THE STAR: LOTS GOING FOR IT

March 12, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

The Monday after Taylor Swift was in Singapore. No, I did not go for her concert. However, (I replaced the word “but” with this. “However” does not sound brash like the word “but”) it is the Monday after Taylor Swift performed her week long string of concerts in Singapore. I am not really a Swiftie fan like the Australian Prime Minister. I like more than “some” of her songs; not all of them.

On our way back from K.L. after picking my wife, Jeannie, and our daughter, Laura; up from work, we were caught in the usual snail pace traffic jam. One would think; after going though this daily evening task for months and years, we would be used to it by now. Well, traffic jams are one of those things that we do not want to get accustomed to. We are a nation of motor vehicles. Our roads, streets, highways…are not coming on stream fast enough to cater for this blizzard of motor vehicles.

So, what do we do? We chug along, impatiently patiently to get to out destination with our nerves intact (sometimes – barely). The car radio is kept off since there is more noise from it with its constant advertisements than from the traffic outside the car.

As we are meter-ing (We are averaging speed momentum at around 6kph to 8 kph), the question of what would we like to have for dinner. We want some place that is air-conditioned as the humidity is still high, though a bit lower than last week. So, we want comfort. Then, the offerings of what type of food, if Indian, will it be at the Taj or the Star, if Chinese food, will it be the coffee shop in SS15 or Kar Heong for their chicken rice and siew yuk, or do we go for Scottish food at McD’s?

We (Jeannie and Laura) quite quickly decided on the Star (Star Bhavan) because the restaurant is air-conditioned, clean, brightly lit, fairly easy to get parking (this is where the Taj loses out – parking is limited). Most important the food is superb and at decent reasonable prices.

*Laura’s rice “set”, with masala chicken, potato, curry and papadam.*

As we walked in to the restaurant, I noticed all their vadai, currypuffs and other snacks. I immediately chose 1 of each variety (a total of 5), packed them in bags (self-served) for takeaways as breakfast for tomorrow.

*Indian doughnut (“donut”, American spelt), known as methu vadai.*

*Parapu vadai and a sort of kueh ringkas style in a ball.*

Laura went for a rice set. She chose rice, masala chicken, potato and papadam. Here meal did not only look good, it tasted good, too.

*Jeannie’s order of roti canai telur (egg). You can see the egg on the left, bottom, of the roti canai telur.* *It came with a spicy curry and what looked like dhal gravy.*

*My order of Nescafe ice, kurang manis (less sugar).*

Jeannie ordered a roti canai telur (1). She ordered a hot tea to go with her meal. The tea looked good and I’m sure it tasted good, too. I am not a “tea” person.

This was the third time I ordered roti canai sardine; 3 visits in a row. It must have tasted so good that I had to keep ordering it. It did! This simple, yet fabulous meal, was served with a spicy curry and dhal gravy. RM5 or US$1.07: that was how much it cost.

Star Bhavan is clean and brightly lit; making it a pleasant experience each time we dine there. The food is consistently good. You are most likely going to come out of there each time, a happy and satisfied customer. This restaurant has its star shining brightly, for sure.

*My order of roti canai sardine, with a spicy curry and dhal gravy.*

*Right to left: Laura in white, me, the Hatted Writer; and Jeannie.*

NOTES:
1. Roti Canai telur. “Telur” means egg in Bahasa Malaysia.
2. Star Bhavan is in SS14/1, Subang Jaya. Subang Jaya is a bustling and lively city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

A STAR IS BORN

March 6, 2024March 6, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

You most probably would have heard that Hollywood Walk of Fame is a landmark which consists of more than 2,765 five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California. The stars are monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of a mix of actors, directors, producers, musicians, theatrical/musical groups, fictional characters, and others.

Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, who also happens to be my wife; and I, admittedly; were so excited when we walked along Hollywood Boulevard, many years back. We were so like tourists, which we were; as we walked along the street staring at the ground, almost literally, identifying and recognizing the movie stars’ names. The excitement soon wore off – we did not recognize the names of many of the stars. And how much longer did we have to stare at the sidewalk (They are known as pavements in Malaysia), lined with 5-pointed terrazzo-and brass stars?

You probably would have heard of Bollywood stars. Most likely you would as they have a huge following here, in Malaysia; as well as in many other countries.

Then, there are the Cantonpop stars popular with Hong Kong popular music. You may also be in the know or have heard of the traffic stars. The label surfaced in 2015 when the media and fans bestowed the title on stars Li Yifeng, Yang Yang, Kris Wu, and Lu Han, who had huge fan bases.

What about another star? Have you heard of Star Bharvan? Jeannie on one of her usual Saturday morning breakfasts with her parents, one day, came home and told me about this new restaurant in SS18, Subang Jaya. (1) She said the food that they ordered, was good.

After that, the name “Star Bharvan” came up several times in conversations with people whenever the topic of choice of restaurants and food in Subang Jaya was talked about.

Early Saturday morning at 8.16am; our neighbours down the road (known as “street” in the U.S.), Nara and his wife, Saras; came to pick Jeannie and I up from our house for breakfast.

Choice of restaurant? You guessed it – Star Bharvan. Jeannie suggested we go there for breakfast. Nara and Saras liked the idea as they too, had been to this restaurant on several occasions and liked the place. Which meant that I was the only one who had not experienced the food there, yet.

The restaurant was close by. The traffic was good. We got to the restaurant in a few minutes.

The restaurant looked spanking new, clean, brightly lit and air con-d. (2) The “-d” part is to amplify the fact that the restaurant would be cool, definitely welcomed by its customers, especially in the current, exceptionally hot weather conditions we are facing. It certainly was a very pleasant and comfortable place to be at that morning.

*Clockwise: Nara, Saras, Jeannie the Batik Influencer; and me, Alan; sporting my tartan flat cap.*

Our food orders of ghee dosai, upuma and ponggal were served within a few minutes. I had methu vadai and parapu vadai. For drinks, the unusual one was the halliya O (ginger water) which Saras and Jeannie had. Nara and I had Nescafe coffee. Mine was O which came with sugar. I should have ordered my Nescafe as Nescafe “O” kosong, though I would have thought the “o” meant black coffee – no milk, no sugar.

*Naras and Saras with their food order of “ghee dosai”. It sure looked delicious.*

*Ginger water – Saras’ and Jeannie’s drink.*

We had a wonderful time chatting and bringing each other up to speed about our families, hobbies and possible collaborations in upcoming projects that we may get ourselves involved in. We also talked about Nara’s younger brother who was my ex-schoolmate.

Before long, we had to head home as Jeannie and I had a coffee appointment in P.J. (3) with a friend. We look forward to more meet-ups with Nara and Saras in the near future, if and when -time permits.

For those wanting to visit Star Bharvan, the address is: 97, SS 14/1, Subang Jaya.

NOTES:
1. Subang Jaya is a dynamic city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
2. Air-con or air con-d are terms very commonly used in Malaysia to described air conditioner.
3. Petaling Jaya, more commonly know as “P. J.”, is a city in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AT F1.16

February 27, 2024February 28, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Sunday morning, 10.27am (I think).

That was the time we sauntered (1) in. We carried the two biggest bags out of our car. Looking at us, one would think that we were running away from home; or was it “ran away from home” since we had already done it; i.e. the action was already put into motion.

Just before arriving here, we stopped by at New Apollos restaurant near our house; to get my “fix”. Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, also known to be known as my wife; brought along our Goji and Rain 532ml Hydraflasks. For those wanting to go out and get themselves a Hydraflask Goji or Rain 532ml flask; it may be a bit difficult as it does not show up on their website. “Goji” and “Rain” are Hydraflask’s version of Red (Goji) and Grey (Rain). I know, I know, my thoughts exactly! Why can’t they just call a red a red and a grey a grey.

We hand over our Hydraflasks to the drinks guy who promptly fills these containers with Nescafe Ice Kaw Kaw, including adding several ice cubes to make sure the drinks stay chilled throughout the day. The Hydraflasks do an outstanding job in keeping my Nescafe ice Kaw Kaw super ice cold, right up till the evening, when we pack to head home.

So, we lugged, tugged, dragged (not really) our two biggest bags from our car to the booth, first. We laid out all the main things like the batik, Hotwheels cars, watches, and some tech stuff. We made a couple more trips back to our car, which was 3 levels below us, in the carpark.

It did not take us very long to set the booth up the way we wanted. People were in a “Relak lah, brudder” (2) “Sunday mood”, which was good. A change from the usual “hard at work week”, for most of us, at least.

*Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year) – the Chinese New Year decorations are still up.*

While I watched people go by, I recognised a gentleman walking by in his Sunday’s best at relaxing. “Mervin”, I called out. The gentleman turned round, “Hey! Alan”. With him, was a young lady who was heavily tattooed. She also happened to be the younger of his two daughters. Mervin, his siblings and parents, their cousins, uncles and aunties, have been close friends of the Atkinsons of Klang; going back over 50 years. It was good catching up on things since we last met, here, at Amcorp Shopping Mall; a few months ago, when he passed our booth.

*Mervyn Gomes, with the unhatted (at the time of this picture) Hatted Writer.*

I came to the mall today, unhatted. (3) I already had my sights for the “tweed” and was waiting for the right moment to visit Mahmud.

Mahmud was a floor above us, on the west side. I put the flat cap (also knowns as the “newboy” cap) on, and it was perfect. Mahmud said it matched the sling bag I had today.

*Mahmud, the hats and specs guy with me, the Hatted Writer.*

*Me, the Hatted Writer; sporting the tweed Newsboy flat cap. I love it.*

One could be forgiven if he or she for a moment thought this was Sir Elton John or John Lennon with me. I wonder why? Must be his smile, no? Mahmud, with me, the Hatted Writer; at his booth on the second floor.

*Another satisfied customer. The red was super, awesomely striking; making the gold flower designs rich.*

Throughout the day, there were people coming by, purchasing many of the Hotwheels vehicles that were on display, A guy bought my Thronmax full professional mike set. I used it only once thinking I was going into podcasting. However, I realised that I was not ready for podcasts now. The planning, script writing, perfect environment, editing – this was not my thing. At least for now. I may pick it up again sometime in the near future. Another person also bought my Cross fountain pen, which I first purchased 40 years ago. That guy is going to get many years of good writing experience from it.

*Jeannie, the Batik Influencer, and I, (yes, ’tis I) Alan, the Hatted Writer; at our booth F1.16.*

I was also the D.J. for the afternoon; playing a wide variety of English and Malay songs. I played Liyana Fizi’s “Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang”, “Stay”, “Jatuh”; CCR, Michael Buble, Meghan Trainor, Ushera, Sheila Majid with her hit, “Sinaran”; just to name a few. I saw lots of people moving to the rhythm of the songs,. enjoying what they heard. Probably a good 3 hours of music. I think the speaker must have popped as there is a bit of a rattling sound when the volume is turned up.

*And another happy customer – this couple purchased the last batik cape under the label of “Jeannie’s Own” that Jeannie had with her for the day.*

A Singaporean couple came by just as were about to pack up for the day. They purchased the last of “Jeannie’s Own” batik capes that the Batik Influencer had for the day.

The “CARS” display, keychain, and the diecast cars of Mater and Flo, were also sold just before we closed. Everything CARS is sold.

By the time, we got everything packed in the car (we did not saunter. We moved at a much faster pace as we wanted to get home), it was past 6.00pm.. It had been quite a long day.

I, during the day, through observations as it (the day) went passed; have got several more ideas for my book. Right now, it seems disjointed. I need to thread the ideas together. While it looks like a trillion (4) piece jigsaw puzzle at the moment, the excitement is building up working at putting these pieces together.

NOTES:
1. “Sauntered” means to walk in a slow, relaxed manner.
2. “Relax lah, brudder” (spelt according to how it sounds) means take it easy. It is very common to hear this in everyday life in Malaysia.
Though the little speck down south of the peninsula claims (like every other thing that becomes catchy and famous); that this popular phrase originated from them; there are doubts to this claim.
3. “Unhatted” means not wearing a hat.
4. Trillion a million million (1,000,000,000,000 or 10¹²).

D. J. AT THE EAST WING, FUN

February 24, 2024February 25, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

10.45am The morning of Chap Goh Meh. Amcorp Shopping Mall. We had “settled in”, more or less. Our things were all in place, and we were ready to meet people who were expected to come by and see what we had to offer.

The Batik Influencer put in many last minute hours (Hmm.. what are “last minute hours?”) to ready a couple more of her Batik Cape Creations under her label, “Jeannie’s Own”. So, yes, very little sleep over the night (or is it “Under the night”?) English can be very tricky.

*The Batik Influencer demonstrating the unique innovativeness of “Jeannie’s Own” Batik Cape.*

*This is another way of wearing this unique, beautiful Batik Cape.*

The Mall was quite quiet during the first couple of hours. Maybe, everyone was sleeping in late, due to the Chap Goh Meh eve celebrations, where the ladies were standing on a bridge, throwing..em…casting over the bridge all their oranges, with telephone and email contact numbers, hoping some lonesome hombres will find it and contact these ladies.

I did not research enough for the significance of this tradition. At face value, this could be my take: The ladies had eaten more than enough oranges for the season. The saying (“They say”) goes, eating too many oranges is not good for the throat. So, the ladies now had to get rid of the left over oranges since they were not going to eat them anymore. Some smart alec (alexandria?) thought of “killing two birds with one stone}: Get rid of the oranges, and maybe find a rich guy in doing so. As the saying goes, “single or unmarried women” are expected to be the ones throwing the oranges.

However, get this: there would be some ladies who are already attached but want to test the waters (pun intended; no, not to see if the oranges would sink) and who knows; pick up someone new. And a new trend could be in the making where the guys would be throwing oranges by the cartons (desperate situations calls for desperate measures) in the water, hoping to pick up a lady in distress (?). From what I heard of a recent story here in Subang Jaya where the lady orange picker up-er, liked the guy, bought him a Porsche and married him. (1)

*Our booth, from a different perspective. The Ford Thunderbird next to a Formula One car.*

It was just after mid-day when the crowds started coming in. The Batik Influencer was at her element, talking about anything batik while demonstrating her unique Batik Cape Creations. Derek, our lawyer friend; upon hearing that the Batik Influencer had new designs up for sale, asked me to send pictures of them. Within minutes, he replied, having chosen one and would come by to pick it up.

*Husband and wife got themselves each, a “JEANNIE’S OWN” Batik Cape.*

In the meantime, I thought that since I brought my mini soundbar speaker, I would have some fun blue-toothing some music from my phone to the speaker.

I first started with Liyana Fizi’s rendition of “Nona Nona Zaman Sekarang”. It came out so beautifully over the speaker that it attracted some people from around, including from the floors above and below; to come over. It is such a happy, catchy tune. In fact, we could see many people tapping their feet or making some happy gestures in keeping in time with the music, especially to the songs they knew.

Then, I picked another one of her songs. I started playing many of Ushera’s pieces, too. She is super awesome. You should definitely link up to her and enjoy her beautiful, beautiful songs and support her career, too. Before I knew it, I was the D.J. for the east wing. I played songs sung by many singers, both, men and women. It certainly livened up the place.

We met with our friends, Khatijah Marianne Magness and Jane; both of whom run their own booths and are very established in Amcorp Mall. We also met my cousin, Leticia; who stopped by for a short visit. It is always nice to see her and her husband, Johnny. These are opportunities for us to bring each other up to speed with the latest going-ons in our lives.

I went to Mahmud, the hat seller’s booth. I found a cap which I think is nice. It’s a “newsboy” type of hat. Mahmud said that this is a favourite of the royals. What do you think? Should I go for it?

*The Hatted Writer in the “Newsboy” look. Is this possibly a “D.J” look?*

The Batik Influencer and the Hatted Writer (that’s me, of course😏) decided to call it a day at about 5.30pm. By the time we packed everything and was ready to go, it was just after 6. We are looking forward to tomorrow.

Venue and Time:
1st Floor, Amcorp Shopping Mall,
Booth 1.16, Level 1
Amcorp Shopping Mall,
8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date: Feb 24 and Feb 25, 2024
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)

NOTES:
1. The “lighter side” of traditions.

CHILLING AT MID-VALLEY

February 17, 2024February 17, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Still in the celebrative mood of Chinese New Year… Jeannie wanted to go to one of the shopping malls to do a bit of shopping. She suggested Mid-Valley Shopping Mall.

Traffic was good all the way to the mall. It probably is a good time to sight-see K.L. (1) Getting a parking bay at our usual parking area (Yes, I do a usual area where I park my car, can easily find it, and then; quite quickly exit when we leave) was easier than normal.

Not even 10 minutes in the mall when I realise that I, the Hatted Writer; was without my hat. I thought that I had left it in the car. I went back to the car to get it only to find that it was not there. Which meant that I had left it at home.

When I was searching on line sometime back for hat boxes, I saws that Mid-Valley had a hat store called “Hat Attack”. I decided to visit it. Who knows? I may be able to find something I like. Just in case some of you may be thinking that I left my hat/s at home on purpose so that I would have an excuse to get another hat…no, I didn’t.

I whipped (slowly. It kinda of contradicts the action “whipped” which depicts super fast😉 for the store location😂) up my phone from, searched for the location and got to the store within minutes. I’ve passed by this store multiple (A descriptive word I learnt from Laura instead of using “countless number of”. Sounds better) times without stepping into it. It was the time before I got in to hats, something which Jeannie kept egging me to start using, especially after watching the movie, “Shadows In The Sun” where Weldon Parrish (Harvey Keitel), the eccentric writer, always wore a hat.

This store was filled with a fantastic choice of hats of all kinds. I tried on several hats, found some that I liked and sent pictures to my fashion critics, Jeannie and Laura, to get their opinion on my choice. Cherie, the store associate, described the materials of hats I picked, and how to keep them clean.

I asked Jeannie to meet me at the store and get her opinion on my final choice. Finally, after a long 15 or 20 minutes of going through all these hats, I picked the bronze colour panama hat.

*This is how to take a picture, with your phone, while looking in the mirror. Dressed for the occasion – writering or authoring or even storytelling.*

*Here I am, with the beautiful Hat Attack associate, Cherie.*

The Batik Influencer (Jeannie) and I were soon on our way to explore the rest of the Chinese New Year-ed Mid-Valley in all its festivities. We took a lot of pictures.

The Centre Court was decorated with orange trees, everywhere. Fake trees of course.

*Sophisticated.* *Jeannie bought me my red tee to be in CNY colours.*

*The Batik Influencer in her newly purchased cheongsam.* *She was in the right shoes, too. Notice the others with white sole shoes, too.*

We spent quite a bit of time at the Gardens. Their CNY decor was all about simplicity at home, the simple living. We thought the decor was very nice.

*Notice how the back props matches my hat?*

*Red paper messages dropping from orange trees? Interesting. Very interesting.*

The pictures taken of us at The Gardens decor display are very nice. A lady helped take these pictures, using my phone. In all the pictures, the Batik Influencer looks very regal in her cheongsam.

We decided to head home after spending about three hours at the Mall. How quickly time flew. The traffic on the highway back to Subang Jaya was smooth flowing. How nice it would be if the traffic was like this every day. Wishful thinking?

NOTES:
1. K.L. or Kuala Lumpur, is the largest city and the capital of Malaysia.
2. Cheongsam or zansae, also known as the qipao and sometimes referred to as the mandarin gown, is a Chinese dress worn by women which takes inspiration from the qizhuang, the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people. wikippedia

IT’S EVERYBODY’S BIRTHDAY

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Chinese New Year continues. The seventh day.

From the time I was young(-er) and can remember till now, I have been made to understand that the Chinese in Malaysia work very hard throughout the year. Then, when it comes to Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year, they stop work and “lay down their tools” (a symbol of them actually stopping work) for 15 days. They go all out to welcome and live the new year, right from the very beginning, every Chinese New Year. I have to mention “Chinese” New Year because the date differs from the Gregorian calendar, the most widely used calendar system today. New Year occurs on January 1 (New Year’s Day, preceded by New Year’s Eve).

*Alison (centre), Desmond, Jeannie, Hatted Writer (without the hat this time), and Laura.*

Jeannie and I spent the second and third day in the South central state of Negri Sembilan, in their famous holiday resort town of Port Dickson, more affectionately known as P. D.. The weather was beautiful, the to and fro trip was a breeze, the whole holiday was perfect. We definitely want to make Port Dickson a getaway chill & relax on a more frequent basis.

On Tuesday morning, the 4th day. We were invited by our neighbours, Alison & Desmond, across the street (road) to their home for Chinese New Year. We had an awesome time getting to know one another much better. They are more settled in their newly renovated home. According to Desmond, Alison designed the renovations, making their home just the way they want it. We even had the honour of getting a tour of their beautiful home.

Alison makes good 3-in-1 coffee. Many of these 3-in-1 coffees are too sweet. She knows how to put just the right amount of mixture for the mug size. Desmond is always cheerful, full of laughter. Both Alison and Desmond are dedicated to their little garden of potted plants. We had a wonderful time with them.

Fast forward and we are now towards the end of the 7th day, which is everybody’s birthday. From observations, no one actually celebrates this birthday except to wish everyone (or at least those who are Chinese), “Happy Birthday”.

The next big celebration in this festive season is on the 9th day, which is the Hokkien New Year. It will start with fireworks and firecrackers. More merriment with visits to each other’s houses. Malaysians from diverse cultures celebrate in each other’s festivities. Lots of food – something very Malaysian. Malaysians love to eat. We are blessed with cultural festivals throughout that year.

On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year is Chap Goh Mei. This marks the last day of festivities in the lunar new year celebrations. It is also when single women, while standing on a bridge; will toss oranges (Do they throw one or more than one or a whole carton? More than one improves the chances) into the water with the hopes of right male suitors plucking these oranges from the water (one male suitor to one lady). I wonder if this is where the term “lucky dip” was derived from. On these oranges will have written contact numbers and social media handles. Otherwise, how will men know which orange is from which lady?

Before all you men (hopefully single and available only) go and wait under bridges in Malaysia, hoping to find the right orange to get your Ms. Right; I don’t think that this ritual of Chinese (perhaps other races included) single ladies throwing oranges to find their right suitor is practised any longer in this modern day and age.

So, just as we about to see close of one festivity in a few days time; another will begin not long after that with the beginning of 1 month of fasting. During this period, food bazaars are set up…did I say “food”?😁

LADIES IN BLACK

February 14, 2024February 14, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Here we were, in the middle of the ocean, on the fringes of the beach, postcard pictured setting… amongst the thousands of people. Then, suddenly… (change to next scene…music builds to a slight cresendo…especially the violins creating suspense. Ah…yes… suspense).

(big horns blowing)…Then suddenly, out of no where…appeared these unusual looking women…(suspense ends with the sound from a triangle hitting its note. “ting!).

Did they come from the distant future through time travel… or did they come on a space ship? In the distance, we could see a grey and orange object that resembled what looked like a spaceship, as people gathered around it to get a closer look.

*The grey and orange object that resembled what looked like a spaceship.*

These three women – all dressed in black, with special secret service issued shades (sunglasses), all of a sudden, appeared in the middle of the ocean (20 meters from the beach). They communicated with each other in a strange language which most people around here could not understand. For those that could grasp what they were were saying, could only make out a little bit. These women were speaking that language, yes the one that some universities accept a passing mark grade of 5% out of 100% to do law. The English language. They spoke the high end version, from the U.K., His Majesty’s version. And they spoke very lady-like, prim and proper.

As they appeared in a location quite close to us, we could make out who was in charge – the boss.

*The boss, the leader. She had a device that hung from her neck…they all did.*

I heard the boss say that their mission was to rescue a young princess in pink from the evil clutches of what is known as the “IdiotBox”. She said that if they played their cards right (Go Fish), they will be able to rescue the young princess in pink. It was a dangerous mission. One that is filled with advertisements, reaching out to your subconscious, inviting you, asking you, telling you to buy…even if you don’t have the money, things that you don’t need. How do you pay for this? Why friendly credit, of course. They are friendly provided you make the payments on time.

Somehow or another, they succeed in their mission to rescue the princess in pink (no idea why the location is in the sea).

*They get the princess in pink to use special yellow floats to keep her steady above the surface of the water while waiting for their rescue vehicle to come.*

*We can see the boss using her special device to provide their location to their rescue vessel.*

Within minutes, their rescue vehicle, disguised as a run-of-the-mill, type motor-boat; appeared.

*The princess in pink told them that she did not want to leave them, that she wanted to be a part of their team.*

The Ladies In Black’s mission was to rescue the princess in pink and put her on the rescue craft. They would not be following her as they would then move on to their next mission. The princess in pink insisted, they resisted. She insisted, they resisted even more strongly. The princess in pink said, “I am a princess. I command you to accept me”. They told her that if she joined, she would have to leave her princess-ness behind and follow orders just like everyone else. She agreed. Princess’ honour.

*The rescue craft leaving without the princess in pink.* *It could not wait too long for risk of being exposed and the mission jeopardized.*

They gave a pair of standard issue Oakley shades to the princess in pink. Now, she became one of them.

*The rescue craft leaving without the princess in pink. The princess in pink relinquishes her pinkness and puts on the shades (you can see her with the shades on).*

Till the next thrilling episode…

L.I.B.eraton i the name of the organisation the ladies work for.

Having fun. I thought up of this story and penned it at 3.17am in the morning. This may lead you to tell your own 3.17am fun stories.

NOTES:
1. The story is fiction.
2. “The boss” was one of the hotel guests, the same as us. She seems a very nice lady.

ABSOLUTELY HAPPY TO SEE HER HAPPY

February 13, 2024February 13, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Last night, after dinner; I remembered I had to take my medication and realised that I forgot to bring it along for the trip. I straight away googled for pharmacies in Port Dickson. It was nearing to 9.00pm at that time. A couple of Health Lane Family pharmacies showed up. Called (telephone-d, rang) them up to check if they had the medication and what time were their closing hours. Jeannie and I went to the nearest location and got the stuff.

The rest of our evening was chill and relaxed. Which meant that the Batik Influencer and the Hatted Writer were in an air-con (short for air conditioner) room, relaxed but working. We (or at least I) hit the sack by midnight.

The next morning came…sort of sprung up rather quickly. Jeannie was out of the room already. She said she was going for a very early morning jog on the beach. Looking out the sealed window, the weather was beautiful. Bright, sunny, yet not scorching hot.

The view of the ocean was beautiful. The soft, light blue skies, filled with white-to-light-grey pillow like clouds; met the ocean right at the tip of the earth. This was as far as the eye could see. On the right, was Port Dickson harbour. There was a cargo ship, anchored near the wharf. Decorating the scenic view of the sky and the sea in the distant distance, were two other cargo ships on what looked like they were heading north.

Jeannie was back by 9.00am. We went down to the breakfast hall, which was already crowded with people. We found a nice place to sit. The breakfast offerings was a good choice, from nasi lemak, fried noodles, scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, cereal to honey dew and papaya. There was the usual coffee and tea and orange juice; that complimented the breakfast. We both, had a fairly light breakfast. The breakfast was good.

Of course, we were not in P.D. for eating, or at least; it wasn’t our main focus. It was the sea and the beach, feeling the ocean rush up to shore over our feet, bringing along with it, the fine sand. So, off we went.

*As I stood, watching Jeannie enjoying herself in the water, it was bringing up more and more sand with each wave that came in. My left foot in ankle-deep sand.*

*The Batik Influencer inspires the scenery to be beautiful. Yes, the one with the straw hat.*

*This picture is priceless. Jeannie, absolutely happy. It made me absolutely happy to see her happy. The simple moments in life.*

And the Olympic medal of the year goes to…the Batik Influencer.

Now, you know where the term, “beach bum” comes from. Camping on the beach. There were so many campers. They were having fun. “Aaah! This is the life”, you can imagine them think to themselves.

*A view of the hotel as we face the beach.*

The sun started to scorch at around 11.30am. It was also time for us to freshen up, pack and check out of the hotel.

We started our journey home at about noon. As we passed by the public area of the beach, it was crowded with happy people. The shops and stalls would be thriving in business. The weather looked as it was going to hold up for the rest of the day. This time, on our way out; we were conscious not to take “short cuts”. I generally knew my bearings and we were soon on the highway.

Traffic along the way was heavy, but moving at a fair pace. We got home at 2.00pm only to feel the heat from the sun, bearing down on us. One would think it is the same sun when we were in P. D., which seem to be more accommodating by not being so hot.

As we got our things from the car, into the house; we started talking about plans for our next P.D. trip. Before we could get into much serious conversation; we snoozed off.💤💤💤

BEACH, WATER, SAND, SUN, HATS

February 12, 2024February 12, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

Once we settled our things in our room at the hotel; we went to do what we came here to do in the first place: go to the beach. Walk in the sands and the water, as the ocean gushed in, bringing with it heaps of soft sand.

Jeannie wasted no time in gathering treasures from the beach, rocks of all forms, shapes and sizes. Wherever she goes, she must pick up bits and pieces of nature. She picked up large maple and other leaves, acorns on our trips to the U.S., Europe and Australia; shells of all shapes, sizes and colours from previous beach holidays. Today, it is rocks. She has a keen eye for the beauty of things that escape my attention.

*Here, the Batik Influencer is sporting a straw hat, something that she may incorporate in her fashion ideas perhaps?*

A little ball of green weed that fought to keep itself on the beach. With it each incoming wave of water from the ocean; it was getting to look more difficult. However, it fought gallantly even though the odds were stacked heavily against it.

Corus hotel is many years old, and it shows it. Our room is very comfortable, with two king size beds, good view of the ocean and full room amenities. There’s a swimming pool and and a games room for indoor games.

All these things that she picks up and wants to bring home with us. I say “No bringing any of this stuff back”. Somehow or another, I will find her new found treasures or collection in our house.

*Another nice pic. The setting sun bursting through the clouds, bouncing off onto the waters, creating flickering sparkles as the waves move.*

A postcard style picture of our hotel (yellow in colour). The hotel is many years old, and it shows it. Our room is very comfortable, with two king size beds, good view of the ocean and full room amenities. There’s a swimming pool and and a games room for indoor games.

*A scene from one of those panama movies.*

*She’s happy. She’s got a bounty full of “treasures”.*

*On our way back to the hotel as the sun went down.*

*Back in our room. The view from the window was lovely.*

*Stitching(?) / S-Penning an essay together. Could be described in the normal normal way, but…*

*A nice corned beef sandwich prepared by the Batik Influencer. She is an expert in food and is also a great chef in her own rights..*

*Relak la brudder ( local slang) for take a break and chill.*

*One of the treasures Jeannie found on the beach. She immediately came up with the idea of this natural and beautiful pen-holder.*

A good first day of our holiday in Port Dickson.

Jeannie, in top form, feeling the ocean at her feet and the sifting sands, sort of crumble away as the waters rush back to the ocean.

RED, RED, EVERYWHERE

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

As things start to unwind in old town Petaling Jaya (Fondly referred to as P. J.), where small businesses and shops close at half day (The big corporations and public services have to maintain full day), the activities start to unfold.

*A person watching the very, very long string of firecrackers going off. I did not video it because there was a lot of echoing of sound in the area.*

While I was working on a new article, Jeannie announced that she had to go down to PJ (it should be “up” as PJ is north-east of Subang Jaya) to pick some sewing accessories up as the shop in Subang Jaya closed early today, due to it being the eve of Chinese New Year and Chinese employees had to go back early to celebrate their reunion dinner with their families. (Did you take all that in with one breath?) When she said “she” had to go, it naturally meant that “we” had to go.

Red, red, everywhere. This shop sells everything for Chinese new year. Jeannie rang (an old form of saying she called up by telephone) them up about an hour earlier, saying that she wanted to go over to get something from them. They obliged and stayed open for Jeannie until we got there.

Within minutes, we were in the car, heading to Section 1, old town, P. J.. The traffic was light all the way down…er..or is it up?, to P. J.. Traffic was a breeze all the way to P. J. Jeannie turned on the Google Maps app for directions. It was unnecessary as I knew the way, though I had not been to that area in a while. I told her that she could switch the app off. However, she still kept it on.

When we were around that area, Google Maps were giving some unusual directions. I decided to follow it thinking it may have the latest in traffic direction flow in the Section 1 area. It was acting weird, directing us to the factory area which was always leading us to a particular road with a dead-end.

I decided to follow my sense of direction. I had to go against the traffic direction to get out of where we were and go to where I think this shop was. Got to the shop within minutes.

*Inside the shop, everything red and gold. They even had little red (why of course) fire crackers decorative blinking (in a good way) lights, minus the sound of exploding fire crackers.*

One of the people at the shop had already prepacked the things that Jeannie wanted. The Hatted Writer (hatless on the trip), in the meanwhile, was absorbing the “Chinese New Year” Chineseness of the area. One of the shops nearby, set off a long…very long string of fire crackers. Since the area was quite empty, it created an echo which made the exploding fire crackers even louder.

I went to inspect the area after the last cracker crackered, amidst the dense smoke lingering in the air, left behind from the exploding coloured paper and gunpowder (?) like material. I suppose the louder the noise and longer that it can last, coupled with messier the place, means greater prosperity.

We were sort of glad to have had a glimpse of a Chinatown style of Chinese New Year eve atmosphere. We headed back to Subang Jaya soon after that, to pick Laura up to have tea (coffee actually) at “KUEH”, possibly the only local cafe to be still open at 4.00pm.

NOTE:
Though coffee is definitely the more popular and trending beverage in this day and age; you don’t hear people say, “Let’s go have coffee”. Its more, “Let’s go for tea”. Is it because coffee is an all day long beverage and tea…well its confined to “tea time” meaning late afternoon / early evening.

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