Durian

I am not a great fan of durians. I do eat them but normally only do so if friends or family organise a durian 'makan session' or party. For me, the company and fellowship are the incentives, rather than the king of fruits per se.

 

This past year, I've probably only had durian four times. The first and second when Mum and Auntie Anne packed some back from the market and pasar malam respectively. The third when my friends Shirley, Bunny and Nabil suggested we do durian for dinner at Donald's Durian in SS2, and the fourth when Auntie Linda and Uncle Jeff treated the extended family to a durian party of 30 fruits.

 

Whether the durians are of supposed top-notch quality or at a bargain of RM1 each mean little to me, as I always enjoy them as they are, with the people whose companionship make such gatherings memorable occasions.

 

 

Nabil, Bunny and Shirley at Donald's Durian in SS2, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Effort

Visits from my cousins are always something to look forward to. We grew up together as kids in Petaling Jaya - we spent many weekends and school holidays together at the Lake Club, we went on trips, we celebrated birthdays, we went to piano lessons - and we have remained close through the years, despite us living much of our late teenage and adult lives in different parts of the world. The bonds that we formed as children are intact and now with my nephews in tow, we still manage to enjoy our time together

 

We are pretty good at keeping in touch; whether through phone calls, Whatsapp messages or Skype, we update each other on the goings-on in our lives from time to time. We make it a point to attend milestone celebrations, even if it means flying thousands of miles. We plan holidays together as a group, despite it being stressful at times with the kids.

 

At the end of the day, it all boils down to one word ... effort.

 

 

Siew Yoong, Tian, me, San, Jin, Suk Harn and Mum at No.7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, mid June 2015.

Family Holiday

My sister Suk Harn recently gave my Mum and I a treat, a two week holiday in London, Stockholm and Istanbul. Having been based in London for almost a year, the plan was for us to spend some time travelling as a family towards the end of her one year working stay in the English city.

 

For me, it was a return trip to London after two decades, to Istanbul since 2000, and a first sojourn to Scandinavia. For Mum, it was a trip down memory lane as she read law in London, with her most recent visit being a business trip with my late father many years ago. The other two cities were new places of interest for Mum, and all of us certainly looked forward to the trip.

 

An all expenses paid trip, other than shopping money, is something no one can refuse. All three cities provided wonderful experiences, sights to behold and food to savour. Most importantly though, traveling together as an immediate family allowed us to strengthen our bonds, even more. We look forward to my sister's return next month. Rest assured, more holidays will be in our plans.

 

 

Photo taken at Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.

Cousins

Those who have read my most recent previous post would know that I was in Hong Kong with my extended family for a holiday last month. Apart from my Mum, aunts and uncles, seven of my cousins came along for the trip.

 

It is always great fun travelling with my cousins. We get along well and we have similar interests, in particular when it comes to food and shopping. As we meet often when home, either for family dinners or get-togethers, we have pretty good relationships and this makes travelling in a group much easier to navigate.

 

I travel with different groups of cousins from time to time. The dynamics vary from group to group but each trip is an enjoyable experience in itself. When we know each other well, understand one another and make an effort to be considerate, such holidays always turn out well.

 

 

Here we are after having 'milk tea' in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Catch Up In Bangkok

My late father was employed at the same company all his life. Starting out as an office boy after Form 5, he left as the CEO of Bangkok Bank Kuala Lumpur after 41 years of service. That I believe is the epitome of loyalty and commitment. Through-out the years, we met many of his Thai colleagues who were posted to Kuala Lumpur. Of the many, we've only kept in touch with Khun Chatjai who was here during the last few years of dad's tenure at the bank. Now retired and back in Bangkok, we try to catch up whenever we are on holiday there.

 

I last had lunch with Khun Chatjai 2 years ago, with my sister to be exact, when we were in Bangkok celebrating my cousin Siew Yoong's birthday. This time round, a couple of weeks back actually, Mum and I met up with Khun Chatjai and his wife, Auntie Polly, over afternoon tea. Mum hadn't seen them in many years and it was a somewhat emotional yet happy meeting.

 

Keeping in contact with my dad's friends is a way of remembering him. We reminisce about our time spent together but most importantly catch up on the latest and what the future may hold. Such meetings, though short, remind us of the value of friendship and the necessary effort to nurture and maintain such bonds.

 

 

With Khun Chatjai, Auntie Polly, Mum and my dad's sisters, Aunties Anne and Mary at Dean & Deluca in Bangkok, Thailand.

Auntie Jenny's Surprise Birthday Party

Auntie Jenny and Uncle Tony have in the past year begun spending more time in the US with my cousins Ivan, Raymond, Loretta and their families - in Fresno, Toledo and Seattle. They however returned to Malaysia for Chinese New Year and will head back to the States soon.

 

As Auntie Jenny's birthday falls end April, we decided to organise a dinner for her, as a surprise. I would have to say that my extended family are pretty good at keeping a secret, and even better at play acting. My cousin Moses, Auntie Mary and Mum, are worthy of Oscar nominations if I may say so myself, haha!

 

Suffice to say, the birthday gal was pleasantly surprised, emotional even on numerous occasions during the course of the evening. Milestones such as this are best celebrated with those closest to one's heart. And when family makes the effort to plan the celebration, well, emotional one would be, I guess. Happy birthday Auntie Jenny! And see you again when you next return for a visit.

 

 

Auntie Jenny and Uncle Tony, during dinner at Noble Mansion on 18 April 2013, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Dad's 3rd Anniversary

Today mark's the 3rd anniversa-ry of my dad's passing. How time flies. It doesn't seem that long ago that dad got sick and succumbed to the side effects of treatment a few months later.

 

This photo was taken on our last holiday together. We made a trip to Phnom Penh to have a look-see and to visit my friends Eileen and Richard. And here we are having a drink at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

 

I always have a chuckle when I think of what dad would have said whenever I find myself in amusing situations. My family and relatives remember his compassion and patience. I unfortunately have not inherited nor nurtured the patience he possessed. Maybe in time. Every now and then, dad appears in my dreams and gives me some instructions, which I then relate to my family. Well, think I better go clean those pipes of his ..........

 

 

Mum, Dad and I at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

New Year's Eve - 31.12.2012

Well 2012 is almost coming to an end, in mere hours actually. I am certain that all of you would agree that we've ex-perienced much in the past twelve months.

We've worked hard and enjoyed the fruits of our labour. We've encountered challenges, faced them head on and conquered them. We've loved and lost, laughed and cried. We've traveled much, to regional hotspots and to far reaching destinations. We've helped others and have been assisted in return. We've fulfilled some aspirations and left some for the year ahead. We've enjoyed our food, running the gamut from mamak stalls to fine dining establishments. We've thrown caution to the wind at times and had wicked fun. We've prayed, some prayers were answered, others are to come. We've exercised and tried to live a healthy lifestyle, while at the same time indulging ourselves in every way possible. We've bonded with family and friends, nurtured new relationships and discarded the unworthy ones. We've acquired new gadgets and learnt new skills. We've raced the races of our lives and were exhilarated at the finish. We've contemplated and realised how fortunate we are in our own ways.

May 2013 be a year of even greater and better experiences. Happy New Year to all!

Suk Harn, Mum and I, on our spur of the moment trip to Melaka yesterday.

Trip With Godparents

I try to go on an annual holiday with my godparents. Actually we missed last year but were in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas in 2010. This time round, we headed to Seoul, right smack in winter no less. I normally don't go on winter holidays despite having spent four years in Adelaide, South Australia and almost two in Le Bouveret and Leysin, Switzerland. I very much prefer the warmth of summer. But this holiday was planned last year and coincided with my godparents' trip from Adelaide, so headed to Seoul we did, with bags filled to the brim with warm clothing.

Seoul was cold! Temperatures rarely above freezing did not prevent us from seeing the sights and shopping the streets. We even made it to the demilitarised zone for a half day look see. When faced with freezing weather, one takes the opportunity to indulge in food. Street food, family run restaurants, cafes, tea houses, intimate joints to more fanciful establishments, we made it a point to sample as much Korean cuisine as we could, some we enjoyed more, others less, but nevertheless all interesting experiences.

I had actually been to Seoul before in the warmer months and whilst I am no fan of the cold, it did give me an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Barren trees, frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, remnants of snow, Koreans and visitors alike dressed in winter finery, all made for a different Seoul, but one that still warms the heart and urges a return visit in the future.

Photo of mum and my godparents at Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea.

Dad's Old Time Favourite

Sek Yuen was one of my father's favourite restaurants. I think it is fair to say he visited very often, enjoying almost weekly lunches or dinners with his good friends. He always used to tell us about how good and authentic the food was; for him it was an institution. I never went all those years. I seldom even ventured to Pudu where the restaurant has been located for more than half a century I believe.

Ventured there I did a few days ago. My friend Han San had organised a Chinese New Year feast for a few of us and I finally found my way to Sek Yuen, courtesy of a hand-sketched map that my mother had equipped me with. Suffice to say, my Dad's great praise of the food was not unfounded. The retro setting was a highlight in itself, the restaurant seemingly stuck in a time warp.

Our exclamations of delight at the dishes served probably echoed those of my father and his friends. Such old time favourites, signature dishes that were and still are held in high regard, have survived the times and elevate the gastronomic experience, particularly for first-timers like me. After seven courses, we left satiated and happy, promising to return in the not too distant future.

The famous waxed meat rice served at Sek Yuen during Chinese New Year.

Group Travel

Traveling in a group requires patience and compro-mise. When in Hong Kong to attend my cousin Roy's wedding recently, we were a group of eight who traveled from Kuala Lumpur. With different interests, eating habits and so forth, a bit of give and take was necessary to ensure that we all had a good time.

Being flexible with the itinerary and activities planned, both for the wedding and for leisure, meant that we could make any necessary adjustments when called for. 'Chill and go with the flow' was a constant reminder.

Most importantly, we achieved our aim of being part of Roy and Ming's celebration. Add to that some shopping, much food and catching up with friends and a pleasant trip it was indeed.

Photo of Suk Harn, Mum and I on the morning of Ming and Roy's wedding in Ping Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong.

New Year's Eve

2011 has come and gone and I am in a reflective mood this New Year's Eve. Instead of braving the crowds downtown, I am spending the evening at home, after having just returned from a Japanese dinner with my Mum and sis. I suppose I can consider last night's dinner at Bunny and Nabil's as the party to end the year, with much merriment and good friends. Tonight is more about spending quality time with my family.

2011 has been good to me. I've been relatively successful on the workfront. There were some hits and misses, but I can't complain when I look at the bigger scheme of things. There is always room for improvement and that's what I shall be aspiring to do next year. This year has also been good to me travel-wise. Seven holidays in all - Chinese New Year trip with my family to Koh Samui, company trip to Hatyai, celebrating Mum's birthday in Seoul, participating in my first triathlon relay with good friends and cousins in Bali, surprised my cousin Siew Yoong on her 40th birthday in Bangkok, returning to the family village in China, trekking in Nepal with my cousin Lynette to mark her milestone birthday. I hope to top that in 2012, or at the very least equal it.

Most of my resolutions and aspirations for the year have been met. A few, I did not attain. These are the ones to work harder towards from tomorrow onwards. Yes, there are still goals to achieve, dreams to realise. As the curtain comes down on 2011, I am grateful for the good times spent with family, friends and industry colleagues. I am thankful for good health. I appreciate the experiences life has accorded me. Here's to an even better year in 2012.

Turning prayer wheels to cast away sufferings, at Boudhanath in Nepal.

Christmas Eve

We haven't hosted a Christmas Eve party for a number of years now, more than ten years according to my Mum. So she gave notice earlier this year and last Saturday, forty of my extended family gathered at our home for a Christmas Eve supper.

I told Mum not to cook, eventhough she is capable of singlehandedly catering to a party of sixty. Despite her initial resistance to the idea, she caved and agreed to keeping things simple. We ordered nasi lemak from Gerai Kak Ya in SS2; some of my aunts brought keropok, cakes, jelly and rambutans. Simple fare. More importantly, camaraderie among the extended family.

We caught up on the latest news, planned for holidays next year, exchanged gifts, sang carols. We had lots of laughs. We had fun. We enjoyed each other's company.

Photo of Mum and my cousin Honn Ken leading the caroling session.

Birthday 2011

A friend, Celia from Spain, reminded me on Facebook that I was in Turkey last year for my birthday. We met on a tour to Aspendos, near Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. I was supposed to be in Shanghai this time round but plans fell through. I suppose it is a blessing in disguise as I have another plan up my sleeve for next month. It's meant to be a surprise. So we shall wait and see.

I started today doing the morning news at RTM and then headed straight for a swim. Other than training for the swimming leg of the Bali Triathlon relay end of June, I am also working to be fit enough for a project involving my photographer friends Peter and Evelyn. The latter is another one of my self-motivation endeavours which for now shall remain private too. Next up was shopping for our Nepal trip in September with my cousin Lynette. Who would believe we could spend almost two hours just getting the basics. It is good that we are starting early. I gather I will need much preparation for this particular trip. I am not one who usually roughs it out on holiday, so it will certainly be an adventure. A nice dim sum lunch resolved our hunger pangs after the shopping.

A much needed nap later, Mum, Suk Harn and I headed out to Siang Lin's advanced birthday and thanksgiving party. It was great catching up with a number of friends whom I have not seen in quite a while, particularly those from the advertising industry. My birthday and Siang Lin's are only two days apart, and since today is actually my birthday, I got a cake and a song too, despite my telling her earlier that it was not necessary in view of the fact that the event was much more of a thanksgiving party on her behalf. All in all a pretty fab day I would say.

Photo of me enjoying a birthday lunch on a beautiful spring day in Istanbul last year.

Koh Samui

I was in Samui for a four-day holiday during the Chinese New Year break. My mum and I had coerced my sister into giving us a treat, seeing that she got promoted last year. Any holiday is a good holiday but this was made even better as it was courtesy of my sister. I hope she gets a raise again soon!

I love the sea and consequently love island holidays. Beautiful seascapes, the sounds of the waves, the gentle sea breeze, the sun, all combine to entice me to sunbathe just that little while longer. Add to that good food and a laid-back vibe, what's there not to love about Samui? I could have easily stayed on for a few more days if work schedules had permitted. I suppose there is an excuse to return in the future then.

Combining a relaxing holiday at a relatively easygoing locale and Chinese New Year is a perfect way to start the year of the Rabbit. I come back refreshed and reinvigorated. I appreciate the opportunity to travel. I relish the experiences that such sojourns bestow. More importantly, I come back wanting to work harder, so that I may indulge in more travel soon.

Photo shot at The Kala in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Dad's Passing, One Year On

Today marks the first anniversary of my dad's passing. He succumbed to the side effects of chemo-therapy rather abruptly a year ago and whilst we were grateful that he did not suffer for too long, his sudden passing nevertheless left a void in our lives.

Today we celebrate the life that my dad lived. He was loyal - to family, friends and employer. All his life, my dad only worked for one employer, and he rose from an office boy to the position of CEO in more than 4 decades of service. Family and close friends came second to none. He was compassionate and kind, always putting others first, always considering the plight of the less fortunate. He enjoyed life - a good drink at the Batek Bar, good food with his close circle of friends. He loved unconditionally - my mum, Suk Harn and I. Always supportive was my father in my decisions in life, whether he fully agreed with the paths I have taken or otherwise.

Today, my extended family gathers to remember my father. I think of him often. I think of the good he has done and the good I hope to do. I place importance on family ties as he always did. I live my life the way I see fit as he once told me to do. My dad was a man of few words but his actions were that of a man with character. We miss him. We think of him often. We cherish the great times we had. We honour him by living the good life. Here's to you dad.

Photo of my father on a horse drawn carriage in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, January 2009.

Travel

Travel is such a luxury. I don't mean staying at high end hotels and eating at posh restaurants. The ability to take time off work and go on a trip is luxury enough in itself. As cliched as it may sound, travel really broadens one's horizon.

I am fortunate to have travelled a fair bit since a young age and the travel bug has not abated. There are still many corners of the world to visit, and still much, much more to experience.

My mum is a great ally when it comes to holidays. She is the perfect person to leave all the research to when we plan family trips. She's already working on one for the end of the year. My cousin Lynette has also invited me on a trip to mark a milestone next year. A milestone for her, an enlightening sojourn for me. Time to save up!

Photo of mum with our trusted Lonely Planet guide at the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Close Shave

My mum and two of my aunts were driving along Karak Highway yesterday afternoon when a 100-foot tree uprooted itself and crashed into their car. The entire bonnet was crushed. I hate to imagine what would have happened if they had driven just a split second faster. Fortunately all three of them were not injured, shaken perhaps but unharmed.

A close shave as such is a wake up call of sorts. It reminds us that anything can happen in life, good or bad. It reminds us to thank our lucky stars. It reminds us to live life to the fullest on a daily basis, appreciate our loved ones, and not take anything for granted. It reminds us not to let unhappy events of the past hold us back from embracing the happiness that is to come. It encourages us to pursue our aspirations now rather than later.

There is a lesson to be learnt.

Photo of Gulhane Parki in Istanbul, Turkey.

No Regrets

I was listening to Caroline Oh interview Michelle Kwok on BFM earlier this evening and the latter remarked about living life without regrets. That's something that I believe one should aspire to achieve.

We all have our ups and downs. We come to crossroads every once in a while. We make rash decisions, rightly or wrongly. We sometimes hold on to the past, knowing full well that we should move forward instead. Optimistic. Overly cautious. We take the bull by the horns and assume control.

The decisions we make in life, the paths we take, shape our destiny. My late father told me 'it is your life to live, live it as you deem fit'. Positive outcomes are never a guarantee but what is life without taking some risks. For me personally, the key is to be accepting of the scenarios that unfold. Accept the good graciously. Acknowledge the not so good and work towards improving them. I seldom look back and ask 'what if'? Instead, I rely on family and friends to keep me grounded, to keep me optimistic, to assure me of the wonderful things life has to offer, to remind me that time is precious and is not to be wasted.

My sister Suk Harn, mum and I at Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

Home-Cooked

The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration is coming to a close. Feasting has been on the agenda. Eating out has been much fun. But somehow, it is the home-cooked meal that is most meaningful.

My mum is a pretty good cook. She cooks fast and furious. She always over provides; that's her style. Food must always be in abundance for any celebration. It's a Chinese-thing I suppose.

But perhaps the best part of eating at home is the chance to be a bit more laid back, taking time to connect with family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Here's to a year ahead of these!

Photo of mum's cooking to celebrate Chap Goh Mei.