The words found in the title: wending my weary way homeward came to mind as I walked slowly back to the Orchard Hilton. Looked up wending found it to be the perfect word. One can discern the meaning of a word by looking at its synonyms: meander make one’s way, wander, amble, stroll, saunter, toddle, truck. I was definitely weary. Not exactly going home, back to my favorite hotel after a busy morning – a little shopping and more Apple courses.
My last Apple Store moments were immensely rewarding. I had completed a short course re – organizing one’s photos. This information urgently needed. Prior to the short course I attended an hour long Introduction to iPhone. I am definitely NOT a beginner but those Apple geniuses keep changing things on me. I needed an update and Ashley provided the needed information. I now have Apple Intelligence on my phone. I did not before because my language setting was English (UK) – it is necessary to have it on English (United States). Not sure that having Apple Intelligence is going to change my life in any significant way, not sure I want it changed, for one thing.
This was the edifying experience. Rachael smilingly asked if she could help.
Me: My computer screen is filthy. Do you sell anything that could assist me in the cleanup??? me clean it?
She: I will just clean it for your right now.
Me: Wow! I love you.
We fell into conversation while she adroitly made me screen and computer squeaky clean. I explained why I was in Singapore at this time and why I was hanging out at the Apple Store. Of course, I showed her my blog and probably my presence on Instagram. She was born, raised and educated in Singapore. A very impressive young attractive women. As I thankfully left these words were shared.
She: You made my day! I want to grow up and old like you.
Me: Oh my goodness you made my day!! I had a similar conversation with a young girl from China at the Penang Lyf.
Showed the Instagram reel I had created, in memory of that edifying conversation.
I limped along the long corridor to me room, thinking to myself that I was in Nirvana,. But then realized I did not know what that meant. Of course I had to Google it.
“In Buddhism, nirvana is a state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering that can be achieved through meditation, ethics, and wisdom. One attains nirvana by realizing that all existing is suffering and following the Buddha’s instructions on how to make existence stop. These instructions are the Noble Eight fold Path, the key teaching in Buddhism. Nirvana is one of the hardest concepts to comprehend.”
It is clear, I am not in Nirvana. I am not a Buddhist, I am a Muslim. I am not in Jannah either because I am not dead. “In Islam Jannah is the final and permanent abode of the righteous. The word appears 147 times in the Quran. Belief in the afterlife is one of the six articles of faith.”
It seems downright ordinary to just describe my mindset as being happy. Will try to find some other words: content, carefree, glowing, buoyant radiant, sunny, blithe, beatific, blessed; lighthearted, good-humored; exuberant, in seventh heaven, on cloud nine, over the moon, walking on air, chirpy, on top of the world, like a dog with two tails. I am not sure why a dog would be happy having two tails, but some things remain a mystery. Perhaps I shall ask Simca. Hahaha
Mohan is constantly telling me to be happy. My response to him is more considered.
Me: I would rather have peace of mind. Happiness comes and goes – peace of mind, once you get it, stays with you and allows one to be creative and fulfilled.
I am soon to be leaving Singapore. Was questioned by two very different folk about it. Bloggingbroke and Shamir.
BB: Still on your trip? Are you back in Malaysia?
Me: Still in Singapore. Talking about it on my blog at this very moment. Quick answer: Superb, Stupendous, but ready to go home tomorrow.
Conversation with Shamir was more nuanced.
He: Are you sad or happy to be leaving Singapore?
Me: Good question I am ready to leave Singapore . It has been great. I know I can come back at any time. So neither sad nor happy. But ready to go tomorrow. It is too rich for me long term. A great indulgence but not a steady diet.
He: Well said.
Me: Thanks Its a perfect pre Ramadan place to be. I really just need peace to write. Do admit this way of life is rather addicting.I think I shall celebrate the conclusion of Ramadan by coming back here for a week or so. I am writing the blog at this moment and will quote our conversation. Maybe you should charge me 10 RM for every word used. Pretty soon you will be able to retire.
He: Hahaha Yes good business plan.
Me: Thanks dear.
He Soon I can hire my own driver.
Me: And administrative assistant.
He: Yes and find a comedian like me to keep me entertained the whole day. But this is the most difficult task.
Me: I volunteer for the difficult task. Gratis, you do not even have to pay me.
He: Hahaha They should make a ringtone out of ur laughter. Or an alarm clock
Me: Or a fire alarm : Can you imagine being awoken to the sound of my laughter? A fate worse than death.
He: No but it is one of a kind. We could sell it to Apple.
He: Good idea.
After this conversation I ventured out of this Hilton cocoon emerging on the streets of Singapore. Singapore is almost indescribable. It bustles with energy. Lots of traffic but well controlled with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. The exact opposite of Penang. Went shopping to buy a new bathing suit because I am planning to learn how to swim. Mohan jokes saying I need a baby pool and he will buy me water wings. He probably will.He sends reels of people swimming in the enormous Penang Swim Club pool. Just for encouragement, I guess.
The streets of Singapore were crowded; everyone seemed in a rush. An old man was miming ; no one watching him as there too busy rushing about. I videoed his performance and will include it at the conclusion. My foray into the crowded street had a purpose; went to H & M purchasing a new swim suit and a coverup. Purchases in hand hurried cross the street to the Apple Store for my first class. Go back to the beginning of the blog and we are now on the same page. Hahaha
The phrase ‘On the Same Page’ means to be thinking in a similar fashion, to have the same amount of knowledge, or to have the same kind of understanding about a situation as others do. How does one make sure that everyone is on the same page? “Let information flow: Nothing builds unity and rallies everyone onto the same page better than information flow. I shall keep the information flowing.”
The Next Day
This is the morning of my departure. I awoke for Fajr prayer, got packed and came to breakfast. I began decadently by having croissants, Danish and an Americano. Soon I shall have congee. How international! I shall definitely miss these breakfasts. I can cook my own when I return to Penang. This does not seem like a privilege, it seems like a responsibility. I can always go to the restaurant on the Lower Level. For 30 RM get someone else to do the cooking. Hahaha
I am planning on writing an Ode to the Orchard Hilton Honors program. One incidental, but most gratifying benefit is the people one meets in the Executive Lounge where one can gather for Breakfast, Tea and Evening Appetizers and Drinks. Yesterday evening met a most a couple. This is how it happened. I wish sitting alone at a table for two with a spare chair. I man came to claim the ‘unoccupied chair’
He: Can I take this chair?
Me: My imaginary husband is using this chair. Can’t you see him?
The entire room heart this exchange. A woman across the room laughed delightedly. I crossed the room to speak to her and her reality husband. Such a delightful couple they were, married for almost fifty years. They live in Washington DC – he a physician. They travel constantly, all over the world. We spoke of many things of cabbages and kings. We exchanged data, sort of; not sure it worked. (Where was Shamir when I really needed him?)
Knowing I had spoken of cabbages and kings in the past I used the search engine of the blog, discovered my July 19, 2023 blog. I was residing in Medinah at the time.
“This hotel houses the Kyoto Restaurant. I ate there, at the sushi bar last night. AK’s mother so generously provided this wondrous gift. I chatted with the Sushi Chef. We spoke of many things, of cabbages and kings etc etc. . Admit this was not original, Here is the real thing: “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax— Of cabbages—and kings— And why the sea is boiling hot— And whether pigs have wings.”
It brought back those times. I would return to that same hotel, planning to live in Canada and Saudi Arabia, getting away from the cold winters. October 7 destroyed that plan, not just my plans but Gaza destroyed.. Gave up my earthly Edmonton goods, terminated the lease, lived in Saudi Arabia but then to Malaysia – now my home base. I overlook the sea, my apartment less expensive and much larger than my Edmonton apartment. It is furnished, appliances newer and people so hospitable. Needless to say the weather is better.
I should soon get a move on. Onward to the congee. Not heard from my Penang family. Mohan sent a photograph of them having a good time at 11:36 pm. I texted.
Me: You were up past your bedtime No wonder I have not heard from you this morning.
Shamir was also up past his bedtime. They will need their rest as I am returning. Hahaha
Foodie photos accompany the blog. Breakfasts I have eaten. Hahah Also art on a Hilton wall and the older man dancing away before his audience of one. Me.
