Butterfly Lovers @ KLPAC

Saturday: We watched the musical based on ancient (circa 265-420 AD) China's version of 'Romeo & Juliet'. Susan and I had to read the English subtitles. Nicole had no trouble being conversant in Mandarin.

Buka Puasa at Delicious

Immediate family members of Susan's workplace were treated to a 'Buka Puasa' (Breaking of Fast) buffet dinner at Delicious. Nic was hoping we'd win the draw for new iPad but not this time.

Dinner at Shangri-La

Saturday: Sue's company dinner this time was held at the 'Shang' in the city. The buffet spread in the Lemon Garden Cafe was very good indeed. Top notch! I guess at RM160++ (USD53) per person, one would expect nothing less.

Chinese New Year Day One

We got up early and headed to my mum's to pay our respects. Next we grabbed a bite before we left for the Hard Rock Hotel Penang (compliments of Mandy, many thanks!) at around 8.45am for a 4D3N stay. Traffic was medium to heavy I'd say and very bearable. We arrived at Mama's home in Tambun at about 1pm.

Next stop Penang island and traffic was mostly smooth with a few stop and go on the road near Batu Ferringhi.

The hotel was only opened last September and if first looks are anything to go by - it is great! I liked the LED lights that changed colors at the entrance (above).

After settling in we went to the beach where Nicole had fun atop "Ninja" (right). We had to stop her after this as she also wanted to go para-sailing, jet-skiing, ATV-riding - the works. Anyway she did not qualify for the first two sport.

After dinner at the Starz Diner we enjoyed a thrilling lion-dance performance. Those guys rock!

It's a Holiday!

Today is a holiday but Susan has to work as her employers decided not to observe it. Nic and I headed to the mall which was packed with folks shopping for the coming festival. We had lunch at Kluang Station - famous for their coffee.

Outta my way you road-hoggers! (center pic)

Nic trying her hand at diorama painting for a  Tamiya Kleines Kettenkraftrad 1/35 model (foreground).

Getting Into The Spirit of Christmas

Nothing like heading to the mall to get the Christmas feel - carols, Christmas tress and for Nic, it's to get her fix at the penny arcade (except it costs a dollar a game today).

Wedding Dinner at Westin KL

We attended the wedding dinner reception for Abel and Fiona last night. The night began with a cocktail reception at the ballroom foyer. They had wines, spirits but no beer, too bad. I had a wine and a couple of gin for the night.

While waiting . . .

still waiting . . . black tablecloths and white crockery

Stephen and Catherine

Dennis and Audrey

Abel and Fiona at our table

Kindergarten Closed

Nicole's kindy will be closed until Wednesday as a precaution against a HFM outbreak after a couple of kids were confirmed as HFM patients.

We spent the day shopping for long pants as she has outgrown some of her present ones. Nic did not stop at pants and promptly selected a pair of shoes (again).

Zoo Negara

Today we visited the national zoo in Ulu Kelang. Nic invited Ashleigh to come along and her parents allowed her to. I think our last visit was over 12 years ago. The weather throughout was mild (thank God) and I also met Mosses, an old friend there. He works there so he gave us tips on which exhibits to check out.

A Tiger Kangoo

We were leaving Tropicana City mall and could not resist but to snap a couple of pics with this A'Famosa Resort Renault Kangoo painted in tiger stripes. We have yet to visit the resort and perhaps we should pay a visit this year.

Setapak - Visit Grandma's Friends Pt. Two

Yes, now for the primary aim of our visit to Setapak. First stop - grandma's long, and I do mean long time friend, from age four (I think). Erm, that would be something like 70 years ago! I did not snap any pics as Nic was occupied with the family dog - Rocky. Last time we came to visit was March 2008, the day I exercised my voting rights.

Next stop, a lady grandma used to work (doing laundry) for eons ago. She is a great grandmother (pic) and at age of 92 is a sprightly woman. She is able to spot calculation errors on grocery bills and follow her favorite tv dramas. I reckon grandma last saw her over 20 years ago although they do talk over the phone regularly.

Note: Nic was amused with the classic chair (pic) - I recall we used to have those too. We really had a good time today - spending time with family (grandma and us), good old friends and enjoying a nice meal - PRICELESS!

Setapak - Visit Grandma's Friends Pt. One

I got up early and googled for places we could get a bite in Setapak seeing that we were going to visit a couple of grandma's old friends. "Setapak food places" returned 101,000 pages and the most obvious spots were Fancy Mee Pan Mee in Wangsa Maju and Hennessy Lor Mee in Ayer Panas. I decided on the latter as the bee hoon (vermicelli) in white wine with clams looked tempting.

Ayer Panas (Hot Springs) here we come! Incidentally despite living in that area for twenty years - I have never been to the actual hot springs. Oh, some other time I guess. The stall is located within a hawker center next to the Dataran Ayer Panas - an open field with ample parking bays. Next was to look out for the empty Hennessy boxes hanging from the zinc roof. We walked past a few other stalls but my mind was only fixed on the boxes although Susan was attracted by the Indian food stall close by.

First up was the Vermicelli in White Wine - best I have ever tasted. Where most cooks stinge on the wine - here the cook is generous. The clams were juicy and the fish added more flavor. Next was the "house specialty" - Hennessy Lor Mee. Again the key ingredient (VSOP) was in abundance.

The last dish - lettuce was a delightful surprise too. You'd never think a dish this simple could taste so good. The sauce was heavenly with dried shrimps, lard, etc. Ho Chiak!

Here are the coordinates for you techies! GPS: N03 11.388, E101 43.82

For the rest - it is stall number 22 and you can call 012-624 7610.

Dinner at Grand Seasons

Sunday: We had dinner at a hotel in the city. Present were my mum and brothers Robert (Irene) and James, friends from church - Alwyn, Bee Feng and their two daughters Celeste and Allika.

Nic and Celeste played about a lot and Nic somehow managed to make Celeste cry twice. First time, Celeste fell while running about and next Nic 'deserted' her in the ladies room and she wailed - until a staff and me came to her aid! Naughty Nic!

CNY - Day 3 & 4

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hard Rock as there were activities to keep us entertained - especially the lounge band, Ray & The Jazz Hats - very good. Better than what was playing at the cafe.

(Below) Martial Arts expert - it was a hot afternoon!

CNY - Day Two

The pool is real neat too as the floor is covered with sand thus giving it that beach effect. Nic had fun with another guest, Sarah (above).



Above are the Lagoon Deluxe rooms where you just walk out into the pool - nice!



Lunch time at the pizzeria! (Below) And after lunch - a different pool time! And yes, Nic had to give it a go too!