| Friday, 30-May-2008 12:00 |
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My In-Laws Visit Day 1
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My in-laws arrived at the Penang International Airport at about 10am. There was no delays of flight – well done, AirAsia. My brother-in-law had an unforgettable flight experience this time. Missing his breakfast, he was looking forward for in-flight breakfast experience – not because he never had it before but because he was HUNGRY. Well, a hungry man is an angry man. By the time the cater trolley reached him, they had actually ran out of food. They were sitting at the front row and the trolley start from the back of the cabin. I guess it was an experience where the last will be first and the first will be last…. He he he… Sorry-ah HuaSiang, just kidding… not trying to remind you of the unpleasant experience.
I was shocked (fear that it will not fit into the boot) when I saw a big box which Mung Yen packed full of Tupperware for us. Thank you, MungYen. Luckily, we managed to stuffed it into the boot. Our initial plan was to stop at Snake Temple as that would be closest to the airport. It was just so typical of us, trying to maximize the activities in the shortest time available. Unfortunately, there would be a change of plan due to the current condition.With the limited car space, everyone had to embrace their luggages throughout the whole journey. Therefore, we decided to go for lunch first and then back to my place for unloading at Seberang Jaya. Lunch, we had nice sourly vegetable with meat soup and sambal fried rice at Chai Leng Park. They loved it… I’m glad…. Hua Siang commented that the food around there were cheap. He bought a calamari curry with RM 4+ only. I think food at Kota Kinabalu was way too expensive.
After lunch, we chilled out at my place. Lou-Dou (Father-in-law) looked very serious when he arrived as he surveyed every corner of the house like a property agent because he had to report back to my mother-in-law. My mom-in-law was actually troubled with worries of the increasing crime rate that was reported on the news these days. They were astonished when they found out that there is a man-hole in the kitchen. What an unpleasant view? Well, it was not only unpleasant sight but also gave off “odd” odour during hot afternoons. After all the inspections, Lou-Dou sat down, relaxed and had his first pint of beer of the day. I could see that he really enjoyed it.
After a good afternoon rest, we travelled back to Penang island via ferry. According to Lou-Dou, the very last time that he was on a ferry was about 40+years ago when he was studying in Taiwan.
It was very nostalgic experience for him. Everyone got down from the car to get a breather as the ferry started to move out of Butterworth’s pier. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the island. We headed straight for dinner at Gurney Drive after we arrived at the island. Gurney Drive is a must-go tourist spot for all food lovers, they cater for both halal and non-halal food – don’t worry, you’ll see that there is sort of a boundary – an imaginary one though. Well, welcome to Malaysia, a multi-cultured nation.
There we had our favourite Asam Laksa, Fried Oyster with eggs, Rojak, and also Char Kuey Teow. Yum Yum… It is so mouth-watering by just thinking about it. You can also get really freshly prepared Apom Balik. If you like dry cuttle fish, you wouldn’t want to miss it there – they actually barbequed it for you before you savoured it with or without the specially mixed chili sauce.
After almost 2 hours of dinner, we proceeded on to our next destination, Batu Ferringhi – the spot where you’ll really feel that you’re a tourist. One will meet all generations and groups of people – both local and foreigners. The main attraction at that hour was Night Market. It was packed with people brushing shoulder-to-shoulder looking at the colourful displays of merchandise. Be careful of pick pockets. Don’t forget to ask for at least 30% discount before purchasing the goodies.
I remember there was this stall that sells potraits and local artworks which was run by O.K.U. workers. All of them had lost their hearing either as an in-born defect or acquired. General term for O.K.U. is Orang Kurang Upaya (Person with Lack of Ability). I think this term is technically incorrect to them because they could still work, function and run their business like the rest. I’m sure majority of us would agree that should the abbreviation of O.K.U to be Orang Kelainan Upaya (Person with Special/Different Ability). They are unique in their own way. The bargaining process was actually done with a big calculator. Both the dealer and the customer will punch in their desired price for the merchandise on the calculator until there is an agreement between both of them. Pretty interesting isn’t it? Keep up the Good Work...
We reached home at around 11 pm. We were almost worn out after a whole day out. After shower, we gave ourselves a good treat by sitting around the living room and had a hearty chat whilst having a cold beer. I appreciate having discussion after a pint because everyone was courages and honest at voicing up their opinions – of course in a polite way. Compliment to Carlsberg… he he he… I really enjoyed it. We turn to bed at around 0230 looking forward for the next day’s program.
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