It was a holiday in Malaysia (I can hear the “Every day in a holiday in Malaysia… well almost) on this particular weekday. It was one of those days that I didn’t pencil anything in the calendar, except for my usual 10 kilometer daily brisk walk.
Did my walk in the morning and completed it by about 10.00am. After my shower, I did like what anyone else with a smartphone connected to a Samsung Watch 7 Ultra which kept buzzing with notifications do: check the notifications.
Wading through the sea (or is it pile or heap?) of notifications, “Blue Dahlia Cafe” popped up. “Nyonya kuih”…Section 17…”new kid on the block …P.J. …holiday. Saw some of its pictures Looked interesting for an afternoon coffee (not tea). Asked Jeannie if she was keen on going all the way to P.J. or PeeJay or Petaling Jaya to check out this place. “OK”, she said. Settled.
We decided to go after lunch. The ride to P.J. this holiday afternoon was pretty good. Traffic was heavy (the story of our lives), but it was moving. We got to Section 17… no problem. I thought I knew the area well because Jeannie used to live on that side of P.J. during our courting days. Jeannie was on 17/13; New Dahlia on 17/12. It would be easy to find. No Waze or Google Maps for me.
We soon found out that it was a hidden gem. We turned on all what would consider logical connecting roads from 17/13 to it, but could not find the place. Finally, we decided to turn off logic, and go to the most unlikely streets. Found it! Whoever designated names to the streets when this part of P.J. first came up, was probably stoned.
The streets around there were so narrow and clogged with vehicles, hundreds of them, all trying to either get out of the chaotic traffic jam there or like us, get into it, looking for a car park.
From afar, this looks like a row of double-storey terrace houses which you are bound to miss.
At first glance, you would think this is the back of a row of terrace-houses. You would be forgiven if you made this mistake because of parked vehicles blocking sight of the ground floor.
The signboard is unusually small.
I like the wooded idea. The wood piece candle lamp adds to the decor.
Jeannie and I managed to get a table near the entrance / exit.
She does the ordering, I do the eating. Jeannie, besides being the Batik Influence, is a foo9d expert; having worked in the food industry for multiple years.
Before Jeannie could finish the food order; the food was served. How cool is that? Just kidding. This sweet lady was serving us an earlier order, I think.
This is a kuih made from gula Melaka or brown sugar(?), immersed in coconut milk. It is a sweet cake-like.
Ondeh-ondeh, the light green glutinous-type balls, covered with coconut shavings. In it is liquid gula Melaka. The round cylindrical piece is a tapioca cake. The round – button-type shaped piece is the pineapple jam tart. It was the first time I saw a pineapple jam tart like this. A first time for anything.
The kuih is a bit messy (to me) with the coconut milk. Nonetheless, it was very nice.
Our afternoon “tea” (I had coffee. Definitely no replacement for coffee). You will be surprised where the drinks came from.
Tucked in to this delight. Called, “Taste At First Bite”. Yummy! Notice the coconut filling with gula Melaka.
Totally inviting. A tall glass of iced Nescafe (or referred as “Nescafe Ais” locally and nutterly covered Ais Kacang or A.B.C. (Ais Batu Campur, literal;ly trasnlated from Bahasa Malaysia to English as “Ice Stone Mixture”).
It tastes just as great if not, better than it looks. I love the colours of this picture. Great contrasts of the light brown coconut and the dark brown gula Melaka, with the wettish look of the pale or olive – green coloured leaf, with a sort of coconut milk spread all over the leaf. The coconut milk or suntan sort of balances yet not neutralise the taste of this kuih.Isn’t this the most deliciously looking Ais Kacang / Ais Batu Campur (pronounced as chum-por) (A. B. C.)?Nescafe Ais, as it is famously known in Malaysia, is “Iced Nescafe” in English. Nescafe Ais is the preferred coffee drink in most local restaurants and stalls.Teh panas or “Hot tea”. Ondeh- ondeh’s fillings. Taste better than it looks, I guess. About to be dissected, and then makan-ed.Pineapple tart? First time I am having it in this form.Sliced open. The tart from the outside looks very neat and presentable. Once cut opened, in this case almost exactly in half. The stash of Nyonya kuih is in this little showcase. Notice the neat stack of pineapple jam tarts on the left, not in the showcase?The Ais Kacang was so delicious…every spoon scoop of it…right to the last drop. It neutralised the hot afternoon weather.
The morning was good. The weather looked decently cool, though it was brighter than usual. As per what I first do on most days in the mornings, I go through all my messages, social media and answer text messages if there are any (which is guaranteed “sure got” (local slang for definitely will have).
If I am to be more accurate in how my normal days start after I get out of bed; I start by making my own bed. It gives me a sense that I have started the day off by completing a task.
Ever since I watched a video of a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral giving a speech about personal discipline by completing tasks each day, to a room filled with young naval officers, it has inspired me to do the same. He said, “Start with making your own bed”.
I have made this beautiful idea my own to keep. I have shared this beautiful, yet simple idea; to my family and friends, as well.
When I left my house that mid-Tuesday afternoon to deal with an insurance policy matter at my insurer, I had already done walking my everyday 10-plus kilometers which is 15,000 steps. I also completed a few other tasks (errands), too.
The plan was that I would be at the insurer for about half an hour, then, head over to Good Ground Bakery (GGB) a few doors down the street, for a cup of coffee before heading to PJ (Petaling Jaya) to pick my wife, Jeannie; up from work.
By the time the insurance errand got done, it did not leave me much time for coffee at GGB.
I went over to GGB just to say “hi” to the folks there. They are always a pleasant and cheerful bunch of people to be with.
As I stepped in through the door, I was greeted with the usual cheer from Monique – bright and spritely (hmmnn… This is the second time I used the word “spritely” in recent times) as usual. And warm smiles from Sarah and Joanne. When you are in SS17, Subang Jaya, or around these parts; GGB is definitely a place to have a good afternoon beverage, pastries and a relaxed atmosphere. For sure.
As I got to the counter, I heard someone behind me call out to me. I turned around to see Jordan, one of my neighbours from our Tudor neighbourhood home community, sitting at a table near by. Jordan had a big smile. He always has a big smile when we run into each other.
I was happy to see Jordan. He was having one of GGB’s nice, hot beverages. I have bumped into Jordan and other neighbours from our Tudor neighbourhood community at Good Ground Bakery on several ocassions.
“Alan, I heard your book is published. Can I buy one with a personal message from you written in it?” Jordan asked.
I had a book on me and was honoured to personalise it for him.
Jordan is among one of the fast growing numbers from my Tudor neighbourhood who have got themselves a copy of the book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
Jordan and the Hatted Writer, me. This excellent photograph was taken by Good Ground Bakery’s very own talented barista, Joanne.
Before long, it was time for us to go; he to pick his children from school activities and I, to pick Jeannie up from work.
The journey from Pee Jay or PJ or Petaling Jaya (in full) after picking Jeannie up from work to Shah Alam was a long one, right from the word “Go!”. So, we decided to grab early dinner. I have to clarify something.
Today, there are more words and phrases that mean more than what you actually intend to say. Here, when I say “grab”, I don’t mean call Grab service or “Grab our meals over to where we are”. I mean to say “get” early dinner. I can hear some of you ask, “Why didn’t he say just that? “Get” early dinner. I used the word “grab” to emphasize that we were in a hurry.
Yesterday, when Jeannie, Laura and I were heading (going, for some) to KFC in Sea Park (I think), we passed by a restaurant called “Seapark Dessert”. It brought back memories to Jeannie and me of some over 25 years ago. “Some Over” is a bit of a stylo description.
Over 25 years ago, Jeannie and I used to work in Kuala Lumpur. By time we finished work and waded through traffic jams, it would be over 9.00pm. So, we’d swing over to one of the eating places in PJ to have dinner. One of those places was “Seapark Dessert” , though at that time, we never really took notice of the name of the coffee shop (now “restaurant”). I love bubur pulut hitam, bubur kacang merah and bubur kacang hijau. And so does Jeannie. We’d usually have noodles for our main course and one of this bubur choices for dessert. It was the coffee shop that we often visited because they were usually open to late in the night. This place was very popular at that time. Many a time, we had to wait to get a table for ourselves.
So, passing this coffee shop yesterday gave me the idea to stop by there for dinner. We wondered if it was as good as the last time.
The restaurant looked pretty much the same as the last time. It was a sort of a split-level, and there were quite a few people already. The time was around 5.45pm.
Jeannie ordered Yam cake and bubur kacang hijau. Jeannie said the yem cake was really good. The texture, the taste, the freshness. I am not a sort of a “yam” person. I will take her word for it that it was really good. Jeannie has been in the food industry line for multiple years. She is one of the most qualified persons in terms of experience to give opinions on food.
Her bubur kacang hijau was quite nice. I had a couple of spoons full to taste it.
Jeannie’s order: Bubur Kacang Hijau and yam cake.
My order: Pulut Hitam and 2 curry puffs
The curry puff I ate was nice. It was quite large, tasty, but not spicy. “Spicy” in the Malaysian or Asian context usually means very hot. However, looking back at History during school days, the Portuguese, Dutch and English traders were drawn to this part of the world for its spices, like pepper, cloves and other spices. For the discerning food eater, he or she will be able to detect the spices, which includes but not limited to chili.
The bubur pulut hitam was nice. My mother set such a high standard for the bubur pulut hitam, bubur kacang merah and bubur kacang hijau she used to make. There was hardly ever a time that anyone would come close to how she used to make these desserts. But, we have to settle for what we can get now.
Yes, they are big, and tasty.
Before long, we hit the road and got to the Stadium Pusat Akuatik Selangor or Selangor Aquatic Stadium in Shah Alam, just after 7.00pm. Lots of good memories rushed back to Jeannie and I. This used to be our “first home” when Laura used to train and compete here as a swim athlete representing the state of Selangor as a state swimmer and as a club swimmer for PADE Supersharkz.
As we walked to the pool deck, we saw both Coach Ong Jin Kooi and Coach Mark Chua. Coach Ong was the first to greet us as we got on the pool deck. It was nice to see him after a long time. He looked just the same. Strict with the swimmers and also father to them.
Just like old times. Except that, in those days; we never thought of taking pictures of our food.
I thought I won’t know any of the current group of swimmers and I won’t recognise any of them. Surprisingly, there were quite a few swimmers who were just beginners some years back; who recognised us, especially me. They came up to say hello and ask how we were. One of the swimmers who was in Laura’s batch and is now amongst the fastest and most experienced in the country, George Ng; came up to say hello, too. He asked how we were. I think he is still connected to Laura on social media. Good to see him.
Finished. The meal was filling. One curry puff was meant to be given to an old friend that we were about to meet after dinner.
Coach Mark was all smiles to see us. It was a long time since we last connected. We sat down in the press room where we talked about old times. He remembered Laura’s 50m and 100m Breast, and 100 free times with accuracy. These are great coaches who are not just only interested in what their swimmers do at the pool and competitions, but also take a close interest in what they do away from the pool. There is that amazing bonding between coach and swimmers and vice versa.
We were happy to hear that Selangor did very well in the recently completed Malaysian International Age Group (MIAG) championships. Never one to take anything for granted, the coaches in the Selangor team, i.e. Coach Ong, Coach Mark, Coach Marilyn (Mark’s sister) and others; began preparing the swimmers again, to be at more than their best, both on deck and off deck.
We brought each other up to speed with where we are now.
Coach Mark and Coach Ong each obtained a copy of my just published book, SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT. There are stories, articles and multiple pictures of Laura in her many years with her team swimmers and coaches.
The curry puff filling. It was quite tasty.
Coach Mark Chua, Laura’s competitive swim coach, who is also Selangor’s senior coach, PADE and Orca junior elite team coach, with his copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT.
This is supposed to be the “Let Loose / freestyle” photo.
Get your copy of the fast selling SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT at leading book stores in the country. You can also get your copy through me. I will personalize it with a short message for you.
We are sooooooo busy with Christmas shopping. In my younger days, we’d shop for new clothes and shoes for Christmas. And receive lots of presents at home.
Nowadays, the shopping spree period is a lot longer… to facilitate more buying. 😁… Yes, we’ve just bought quite a few more new Christmas decoration items. And I bought a Christmas present for myself, labelled as a Christmas gift from Jeannie😉😁- a Marshall Willen II bluetooth speaker. This is quite a speaker. I spent a few days testing out many brands of speaker from Bose, Klipsch, JBL, and other brands before choosing the Willen II. This, in my opinion; is amongst the the best for its size, build quality and price; pumping out a wide sound range spectrum. It is an IP67 rated, water and dust resistant, go anywhere with it, speaker. It looks just like a typical classic Marshall guitar speaker, except for its size.
Christmas-sy work station…with the gold dust swirling around the lighted nativity scene (on the right), the quiet, white nativity scene next. On the left is Santa in the glass globe. Notice the candy cane? The Marshall Willen II bluetooth speaker (cream colour) – a Christmas present to me by Jeannie – she does not know yet, so go along with me on this.😉😂
In our younger, younger days, we, that is my brothers and I; had our clothes for Christmas, tailored. My father made arrangements for the tailor come to our house.
Mr. Magoo, the famous fictional cartoon character, was modelled after our tailor. Our tailor, who was probably a 100 years old at that time, used glasses (spectacles) that were more powerful than those used in observatories looking out for stars millions of light years away. He was a small made made. For every step he made forward, the wind blew him two steps backwards.
So, having Mr. Magoo, the tailor, come over, take measurements and show offer material for our shirts and pants, was not our choice. First of all, we could choose any style we wanted…it always had a way of coming out the style my father chose. It was the military way. You could tell that Nigel, Terence, Malcolm and I were brothers – we were the same clothes. My sister, Jennifer; escaped the “military”. She was free to follow fashion trends.
Then, going out to family and friend’s houses with our parents on Christmas day. I don’t remember much about the delicious food and cakes they served or the presents we received. It was spending time with our cousins until wee hours in the morning that was epic.
From December 26th til after new year’s, was one continuous celebration in our house at 21, Jalan Ladang Klang; each year. This was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of you family and friends reading this essay, will remember these awesome times.
As I craft this essay into something for today, I take milli-moments off my keyboard thumping, to gather my thoughts for the next few sentences. I look away from the screen to see the lighted nativity scene with all the glitter dust swirling inside. beautiful. The white one next to it, is made of stone I think. it’s blue light over it has gone out. I will have to get the batteries changed.
As I look around, colourful lights on our two Christmas trees and other decorative items, blink and shine, merrily, doing their part in making this the best Christmas…ever (picture me making that face the younger-sters make, when they emphasise the word “ever”).
Excited to share this as the first of many videos. I would like to share my views on everyday happenings, like the concerned views of the expected massive increase of medical insurance premium in 2025. Co-sharing is not the answer, as the customer forks out even more money.
It all started at 3.00am today. More to come. Stay tuned.
The newlyweds, Laura and Praga; with (from Left to Right) my cousin, Dato Ronald Gomes and his wife Datin Debbie Gomes; my cousin Christopher Nelliah and his wife, Evelina Nelliah; self and my wife, Jeannie.
Hello, hello, hello, everyone. Good morning. Great start to the weekend. This early Saturday morning’s weather is a bit gloomy, however, it is still fine. The last few mornings and almost all of each day, we had rain, with many parts of the day experiencing heavy downpour.
The Batik Influencer, that is, my wife, Jeannie: and I, will be at Amcorp Shopping Mall, at our own booth, F1.08; on the first floor, today and tomorrow. We are going to be there shortly, at 10.00am. We are excited to be there (We are always excited to man a booth at Amcorp Mall because we can meet multiple (o.k. “so many”) people – relatives, friends and make new friends.
We were at Booth F1.08 last weekend, too. We met many interesting people. One of them was so taken up with the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” label, that he is proposing a collaboration of sorts with her for 2025, as Malaysia takes the “Chair” for Asean. Endless opportunities of excitement there. We just have to harness all the abundance of positive vibes that will be flowing through this honourable role that Malaysia will be in, for the whole of 2025.
The Mercedes Benz 300 SL, with Gull wing doors.
I, the Hatted Writer; met with an Italian Scientist, who stopped at our booth. He is researching and working on how to split platelets to increase its numbers. It could be in the area of helping those with low platelet count or splitting the platelets after donors donate it, to multiply its numbers. I told him that I was a regular platelet and blood donor, having donated 304 times in total. His immediate remark was, “You have saved many, many lives”. He and his wife are on holiday in Malaysia.
A rare collection of Ferraris in this special display cabinet.
Several people have called or messaged us, asking if we will be having a booth at Amcorp Shopping Mall this weekend, as they want to drop by and visit. So, we are expecting to be kept on our toes. Exciting! Some people who came by last weekend, booked some of the items we had on display and said that they will come this weekend to get them.
Various Ferrari models.
The Batik Influencer has several new pieces, limited number, of course; for this weekend. She is definitely an inspiration to the batik world. She was introduced and inspired by her late maternal grandmother, who word batik daily. So, come early to get your batik cape by the Batik Influencer.
An interesting array of diecast, and other vehicles.
This time round, among the many new items that we will be putting up for sale; there will be many Ferrari cars – a rare collection of over 15 years ago. You Ferrari fans and collectors who have been constantly asking me if I had Ferrari cars, your wishes and dreams have come true. You better come early to get yours. There are also, sets in special display containers. These will be offered as sets only.
A transparent “briefcase” style cabinet of a series of Cars used in James Bond movies, is also up for grabs.
These sets are in ultra beautiful display units. Very rare. Definitely show pieces for topics of conversation.
Another item of interest is a set of high end headphones, its condition is like new.
O.K. I will have to go now. The Batik Influencer, Jeannie; and I, are looking forward to meeting with all of you. See you there.
A beautiful and unique combination of colours in this Batik Cape Creation under the “JEANNIE’S OWN” label.
Different shades: A combination and interesting blend of browns and patterns.
Making notes of other possible articles while working on this one.
Amcorp Shopping Mall, Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, , 8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date: November 30th to December 1st, 2024 Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
Some of the best moments of life are snap-shotted or roll ’em videoed to preserve them in memory. Preserving these memories for eternity? I think there are cloud services and social media sites that provide (offer) this service where all your content will be maintained for a period of time like a 100 years. For a fee of course. Not sure if it is renewable and who is to check that all content will still be up or preserved in its original form in say 75 years or so.
It was our (Jeannie’s and mine) 29th wedding anniversary. Looking back, memories of our wedding remain fresh in our minds.
It was a Saturday, which I planned to sleep in the morning, as our wedding ceremony was at 3.00pm in the afternoon. Ample time to get ready and get to church well before 3.00pm. However, that plan was dashed with a phone call at 7.00am in the morning.
“The flowers have not arrived”, exclaimed Jeannie in a worried voice. I had to go round P.J. (Petaling Jaya)(1). I called up Brenda Au Yong (one of the two people who would act as witnesses of our wedding), to help me find these flowers. Together, we went to many of the florists we knew in P.J., hunting for these specific flowers. After 3 hours of flower-searching, no luck.
Our wedding, which took place at St. Francis Xavier Church, was beautiful. Jeannie and I were relaxed and enjoyed it. The late Aunty Alzira Gomes (the late Uncle Joseph’s wife), took over the microphone at the choir section and sang “Panis Angelicus” impromptu. It was a welcome surprise.
Then, we had the customary tea ceremony, a Chinese tradition for marriage, since Jeannie is Chinese. We managed to get a couple of hours rest at Brenda’s & Martin’s house, before our reception at Loyola Hall in St. Francis Xavier Church itself. We had a Chef from the French Embassy in K.L. (2), who catered a wide variety of western and local dishes for the dinner. It was excellent.
Fast forward from then on 25th November, 1995; to now, 29 years later. What better way to celebrate, then with family. This time round, we had our daughter, Laura; and son-in-law (Laura’s husband), Praga; to grace this occasion with us.
We met for dinner at Benjy’s, a little restaurant in SS16, Subang Jaya (3). Located in an apartment building, a couple of blocks from AEON Big Supermarket; it serves western cuisine. The food served is good. There is ample car parking space (a big “+” point for Malaysians).
Wedding Anniversary dinner at Benjy’s; with our daughter, Laura; and her husband, Praga; on 25th November 2024.
Jeannie and I got in slightly earlier than our appointed time. Laura and Praga arrived not long after. Being early eaters, generally; we soon got to ordering our food. Another good thing about Benjy’s is that the menu is not complicated and not overly crowded.
Praga’s order: Smoke Duck Pasta Carbonara.
We all opted for noodle meals, our belief is that it was a healthier choice instead of the usual. heavy steaks.
Laura ordered “Bolognaise” pasta, Italian style. It came with a generous serving of mince beef in tomato sauce, with grated cheese on top. We knew it was going to be good because we have ordered this meal multiple times before.
Praga chose to have “Smoked Duck Pasta Carbonara”. It was loaded with carbonara. The presentation was a row of sliced roast duck pieces on top of the carbonara prepared noodles.
Jeannie went for an “Aloha”. It came with a bull’s eye on top of a big portion of chicken breast meat, together with garlic bread, some green vegetables, corn, a large slice of garlic bread and a side dish of black pepper sauce with some white cream (not sure what that was) on it. The black pepper sauce is always served with the white cream on it.
Jeannie’s order: Aloha. I suppose the restaurant named this dish as such because of the “sunny side” up egg.
I, like Laura; ordered a bolognaise meal. I have been downsizing my meal intake in order to reduce my weight. The meals served at Benjy’s are generous portions in size. When, my meal came; it looked delicious. I had to finish it, since I did not want to waste anything. And finish it, I did. I felt really full and “regretted” that I over ate. My regret did not last long enough. I ordered a double scoop chocolate ice-cream. Sigh!
My order of Bolognaise pasta, with grated cheese on top.
Laura ordered Bolognaise, too.
Praga and Jeannie went for apple crumble for dinner; whereas Laura shared a bit of my chocolate ice-cream. I thought the consolation was that Laura will share at least half the ice-cream with me. She only took one spoon full, which meant that I had to eat the rest. I don’t like the idea of wasting any of it. Though I did not say it out loud, I was not complaining.
The chili sauce (on my right)- a pre-requisite for most types of food, except ice-cream.😁
Jeannie, about to start with her meal.
It was a very pleasant evening. Having Laura and Praga join us in celebrating our wedding anniversary. made it all the more special. It has been some years since Laura last joined us in our annual celebration.
Jeannie and I look forward to many, many more years of married adventures together.
NOTES: 1. Petaling Jaya is a city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. 2. K.L. or Kuala Lumpur, is the capital of Malaysia. 3. Subang Jaya is a young, vibrant city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
Late Friday night, November 24th., 1995; early Saturday morning, November 25th.,1995; a great time to sleep in bed until late Saturday morning… My cell phone (not smartphone – not invented yet) rings.
Half asleep, half awake, I stretch my hand to the bedside table – nope, the phone is not there. Somehow, the phone stopped ringing. So, I did like what any normal person would do… continue sleeping.
A few very short moments later… my cell phone rings, louder and longer this time. I stumbled out of bed, followed the trail the sound led and found my phone on a chair some distant few metres away.
“Hello”, I said, without checking the LCD screen to see the number from the phone on the other end of the call.
“The flowers have not arrived yet!” It was Jeannie. “O.K. We will just make do with whatever flowers are available”, I said.
“No! The flowers have to match the rest of the decor. They have not come from Cameron Highlands yet!”, Jeannie said, sounding frantic. “You find a florist that has these flowers”, she asked.
Great, I thought to myself. I don’t know the difference between a Jasmine and a Marigold.
