Food

Indulging in food is indeed a favourite pastime, and when the company is good, the experience is always the better. I'd like to think that I am not a fussy eater, well maybe a little choosy at times, and I try to enjoy what is placed before me without being too critical. If I'm out having a meal, I want to have a good time, and being too critical lessens the enjoyment somewhat.

 

I do street food - would you believe I have the mobile numbers of the proprietors of two of my favourite hawker stalls - I like bustling coffee shops, the intimacy of smaller, independent cafes and bistros, I enjoy dining in nice restaurants, having teh tarik alfresco-style, the list goes on. Whether at home or abroad on holiday, meal times are something to look forward to.

The downside to all the food? I have to swim more, cycle more and visit the gym more. And still, am losing the battle against the bulge! So, the time has come to cut back on portions. Just a little sacrifice that is worthwhile.


Cat fish salad at Erawan Tea Room in Bangkok, Thailand.

Cousins

I have quite a number of cousins from both sides of the family and since childhood, our elders have instilled in us the value of family ties and kinship. Due to the wide age range, I am closer to some than others. Still, all of us get along well, particularly those who reside in Malaysia as we often get together for family gatherings and celebrations on an almost monthly basis. For those further off - in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, England and the US - we try to keep in touch via Facebook and Whatsapp as often as we can.

 

Going on holiday together is a great way of bonding, especially with cousins who live abroad. Such holidays are never long enough. We spend time reminiscing about our childhood, getting up to speed on the latest in our personal lives, and planning for the next vacation. We chill, we indulge in food, we get up to silly antics. To a certain extent, many of us have remained young at heart, even those who are now parents. That's what makes such trips enjoyable.

 

Here's a photo of Siew Yoong, San, Kiat Ken and I, together with my nephews Tian and Jin. This was taken during our reunion trip in Koh Samui earlier this month. A fab time we had indeed.

 

 

Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Thailand.

Jump

My cousin San always encou-rages us to attempt sporting activities no matter how reluctant we may be to do so. He is persistent in that way and more often than not, he succeeds in cajoling us to give it a go.

 

So here we are jumping off the pier at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Kiat Ken and I to be precise, watched on by our nephew Tian. Even the kids joined in and to be fair, we did have a good time. These impromptu experiences are those that stay with us for life, unplanned experiences that we find ourselves partaking in, despite our initial reluctance.

 

And for the record, I jumped not once, but four times!

 

 

Kiat Ken and I almost synchronised in our effort.

One Of 1000 Places To See

I would say that the Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam certainly lives up to its reputation as among the New York Times' bestseller '1000 places one ought to see in their lifetime'. The views are stunning. Whether viewed from a vantage point perched higher up or on the beach itself, one is constantly drawn to the seascape that unfolds before one's eyes at every turn.

 

I was very recently at the resort in Koh Samui, spending a couple of days of quality time with my cousins from Auckland, London and Singapore. Sited on a more private enclave, away from the touristic stretch, it served as the perfect spot for us to catch up on old times. Sure there were some glitches in service every now and then, but the beautiful vistas and ambience more than made up for it.

 

The setting puts one in a relaxed state of mind. It inspires us to appreciate the beauty of natural surrounds, it encourages us to be grateful for the opportunity to be there. Most importantly, it served as a catalyst for all of us to enjoy our time together, re-living our childhood memories, reveling in the present, and looking forward to what the future may hold.

 

 

Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam in Koh Samui, Thailand.