I will begin in my typical fashion by defining terms.
A recluse is a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people, There are religious recluses sometimes also called ascetics, monk, nun; Islam recluses marabouts santons. Also natural recluses also called loners, introverts, lone wolves, solitary souls isolates.
I was in many ways a religious recluse during my stay at Penang Lexis Suites.
Bon vivant is a person who a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle. The origin of the world late 17th century: from French, literally ‘person living well. Other descriptions: pleasure seeker, sensualist, sybarite, epicurean, gourmand, foodie
A typical Penang Lexis Suites found me walking for Fajr prayers, beginning research and writing. Breakfast buffet around 9, returning to my solitary room. In the mid afternoon lunching on food from the buffet. Asr prayer, followed by Maghrib, often falling asleep before Isha prayer.
My socialization occurred at the breakfast buffet speaking with Malaysian families, occasionally honeymooning Saudis. I had friendly relationships with some of the staff but unfortunately they frayed over time. A discussion of Stockholm Syndrome will follow in a subsequent blog.
This was my yesterday. Awoke for Fajr prayer but back to bed, getting up and dressed for a breakfast date in Mojo Pojo. My hotel phone rang.
She: Mahon wants to talk to you.
He: We are here. I am ready to get married over breakfast. Are you naked?
Me: No fortunately I am dressed. I will be right down.
Not one, not two but three men greeted me. All handsome, all successful, all somewhat age appropriate.
Me: My goodness an embarrassment of riches three of you! What have I done wrong?
He: We will get married and then have sex on the table.
Me: Under the table?
He: No on top where every can see us.
Needless to say that did not happen. I texted the man’s son.
Me: Breakfast was unusual to say the least. I guess marriage is back on. Hahahaha
He: Hahaha should I call u mom or mama or mother.
I sent a laughing voice message suggesting another mother term
He: Can I call you memaw? (accompanied by three laughing emoji)
After breakfast it was hugs to all three men who left for work. I was having too much fun over breakfast to take a photo of this momentous occasion. However, Mahon met a couple in the lobby, photos were taken of the couple. Two of the three men and myself are on the right.
I went to my room, finished the blog sending it to Computer Guru Chris for posting.
Soon it was lunch time. Out the back door of Lyf to the Kashmir, sending son a message.
Me: Memaw says mutton curry for lunch. Please join Daddy and me.
He: Ok coming. Finishing up
Me: Good boy!!
So at lunch learned the extent of my new family. I shall have six stepchildren, four grandchildren. All are Muslim. But it will happen only if I pass muster with the stepchildren. . Get their approval. I have met two – think I got two Yeahs.
Pass muster is be accepted as adequate or satisfactory. It comes from the military and means “to pass inspection.” In the civilian world, if you pass muster, you meet a required standard.
Lunch was delicious. I ate with my hands in Malay fashion. I have a video of the first time I ate with my hands. It was about two months ago. I was a natural!!
I cannot at this time remember what happened during the afternoon. My neck pain returned. I did iron a gifted beautiful Malaysian dress as I had important dinner plans – dinner with a Canadian couple. Wait until you hear that story
Two days ago I was sitting on my Kashmir Restaurant porch with Mohan. A couple came by wanting to have a drink before a scheduled lunch at another restaurant. They were staying at the E & O Hotel.
OF COURSE they asked me where I was from. Everyone does. So I went into my usual routine.
Me: You do not decide where you were born, your mother does. She had no sense of direction so I was born in Saskatchewan.
He: I was born in Saskatchewan too.
Me: What are the odds of that??????
He: What city were you born in??
Me: Regina. Canadians mispronounce it – in their version it rhymes with vagina. I would have been Regina Dryburgh (Dryburgh is my birth name) Fortunately someone intervened – my name is Alexis Janice.
His wife chimed in. That is my name, it is quite rare.
Me: This is starting to be unbelievable.
He: Do you know what hospital you were born in?
Me: Believe it or not I do. Grey Nun’s Hospital.
He: That is where I was born. In later years my sister became the Director of Nurses.
Me: I cannot believe it! How old are you?
He: I was born in 1954
Me: Oh great! I am older than you – I am older than everyone it seems.
The conversation continued. His family made considerable contributions to society and the world in general. It was amazing. I had no choice but to remain silent and go Ou and Aw except to say.
Me: We;; I am outstanding in my field. But at the moment I am a refugee, living in hotels. So I have no field Hahaha
The couple left for their luncheon appointment.
He: Lets get together for dinner tomorrow night.
Me: Great idea. The food here is delicious, what time would work for you.
He: Lets say seven.
Me: Okay. See you then.
In a timely fashion I walked out the back door of Lyf wearing my freshly ironed Malaysian abaya. Got there a little early to visit my luggage. An Anandani driver had picked them up at Noor’s home. Mohan spoke to her, she graciously paid the cost of the driver and wished me well.
I sent her an email
Me: Mohan said you called and told me what you said. THANK YOU. Please come for lunch or dinner at the Kashmir. I have a totally funny story to tell you about Hammad. You will laugh I promise. Always, Alaa
Dinner was absolutely delicious. Mohan’s manager has returned from a long visit to Bangladesh. He chose our menu and recommended wine. It was an unforgettable meal.
They entertained me with stories – meeting the Windsors, their conversation with
Queen Elizabeth II.
They now live in London. We spoke of the advantages of living an adventurous life and the blessings of curiosity.
I just now received an email from him.
He: Greetings Alexis. What a delight to meet you…a fellow Saskatchewanian..even a Reginan…and born at the RGNH. So many fun and interesting conversations. Many thanks for treating dinner at the Kashmir Restaurant with all the charming people there. Now off to Perth via a short night in Singapore Airport. We must now look at your blog. Keep in touch…I’m sure our paths will cross again. Let the Good Times Roll.
The charming people at the Kashmir were many members of the Anandani family. They arrived and were chatting at the outside table. A Penang sister, the amazing couple visiting from Switzerland. Talked about going to Switzerland on the honeymoon. Things are definitely moving along. Hahahah
I immediately responded.
Me. This is so unusual. I am writing the blog and mentioning you and your wife and our meeting and all. I cannot believe all the serendipity! Everything is happening and working out perfectly. It means I am on the Straight Path. Allah is proving of what I am doing PHEW Do you mind if I I quote your email on the blog?? I can do it anonymously of course. Your choice. Best Regards, Alexis
He: Sure happy to be named, I am not a technology person ,,so how does one see your blog. Time I learned! The Straight Path sounds good. Now to the airport. Let the good times roll.
They are Chris and Janice. “Let the good times roll” is an informal phrase that means to have fun and enjoy yourself. It’s often used at parties or social gatherings and can imply a carefree and celebratory attitude. “Let the good times roll” is an informal phrase that means to have fun and enjoy yourself. It’s often used at parties or social gatherings and can imply a carefree and celebratory attitude. The phrase can also mean to live fully or to let things that are going well continue.
This is being written the next morning. I am at breakfast again, having the following text conversation.
Me: Breakfast is dull compared to yesterday that is for sure. No men no offers of marriage. Nothing.
He: Hahahaha
Me: And a salad?!?!
Included a photo which will be attached to the blog.
He: Healthyyyy
Me: I HATE being healthy. But I am older than my future ex-husband so I guess I gotta get my act together.
He: Hahahah
I do love getting likes on my Instagram posts. I commented on a reel, getting five likes.
Me: Exactly!! It begins with accepting yourself first and then one moves on to accept others and then the criticism stops. It is so simple – yet so complex at the same time. If you like yourself others like you and it spreads. It also spreads the other way. Criticizing yourself then criticizing others spreads too. Two different worlds.
More on Instagram. Bloggingbroke did a book review. Here is the link to her review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFtyLbLRWeG/?igsh=MWNpMWdoNnNjcXg2eg==
I commented, she responded.
Me: I think you should read the Quran. Try it you might like it. I did and go back and back again for more.
She: Great rec!
Me: What is rec? Oh I get it recommendation. I do have another suggestion Martin Lings biography of Muhammed (PBUH) from the Earliest Sources. I can send you a rewire or do you have Apple Books. There is a short book about Martin Lings there.
Me: Your book review is nothing short of fabulous. When I get my book on the Tate Britain republished I will get you to do a review.
Photographs will picture the gang in the hotel lobby. A Mojo Jojo foodie picture: Whipped yogurt, granola, banana and coffee cream. And a photograph of same time last year. I began to wonder what I was doing last year. Went through my photos, discovering I was poolside at the Bahrain Ritz Carlton. It seems eons ago. So many changes and life experiences since them. years and years ago.
You can find the reel of me eating with my hands in Malaysian fashion on YouTube. It took place on November 8, 2023.
