made it such a big deal that we didn't greet him. I know it's out of respect to do so, but since he wasn't a familiar face nor did he have a friendly face, my sister and I kept to ourselves. You can't blame us for not being extroverts like you. I told myself that I was not going to let a grumpy man ruin my last day here and so it didn't happen. When the clock strucked 11 a.m, we were all set and ready to hop on the hotel shuttle that will take us to City Centre, once again. 

This time, it was Clarissa's turn to make use of the money Dad had given us, each. When we arrived, she already knew at the back of he mind, which outlet she'd want to shop at. She narrowed it down to two; H&M and Forever 21. After numerous of times of trying on dress after dress and blouse after blouse, she finally managed to add two new pieces of clothing to her somewhat monotonous wardrobe. Seriously, her indecisiveness when it comes down to shopping boils my blood that of which is compared to a bull whose trying to find a particular outfit that suits it, and after countless of times of changing, nothing ever screams, "perfect". But I can't blame her, I'm pretty indecisive myself when it comes clothes, shoes, bags. Come to think of it, I'm a lot worst. If my savings allow me to do so, I'd want everything. Before going shopping for more stuff, we just had to take a break and have our brunch at the food court. There, being cheaper than any other gourmet restaurants, we decided to look around and consider whatever cuisines that were available. After walking past stall after stall, I settled for Charles' where I ordered a Grilled Chicken Salad, with a side of gourmet fries (with cheese) along with a tall glass of peach lemon tea. It was too filling to the extent where I'd thought my stomach would explode. We finished shopping at about 5 minutes before 2 p.m, so we had to wait for another 5 more minutes till the shuttle arrived. By 2 p.m. sharp, the shuttle bus arrived and took us back to our hotel. When we got to the front door of our rooms, and swiped our room key for access, it was denied. After attempting it for another few times, we concluded that the hotel had checked us out without our knowledge. So, Daddy and Kor Kor Patrick went down to the lobby and dealt with it as my sister and I sat ourselves down in front of our room. You can say we looked like beggars. When they came back up, and swiped the room key, access was granted. Thank goodness. When we entered our room, we kicked of our shoes, changed into more comfortable clothes, packed our luggage a little, jumped into bed and finally took our afternoon nap. 

By the time it was 4.30 p.m, we waked, got ready and continued packing the other last minute items. Before we knew it, we were back down at the lobby. Daddy waited for everyone of the crew to be present and then started the crew briefing. We killed time by snapping pictures of various paintings, with the receptionist and even in some local, beautifully decorated tent. After the crew briefing had ended, we headed out to the valet and got onto the van which will be taking us to the airport. When we arrived, Dad informed us that it would be a long walk ahead to get to the immigration and to the other security checks. When we go through both, there was still an uncertainty about our seats on board. We weren't even sure if there were any seats for us cause' as I've been told, it's a full flight. After Dad and the captain discussed about our, as well as the captain's wife seat, with the person in charge of the seating, our boarding passes we're given to Dad. A lot of persuading had to be done, by the looks of seriousness on their faces. It was to the extent where the captain was willing to allow us to occupy the two empty seats in the cockpit. After all, they can't leave us all alone here in Dubai. As always, God made a way and granted us seats on this flight to get back home. Best of all, we're still seated in Business Class. Lucky, much? When Dad got the green light to our seats, we speed-walked all the way to the aircraft. We boarded early as usual and a few minutes later, everyone else boarded. When everyone was seated, the aircraft door was closed and in a matter of mere minutes, the plane took off. In an two hours or so, we'll be landing in Karachi. 


In exactly 2 hours, we landed and a large number of passengers got off the aircraft. It hit me that after every flight when the stewards and stewardess stand at the exit to thank each passenger for flying with MAS, that smile that immediately appears across their faces is what matters most, it shows that they're thankful too, regardless. They was more than enough time for us, my sister, myself and Daddy to get out of the aircraft and step into the Karachi airport. We snapped pictures, as usual and Dad started a conversation with one of the security guards or the man in charge. A few moments passed and as we walked back to the aircraft and took our seats, shortly after wards, the other set of passengers who will be boarding to head back to Malaysia, boarded. In a matter of minutes, we were flying sky-high. 


It was a 5 hour flight home. 


During those 5 boring hours, sleeping and drowning all emotions with music was all I'd thought was possible. But to no avail, sleeping just wasn't possible. I tossed and turned but there was no such luck. Sure they served us very delicious dishes of fruits and Chicken Biryani with Chicken 65. Not forgetting drinks every now and then, a hot mug of coffee was what I sipped on. When my sister woke up, Dad took us both to the cockpit. It was our first time being in it, and seeing for my own eyes, just what a pilot's job is all about sure gave me shivers down my spine. There were just too many buttons and them knowing every single function of each button and switch is simply beyond me. As I've said, time and time again, there's always time for something new. 


This was truly an enjoyable trip.

A memorable visit

I'm happy to say I've arrived home safely - from Ipoh. Without the feeling of sleepiness or nausea having it's effect on me as I type.
Throughout the entire journey, falling asleep was somehow an impossible task. I suppose it's due to being entertained with my choice of soundtracks blasting through the speakers while singing along, having to munch on tit-bits every few minutes, admiring the greenery through the windshield - also, photographing when inspirations start to bloom in my mind.

We made our way down to Ipoh to celebrate my Grand Aunt Emily's 94th birthday. She may be aging, but her heart is still as strong as ever - I'm still amazed.

When we arrived, we were welcome by Un. Noel and Aunt Christina whom led us to our Hotel- The Majestic Station Hotel. We were even lucky enough to stay in their only suite - the very same room Tunku Abdul Rahman once stayed in. A few rooms from ours was Room 300 which bought back memories of a scary movie. Whilst straight ahead, displayed a vast beautiful garden.

That night, reservations were made at some cozy steamboat restaurant where we all gathered to celebrate a very special person's birthday. By all, i mean - Un. Larry, Uncle Noel, Tennessee, Aunt Christina and the V.I.P, Aunt Emily. It's been awhile since we've gone down to visit them, so a lot of catching up was done that night.

Not forgetting, having to indulge in the much too scrumptious cake.

As dawn set in, tears welled up our eyes as we had to say our goodbyes and depart, and god knows only too well i'm not one for goodbyes, at all. I start to get emotional and all teary - which will be inevitable. Just seeing Aunt Emily made the tears harder to be held back.


I don't think it's necessary to elaborate any more further for the highlight has already been stated.

All in all, it was yet again a visit never to be forgotten.