Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Bitten by the travel bug - Day 1 (KL)

And so, it was with great excitement that Noel and I started off on day 1!  We had planned to travel really light, as there were a few flights with AA and we didn’t buy any luggage allowance.  Noel packed his back and 4.4kg and I packed mine at 5.5kg.  Sooooo lightweight!  In Kuching, the current craze over laundrymates made me think that it would easy for us just to drop our dirty laundry and get it nice and dry within an hour.  All the best to us!

During the whole trip, while waiting for the flights, we reviewed all the places that we planned to visit and Noel had to write the facts down.  Yes, it’s a mean thing to do (“study” during a holiday) but I think it’s good for him to know some facts before we visited the intended places.  At least it’s not just a mere visit.

Our first leg was via MAS and surprisingly the flight was so full and we couldn’t get a seat together.  I was only a tad worried because I know Noel will be able to handle himself; meal, entertainment and all.  And I was left in peace.  Haha.

It was a working day, so naturally, I had arranged our itinerary as to not depend on anyone.  And the main reason for this travel is to bring Noel to revisit those places mentioned in his textbooks; which were mainly touristy and easy to reached-by-taxi places anyways.  Reached KLIA at about 11.15 and went down to take a bus to KLSentral.  Since we are not rushing for time, and we would seldom (read: never) take bus in Kuching, this was a nice ride.  So nice and comfortable till Noel slept all the way.  Besides, RM55/adult for ERL is INSANE!

We reached KLSental and I wanted to take noel to Petaling Street to eat Hokkien Noodles, but good thing I checked, the stall only opens at 4pm.  Then, lo and behold, Juwita and Mama-Hannah were free to take us around.  Yippie!  Of course I wanted to meet at many friends as I can, but because of the limited time, I know that it’s not all that possible.  But anyways, they picked us up at KLSentral and off we went to our first destination – KLCC.  Yes, a bit of a norm, but it is a beautiful landmark and every student needs to know this.  There we went into the garden, but it started to rain and we were lazy also lah. So back into the mall, had Auntie Anne’s and visited Petrosains (outside only; cheapskate bah).  But it was cool enough as they had FOC display about Mars outside the gallery.

Then we drove out to Charlie’s Café.  On the way we managed to drive through Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Selangor Club.  Both historical places.  Too bad it was raining heavily so we couldn’t go out.  Back to Charlie’s. 

Charlie’s is a place owned by a Sabahan couple and they use to operate the café in DUMC.  I have heard about them ever since I know Ju and have wanted to meet them and try their food.  And guess who was there to meet us – Gina!  Did not tell her we were coming so it was a nice surprise.  Had Chicken Chop (huge portion and crispy) – great if you like lots of crispy crumbed chicken.  Also had D24 Soft Serve Ice Cream and Musang King Durian Cheesecake.  Being durian lover, yes, both were great.  Too bad they ran out of scones that day.  The place was simple (read: humble) and it was nice to be able to see the couple in action.  Sonny (the husband) says “Buli bah mau buka tempat macam ni, asal ko nda pandai panat ja”.  Debra (the wife) says “Panat juga, tapi siok bah”.  Baiklah.

We were contemplating if we should try to venture out to Tugu Negara; the one MUST visit place in my list to take Noel.  I think every Malaysian should visit this monument, especially school children.  And with the recent hoohaa that MNo1 wants to remove the monument (or do some facelift or something “clever” like that), I felt that I really must take Noel there.  After discussing the route, they (the KL guys) decided that yes, we should try.  We were in a limited time frame, because Noel and I were going to meet Jane and the family + Fread for dinner at Midvalley (this is only the start of our never ending food journey!).  And so, we went to Tugu Negara via a route that waze brought us – which was very good because it brought us right to the top of the hill (read: no need to climb the hill = YEAY!).  But… when we arrived there, the notice said the place was closed (6pm).  NOOOOooooooo!!! So near and yet so far.  We wondered around, and suddenly we heard – WOI! Sini sini! BUKA lah! Hehehehe… Gina found a way in and the gate was still opened.  God must have really pitied us that day J  It is such a beautiful place and to gaze upon the faces of our warriors during the dusk of day truly made my heart saddened and thankful.  Noel stood infront of the statue and said – “WOW, it’s HUGE… in the textbook, I thought it was just a small one…” and thus began his mummy’s “that’s why mummy wants to take you to see the historical places….” yacking.  Hehe.  It was a lovely close to the day, catching sunset and saying a prayer for the fallen warriors and for the nation.  Unfortunately we didn’t managed to go to Lake Garden, but that’s not important.

We head back to Midvalley and got there in time to order.  Chilli’s!  Yummy!  It was good to see the family and Fread again.  Noel, being hair-crazed in form 1, absolutely adored Fread’s hair.  Haha.  He said when he grows up and works, he wanna have hair like Uncle Fread’s.  Darkish-brownish.  Bah, iyalah.  After dinner, the parents left earlier with the kids and Sharlene so we could walk around hoping to be able to shop.  Ended up empty handed.  What happened to AEON??? Sad.  But maybe it’s a good thing, since we still have 7 days to go, don’t want to be in deficit at the start of our holiday.

We then head home (spending the night at Jane’s in Putrajaya).  But wait… no trip to “Kajang” is complete without having Satay Kajang!  Haha… After I counted our days there, there was no other suitable time to eat Satay but that night.  So Jane took us to Willy’s (instead of Haji Samuri, it seems Willy’s is the new Satay Kajang craze).  And there, Rawlins came to see us!  WEEEEeeeee!!! Absolutely delightful meeting all these friends and introducing Noel to them.  After what seems to be minutes reminiscing the student days, we went home.  Got home, showered, forced Noel to turn off the TV, because tomorrow is an early start, we said goodnight.

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